
Stunting is a term used to describe low Height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) nutritional status, defined as being below -2 standard deviations. Stunting hinders children from reaching their full physical and cognitive potential. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) on the nutritional status of stunted children in Boyolali Regency, Central Java. This study employed a pre- and post-test control group design involving 71 subjects with an intervention period of 90 days. Nutritional intake was assessed based on a 2x24-hour recall, food diversity was evaluated using the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS), and the nutritional status of children was determined based on the HAZ z-score. Data collection of the subjects’ characteristics, FFQ, 24-hour recall, and IDDS was conducted through interviews. The nutritional status was obtained by direct measurements. Significant differences were observed in energy adequacy, macronutrients, zinc, and iron (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the daily calcium intake after intervention (p>0.05). There were significant post-intervention differences between the intervention and control groups on consumption diversity, HAZ, and Weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), including differences in their increase (p<0.05). The weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) parameter and the difference in improvement were not significantly different between the two post-intervention groups (p>0.05).
Brownies are cakes characterized by a soft and dense texture, dark brown in color, and a distinctive chocolate flavor. Gluten-free brownies are an alternative for people with celiac disease. Cascara is a byproduct of coffee bean processing that retains antioxidant activity. This study explored the potential of cassava and mocaf flour in making gluten-free brownies. This study aimed to determine which brownies, made with various types of flour and cascara additions, exhibited high antioxidant activity and were preferred by the panellists. This study used a completely randomized design with two factors: flour type (cassava and mocaf) and cascara substitution (8.3%, 16.7%, 33.3%, and 50%). The results showed that brownies with the highest antioxidant activity (88.21%) were treated with mocaf flour and 50% cascara substitution. The characteristics of the brownies are 24.59% moisture content, 1.97% ash content, 0.02% flavonoid content, 17.87% fat content, 6.25% protein content, 1.39% fibre content, and 49.42% carbohydrate by difference content. The brownies with the highest overall preference were those treated with mocaf flour and the addition of cascara (8.3%). The addition of cascara flour to gluten-free brownies can increase antioxidant activity levels.
Foodborne outbreaks linked to large-scale school feeding programs highlight the critical role of personal hygiene among food handlers in safeguarding public health. In Indonesia, the Free Nutritious Meal (Makan Bergizi Gratis-MBG) initiative has recently faced scrutiny following multiple cases of food poisoning, underscoring systemic challenges in hygiene compliance. This review synthesizes evidence from recent outbreaks, international guidelines, and comparative experiences from similar programs worldwide. Key risk factors include inadequate handwashing practices, improper use of protective clothing, and limited training among food handlers. Structural barriers such as insufficient sanitation infrastructure and weak regulatory oversight further exacerbate vulnerabilities. Drawing on global best practices, this paper emphasizes the need for continuous education, routine monitoring, and policy integration to strengthen hygiene standards in mass feeding initiatives. By framing personal hygiene as a cornerstone of food safety, the review advocates for preventive strategies that not only reduce outbreak risks but also enhance the sustainability and credibility of school-based nutrition programs.
Indonesia’s agricultural supply chains are characterized by fragmentation, smallholder dominance, and limited traceability, which constrain sustainability performance and compliance with emerging global standards. While blockchain has been widely proposed as a solution, its adoption in emerging agricultural systems remains uneven and insufficiently understood from a systemic and resource-oriented perspective. This study develops a resource-orchestrated causal model of blockchain adoption in Indonesia’s sustainable agricultural supply chains, grounded in the Resource- Based View (RBV). A Modified Delphi process is employed to validate 61 enablers across 11 resource-based dimensions, followed by DEMATEL analysis to identify their hierarchical interdependencies and causal structure. The results reveal that organizational capabilities and resource-based innovation serve as primary drivers, while sustainability, profitability, and competitive advantage emerge as dependent outcomes. This indicates that sustainability performance is not an initial trigger of blockchain adoption but an emergent consequence of coordinated resource alignment, governance mechanisms, and capability development. By integrating consensus-based validation with causal modeling, this study advances blockchain adoption research beyond deterministic approaches toward a systemic, capability-driven perspective. The study provides both theoretical and policy-relevant contributions by offering a structured framework for understanding and implementing blockchain-enabled digital transformation in fragmented agricultural systems.
Aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga) contains bioactive components with potential functional benefits, such as phenolic compounds and antioxidants. This study aimed to assess the effect of soaking time on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of aromatic ginger. Fresh ginger was washed, sliced, and soaked in boiling water for 0, 10, and 20 minutes. The solutions were then filtered and analyzed for total phenolic content and radical scavenging activities using the DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that a 10-minute soaking time yielded the highest total phenolic content (5.35 mg GAE/100g), while the lowest phenolic content (2.97 mg GAE/100g) was observed at 0 minutes. DPPH radical scavenging activity ranged from 1.02% to 5.67%, with the highest activity occurring after 20 minutes of soaking. Similarly, ABTS radical scavenging activity peaked at 80.12% after 10 minutes of soaking. These findings suggest that both phenolic content and antioxidant activity are significantly affected by soaking time.
