Professor Isnansetyo received the award along with two other UGM lecturers: Dr. Rachma Wikandari from the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP UGM) and Professor Ika Dewi Ana from the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM).

Professor Isnansetyo won the Best Innovation Award for his innovation on a waste-free process for utilizing brown seaweed to control fish and shrimp disease and produce biofertilizers. 

“This innovation is inspired by Indonesia’s rich marine resources, which researchers or industries have not widely explored,” he told reporters on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

According to him, brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae) contains a high alginate content and fucoidan. 

“Alginates can be applied in medicine, industry, food, feed, and fisheries,” he explained.

His research uses alginate and fucoidan compounds from brown seaweed for aquaculture. 

As a lecturer in the Department of Fisheries, Professor Isnansetyo uses alginates to enhance fish and shrimp immunity, while fucoidan improves fish vaccine effectiveness. 

“This research has produced several immunostimulant formulations based on alginate and fucoidan,” he said.

He hopes the research outcomes can be applied in the community by industries and fish farmers. 

The veterinary pharmaceutical industry can produce fish vaccines with adjuvants like fucoidan and immunostimulants. 

“These vaccines have been distributed to marine fish farmers to enhance fish immunity. We also collaborate with companies to commercialize these products,” he explained.

In the future, he hopes to continue the research to achieve more perfect results. 

One of his efforts is to upgrade the technology used to create vaccines and immunostimulants. 

Professor Isnansetyo revealed that his team had started developing nanoparticles in the form of nano-alginates and nanofucoidan. 

By creating nanoparticles, the effectiveness of the formulated products is expected to increase. 

“We aim to improve the quantity and quality of fishery production as a protein source to enhance public nutrition and health,” he said.

He acknowledged that his research utilizing brown seaweed is based on the concept of a zero-waste process. 

He is grateful for receiving the award for his research on brown seaweed utilization. 

In addition to the Hitachi Award, Professor Isnansetyo also received the 2023 Academic Leader in Maritime Affairs Award from the Directorate General of Higher Education. 

“I am proud to be part of UGM, as this award also reflects UGM’s nationally and internationally recognized reputation,” he added.

Author: Tiefany

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Artikel UGM Researcher Develops Fish and Shrimp Immunostimulants from Brown Seaweed pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Therefore, clean and disease-free eggs are essential to prevent the spread of diseases that can affect public health, such as typhoid. 

“This disease occurs in eggs contaminated with Salmonella bacteria,” said Salma Nur Azizah, a 2022 UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) student, Thursday (Feb. 6).

In response to this issue, Azizah, along with fellow student Mohammad Rizky Zulfahmi, proposed using ultraviolet C (UV-C) light to combat Salmonella bacteria in the layer chicken farming industry. 

Azizah explained that UV-C light has the shortest wavelength among other ultraviolet rays. Based on various references they studied, UV-C light is strong enough to damage bacterial DNA, including Salmonella. 

“Using UV-C light to combat Salmonella contamination is an effective and simple method. UV-C light stops the growth of pathogenic bacteria by breaking their DNA chains,” she explained.

Zulfahmi added that the UV-C system designed to combat Salmonella bacteria consists of several parts: a control panel, sterilization plastic, egg tray, machine wheels, frame, gear wheels, conveyor belt, and UV-C light. 

Specifically, UV-C light can kill Salmonella bacteria in 10-15 minutes, depending on the wavelength and exposure time. 

“Installing UV-C light on the conveyor after grading can optimize time efficiency in industrial-scale operations. Therefore, it is important to introduce this UV-C sterilization method to the layer chicken farming industry to enhance food safety and quality,” Zulfahmi elaborated.

The creative idea from these two Animal Science students, under the supervision of Galuh Adi Insani, won 2nd place in the Poultry Literacy Competition held by Universitas Padjadjaran’s Poultry Professional Group from Aug. 27 to Sept. 26, 2024.

Report: Animal Science UGM/Satria

Author: Agung Nugroho 

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

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Artikel UGM Students Propose Using UV-C Light to Combat Salmonella Bacteria in Chicken Eggs pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This award was granted for her dedicated research on microprotein developed from soybean boiling water.

