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.

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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.

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Issues have arisen regarding budget allocation, menu choices, and the readiness of catering providers. 

Addressing these concerns, Dr. Revrisond Baswir, a senior economist from UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), stated that this program is an extraordinary breakthrough that should have been started long ago. 

“The nutritious meal program is an extraordinary breakthrough in my view. Why? Because it asserts that the essence of development is human development,” he said during an interview at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

Dr. Baswir further explained that development should not be separated from people, as many often think that development and people are unrelated.

But in reality, they go hand in hand and influence each other.

From an economic standpoint, Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia clearly mandates that the nation carry out what is referred to as economic democratization.

Therefore, the people should be positioned as subjects, not merely objects, within the Indonesian economy. 

Operationally, this means that people as subjects must have access to means of production and capital to support economic growth. 

“In Indonesia, it’s not enough for the people to just be workers,” he clarified.

Dr. Baswir identified three types of capital that people should possess:  intellectual, institutional, and material capital. 

These should be fulfilled sequentially, starting with intellectual capital, which can be cultivated through the nutritious meal program. 

Furthermore, he added, this program can empower people, especially those in regions outside the capital. Indonesia’s varied regional conditions cannot be treated the same.

Dr. Baswir believes that the free nutritious meals program can lead to decentralization, where local governments manage the program based on their region’s specific conditions. 

This would allow the circulation of money to stay within the regions, helping to balance the local economy. 

Additionally, this opens up opportunities to empower local communities by recruiting people through cooperation, volunteerism, and various job opportunities related to the program. 

However, he emphasized that this program should not burden the people or local budgets. 

“Don’t just shift the responsibility to the regions because (they) don’t have the funds. The program is significant, and some are worried—what is the maximum allocation limit?” Dr. Baswir asked.

The economist, who is also the former head of UGM’s Center for People’s Economy Studies, urged the government to save money, avoid wastefulness, and be more selective in spending. 

The government should find ways to increase revenue to fund the program without resorting to borrowing or cutting other budget areas that would burden the people. 

“The people should not become the victims. The challenge is to provide nutritious meals at an affordable cost,” he added.

One cost-saving measure the government could take is dissolving unnecessary institutions, particularly within the government. 

He said many of these institutions are not essential but continue to receive funding that could be better allocated to this program.

Finally, he reminded the public that sovereignty lies in the hands of the people. Citizens should not remain passive about government policies, as their voices are essential in a country that belongs to them. 

“People often feel like beggars in the economic field, but it’s their right. This program is part of their basic human rights, not just political and social rights,” he emphasized.

According to him, the program is not an act of government charity but rather a fulfillment of the people’s basic human rights. Therefore, he hopes that the people will become more aware of their role and actively participate by voicing their opinions and ideas.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Many responses have emerged regarding this program from different segments of society. Currently, both students and experts are providing commentary on the program.

Not a few members of the public have criticized the sustainability of this program, as many aspects still seem to need further discussion, especially regarding the success indicators for each goal of the MBG program.

It is natural for there to be pros and cons to a government policy. Controversies have ranged from the budget allocated for each child, which was initially set at Rp 15,000 but later reduced to Rp 10,000. 

This adjustment has sparked debate about whether this amount is sufficient to meet a child’s nutritional needs. Similarly, concerns have been raised about the meals being served. Given the budget constraints, the menu may not adequately cater to the children’s tastes. 

Indeed, some cases have emerged where certain dishes are not liked by the children and are discarded because they go uneaten.

Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at UGM (FTP UGM), Professor Eni Harmayani, commented on the issues that have arisen over the past two weeks. She suggested that the MBG program should be further evaluated regarding the types of meals offered and how they are prepared to prevent food waste. 

“Every region has its own food culture or habits, so it is important to establish national standards for determining menus, the nutritional content of ingredients, and food preparation methods to ensure that the nutritional value is preserved,” said Professor Harmayani on Monday (Jan. 20).

To monitor the success indicators and implement these national standards effectively, collaboration with various stakeholders, including schools, food experts, nutritionists, and local governments, is required to maximize results. 

“The program needs success indicators that involve schools since they operate on a smaller scale, allowing for more controlled monitoring, and they can also involve parents who understand their children better,” she added.

According to Professor Harmayani, the communal kitchens currently being used for the MBG program must also be managed professionally to prevent them from becoming obstacles. 

Many considerations must be addressed, such as whether the meals served are still fit for consumption, how food is prepared, and the cleanliness of the kitchen itself. 

Therefore, collaboration is needed among different parties regarding food preparation, storage, and distribution. 

“There needs to be education on how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals,” she added.

The dean expects this program to become well-planned in terms of food quality, production techniques, and success indicators and can be measured effectively. 

She emphasized that the MBG program is a positive initiative that needs to be carried out, given the urgency of improving the nutritional standards of the Indonesian population. 

“If this program is not well-planned, its effectiveness and sustainability will be called into question,” she concluded.

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He mentioned that over 49,000 vaccinations have been conducted in 16 provinces since the end of last year. 

“A total of 13,956 sick livestock have also received special treatment from veterinarians,” said Dr. Suganda during a national seminar titled “Roadmap and Strategy Towards FMD-Free Indonesia,” Friday (Jan. 16) at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM).

He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated a budget of IDR 104 billion to support the implementation of a four-million-dose vaccination program in FMD eradication zones. 

“We seek support from fellow veterinarians from all institutions. We have established communication channels because eradicating FMD will be very difficult to achieve without cooperation,” stated the director general.

On this occasion, Dr. Suganda presented data on FMD cases and management in Indonesia throughout 2024. FMD cases peaked between April and August, ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations. 

From Dec. 28, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025, more than 25,000 livestock were recorded as infected with FMD, spread across 2,736 villages. According to him, these figures indicate that FMD has become a threat requiring serious attention.

