From Payakumbuh to, Jati Mangunsarkoro, Air Tawar and Limau Manis

1. Introduction

The existence of the Faculty of Agriculture of Andalas University in Limau Manis Campus Padang is the third step of a long journey travelled since the establishment of this Faculty. The move from one location to another follows the flow of state conditions and expansion needs as well as the struggle of Andalas University figures and the support of all parties. The long journey is always coloured by joy and sorrow. The beginning of the establishment as the first Agricultural College outside Java is a realisation of filling independence to educate the nation's life by national figures and leaders. At that time, the college was aligned with two other faculties, namely the Fakulteit Pertanian of Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta and the Fakulteit Pertanian of the Universiteit Indonesia in Bogor. The physical facilities were equipped to meet the needs of a university, and lecturers were brought in from Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and India. A sense of pride came over the people of Central Sumatra and Sumatra, especially the students in the early years. In 1956, Andalas University was established, consisting of several faculties, including the Payakumbuh Agricultural College as the Faculty of Agriculture which remained based in Payakumbuh, along with the Faculty of Medicine in Bukittinggi and Economics and Law in Padang. The pride and joy was short-lived, in 1958 there was a regional upheaval, making it impossible for lectures to continue. It was decided at that time to move the faculty to Padang and most of the lecturers had completed their contracts and returned to their respective countries. The campus in Padang was located on Mangunsarkoro Street, now west of the red light at Simpang Adabiah. The area has now been converted into a shopping complex. These difficult times in Padang were nurtured by young personnel in addition to guidance from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Indonesia. Thanks to the hard work and support of the central and local governments as well as West Sumatran leaders, the faculty slowly revived. At that time a new campus was built in Airtawar, simultaneously for the Faculty of Medicine and FKIP of Andalas University. The move to Airtawar opened new horizons, while the Jati complex was used for laboratories.

As time went on, the number of students increased, so that it was felt that the physical facilities in Airtawar had begun to be cramped to be developed, so that urgent needs were carried out by adding rooms and locals by developing lecture rooms to the left and right of the terrace. This situation was very inadequate. In 1975, the construction of a new campus was initiated in Ulu Gadut, at the location of the current lecturer and employee housing, in addition to other candidates, namely in Bukit Tambun Tulang Anai, and Tanjungpati Payakumbuh. Finally, a loan from the IXth World Bank Loan and the state budget was approved for the construction of the Unand campus in Limau Manis. Behind these encouraging things, there were also some serious difficulties and obstacles. The large physical buildings and laboratories faced difficulties in maintaining and improving their quality due to budget constraints. Likewise, research and community service by lecturers are very dependent on a very limited budget. The development of a 20% state budget for education to support future developments provides hope, if the entire academic community provides full support.

In line with the physical and academic development, the alumni of the Faculty of Agriculture also experienced a long journey back and forth. However, in the 1970s there was already an Alumni Association of the Faculty of Agriculture (IKA FPUA). This was also the case in other regions such as Pekanbaru, Jambi and Jakarta.

