Yogyakarta, November 3, 2025 — The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM) welcomed a team of experts from Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), South Sulawesi, as part of the Benchmarking Program for the Priority Research Downstreaming and Technology Development.
The visit focused on the downstreaming activities of the innovation titled “Porang Rice: A Functional Food Product Based on Low-Oxalate Porang Flour”, a research output from the DTPB FTP UGM research team led by Dr. Hanim Zuhrotul Amanah, S.T.P., M.P., Ph.D., with team members Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., Dr. Sri Rahayoe, S.T.P., M.P., and Joko Nugroho Wahyu Karyadi, S.T.P., M.Eng., Ph.D.
Hasanuddin University Expert Team
The visiting expert team from Hasanuddin University consisted of:
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Prof. Dr. Ir. Meta Mahendradatta,
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Prof. Dr. Ir. Abu Bakar Tawali,
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Dr. Mirzalina Zainal, S.E., M.S.E.,
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Andi Nur Fajri Suloi, S.T.P., M.T.P., and
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Shafa Anindha Nabila, S.T.P. (FTP UGM).
The team was warmly received by Dr. Hanim Zuhrotul Amanah and her research colleagues in the DTPB FTP UGM Meeting Room. The session began with a presentation on the Porang Rice innovation, followed by an engaging discussion on potential product development, downstreaming strategies, and cross-university collaboration opportunities.
After the discussion session, the delegation visited the DTPB FTP UGM Incubator Laboratory to observe the Porang Rice pilot production process. During the visit, the UNHAS team observed the formulation, processing, and granule molding stages that produce rice-like grains with lower calorie content and higher dietary fiber.
The Porang Rice has low calcium oxalate levels due to refined porang flour and exhibits longer shelf life thanks to its low moisture content.
This innovation demonstrates the application of agricultural and biosystems engineering in developing functional food alternatives that contribute positively to public health and strengthen national food security.
The Porang Rice research and downstreaming program contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): through local-based food innovations that support food security,
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SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): through the development of local food processing technologies into value-added products,
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SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): by promoting efficient and sustainable resource utilization, and
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SDG 5 (Gender Equality): through the active role of women researchers in food technology innovation, exemplifying female leadership in agricultural and biosystems engineering.
This benchmarking activity is expected to strengthen academic networks, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange between FTP UGM and Hasanuddin University, particularly in developing functional food technologies from local resources.
Through this activity, DTPB FTP UGM reaffirms its commitment to advancing research-based innovation, empowering women researchers, and fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive agroindustry system.