Dr. Wikandari has been conducting research on microproteins for approximately four years. According to her, microproteins are an alternative protein with nutritional content between meat and soybeans. 

Its amino acid content is also more complete than that of soybeans. Microprotein itself is made from the mycelium of tempeh mushrooms grown in a liquid medium. 

The harvested texture resembles dough, making it easy to shape into forms like meatballs or sausages. 

“However, there is still a need for development to make the texture of the harvested product similar to chicken meat,” Dr. Wikandari said on Tuesday (Feb. 4).

Regarding her expertise in food processing, Dr. Wikandari mentioned that this microprotein’s advantages go beyond its nutritional value. 

The production process is relatively short, taking just two days, and the yield can be up to one kilogram. Moreover, the reactor needed is only 1×1 meters in size, making it space-efficient. 

“The enzymes it contains can grow on various substrates, such as soybean boiling water,” she explained.

She added that in addition to its nutritional benefits, microprotein production can help address the waste problem generated by the tempeh industry and increase income for tempeh vendors. 

Currently, Dr. Wikandari is working on a sterilization model for the medium, and further research is being conducted on the reactor to simplify it for commercialization.

Dr. Wikandari’s research not only led her to win the Hitachi Award but also earned her several other awards, including the L’Oreal – Unesco for Women in Science National Fellowship 2024 Award Academy.

Dr. Wikandari noted that this award motivated her even more to continue making tangible contributions to society. She acknowledged that introducing this research to the public posed its challenges. 

The lecturer explained that Indonesian society tends to be resistant to new food products, a phenomenon known as food neophobia. However, the mushrooms used in microprotein are the same as those found in tempeh, so there is no need to be concerned about consuming microprotein products. 

“It does need to be cooked beforehand, as it contains RNA that could potentially cause gout, but the microprotein product is safe to consume, just like tempeh,” she said.

In December 2024, Dr. Wikandari introduced microprotein to the public by collaborating with a chef to prepare it as spaghetti. The public response was positive, and many enjoyed the microprotein dish. They remarked that its texture was similar to sausage.

Dr. Wikandari hopes that the research on alternative food potential she has developed can help solve societal problems by exploring and utilizing local food resources.

Author: Jelita Agustine

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos by: Firsto and Shutterstock

Artikel Investigating Microprotein Benefits in Tempeh Mushrooms, Dr. Rachma Wikandari Wins Hitachi Award pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The two professors are Professor Tri Satya Mastuti Widi, inaugurated as professor of livestock production systems, and Professor Panjono, inaugurated as professor of livestock production at Animal Science UGM.

These two animal science experts complemented each other and discussed the importance of animal science for society’s broader needs. 

In his inaugural speech, “Development of the Livestock Industry Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045,” Professor Panjono explained that the fulfillment of the meat supply as part of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, which aims to improve the quality of education and children’s health by providing nutritious food, is crucial to supporting the program. 

“Meat contains many essential nutrients for the body, such as proteins, iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins,” he said.

Chicken, beef, and buffalo meat primarily dominate meat consumption in Indonesia. However, unlike broiler chickens, which can meet demand due to a surplus, beef and buffalo meat still experience a deficit. 

This deficit arises from the lower production of beef and buffalo meat, which stands at 496.25 thousand tons compared to the national demand of 759.67 thousand tons.

This shortfall has been met through meat or live cattle imports. However, relying on imports is not ideal for national food independence, according to him. 

“Meeting meat demand by increasing domestic production will enhance food sovereignty and provide added value for the livestock industry,” he stated.

He further elaborated that strategic steps must be taken to develop a livestock industry that meets national needs and increases farmers’ income. 

These include improving genetic quality, applying efficient farming techniques, developing production systems, and optimizing business scales. 

“These steps must be outlined in short, medium, and long-term programs so that the goal of independently meeting national meat demand can be achieved alongside the realization of the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision,” Professor Panjono concluded.

Similarly, Professor Tri Satya Mastuti Widi raised related issues in her inaugural speech, “Designing Sustainable Livestock Production Systems with a Holistic Approach Based on Local Wisdom.” She explained that a sustainable livestock production system could help address food security issues in Indonesia.

Professor Widi stated that food and energy availability are crucial and longstanding issues for many countries worldwide, and Indonesia is no exception. 