2. Payakumbuh

The Faculty of Agriculture of Andalas University Padang was born as an Agricultural College in Payakumbuh City, in a building located in the heart of the city, precisely on Soedirman Street No.8. This building was built in 1954, on former land owned by Nasir Sutan Pamuntjak, former Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in the Philippines. The construction of this building was originally planned for the Medan Pertemuan/National Building. At the time this construction work began, the Indonesian Government / Ministry of Education, Teaching and Culture, had also planned, to establish an Agricultural College in Payakumbuh. To realise the College of Agriculture, the government handed over the preparations for its opening to Mr Zainuddin Sutan Keradjaan, Coordinator of the Regional Teaching Inspection of Central Sumatra Province. At the Regency level, it was coordinated by the Regent of Limapuluh Kota, who at that time was H. Darwis Dt. Toemanggung. He formed the Fakulteit Pertanian Accommodation Committee, which consisted of community leaders, political parties and related agencies. The government and the Fakulteit Pertanian Accommodation Committee decided to change the plan to build the Medan Meeting Hall / National Building, into an Agricultural College Building. This building was also used for the inauguration of the opening of the College of Agriculture in Payakumbuh City on Tuesday 30 November 1954. Furthermore, this building was used as a lecture building and Biology Laboratory. On the day of the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Teaching and Culture Mr Muhammad Yamin delivered a "Speech on the Opening of the College of Agriculture in the city of Payakumbuh" (Opening Speech attached) in front of invitees from the national level, provincial level (Central Sumatra), district level and students. At the end of his speech, he invited PJM. Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Drs. Mohd. Hatta inaugurated the opening of the third Agricultural College in the Republic of Indonesia, in Payakumbuh City after the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Indonesia and Gajah Mada University. In the first months after the opening, lectures were rather slow, due to the limited teaching staff available at that time. But starting in the middle of 1955, after the teaching staff, which generally consisted of foreigners, began to arrive, lectures went smoothly, until 1958, lectures and student practicums were carried out well. In May 1958, some students were able to complete their studies at the Propaedeus / Preparatory level (PII). On 13 September 1956 with strong encouragement and support from Vice President Muhammad Hatta and National figures mostly from West Sumatra, Andalas University was established. This university gathers several universities that initially stood alone into faculties. The location of the existing faculties became scattered in various cities. Faculty of Agriculture in Payakumbuh, Faculty of Law and Economics in Padang and Medicine in Padang, Faculty of Teacher Education in Batusangkar. In fact, before that, the Faculty of Medicine was built in Baso, Agam Regency, 16 km from the centre of Bukittinggi, the capital of Central Sumatra Province. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed before it could be completed due to regional upheaval. Today, the ruins of the Faculty of Medicine building can still be seen. Now built in that place are the Baso Sub-District Office, Baso Police Sector Office, Junior High School, Regional Training Centre of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Institute of Home Government, Animal Health Centre, and others.

The regional upheaval in 1958 and the disruption of security in this area were obstacles to the continuation of education at the College of Agriculture. The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Drs Mohd. Idris (father of Lt. General Kemal Idris) was evacuated out of the city, and the Faculty of Agriculture was led by the Vice Dean Prof. Ir. P.A. Blijdorp. At that time, many foreign teaching staff's contracts expired and they returned to their respective countries. On 4 May 1959, the "Minutes of Handover No. 262/D-4/59" was signed between the Vice Dean Prof. Ir. P. A. Blijdorp to Dr. Roemawi who was appointed by the chairman of the Presidium of Andalas University in Padang which at that time was held by Prof. Dr. Roesma. Furthermore, on the pretext that the situation had not yet recovered, the Faculty of Agriculture was moved to Padang, and was located on Jalan Jati (Jln. Mangunsakoro, which is now a shop). In Payakumbuh, there were only a few employees who took care of all the assets belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture, among others, Mr Munir D.

On 27 June 1960, the Commander of the Military Region III/17 August, Colonel Inf. Soerjosoempeno, issued Order No. SP-608/6/1960 for the PDM (Military District Officer) Payakumbuh and KA ZI DAM III/17 August, to take control of all buildings belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture in the Gelanggang Complex and Padang Tiakar Payakumbuh, on the basis that there was not enough accommodation to accommodate the placement of Jon Infantry. However, in practice, not only the houses in the complex of Gelanggang and Padang Tiakar were controlled, but also the lecture building located in the city centre, which was used for the placement of APRI soldiers. At the end of 1962, with the efforts of the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University Prof. Dr Oei Hong Peng, the lecture building was returned and used as the Payakumbuh Branch Office of the Faculty of Agriculture. Another case with student housing and lecturer housing remained controlled by the military at that time. A few years later one of the 5 lecturer houses was returned to the Faculty of Agriculture and used for the Lecturer's Mess. A total of 10 student houses have not been returned so that now they are still controlled by descendants of the military who once controlled them.

In 1962, 10 students completed their studies at the Candidate level (K II). Since there was no land in Padang as an experimental garden for practice and research, they were assigned to continue their studies and complete them in Payakumbuh.

Those assigned to Payakumbuh were:

(1). Syafri Syafei (alm), (2). Sofjan Asnawi (alm), (3). Syahrial Idris, (4). Darwis S.N, (5). Nitza Arbi, (alm) (6). Joesoef B, (alm) (7). Ismael Nur, (8). Basjir Rajab, (alm) (9). Zubaidah Hitam, (10). Zeifil Rezak (alm). In 1962, several young teaching staff were also assigned to Payakumbuh, respectively: (1). Ir. Nyo Hong Ham (as Head), (2). Nasrun Hamid, (3). Moerdif Baas.

