Our Team
Team Story
At the Smart Agriculture Institute, our team is comprised of experts from various fields, united by a shared passion for revolutionizing the agricultural sector. With backgrounds in agronomy, data science, and sustainability, we bring diverse perspectives to our innovative projects. Through collaboration and cutting-edge research, we strive to develop smart solutions that will optimize crop yields, reduce environmental impact, and ensure food security for generations to come.
Executive Board
Prof. David Herák, Ph.D.
Executive Chairman
Prof. Ing. David Herák, Ph.D., is a distinguished expert in sustainable agriculture and its digitalization, currently serving as the Vice Dean for International Partnership at the Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. With extensive experience and expertise, he is at the forefront of promoting Czech-Indonesian university collaboration.
Prof. Herák’s professional focus lies in the application of agricultural technologies and the energy requirements of agricultural product processing in tropical regions. His research primarily centers on investigating the energy demands associated with processing Jatropha curcas L. seeds, along with their mechanical and physical properties.
Having actively contributed to international development assistance projects at Indonesia’s UNITA University, he served as a visiting lecturer and contributed significantly to the institution’s growth. Presently, he coordinates multiple international projects in Indonesia and leads the Erasmus plus Indonesia project. Prof. David Herák, Ph.D., has made substantial contributions to the advancement of smart agriculture 4.0 and remains a prominent advocate for Czech-Indonesian university collaboration. His impactful work shapes the future of agricultural development and human progress in the realm of agriculture.
Ing. Michal Wasserbauer, Ph.D.
Vice-Chairman
Ing. Michal Wasserbauer, Ph.D. is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and serial business founder. With over 15 years of experience, he boasts a proven track record in facilitating the expansion of companies into the Asian market. Michal is an active co-investor in selected startups, Private Equity, and Venture Capital funds, contributing to the growth of his personal portfolio. He also collaborates with various global expert networks to share his wealth of expertise and knowledge. Furthermore, he serves as a reviewer for several international journals, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field.
Ferry Fredy Karwur, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Vice-Chairman
Ir. Ferry Fredy Karwur, M.Sc., Ph.D., is a distinguished expert in the field of Molecular Biology. He completed his doctoral studies at Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine, London, in 2001. Currently, Dr. Karwur serves as a senior lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Salatiga. His dedication to the field is evidenced by his extensive publication record, which includes 118 articles and books in both national and international journals.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Karwur’s research focuses on molecular epidemiology and molecular biology of gout arthritis and related metabolic diseases.
Ir. Eka T.P. Simanjuntak, MM.
Chief Executive Officer
Ir. Eka T.P. Simanjuntak, MM., is a distinguished professional with a dynamic background in agribusiness and strategic management. He earned his Master’s degree in Strategic Management from Prasetiya Mulya Business School in Jakarta. Currently serving as the Managing Director of Willi Toisuta & Associates and Nusantara Sejati Foundation. Mr. Simanjuntak has successfully handled numerous projects, funded by both government entities at central and regional levels and renowned donor institutions like the World Bank, AusAID/DFAT, UNICEF, DfId, ADB, among others. His extensive experience and multifaceted expertise make Ir. Eka T.P. Simanjuntak a respected figure in the fields of education, human development, and strategic management.
Dr. Dharma Palekahelu
Director
Dharmaputra Taludangga Palekahelu is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of education, technology, and community development. He further honed his skills and knowledge in community development and data analysis, holding roles at prominent institutions such as the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
Dharmaputra’s extensive career includes positions as a teacher in the Faculty of Information Technology at Satya Wacana Christian University and as the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology from 2013 to 2017.
Ir. Manahara Manullang
Director
Ir. Manahara Manullang is a highly accomplished professional with a rich background in finance and management. He earned his degree in agribusiness from the esteemed Institute Pertanian Bogor (IPB) in 1986 and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Management from Unika Atmajaya University. , Jakarta, in 2008. His career in the financial sector began in 1989 when he joined Bank Exim, where he steadily advanced to the role of Branch Manager. In 2000, he transitioned to Bank Mandiri, where he made significant contributions over two decades, and culminated as Vice President of Bank Mandiri for several branches.