She explained that red meat, particularly beef, is a traditional source of animal protein in Indonesia, but there is still a gap between production and consumption. 

“Reflecting on projections of beef production and consumption in Indonesia for 2023–2027, a gap between production and consumption remains,” Professor Widi explained.

She further noted that this deficit is partly due to differences between government programs and farmers’ goals. 

Professor Widi then discussed various efforts to meet food needs, explaining that every effort to increase food production has impacts on the environment, biodiversity, animal welfare, and human health. 

Therefore, a sustainable approach that appreciates local wisdom is needed to ensure that future food production does not compromise human health, biodiversity, animal welfare, or the environment. 

“Research and development should be directed towards the contribution of agricultural/livestock production systems to sustainable development through a holistic approach that recognizes farmers’ dual objectives and related trade-offs,” she emphasized.

In her closing remarks, Professor Widi presented several ideas related to the sustainability of livestock production systems, particularly in livestock development. 

These include paying attention to local production systems and local wisdom, analyzing trade-offs and impacts in every production system’s progress, improving local production systems, land use sharing, and utilizing marginal land, as well as synergistic, comprehensive, and conducive government policies. 

She added that the success of this design requires collaboration from all stakeholders and government support to make it a reality.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Professors Discuss Livestock Industry Strategies for Golden Indonesia 2045 pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

It contains approximately 14-19% crude protein, making it a potential livestock feed, as explained by Professor Zuprizal, a researcher from the Animal Feed Science Laboratory (IMT) at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM), during the Fapet Menyapa event on Friday, Jan. 24, discussing the potential of feed additives for livestock feed.

Professor Zuprizal mentioned that Indonesia’s annual feed production is about 20 million tons, and the optimal proportion of palm kernel cake used in broiler chicken feed formulation is 10%, supplemented with essential amino acids and enzymes. 

“There is potential to use around 2 million tons of palm kernel cake for broiler chicken feed,” said Professor Zuprizal.

He further explained that using 10% palm kernel cake in broiler feed could reduce the use of corn by approximately 9% and soybean meal by around 3%. 

“This would result in savings, especially since soybean meal is still imported,” he added.

However, due to the high fiber content, particularly mannans in palm kernel cake, supplementation with external enzymes like mannanase, NSPase, and protease is needed to improve nutrient digestibility, which in turn enhances productivity, carcass quality, and the digestive health of broiler chickens.

The IMT team also presented several research examples of feed additives using nanoparticle technology for broiler chickens, such as nanotechnology turmeric extract, nanotechnology cardamom extract, nanoemulsion lemongrass essential oil extract, and soursop leaf extract.

Alongside Professor Zuprizal, the IMT team present at Fapet Menyapa included Professor Kustantinah, Dr. Aji Praba Baskara, Dr. Nanung Danar Dono, Dr. Insani Hubi Zulfa, and Dr. Aeni Nur Latifah.

Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria

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Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

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Artikel Palm Kernel Cake Potential as Additional Livestock Feed pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), as an active institution in environmental conservation and sustainable development, is intensifying its Zero Waste campaign by implementing independent waste management on campus.

UGM’s waste management efforts include promoting environmental preservation through guidelines for separating waste by type, reducing the use of Styrofoam food containers, encouraging personal tumblers, and motivating the academic community to maintain health through regular exercise.

Nurudin Basyori from the Facilities Maintenance Division, Directorate of Assets at UGM, stated that the university collects about 6-7 cubic meters of waste daily, transported in three trucks. 

“Every day, we transport 6-7 cubic meters of waste,” he said at the UGM Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT UGM) complex in Berbah, Sleman, on Wednesday (Jan. 22).

In line with the rector’s regulation, the waste collected is pre-sorted and placed in designated bins around the campus. 

“We do not collect unsorted waste,” he explained.

However, this directive is not always fully adhered to, as certain areas, such as Jalan Sekip, still mix waste, requiring workers to sort it. 

“Some areas comply, but not all,” he noted.

Although the Asset Directorate’s primary responsibility is waste collection, Basyori emphasizes the importance of sorting waste by type to the cleaning staff. He believes continuous education about waste sorting is essential.

Beyond maintaining campus cleanliness, UGM also engages in waste processing. 