Along with sending students and young teaching staff to Payakumbuh, the Minister of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Indonesia, has also handed over 3 (three) Massey Ferguson 35 PK tractors for education at the Faculty of Agriculture stationed in Payakumbuh. Two of the tractors are still in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture in Limau Manis.

Since 1962 Payakumbuh has been reused, so that the atmosphere of the campus has gradually recovered thanks to student activities. In the development of Payakumbuh Agricultural College, actually before the regional upheaval, on the initiative of Prof.Dr.W.Meijer, a botanical study site was also pioneered which was located on the slopes of Mount Sago around Padang Mengatas which was borrowed from the Forestry Service. Then with the handover of land by the Sikabu-kabu / Padangpanjang community, the location was moved to Padang Datar. The land area is about 40 hectares. This location is very suitable for the development of upland plant studies as it is located on the slopes of Mount Sago at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres above sea level. As a continuation of this step, on 26 March 1956 a charter of cooperation was signed between the Faculty of Agriculture and the Regional Government of District 50 Kota and Nagari Sikabu-Kabu and Nagari Padangpanjang regarding the development of the village. The development of the two Nagari was interrupted for several years during the regional upheaval. Then in 1963 and the following year several students experimented with several types of plants at the location, including Nitza Arbi and Darwis SN. After that, the land in Sikabu-kabu due to limited potential, could no longer be managed. There was a time when the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture was Prof.Dr.Ir.Jurnalis Kamil, MSc. In 1974 - 1978 several attempts were made to utilise the land in Sikabu-kabu, together with the local ninik mamak, but due to limited funding, this programme was never realised.

From the initiative of several alumni including Ir.Syakdin Darminta, Dr.Ir.Darwis SN, Ir.Syuhinar Bustami, MSc., Ir.Alidinar Nurdin, MS, Yusaf Rahman, Ismael Dt.Rajo Imbang, Ir. Yusrizal M Zen, MS, which was supported by other alumni and the Dean was appointed by Dr.Ir.Rahmat Syahni, MSc. in 2001 the possibility of reusing the land in Sikabu-kabu was explored. Several attempts were made, and the land was recognised by the Wali Nagari and the local ninik mamak. Due to limited capacity, the land remained unutilised.

Then on 23 June 1962, the ninik mamak of Sarilamak and Batu Balang villages, Harau District, 50 Kota Regency, handed over 130 hectares of land, which after being measured by the Agrarian Office of West Sumatra Level I, covered 94 hectares, for the construction of the Faculty of Agriculture. The land is in the form of tall shrubs, a den of tigers, pigs and other wild animals. The presence of students and young teaching staff, as well as tractor equipment, in addition to studies and research, students and teaching staff also tried to clear land from the experimental garden and land handed over by the ninik mamak of Nagari Sarilamak and Batu Balang.

Land clearing in Tanjung Pati continued (land from Nagari Sarilamak and Nagari Batu Balang) which was cultivated together with the local community with the aim of avoiding wild animal disturbances (tigers), and protecting their agricultural businesses from wild boar pests and so on.

Due to the increasing demand for professional higher education, the Faculty of Agriculture land in Sarilamak (Tanjungpati) was used as 30 hectares for the Politani Negeri Payakumbuh campus in 1990. This means that there is still 64 hectares of land left which has begun to be planted and inhabited wildly by the surrounding population.

In 1964, the Faculty of Agriculture had produced a four person graduating class of Agricultural Engineers from the second batch of candidates in 1962. By early 1966, 9 of the 10 students sent in 1962 for study and research to Payakumbuh had completed their studies at the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University.

In the experimental garden located west of the Kubu Gadang racecourse, research continued. At a time when the Indonesian government is intensifying efforts to increase food production, this experimental garden has made a surprise in the research / testing of superior rice varieties, both local, national and international superior rice. The first trial of the IR-5 or PB-5 rice variety in West Sumatra showed yields far exceeding those achieved in other trials, at 8.24 tonnes/Ha. This has made big news in the mass media in West Sumatra and other regions in Indonesia, even BBC London also reported the results of this experiment throughout the world. The Head of the People's Agriculture Office of Level I West Sumatra has utilised the seeds from this experiment to be disseminated in West Sumatra.

