On an educational tour, the management of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at University of Jember visited the largest aglaonema nursery in Jember (17/1). Led by the Chairperson of DWP FMIPA, Nur Sa’dijah Achmad Sjaifullah, DWP FMIPA administrators had the opportunity to see and hear directly an explanation of the process of seeding, planting, and caring for aglaonema. The garden is located in the Jl. Letjen. S. Parman Gang II/129. Jember is able to breed more than 250 varieties of aglaonema, making it the largest in Jember and one of the largest in the East Java region.

“Even though the breeding process is quite difficult, here we have studied media that are suitable for aglaonema plants,” said Prof. Agus Subekti, owner and developer of the garden, who is also a professor in the Department of Physics at FMIPA UNEJ. It is also said that there is a need for special spraying techniques to care for aglaonema. Prof. Agus also offered the DWP FMIPA UNEJ administrators the opportunity to learn to care for and reproduce, including if there is a desire to become an entrepreneur in breeding and developing aglaonema.

“If you want to be serious, we can provide lessons on how to care for and develop aglaonema, including wanting to make aglaonema an entrepreneurial commodity,” he continued. While joking, Prof. Agus said that he is now being asked to teach entrepreneurship more often than the field of physics he has been studying for a long time. “Maybe I’ve forgotten a little about physics because I’m more often asked to teach entrepreneurship,” he joked. It was also said that students often visit the garden to learn more about Aglaonema breeding and care.

Accompanied by his colleague Drs. Rudju Winarsa, M. Kes, one of the lecturers at the Biology Department, FMIPA UNEJ, Prof. Agus took us around the fairly large garden. Not only aglaonema, but there are also ornamental plants such as orchids, begonias, philodendrons, caladiums, anthoriums, and others. Also, fruit plants that add to the beauty of the garden include longan, avocado, durian, cempedak, guava, and various types of oranges. “To manage this garden, there are 7 employees who work to help us,” he concluded.

DWP FMIPA UNEJ had the opportunity to pick avocados and enjoy durian and cempedak while discussing in the gazebo in the garden. “On behalf of the DWP FMIPA UNEJ management, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Agus Subekti and the team who received and welcomed us well, taking us around the garden and getting to know more ornamental plants, especially aglaonema,” said the Chair of DWP FMIPA Nur Sa’dijah Achmad Sjaifullah.