Honing Communication Skills: 'Ruang Tani' Student Organization at Polman Negeri Babel Hosts 'Students-E 2026' Agricultural Extension Competition
One of the finalist teams in the Students-E 2026 Agricultural Extension Competition, representing the 'Ruang Tani' student organization at the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic, presents their extension material before the panel of judges.
The Student Activity Unit (UKM) "Ruang Tani" (Rutaman) at the Bangka Belitung State Manufacturing Polytechnic held the final round of its Agricultural Extension Competition—part of the "Students-E 2026" event—on Wednesday (October 14, 2026). The competition aims to foster creativity and communication skills, while providing a platform for participants to share ideas and innovations in the agricultural sector.
The competition saw participation from various high schools (SMA/SMK/MA) across the Bangka Belitung Islands Province. Following the preliminary rounds, three top teams—Ahmad Qusairy from SMA IT At-Toybah; Geya Aulia and Ummu Lathifa Azfa from SMK Negeri 1 Kelapa; and Samuel Darmawan Saputra, Khori Akbar, and Jefri Albukhori from SMK Negeri 1 Mendobarat—advanced to the final round to present their agricultural extension materials before a panel of judges.
Zalfa Putri Niansi, the event’s organizing committee chair, stated that the Agricultural Extension Competition is an initiative by UKM Ruang Tani designed to introduce the younger generation to the agricultural sector. "It provides students with an opportunity to develop their potential, creativity, and communication skills in conveying agricultural information," she said.
During the final round, participants demonstrated their ability to present agricultural information in an engaging, systematic, and accessible manner. They were challenged to hone their public speaking and critical thinking skills, while proposing solutions and innovations relevant to the needs of the agricultural sector.
"This competition serves not only as a contest but also as a means to foster the younger generation's concern for the future challenges and opportunities in agriculture. Congratulations to all the participants who have navigated through the various stages of the competition, all the way to the final round," he stated.
One of the finalists, Geya Aulia from SMK Negeri 1 Kelapa, shared that she participated in this competition to gain valuable experience, develop her personal skills, and build the confidence to present her agricultural ideas before the panel of judges," she concluded.
She further noted that the competition provided her with an opportunity to boost her self-confidence in presenting agricultural extension material, as well as to refine her ideas so that agricultural information can be conveyed in a more engaging and accessible manner," she added.
Meanwhile, one of the judges, Mahmudin, S.P., M.Si., remarked that agricultural extension competitions play a crucial role in equipping the younger generation with the ability to effectively communicate agricultural knowledge, information, and innovations. This includes understanding the target audience, identifying specific problems, and possessing the proficiency to propose actionable solutions," he emphasized.
He added that agricultural extension requires a blend of subject-matter expertise, communication skills, creativity, and an understanding of the issues faced by the community, allowing students to learn how to articulate their ideas in a structured way," he explained.
Through this Agricultural Extension Competition—part of the 'Students-E 2026' event series—the student organization 'Ruang Tani' at the State Polytechnic of Bangka Belitung (Polman Negeri Babel) hopes to inspire more students to explore the agricultural sector, develop creative ideas, and take an active role in addressing the challenges of advancing agricultural development," he concluded.
