Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) continues to strengthen its role in horticultural innovation through the development of its Teaching Factory (TEFA) Nursery and Cut Flower Garden located in the Rembangan highlands of Jember. Situated at an altitude of approximately 600 meters above sea level, the area provides ideal growing conditions for ornamental flowers, particularly chrysanthemums and asters, making it one of the institution’s flagship horticultural production centers.

The Rembangan garden is managed as both a commercial production unit and a practical learning facility for students. Through the Teaching Factory approach, students gain direct experience in flower cultivation, nursery management, post-harvest handling, and agribusiness operations, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a real production environment.

According to Ujang Tri Cahyono, Manager of the facility, the garden currently focuses on cultivating two main types of chrysanthemums: standard chrysanthemums, which produce a single large bloom on each stem, and spray chrysanthemums, which generate several flowers on a single stem. Both varieties are highly valued by florists and ornamental plant markets throughout East Java.

To ensure a continuous supply of flowers, the management team implements a staggered planting system. This production strategy allows flowers to be harvested daily, enabling Polije to meet consistent market demand from florists and customers across Jember, Bondowoso, and surrounding regions.

The popularity of the garden extends beyond commercial buyers. Visitors from neighboring areas such as Lumajang and Banyuwangi frequently travel to Rembangan to enjoy the flower fields and participate in flower-picking activities. The site has gradually become an educational and recreational destination that combines horticultural production with agro-tourism experiences.

In addition to supporting commercial production, the facility serves as a center for horticultural innovation and research. Previous development programs have included the cultivation of potted chrysanthemums, the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and various studies aimed at improving flower quality, productivity, and market competitiveness.

As demand for cut flowers continues to increase, Polije has prepared plans to expand the production area and increase the population of chrysanthemum plants. The expansion is expected to strengthen the institution’s ability to serve broader markets and increase distribution coverage to additional regions, including Situbondo and Lumajang.

Through the development of the Rembangan Cut Flower Garden, Polije demonstrates its commitment to integrating education, research, agribusiness, and community engagement. By transforming the highland area into a productive horticultural center, the institution not only enhances student learning opportunities but also contributes to regional economic development and the growth of Indonesia’s ornamental plant industry.