The activities that have been carried out, both in the field of education, research in the field of farming technology and the mobilisation of Faculty of Agriculture students in various regions in an effort to increase food production and open up a fairly large area of land, have stimulated the community in Payakumbuh, demanding the return of the Faculty of Agriculture to Payakumbuh. This community aspiration was channelled through the Great Deliberation of Kerapatan Adat Alam Minangkabau, District 50 Kota in Payakumbuh, in 1968.

This community aspiration has been responded to by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, by sending students at the last level to study in Payakumbuh. The lecture theatre, which was used as a branch office of the Faculty of Agriculture, returned to function as a lecture theatre for students.

In 1969, the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia who was held by Mashuri SH, together with the Rector of Unand Dr. Boesjra Zahir, Rector of IKIP Padang Prof. Dr. Isrin Noerdin, Daily Government Agency (BPH) Regional Level I West Sumatra, Agus Thaib, SH and several military officers from Kodam III/17 August, visited Payakumbuh to explore the possibility of returning the Faculty of Agriculture assets controlled by elements of Kodam III/17 August. This is reflected in the Andalas University Rector's Answer Letter No. A-426. Rek. XII dated 12 February, addressed to the Commander of Kodam III/17 August. But this effort has not been successful.

The existence of various obstacles, both in the field of funding, housing for overnight teaching staff and so on, caused a gradual stop in sending students to Payakumbuh. In addition to the unavailability of funds for the repair of tractors that were starting to break down, land clearing activities, both in Tanjung Pati, and in Sikabu-kabu also stopped.

On 17 December 1970, the status of the city of Payakumbuh was changed to Regional Level II Municipality of Payakumbuh. Building facilities that are not yet available for the implementation of government, then the Mayor of Payakumbuh who was held by Soetan Oesman, through the Rector of Andalas University Drs. Mawardi Yunus borrowed the lecture building referred to above to be used as the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of the Municipality of Payakumbuh. This lasted until 1976.

After the building was returned to the Faculty of Agriculture, the status of the Payakumbuh Branch of the Faculty of Agriculture changed to the Faculty of Agriculture Research Station of Andalas University Payakumbuh, which opened an office in the right side room of the lecture hall. In the following years, due to lack of funds and lack of concern for the state of the building, at night, this building served as a place to stay for thugs from the bus terminal located in front of it. This lasted until early 1982.

In late 1982 and early 1983, efforts were made to improve the building bit by bit with funds generated from the experimental farm and contributions from the mechanisation workshop located in the housing complex in Labuh Basilang. The Research Station office was moved to the front of the building, the damaged doors were repaired, the yard was fenced and the inner workspace was improved, and the working hours of the staff were organised according to the prevailing regulations. For the welfare of employees, the administration of the civil servants' cooperative was reorganised. Gradually, the improvement of this building as an office and laboratory is adequate.

Although students of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Andalas practice less and less in Payakumbuh, the existence of an adequate laboratory has been able to assist the practicum of the Oldest Private Faculty of Agriculture in West Sumatra, namely the Faculty of Agriculture of Muhamadiah University of West Sumatra in Payakumbuh.

Further activities at the Research Station are not limited only in the building, but also in the field in solving land problems belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture Unand in Payakumbuh. In 1982 a land certificate located in Labuh Basilang was completed, and in 1985 by holding the Rector's Power of Attorney No. 2755/PT.19.0/F-1985 other land certifications were attempted, both in the Municipality, and part of the land in District 50 Kota.

The development of the Unand Agricultural Polytechnic in Tanjung Pati is also inseparable from the activities carried out in this simple old building. It turns out that the rooms at the back of the building have provided many benefits to temporarily accommodate the Politani lecturers.

However, due to various obstacles, the full return of the implementation of higher education at the Faculty of Agriculture in Payakumbuh is only a hope for the Payakumbuh community. Moreover, in 1995 the Faculty of Agriculture Unand had occupied a new campus in Limau Manis. Finally, as the saying goes: "Life is like a cart wheel, once above and once below" was experienced by the old building of the College of Agriculture, which had pioneered the establishment of other universities outside Java, especially in Sumatra.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the contribution of these Payakumbuh buildings and assets in the development of human resources, especially agricultural science, has been felt. The figures and pioneers of increasing agricultural production since the decade of the seventies are scattered throughout the country, coloured by alumni who have received Payakumbuh forging.

