The Department of Agribusiness Management at Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) recently showcased a wide range of student-created products through a Project-Based Learning (PBL) Product Exhibition. The event featured 15 agribusiness innovation booths developed by fourth-semester students, highlighting how vocational education can transform classroom knowledge into market-ready products and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The exhibition served as a practical platform for students to demonstrate the outcomes of interdisciplinary learning that integrates agribusiness management, entrepreneurship, product development, and marketing. Through the PBL approach, students are encouraged to identify real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions that can generate economic value.

According to Taufik Hidayat, Head of the Agribusiness Management Department, the products displayed during the exhibition are expected to go beyond academic assignments and evolve into sustainable business ventures. He emphasized that the primary objective of the program is to nurture young entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs and contributing to the development of Indonesia’s agribusiness sector.

The innovative products presented by students ranged from processed food and herbal beverages to fresh horticultural products and environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Many of these products were developed using local agricultural resources, reflecting Polije’s commitment to promoting value-added agribusiness and supporting local economic development.

One of the strengths of the PBL model is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students are actively involved in every stage of product development, from business planning and production to branding, marketing, and sales. This comprehensive process helps them gain practical experience while developing essential entrepreneurial and managerial skills.

Vice Director for Academic Affairs and Planning, Surateno, highlighted that the PBL exhibition is part of Polije’s ongoing commitment to innovative learning. He noted that students must master critical competencies such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking to remain competitive in an era of rapid technological change and artificial intelligence.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of these innovations, Polije also supports students in obtaining product certifications and business permits, including halal certification and food production licenses. Through its business incubator and entrepreneurship development units, the institution provides mentoring and guidance to help students commercialize their products and expand market access.

The success of the Agribusiness Management Product Exhibition demonstrates Polije’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only job-ready but also business-ready. By combining vocational education with entrepreneurship and innovation, the institution continues to empower students to transform creative ideas into commercially viable products that can compete in the marketplace and contribute to national economic growth.