Chapters from the Rain City

On our thirteenth day in Indonesia, we joined a laboratory class under the Plantation Program at IPB University, where we had the opportunity to learn about and participate in the harvesting of edamame—a young, green soybean that holds both nutritional and agricultural significance in the region. Edamame is a popular and healthy crop in Indonesia, rich in protein and often enjoyed boiled or steamed. It’s a staple in many households and food businesses, prized not only for its flavor but also for its benefits to soil health, thanks to its nitrogen-fixing properties as a legume. It plays a key role in both local diets and sustainable farming systems. For this activity, however, we weren’t just harvesting for consumption. The class was conducting a scientific study to assess how different treatments affect stem growth and root development. Because of this, we were instructed to pull out each plant by the roots, rather than cutting or snapping off the pods. This allowed for proper measurem...

Our 12th day in Indonesia took us to the serene highlands of the Ciliwung Tea Plantation, one of the largest and most prominent tea plantations in the country. Spanning over 800 hectares of lush, rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea bushes, the plantation was a breathtaking sight truly a hidden gem in the Indonesian countryside. It was a great opportunity to visit such a significant site for Indonesia’s agricultural and cultural heritage. The cool, crisp mountain air and panoramic views made the experience feel like something out of a postcard. But beyond the scenery, we were there to learn—and the learning was just as rich as the tea we would later taste. As we explored the plantation, we were introduced to the process of tea cultivation, from planting to harvesting. It was amazing to see the precision and care that goes into producing tea, something we often take for granted in our cups. Later, we gathered for a lecture led by the plantation manager and general manager, who sha...

Our eleventh day in Indonesia brought us into the heart of agricultural science through a focused lecture and laboratory session in Seed Technology at IPB University. This academic day was both enriching and interactive, giving us a deeper understanding of how seeds—tiny as they are—play a massive role in global food production. We began with a lecture on Seed Morphology, where we explored the different parts of a seed and their specific functions. From the seed coat to the cotyledons, and down to the embryo, we learned how each structure contributes to the seed’s ability to grow and thrive. We were also introduced to Seed Genetic Marks—a fascinating topic that showed us how scientists use molecular markers and physical traits to identify seed varieties and ensure genetic purity. These markers are crucial in maintaining seed quality, especially in breeding programs and commercial agriculture. The lecture continued with discussions on Seed Germination Testing, where we learned how to as...

Day 10 of our journey took us from the cool, calm highlands of Bogor to the bustling heart of Indonesia—Jakarta. It began with a two-hour train ride that carried us into a completely different rhythm of life. The moment we stepped off the train, the energy shift was palpable. Jakarta, with its high-rise buildings, endless traffic, and fast-paced lifestyle, offered a stark contrast to the laid-back atmosphere of Bogor. One of the highlights of our day was experiencing Indonesia’s modern innovation—the bullet train. Sleek, fast, and efficient, it was a glimpse into the future of transportation in the country. The ride was smooth and exhilarating, and for many of us, it was our first time on such a high-speed train. As we explored the city, we couldn’t help but notice how parts of Jakarta reminded us of Metro Manila—busy intersections, towering malls, street vendors, and the warm hustle of everyday life. Yet, there was something uniquely Indonesian about the way it all came together: a bl...

Today marked another enriching experience at IPB as we dove deeper into the world of seed production for plantation and forestry species. We started the day with a lecture that focused on the importance of seed quality in forestry. The session highlighted how proper seed selection, handling, and storage play crucial roles in maintaining the health and productivity of forest ecosystems. It gave us a solid foundation for understanding how planting materials influence long-term forestry outcomes. After the lecture, we moved on to a fun and interactive activity where we drew and described various plant species found in Indonesia. This hands-on task helped us appreciate the country’s vast botanical diversity. Among the plants we studied were:  Tabebuya – A beautiful ornamental tree with trumpet-shaped flowers, known for its vibrant pink or yellow blossoms. It thrived in tropical climates and was drought-tolerant, making it ideal for urban landscapes. Bungur (Banaba) – This flowering tre...

          On Day 8 of our exchange program, we headed back to Sukabumi for another exciting day of hands-on agricultural experiences. Our first stop was the  greenhouse , where we had the chance to harvest  cherry tomatoes  and  chili peppers  grown using a  hydroponic system  with a  drip irrigation  setup. This method, which allows plants to grow without soil, uses nutrient-rich water to feed the crops, and the  drip irrigation system  ensures they receive just the right amount of water.           In the greenhouse, we were tasked with picking the best  cherry tomatoes  and  chili peppers . For the tomatoes, we focused on selecting the largest and reddest ones, ensuring they were ripe and ready to eat. Similarly, we picked the biggest  chili peppers . Interestingly, the chili peppers grown in this system didn’t have the strong, spicy smell typically as...

          On Day 7 of our exchange program at IPB University (IPBU), we had the chance to learn a practical and essential skill for handling farm animals: the proper utilization of rope and knot tying. Under the guidance of Mr. Fariz, we were introduced to the different ways rope can be used to safely and securely manage livestock, particularly cattle.           Mr. Fariz started by explaining why knot tying is an essential skill in animal husbandry, particularly for managing cattle, sheep, and goats. He emphasized the importance of securing the animals properly, as the right knot ensures that the animal stays in place without causing harm to itself or others. Rope is commonly used for tying cattle to trees, steel bars, or posts when they need to be held in place, whether for feeding, grooming, or during medical checkups.           We learned various knot tying techniques, such as the  type of...