“The sorted waste from faculties is transported to PIAT UGM,” he explained.

The sorted waste is processed at the PIAT UGM complex in Berbah. Organic waste, such as leaves, is turned into compost. 

“The resulting compost is used for gardens around the campus,” he added.

The Zero Waste campaign at UGM aims to reduce daily waste volume while facilitating waste collection and transforming it into something beneficial.

Pipit Noviyanti, who oversees waste processing activities at PIAT UGM, explained that the recycling innovation center processes three categories of waste from the UGM campus: leaf sweepings, branches, and mixed residual waste.

Leaf and branch waste is composted using windrow composting and composting bins. Residual waste undergoes manual sorting and shredding. 

“The organic waste output becomes compost, utilized for PIAT UGM’s internal environment and campus landscaping,” she explained.

There are three outputs for mixed shredded waste: organic pulp for composting, low-value plastics processed by third-party partners into building materials, and non-recyclable residual waste sent for final disposal.

To support waste sorting and processing, Noviyanti emphasized the need for collective responsibility among all stakeholders, including students, staff, and educators. 

“Our hope is for UGM to be free of unsorted waste, where all waste is properly separated by type,” she concluded.

Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Promotes Zero Waste Campaign through Independent Waste Management pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

They helped address challenges in providing livestock feed and introduced clean water processing technology to the communities.

In their service, UGM students also created a village profile website, updated village data, and provided training for MSME actors.

During the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of KKN-PPM activities in Kendal Village on Tuesday (Jan. 22), Dr. Arie Sujito, UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, welcomed and appreciated the efforts and works of UGM students. 

He expressed his happiness that the students’ work had already produced results that the community could feel after only three weeks. 

For him, KKN-PPM is the best way for students to practice interacting with rural communities. By engaging with the community, he said, students communicate with residents while delving into their various issues. 

“These students are learning to engage, learning to interact. This is UGM’s way of educating them to interact, so they learn from the community,” he said.

During the M&E, the UGM delegation listened to a presentation on KKN-PPM activities by Raden Razaq Farel Aryabima, Head of KKN PPM Unit 2024-JI060, and Ari Cahyono, the field supervising lecturer. 

In addition to discussions, the M&E participants had the opportunity to visit an MSME exhibition showcasing packaged food products such as Andini Onion Crackers, Asih Cassava Chips, Pacitan Bakpia, Banana Chips, and Ambar Arum Dried Bananas.

Punung District Head, Pudji Haryono, expressed his appreciation and gratitude, as the villages in his area had been selected for UGM’s KKN PPM activities. 

According to him, the KKN-PPM has truly assisted the development efforts in Punung District, particularly in the two villages, Sooka and Kendal. 

“UGM students have provided great value to the community, especially in terms of empowerment. However, we hope that what is left behind can be continued. No matter how much has been provided by these students, if there is no continuity, I feel it will eventually fade away,” he said.

Haryono also mentioned that Punung District has hosted KKN-PPM students for three consecutive years. The warm welcome from the community during these three years has been a testament to their contributions. 

In addition to carrying out their main program, the students also supported other activities, such as assisting with health services at local health posts (posyandu), especially for the elderly. 

“I’ve heard that they help with religious study sessions in the afternoon. These students teach Quranic studies, which is extraordinary, especially since this area still lacks teachers for Quranic instruction, and religious issues are very important because in building humans, we must not only focus on the physical but also the mental aspect,” he explained.

Sooka Village Head, Eko Wahyudi, expressed his gratitude for the presence of UGM students. 

He stated that the student’s presence greatly helped the residents of Sooka, especially in preparing livestock feed for the dry season. 

He noted that Sooka Village experiences a shortage of livestock feed during the dry season, while during the rainy season, there is an overabundance, which often goes to waste. 

“By introducing silage and fermented livestock feed production, the community can now prepare for feed availability. Additionally, they introduced technology to draw water from underground using solar power technology, but unfortunately, the cost is not cheap,” he said.

UGM’s KKN PPM Unit 2024-JI060 in Punung adopted the main theme of village data renewal in Sooka Village and Kendal Village, Punung District, Pacitan Regency. 