At a time when the Faculty of Agriculture of Unand is almost 50 years old, the building at the centre of activities on Jalan Sudirman No. 8 Payakumbuh is in some parts worn out and weathered. In connection with this, on the initiative of several alumni of the Faculty of Agriculture, and in connection with the 100th anniversary of Bung Hatta, the building was renovated. The original form was maintained by replacing parts that could no longer be maintained. These replacements included the roof, attic, tiled floor and doors. Meanwhile, the walls and windows are still maintained in their original form.

As an initial stage of renovation, emphasis was placed on the main building, while the back of the building as well as the water tank and other facilities remained untouched. Planning for the renovation of this building has been started since the first meeting of the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (Dr. Rahmat Syahni, Z. MSc.) with 2 alumni of the Faculty of Agriculture Payakumbuh generation, namely Ir. Sjakdin Darminta and Ir. Alidinar Nurdin, MS on 28 October 2001. The active role of several alumni including Ir.Syuhinar Bustami, MSc. and Ir. Yusrizal M Zen has accelerated the renovation efforts. After an agreement was reached on 30 October 2001, preparations were made for the implementation of the plan. Finally, on 22 April 2002, renovation work began with the help of the first cost by alumni of the Faculty of Agriculture. Subsequent funding was assisted by the Rector of Andalas University, the Mayor of Payakumbuh, the Regent of District 50 Kota, and PT Semen Padang, the Governor of West Sumatra Province.

In accordance with the available budget, currently the renovation of the main building has reached the completion of phase I. The inauguration of the completion of the Phase I building renovation was carried out on 9 August 2001 as a series of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Bung Hatta's birth, which was centred in the city of Bukittinggi. On 9 August 2002, a special celebration was held by the Faculty of Agriculture together with Bung Hatta's family, attended by Mrs Halida Hatta, along with a son, alumni from Medan and Jakarta and Pekanbaru, community leaders and local government. The inauguration of the renovation was done by West Sumatra Governor Zainal Bakar and was also attended by the Deputy Governor of West Sumatra Prof.Dr.Ir. Fachri Ahmad, MSc.

On 30 November 1954 the veil and nameplate of the Payakumbuh Agricultural College was opened by Mrs Rahmi Hatta. At the inauguration the renovation of the building was shown and explained in the opening speech to his daughter and grandchildren. On that historic day, the people of Payakumbuh City gave a collection of memories in the form of photographs of Bung Hatta and Ibu Rahmi to Ibu Halida and her son. It turned out that these photos had not been in Bung Hatta's family collection before. During the celebration, the use of the renovated building as the Gambir Development Centre (GDC) was inaugurated. It is hoped that the GDC will be able to take part in realising various development activities from West Sumataera's leading commodity. The planned GDC activities are ranging from research, education, training, seminars, and workshops to information and technology service activities related to the gambier commodity.

Gambir is West Sumatra's conventional flagship commodity, cultivated by farmers for generations since the 18th century. The districts of 50 Kota, and Pesisir Selatan are the two main production centres and Payakumbuh is the centre of gambier trade until now in addition to Siguntur. Unfortunately, this institution did not last long. Due to a lack of coordination, the GDC eventually ceased to function.

If inventoried, the assets of the Faculty of Agriculture in the city of Payakumbuh are quite potential, among others:

A housing complex consisting of 14 buildings including residential houses. This land is 82,060 m2 according to the measurement letter No. 486/1983 with certificate No. 7694624 from the Payakumbuh Agrarian Office.
In addition, there is another residential land in Labuh Basilang. This land was purchased in 1957 with certificate No.8281166 with an area of 9,390 m2. This land is occupied by 4 houses.
The land of the former student dormitory, located at the Kubu Gadang Payakumbuh racecourse. On this land there are still 7 houses of the former student dormitory. Until now it is still controlled by the TNI family. The area of this land covers 2,010 m2 with certificate No. 7694625.
Laboratory Complex Land, with an area of 50,000 m2. This land is still controlled by the TNI.
Lecture building location land. On this land stands the building that has been renovated now. Certificate No.76944626 with an area of 1,541 m2. Located at Jalan Sudirman No. 8 Payakumbuh.
The land is the location of the former Administration. Located at the corner of the intersection of Siti Manggopoh Street and Sudirman Street. The land area is 1,000 m2. Today part of this building is borrowed by the Payakumbuh city government, and has not been returned. Finally, this building was taken by another party, which has not been legally completed.
From the brief description above a sense of optimism was born again after the stimulation of alumni and local government and Andalas University to look forward. In 2004 new lecture rooms were built in Gelanggang Land. The cooperation of Andalas University with the Payakumbuh City government, has supported the implementation of the education of the Management Study Programme of the Faculty of Economics, Andalas University. This campus is now better known as Campus II of Andalas University.

