Dear Rector and Vice Rector of Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta
Dear Speakers;
1. Profesor Ben White from Erasmus University, Rotterdam-Netherland
2. Dr. Rashidah Sukor from University Putra Malaysia
3. Profesor Dr. Ir. Rindit Pambayun, MP from Universitas Sriwijaya-Indonesia
4. Profesor Dr. Ir. Muhammad Maksum Macfoedz, from Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta-Indonesia
Dear Invited Guests
Dear sponsor and media partner
Dear presenter and participants
Assalamu'alaikum wr.wb
Welcome to Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta
Thank you, we pray for the presence of Allah SWT for permission so that the International Conference on Food Science and Technology (Foscitech) 2018 can be held today. This activity was also inseparable from the hard work and support of many parties, for that we as the committee gave an immeasurable thank you.
The International Conference with the theme "Towards Food Security and Sustainable Based on Sustainable Agriculture and Local Wisdom" was based on our concern for our national food conditions today. Our country that has the potential for abundance of local food sources is still experiencing food dependence. Food imports are not only carried out on commodities that are not widely produced in the country, but also those that can be produced by our own farmers.
We believe that trade liberalization has resulted in the food trade system which being controlled by the import cartel. while on the other hand the role of the state through Bulog is marginalized. The entry of food commodities is no longer based on national needs, but rather the maximum profit of food companies. Even the morality of our local food producers has declined because it is always overshadowed by the defeat of competing in the market.
This International Conference is a contribution of Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta to the government which makes food security and sovereignty the foremost agenda. We believe that food security and sovereignty based on sustainable agriculture and local wisdom is one of the answers to the realization of welfare and social justice for all Indonesian people, according to the mandate of the constitution and the ideals of the founding fathers of the nation.
We hope that this conference can produce a formulation of the direction and strategy of social, political and economic transformation towards strengthening food security and sovereignty based on sustainable agriculture and local wisdom. Finally, have a great discussion to solve various food problems to then form a way out along with concrete actions in various fields to make changes. Hopefully what we produce together today will be one of the milestones of the realization of Indonesia's better future.
Best wishes,
Prof. Dr. Chatarina Wariyah, M.P.
(General Chair of FOSciTech 2018)