Advisory Board
Dr. Richard Napitopulu
Renowned Academics
Dr. Richard Alfonso Mangaraja Napitupulu, ST, MT, is a distinguished academic and leader with a remarkable career in the field of engineering and education. Currently holding the position of the rector of HKBP universityat. His dedication to teaching is reflected in the wide range of courses he has taught, including Material Engineering, Strength of Materials, Kinematics, and more. Dr. Napitupulu’s academic journey includes a doctoral degree from the University of Indonesia, where he completed his Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering in 2012.
Leonard Tobing
Government Liaison
Leonard Tobing is a distinguished figure recognized for his exceptional contributions to fostering the relationship between the Republic of Czechia and Indonesia. Among the recipients of the Gratias Agit Award, he holds a unique position as the first Indonesian citizen to receive this prestigious honor since the foundation of the award in 1997.
He served in the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was later appointed as the Ambassador in the Czech Republic. Following his diplomatic service, he took on the role of managing the Agricultural and Rural Training Center in North Sumatra.
Prof. Dr Gürkan Gürdil, Ph.D.
Industry Veterans
Prof. Dr Gürkan A. K. Gürdil, Ph.D., is a renowned Turkish scientist in the field of agricultural engineering. He currently works as a head of the Department of Agricultural Machines and Technologies, Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Samsun. He does research in Life Sciences, Bioenergy, Renewable energy sources, Computing in Mathematics, Programming Languages, Engineering, Agro Forestry and sustainable development. His current projects are focused on processing industrial residues for solid biofuel, pelleting and briqueting, and producing biofuels from agricultural residues. Prof Gurdil has published many articles in high-level scientific journals and has been involved in several international projects.
Supervisory Board
Prof. Dr Willi Toisuta, Ph.D.
Renowned Academics
Prof. Dr. (HC) Willi Toisuta, Ph.D., is a distinguished figure in the realm of smart agriculture. Prof. Toisuta holds a Ph.D. in Educational Planning from Macquarie University, Australia, and has held pivotal roles in academia, including serving as Vice Chancellor (Rector) of Satya Wacana Christian University, Salatiga, Indonesia. Beyond academia, he is the Senior Partner of “Willi Toisuta & Associates” (WTA), an esteemed educational consulting group based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Through WTA, Prof. Toisuta has been actively engaged in consultancy projects addressing critical agricultural challenges, focusing on sustainable practices and technology integration. His global impact is evident in his role as a consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), contributing to the reconstruction of Aceh’s agriculture sector. Prof. Toisuta’s thought leadership extends to constitutional reform, where he chaired the Education Commission of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the National Parliament and the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia. Recognized as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, he continues to foster collaborative research and academic excellence in agriculture.
Dr. Prabawa Eka Soesanta
Government Liaison
Prabawa Eka Soesanta, with over 38 years of experience in community empowerment. His background is in government management, public services, teaching, training, capacity building, planning, and budgeting has led to a proven track record in enhancing community access to services and improving quality of life.
His career at the Ministry of Home Affairs, spanning from 2000 to 2023, includes key roles like Director of PIU P3PD 1D Component, overseeing district strengthening in village governance.
Prabawa holds degrees in Public Administration, Developmental Economics, and a Doctorate in Environment and Natural Resources Management.
Ing. Petr Hnizdil
Industry Veterans
Ing. Petr Hnízdil is a Czech industrial engineer, entrepreneur, inventor and designer. He is the co-founder of Prolab Engineering, a technological company focused on developing and researching autonomous technologies in the fields of agriculture, industry and defence. His company ensures the production and sale of its own autonomous devices worldwide and is also involved in developing and applying advanced forms of drone control, including artificial intelligence. Petr Hnizdil is highly experienced with 3D modelling of aircraft and drone structures and is a prestigious prototyping specialist. He deals with developing and applying 3D printing in various research fields. He is a pioneer in developing application drones in the agricultural industry, implementing AI technology in drone control and guidance systems.