Lampung – Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) contributed to the Expert Panel Discussion organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) under the theme “Reading Policy, Strengthening Benefits for the People”, held on Wednesday and Thursday (28–29 October 2026). ITERA was represented by four lecturers, including two from the Food Technology Study Program, Lasuardi Permana, S.TP., M.Sc., Ph.D. and Hesti Ayuningtyas Pangastuti, S.TP., M.Sc., Ph.D., who were invited as experts to offer academic perspectives and input on various government programs and policies.
The event served as a space for dialogue between the government and academics to evaluate and recommend improvements to the implementation of government programs so that they become more effective, well targeted, and of real benefit to the public. The discussion was opened by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yulianto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who stressed the importance of universities contributing science-based ideas to national development.
In the forum, several ministries and agencies presented work programs and policies that have been or are being implemented, including programs of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), the Ministry of Cooperatives, the Ministry of Health, and several other ministries and institutions. The presentations served as the basis for academics and experts to respond, identify opportunities for improvement, and make recommendations based on their expertise.
On this occasion, the representatives of the ITERA Food Technology Study Program contributed to the discussion of the food self-sufficiency cluster. The involvement of food technology academics is expected to enrich the government’s perspective, particularly on food science and technology, agricultural product processing, increasing the added value of food products, and strengthening the national food system.
