The Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative Office of North Sumatra, in collaboration with the Bank Indonesia Institute and the Indonesian Economic Scholars Association (ISEI) Medan, organized the Seminar Series on Public Policy Framework (KKP) 5.0. This event, held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, aimed to support the development of the KKP 5.0 book, focusing on strengthening synergy and economic revival through the food downstreaming model. The KKP book, an ISEI program that has been published in four previous editions, serves as an essential reference for stakeholders in economic policymaking. The Seminar Series in Medan was the third event, following successful sessions in Surabaya and Makassar. In her keynote speech, Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Aida S. Budiman outlined economic perspectives, strategic values, and prospects for food downstreaming in Indonesia. Aida emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra, which significantly contributes to the economy and employment, addressing future demographic bonuses.
Coki A. Syahwier, representing ISEI Medan Branch, highlighted ISEI's strategic role in formulating economic policies, enhancing academic quality, research, and professionalism. The KKP 5.0 Seminar Series is part of a strategic collaboration expected to support policies related to the food downstreaming model in North Sumatra. The seminar featured four main speakers: Prof. Muh. Firdaus, Professor at IPB; Arief Hartawan, Director of the Regional Department of Bank Indonesia; Prof. Elisa Julianti, Vice Dean III of USU; and Parlan Sibarani, from Gapoktan Sri Karya. Prof. Muh. Firdaus discussed food downstreaming from academic and practical perspectives, emphasizing the importance of innovation and technology in increasing the added value of agricultural products. The event was attended by around 150 invited guests from various institutions, including the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), Bank of North Sumatra, provincial government representatives, university leaders, academics, practitioners, and the Regional Food Company (BUMD Pangan). The KKP 5.0 Seminar Series is expected to foster stronger synergy among various parties in supporting food downstreaming policies, which will, in turn, drive economic growth and community welfare in North Sumatra and Indonesia as a whole.
