CHINA – Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) is strengthening its expertise in precision technology by sending a lecturer to China. During the program, Dr. Elly Kurniawati, a lecturer in the Food Engineering Technology Study Program, explored The Development and Application of Drones for Modern Agriculture.

The international program, jointly organized by HOPE Indonesia and Jiaxing Vocational Technical College, runs from August 15 to September 15, 2026. Through the program, Polije aims to gain insights into the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for land mapping and crop health monitoring.

Throughout the program, Elly studied advances in drone sensor technology, automated spraying systems, and spatial land data analysis. The application of these intelligent aerial systems also offers solutions for improving labor efficiency across large-scale agricultural plantations.

The agricultural drone training further strengthens Polije’s commitment to integrating modern technology into its academic curriculum. This approach will enrich students’ practical learning and broaden their understanding of agricultural automation.

“Drone technology can improve the precision of fertilizer spraying and enable rapid monitoring of crop conditions,” said Polije lecturer Dr. Elly Kurniawati.

Elly further explained that integrating drones with artificial intelligence can support the early detection of pest attacks. She noted that China’s unmanned technology offers relevant opportunities to strengthen Polije’s applied research ecosystem.

“We will apply the knowledge gained from modern agricultural drone applications to advance practical learning for Polije students,” Dr. Elly Kurniawati added.

Polije also plans to incorporate digital mapping materials into agricultural processing modules. As a result, Polije graduates are expected to become better prepared to address the growing demands of automation in the global food industry.

Ultimately, the development of expertise in intelligent aerial technology demonstrates the active role of vocational higher education in supporting global food security. The international partnership also expands Polije’s academic network and strengthens its global engagement.