Several Senate Chairpersons and Secretaries attended this M&E event, including Professor Sulistiowati, Professor Hermin Indah Wahyuni, and Chair of Commission I, Professor Regina TC. Tandelilin. 

Also present were Chair and Secretary of Commission II, Professor T. Yoyok Wahyu Subroto, Dr. Raden Roro Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, Professor Ganis Lukmandaru, Dr. Ahmad Zubaidi, UGM’s Directorate of Community Service Secretary Dr. Djarot Heru Santoso, Sooka Village Head Eko Wahyudi, Kendal Village Head Bambang Widodo, and several other leaders.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel UGM KKN PPM Students Create Livestock Feed Fermentation and Introduce Clean Water Processing Technology in Pacitan pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Shell Eco-Marathon is a prestigious competition that showcases energy-efficient vehicles that push the boundaries of innovation. 

This year marks a new chapter after five consecutive years of the competition being held in Indonesia, specifically at the Mandalika Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Hans Tobias Sihombing, the General Manager of Semar UGM, stated that the Semar UGM team is presenting two of its best vehicles to compete with energy-efficient innovations from numerous international student teams. 

These vehicles are the Semar Urban Hydroz 1.2, powered by hydrogen fuel, and the Semar Proto 4.0, which uses electricity as its primary energy source.

“We aim to bring a grand vision to promote sustainability innovation through this international competition,” Sihombing said in a statement to reporters on Wednesday (Jan. 15).

Sihombing noted that Semar UGM achieved various outstanding accomplishments in previous competitions, such as first place in the Urban Hydrogen Fuel Category, first place in the Prototype Electric Category with a record of 938 km/kWh, first place in the Off-track Data and Telemetry Category, and third place in the Regional Championship. 

“Semar UGM’s achievements in previous years demonstrate the team’s dominance and competence as one of the best in the field of energy-efficient vehicles,” he explained.

Semar UGM’s path to victory was not easy. Great sacrifices had to be made, such as missing final exams, which they had to retake after the competition. 

The team faced tremendous pressure during the competition due to a critical issue. The Semar Proto 4.0 failed the technical inspection until the second day, leaving no opportunity for Semar Proto to practice on the track. 

However, through intense discussions, collaboration, and unwavering determination, Semar Proto 4.0 ultimately claimed 1st place in its category. 

“This experience was a nerve-wracking moment that demonstrated the team’s resilience, dedication, and determination to achieve the best and emerge as champions,” he recalled.

Semar UGM is determined to continue this spirit of innovation as it brings its environmentally friendly vehicle designs closer to implementation on the road. The journey toward this achievement is not done alone. 

Semar UGM is proud to receive support from various partners committed to sustainability, such as PT Petrokimia Gresik, Pos Properti Indonesia, Jericho, PLN, Toyota Astra Motor, Citra Jelajah Informatika, Wefreight, Inalum, Pebsteel, Dharma Precision Parts, and Air Liquide. 

Semar UGM is also continuously open to collaborations with new partners who share the same vision: to create beneficial and sustainable innovations and creations for the world.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photo: Semar UGM

Artikel Semar UGM Ready to Compete in 2025 Shell Eco-Marathon in Qatar pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The fisheries sector contributed $27 billion to GDP in 2019, created 7 million jobs, and provided over 50% of the country’s animal protein needs.  

According to Dr. Jaka Widada, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), Indonesia’s vast potential necessitates skilled human resources to manage the fisheries sector effectively and sustainably. 

“We need fisheries graduates ready to advance Indonesia’s fisheries sector,” said Dr. Jaka Widada during the regional conference and inauguration of the Yogyakarta Regional Board (DPD) of the Indonesian Fisheries Graduates Association (ISPIKANI) at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, on Sunday (Dec. 22).  

Dean Widada emphasized that ISPIKANI, established on May 12, 1984, is a professional organization in the fisheries field. It serves as a forum for fisheries graduates to contribute ideas for advancing fisheries development in Indonesia and to mobilize fisheries graduates to drive fisheries development. 

He hoped ISPIKANI would serve as a solution-oriented organization that prioritizes professionalism, working alongside the government and other fisheries stakeholders to advance the sector. 

“Synergy is crucial. It is no longer feasible to take a reductionist approach; synergy among various fisheries professions is essential,” the dean stated.  