It is in his place that the old building monument that is almost 63 years old along with other supporting assets in Payakumbuh both in Labuh Bersilang and Gelanggang is maintained to be used for the Glory of the Nation, in accordance with the expectations of Mr Muhammad Yamin 63 years ago. The momentum of the inauguration of the Payakumbuh Agricultural College is strongly associated with two Minangkabau Mahaputras, namely Drs Muhammad Hatta as Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia at that time and Prof Muhammad Yamin, SH as Minister of Education and Teaching and Culture at that time.

3. Air Tawar - Padang

The move to Padang began with a campus on Jln. Mangunsarkoro Jati Padang. On a very small area, lectures and practicums were conducted while waiting for the construction of Airtawar to be completed. In 1958, the foreign lecturers ended their contracts and returned to their home countries. Lecturers from Indonesian citizens also moved out of the city so that Payakumbuh was practically paralysed. At that time, the remaining equipment was brought from Payakumbuh to Jati in Padang. After the building in Airtawar was completed, it was also moved to the new building in Airtawar. The faculty occupied the northernmost building (now used by Padang State University).

Lectures were conducted at Airtawar, and some practicums were conducted at Jln. Mangunsarkoro. Most of the lecturers were brought in from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Indonesia (IPB Bogor today). The condition of the Airtawar campus at that time was surrounded by farming and grazing areas. From 1960 to 1965 academic activities took place in a makeshift manner due to the limitations of lecturers, laboratories, lecture rooms and libraries. In 1965 when the Rector of Andalas University at that time Drs.Harun Zain, made efforts and worked hard to restore the self-esteem of students who had just been devastated after the crisis of regional upheaval. Furthermore, Harun Zain was trusted by the central government to become Governor of West Sumatra.

Along with the continued physical development at that time, the sons and daughters of West Sumatra who completed their studies in Java were invited to return home. For the Faculty of Agriculture, three teenagers emerged, namely Ir.Jurnalis Kamil, Ir.Djafaruddin, and Drh.Thamrin Nurdin, followed by Ir.Murdif Baas, Ir.Firdaus Rivai. At the university level, Governor Harun Zain also summoned other young people who had already begun their experience in Java: Dr Busjra Zahir, Ir Isjrin Nurdin, Drs Adrin Kahar and Drs Rustian Kamaluddin. These young people worked hard to re-establish the pattern of higher education, based on their experience at universities in Java. Some of them were able to continue their studies abroad in an effort to improve the quality of lecturers.

The first physical laboratory assistance was obtained in 1971 from Australia, when the Dean was Ir.Firdaus Rivai, MSc. It was only then that the Lecture Room and Laboratory were electrified, step by step the physical faculty with limited funds could be developed. Likewise, more and more lecturers are getting advanced study opportunities. For the first time, a PhD student from Missisippi University, Ir. Jurnalis Kamil, MSc. PhD with expertise in Seed Technology, as the first person in Indonesia. Next followed Drs.Thamrin Nurdin, MSc.PhD from Hawaii University with expertise in Agricultural Economics. In succession, masters and doctors returned from further studies. Recorded in 1974 for the first time the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University held a national seminar, with the support of the Directorate General of Plantations. West Sumatra's superior commodity, Cassia vera, was brought to the surface, discussed from various aspects of both cultivation and trade and processing.

The potential of lecturers who are getting stronger has raised the name of this Faculty to the surface and began to be recognised nationally. Successively given the trust to conduct studies and research by the Central and Regional Governments, among others, in the early years were soil capability studies, among others:

1975 Soil Capability Study in Siak.
1976 - 1980 consultant for the development of the area along the cross Sumatra with the International IUTP consultant (Indonesian - United Kingdom Transmigration Project).
Soil Capability Study of Silaut in 1980 and 1981, followed by Teluk Kiambang Riau, Rimbo Panjang and Rawa Kualu Riau, Nilo Langgam and Bancah Kuning Riau and Nilo Langgam Riau.
Other studies such as soil capability for plantations, experimental gardens of official government and private institutions.
Evaluation of government projects, such as Bimas evaluation in 1980, greening programme evaluation in 1981, and PRPTE Project evaluation in 1983.
Regional and Commodity Development Studies such as fruits and plantations have always been left to the Faculty of Agriculture.