UGM Professor of Veterinary Microbiology, Agnesia Endang Tri Hastuti Wahyuni, stated that FMD is a highly contagious transboundary disease affecting animals, capable of spreading quickly and unpredictably nationally and internationally. 

Infected livestock are characterized by lesions in the mouth and on the feet, decreased milk production, body weight, and production issues. 

“Although the mortality rate is not high, FMD causes trade losses,” said Professor Wahyuni.

Meanwhile, Professor Agung Budiyanto, a lecturer in the Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics at FKH UGM, emphasized that universities, especially Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, must contribute to handling FMD. 

Universities can serve as task forces, clinical and laboratory experts, and community service practitioners guiding the community. In addition, universities also provide support through communication, information, and education in the short, medium, and long term.

Short-term handling is done to reduce losses with effective management and accurate diagnoses. 

“Steps that can be taken include determining treatment according to the condition of the livestock,” he explained.

After an accurate diagnosis, treatment involves administering vitamins, protein, dewormers, or hormonal therapy. 

“Medium and long-term handling includes vaccination, treatment, and public education,” he concluded.

The seminar, organized by FKH UGM, also featured several other speakers, including Dr. Muhammad Munawaroh, Chair of the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (PB PDHI), and veterinarian and entrepreneur Nanang Purus Subendro from PT Indo Prima Beef. 

Additional speakers included veterinarians Bima Ade Rusandi from Kediri Regency and Retno Widyastuti, Head of the Animal Health Division of the Livestock and Animal Health Office of Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta.

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While this program has great potential to enhance students’ cognitive abilities by providing nutritious meals, its success heavily depends on proper food management and transparent governance. Without this, the program risks becoming a target for corruption.

This issue was highlighted during a discussion at Pojok Bulaksumur, titled Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG): A Review from Nutrition, Policy, and Food Supply Chain Perspectives, held on Jan. 17 in the Hallway of UGM’s Central Office. 

The event, organized by the Secretariat of UGM, featured three UGM experts: Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo from the Department of Public Policy Management, Professor Subejo from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, and Dr. Toto Sudargo from the Department of Health Nutrition.

Dr. Toto Sudargo emphasized that the MBG program has significant potential to enhance students’ cognitive development if managed well. However, the program also requires proper food preparation to ensure nutritional value. 

“Consuming nutritious food, like protein from eggs, is crucial for brain development. However, the presentation must also be appealing to encourage children to eat,” he stated.  

He illustrated how well-prepared egg dishes, such as omelets or scrambled eggs, could offer additional calories and benefits. He emphasized that quality should be prioritized over quantity. 

“What matters is that the children eat and the food isn’t wasted. Meals should not end up as trash,” he added.  

Professor Subejo highlighted the importance of utilizing local food ingredients for the MBG program. He pointed out that relying on imported staples like wheat poses a significant challenge that needs immediate attention. 

“Indonesia has abundant local carbohydrate sources like cassava, corn, and sago. By leveraging these, we strengthen food security and empower local farmers,” he explained.  

Professor Subejo also suggested empowering villages as the base for distributing nutritious meals. He proposed that the distribution process would be more efficient and tailored to community needs if villages were granted authority to manage funds and create menus using local ingredients. 

“This approach can also minimize the risk of food spoilage due to long distribution routes,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo stressed the need for transparency and accountability in managing the program’s substantial budget to ensure its effectiveness. He warned that corruption risks must be addressed through rigorous oversight involving all levels of society. 

“The allocated budget of IDR 71 trillion per year, targeting 19.4 million children, must be carefully monitored. We cannot allow corruption or misuse of funds for other purposes,” he said.  

The three UGM experts agreed that the MBG program represents a long-term investment requiring sustained commitment from various stakeholders. Dr. Sudargo noted that similar programs in India only showed significant results after over a decade of implementation. 

“This program must continue uninterrupted, regardless of government changes. If consistent, Indonesia can achieve substantial improvements in health, cognitive abilities, and the achievements of future generations,” he stressed.  

The two-hour discussion concluded with high hopes for the MBG program’s success. The experts called on all societal elements to support and oversee its implementation.

“This is an investment in future generations. If the program succeeds, Indonesia will have healthier, smarter, and globally competitive citizens,” Dr. Sudargo concluded.  

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Responding to the dairy cow import policy to fulfill the milk demand for the MBG program, Professor Widodo from the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada advised the government to plan technical aspects carefully. 

He also emphasized the need for caution to prevent the spread of new diseases and the risk of declining dairy cow productivity.

He explained that amid the surge in Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) cases, there is a potential for an increase in its spread. In fact, livestock already infected with FMD are at risk of losing productivity.

“We should avoid increasing disease spread. If an outbreak occurs, it will be difficult to manage. Hence, caution is needed,” Professor Widodo told reporters on Thursday (Jan. 16).

According to him, imported dairy cows must go through a strict quarantine process to prevent the introduction of viruses or even new diseases. 

“Currently, the world is alarmed by the spread of viruses that originally affected animals and then transferred to humans,” he noted.

Professor Widodo emphasized that import companies must also bring in quality forage feed sourced from pre-prepared land during the strict quarantine process. 

“Cows need food. Is there sufficient forage land ready? How much land is required for 100 cows? For 100,000? For a million? Sometimes government programs make sense, but they are bombastic,” he commented.

“As an academic, I must honestly say that this program has benefits, provided it is organized, structured, and planned rationally,” he explained.

Professor Widodo agreed with the policy of importing dairy cows to meet the demand for free milk, but it must be supported by the availability of land for cows to supply forage and other concentrated feed. 

“Thorough planning is needed, and we must avoid bringing in diseases from outside, especially if there is no land for the cows,” he added.

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