One hundred fisheries graduates from the Yogyakarta Special Region attended the regional conference and inauguration of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta. Participants represented diverse professions: educators, researchers, bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, and fisheries observers. 

Sulhan Anwar, the initiator of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta, said the conference was an opportunity to strengthen the vision and mission of fisheries graduates. He hoped ISPIKANI would become a home for fisheries graduates to contribute to society. 

“I strongly encourage all members to continue synergizing and supporting ISPIKANI’s work programs,” he added.  

Dr. Agus Suherman, the Chair of DPD ISPIKANI, welcomed the regional conference and inauguration of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta. He highlighted that today’s challenges are not about military conflicts but food security. 

He urged DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta to initiate breakthroughs and implement programs that collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve food sovereignty in Indonesia. 

“In 2025, we plan to hold a National Coordination Meeting (RAKORNAS) to devise faster and more precise strategies to address fisheries sector issues,” he explained.  

Dr. Suherman added that the establishment of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta completes the DPD ISPIKANI network across Java Island. With the formation of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta, the organization now has 31 regional boards nationwide. 

The forum appointed Professor Alim Isnansetyo, Head of the Fisheries Department at UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture, as chair for the Yogyakarta chapter for the 2024-2028 term.  

Professor Alim Isnansetyo affirmed his commitment to implementing programs for institutional development and introducing ISPIKANI to fisheries graduates. 

“We need to enhance the fisheries industry’s contribution to increase interest among new students. Especially with issues in the fisheries sector in Yogyakarta aligning with the region’s vision of among tani dagang layar, where the government aims to position the sea as a front yard,” he stated.  

He further explained that ISPIKANI could collaborate with the government to enhance maritime potential and improve community welfare. 

“Empowering and tapping into this potential could significantly enhance people’s livelihoods,” he concluded.  

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Fisheries Graduates Association Expected to Advancing Fisheries Industry in Yogyakarta pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event, themed on the development and utilization of natural products for human well-being, brought together representatives from countries including Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and China.  

Professor Catur Sugiyanto, a professor from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), participated in this international conference. 

Speaking to journalists on Friday (Jan. 3), Professor Sugiyanto highlighted that the URSWAP forum serves as a global platform for discussing innovations based on environmentally friendly and sustainable natural resources. 

During the seminar session, which was part of the conference activities, he presented a paper titled “Applying Contract Farming to Mangrove Farmers: Supporting Natural Dye Sources from Mangrove.” 

In his presentation, he discussed the potential application of contract farming models for mangrove farmers in Kampung Laut, Cilacap Regency, Central Java Province.  

“This research supports the Shanghai Institute of Material Medica (SIMM) program by utilizing natural dyes from mangroves as healthier alternatives for humans,” he said.  

As a member of the Institute for Natural Dyes Innovation (INDI) UGM, Professor Sugiyanto emphasized that natural dyes are also more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic dyes, supporting sustainable practices in the textile industry. 

He further explained that mangrove preservation is crucial as a source of natural dyes and plays an essential role in protecting coastal communities from erosion and rising sea levels due to climate change. 

“Mangroves provide habitats for various fish and marine species, contributing to the sustainability of fishery resources. Additionally, mangroves hold significant potential for development as ecotourism destinations, which could increase the income of local communities,” he added.  

In the proposed contract farming model, Professor Sugiyanto suggested that mangrove farmers collaborate with the textile industry, such as Gama Indigo under INDI UGM, to produce and market natural dyes extracted from mangrove bark. 

Through this approach, the mangrove ecosystem could serve as an economic resource and be preserved for future generations.  

According to him, the model includes technical support, market access, and community-based management to ensure quality and adherence to environmental standards. 

He also noted that implementing contract farming could provide stable economic incentives for mangrove farmers while ensuring the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems. 

“This program directly supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals. With the collaborative support of SIMM, UNESCO, ANSO, and URSWAP, the various approaches proposed are expected to inspire cross-sector cooperation in promoting human well-being and global environmental sustainability,” he concluded.  

Report by: FEB UGM/Shofi Hawa Anjani & Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Professor Catur Sugiyanto of UGM Participates in International Conference on Natural Product Utilization for Well-being in China pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.