Furthermore, in the 1990s and onwards, various aspects of study and research have continued and developed given trust to the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University Padang from various central and regional agencies and the private sector. The grouping of the Faculty of Agriculture in the Western Region Cooperation Agency for agricultural sciences provides enormous benefits. BKS Region B Agricultural Sciences has resulted in the preparation of curriculum, textbooks and other activities. Until now BKS B is still continued as a forum for exchanging information.

In June 1979 there was a very big change in the pattern of education administration in Indonesia. This change was the era of the Semester Credit System (SKS). Armed with limited potential resources, in 1980 the Faculty of Agriculture pioneered the implementation of this SKS pattern which was implemented with all its obstacles. At that time the dean was Ir.Fachri Ahmad.

At the time of planning the implementation of the SKS due to limitations, the concept of curriculum elaboration based on Decree No. 125.U/1979 from the Minister of Education and Culture was prepared by two junior lecturers who had never been through SKS education. However, thanks to the support of the Dean at that time Prof.Dr.Ir.Fachri Ahmad, MSc. and the guidance of Ir.Firdaus Rivai, MSc. and Prof.Dr.Ir.Jurnalis Kamil, the concept was finally approved by the Faculty Senate and the Rector of Unand. Starting in January 1980, it was applied to students. It was noted that the Faculty of Agriculture was the first to apply this system to students in Unand.

In 1982, the Dean at that time, Prof. Dr. Jurnalis Kamil, MSc. assigned one of the junior lecturers who had never participated in postgraduate studies to develop a programme for the establishment and implementation of undergraduate education for the Agronomy Study Programme. The task must be completed within 3 days. Armed with the IPB Bogor and UGM Master's Handbooks, the concept was completed in 2 days and on the third day was typed on an old typewriter on a stencil sheet. Finally, the proposal was brought by the Dean to Bogor in February 1982, spiral bound with 120 gram yellow buffalo paper.

In a long journey, the Master Programme of the Faculty of Agriculture was finally born in the form of Credit Collection Activities (KPK-IPB UNAND) starting in September 1984 after a process of about 2 years. The opening of the name board was done by Prof.Dr.Ir.Andi Hakim Nasution, at the Laboratory building on the South side, a former warehouse. The first batch of students at that time worked together to clean the very dirty floor, including Ir.Zubaidah Hitam, Ir.Darmijati and others.

The active role of the late Dr. Ir. Gazali Ismal, MS, (late) Dr. Ir. Nurhajati Hakim, and Ir. Asril Samad, (late) was quite large in exploring and preparing for the birth of this Masters Programme. The three lecturers at that time were continuing their doctoral studies at IPB. Full moral support from IPB encouraged these lecturers to develop Postgraduate Education at Unand after graduation.

Next, the biggest contribution to the birth of UNAND's IPB Postgraduate Program was from Prof.Dr.Ir. Andi Hakim Nasution, Rector of IPB Bogor, and Prof.Dr.Ir. Jajah Koswara who at that time served as PD II of the Postgraduate Faculty of IPB, as well as Dr.Ir. Freddy Rumawas.

The lectures were conducted for 2 semesters in Padang and 1 semester in IPB Bogor and students were mentored by lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture of Unand and IPB Bogor as well as from other qualified institutions. In 1987, KPK IPB UNAND had produced its first graduates who were recorded at that time as Ir. Yunizar Gernawi, MS and Ir. Darmijati, MS. In 1990, KPK IPB UNAND was disbanded, and developed into the Postgraduate Programme of Unand Padang which oversees various Study Programmes and has now opened a Doctoral Programme.

The years 1991-1997 when the dean was entrusted to Prof.Dr. Muchlis Muchtar, MS recorded the highest number of collaborations and seminars. From the available records, 35 seminars were organised during those 6 years from several aspects of agricultural science.

One thing that can be noted, some of the teaching staff of the Faculty of Agriculture for a period of approximately 35 years in Airtawar and after in Limau Manis, were trusted to hold important positions at the University level and other agencies such as PR II (Ir.Syofyan Asnawi in 1968), Rector (Prof. Dr.Ir.Jurnalis Kamil, MS). Dr.Ir.Jurnalis Kamil, MSc. in 1985), Chairman I of Bappeda Sumbar (Ir.Firdaus Rivai MSc. in 1974), Chairman of Bappeda Sumbar (Dr.Thamrin Nurdin, MSc. in 1980), PR I, then Rector and Deputy Governor of Sumbar (Dr.Ir.Fachri Ahmad MSc. in 1987, 1986 and 2001). Furthermore, PR II (Dr.Djaswir Zein in 1987), Coordinator of Kopertis Region X (Ir.Firdaus Rivai MSc in 1990), Secretary of Kopertis Region X (Ir.Yusrizal M.Zen, in 1996) and continued by Dr. Bujang Rusman (2002). Head of Bappeda Sumbar (Prof.Dr.Muchlis Muchtar, MS in 2001). PR II (Dr.Musliar Kasim in 2002), then Rector of Andalas University, Inspector General of the Ministry of Education and Culture and finally Deputy Minister of Education. Then recorded Prof.Dr.Helmi, MSc. as Vice Rector IV (2012), followed by Dr.Ir. Endry Martius, MSc. in 2016. Also recorded from alumni. Husni Kamil Manik (alm) as Chairman of the Central Election Commission.

In the 1980s, several lecturers were also trusted as Rectors of Private Universities including Tamansiswa University (Prof.Ir.Djafaruddin in 1989), Muhammad Yamin University (Prof. Syafri Syafei, MS in 1989), Universitas Nusantara (Prof.Yuliar Anas, Ir. Isril Berd, SU in 1989 and 1992).

In the following years more and more Lecturers of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University are trusted for certain positions, including Prof.Dr.Rahmat Syahni MSc as Chairman of Bappeda, Head of the Education Office and other positions, Dr.Ir. Darmawan as Head of the Padang City Environment Office. Also recorded in 2012 Prof.Dr.Ir. Reni Mayerni as Head of Plantation Office of Dharmasraya, Dr.Jumsu Trisno as Head of Agriculture Horticulture and Plantation Office of South Pasisir Regency (2017).In addition, the request of private universities to the Faculty of Agriculture for the state examination committee. Until now, there are still requests for structural positions in the government outside Unand.

The uniqueness of the Airtawar campus is that the building is narrow, which creates a conducive interaction between lecturers and students. Students and lecturers mix in the narrow courtyards and rooms every day, so they know each other well. The administration office is located in the south and the lecture theatres and laboratories in the north. Both places are referred to colloquially as "the end". Fights with IKIP Padang (now UNP) students occur throughout the year. The peak of fights is usually triggered during football matches and new student admissions.

Today, the Airtawar campus remains a place of nostalgia, especially for alumni who were educated there. Some of the pools used for muddy bathing during Posma (hazing) have been filled in, as sweet and bitter memories of being a new student bathing every morning and evening.

4. Limau Manis - Padang

The construction of the Limau Manis Campus which was launched in 1975 at the time the Rector was Drs. Mawardi Yunus. Then when Andalas University was led by Prof.Dr.Ir. Jurnalis Kamil for two terms of office and continued during the leadership of Prof.Dr.Ir. Fachri Ahmad, MSc., campus construction was the peak of physical development with financial assistance from the IXth World Bank in addition to the state budget. The campus for the Faculty of Agriculture was completed in 1995. On 25 February 1995, at the time of Dean Dr.Ir. Muchlis Muchtar, MS, the third move was made. The old building in Airtawar was handed over to IKIP Padang (now UNP). The new campus specifically for the Faculty of Agriculture has a floor area of 24,943 m2 consisting of offices, lecturer rooms and laboratories. The new campus has been equipped with facilities and infrastructure such as laboratory equipment, greenhouses, and a computer network with an adequate LAN (Local Area Network) system. Intensive computerisation was carried out centrally by the University for all academic activities in 2006. Now the data traffic is controlled by the Institute for Information and Communication Technology Development at the University level.

In the future development of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University continues to sharpen its vision and mission. As a vision, the Faculty of Agriculture of Andalas University is established as a higher education institution to produce agricultural graduates who are devoted to God, have high morals, master science and technology, are relevant to the needs and able to compete both in the academic field and the world of work, have strong agricultural science competencies.