Biogas technology relies on anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, producing a gas mixture containing 40–70% methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and trace amounts of other gases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of activated carbon derived from palm kernel shells, activated using NaOH, H3PO4, and Na2CO3, in enhancing CH4 concentration and reducing CO2 content in biogas purification. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage involved preparing activated carbon from palm kernel shells using different chemical activation agents (NaOH, H3PO4, and Na2CO3). The second stage focused on purifying biogas produced from cow manure using a fixed dome digester. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with one experimental factor (scrubber material), tested at six levels: control (no absorber), Ca(OH)2, H3PO4- activated carbon, NaOH- activated carbon, Na2CO3- activated carbon, and commercial activated carbon. Results showed that NaOH-activated palm kernel shell carbon had the highest iodine absorption, ash content, and moisture levels compared to the other activation agents. Furthermore, biogas purified using NaOH- activated carbon exhibited more than a 100% increase in CH4 and a CO2 reduction of up to 93%.
One of the leading causes of the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus is an imbalance in dietary intake, particularly the consumption of high-sugar, low-fiber foods, which can significantly elevate blood glucose 2 hours post-prandial. In contrast, high-fiber foods with a low glycemic index can help prevent such spikes. Snack bars offer a promising vehicle for delivering high dietary fiber, especially when made from ingredients with a low glycemic index, such as green beans and purple sweet potatoes. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of snack bars made from purple sweet potatoes and mung beans to prevent increases in blood sugar associated with diabetes mellitus. This study used Five formulations were developed using various ratios of purple sweet potato flour and mung bean flour. P0 (100:0), P1 (75:25), P2 (50:50), P3 (25:75), and P4 (0:100). The snack bars were analyzed for anthocyanin content, amylose content, and acceptance test. Results showed that the 50:50 formulation (P2) had the highest amylose content, while the formulation made entirely from purple sweet potato flour (P0) had the highest anthocyanin content and received the highest acceptance ratings from the panel. These findings suggest that purple sweet potato and mung bean- based snack bars have potential as functional foods for managing blood glucose levels.
Dyslipidemia is one of the risk factors for heart attack. Reducing fat levels in people with dyslipidemia can be done by consuming foods containing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in the form of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Sources of SCFA can come from complex carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) derived from unripe bananas, fermentation by probiotics. This study aims to evaluate the highest FOS content of four types of bananas and three types of wild bananas in the flesh and seeds. Banana flour with the highest FOS will be applied as a prebiotic in yogurt. The design of this study was an experiment with a completely randomized design. FOS analysis used the GC method, the preference test used the hedonic test, SCFA used the HPLC method, and sensory characteristics used the description test. The highest FOS content was obtained from Klutuk Batu seed flour (6.1031% ± 0.0398). The prebiotic concentration of Klutuk Batu banana seed flour was set at 6% based on the results of the preference test. The best SCFA content was obtained from yoghurt added with probiotic Lactobacillus acydophillus FNCC 51 (acetate 40.35%, propionate 3.09 ppm, and butyrate 0.08 ppm). The highest SCFA found in yoghurt with the addition of 6% prebiotic Klutuk Batu seed flour using probiotic L. acydophillus FNCC 51. The slightly sandy texture can be minimized by reducing the particle size from 60 mesh to 100 mesh.
The primary product of oil palm processed into oil is its fresh fruit bunches (FFB), which typically weigh between 6 and 35 kg. After harvesting, these FBBs must be transported to the palm oil mill. One critical step in this process is loading the FBBs onto truck beds, which is currently done manually. This physically demanding task poses a risk of injury and requires considerable labor. Additionally, counting the number of FBBs loaded is necessary for inventory and logistics. This study presents a preliminary design for an FFB elevator system mounted on a truck bed, which also includes an automatic counting feature. The design methodology combines exploration of existing manual loading practices in oil palm plantation with redefinition through the development of a mechanical conveyor system integrated with mechatronic components. The design process involved calculating loading speed and power requirements, selecting appropriate energy sources, and incorporating a counting mechanism. The proposed system consists of an elevator attached to the side of a truck bed, powered by an electric motor with a minimum generator capacity of 3 HP, and achieves a loading speed of 6 FFBs per minute. The counting system is operated by an Arduino microcontroller, equipped with switches and counter sensors. The design serves as the foundation for future model development and functional testing to validate performance and feasibility.
Protein-containing fermented foods are source of important amino acids. We studied amino acids profile of three coconut-based traditional fermented food originated from Central Java, namely “kethek”, “bungkil”, and dage tempeh. Samples were collected from traditional markets in Purwokerto (dage tempeh), and Gombong (kethek and bungkil). Samples were dried and powdered upon analysis. Results showed that the total of amino acids were 244.551 g/kg (kethek), 514.15 g/kg (bungkil), and 15.10 g/kg (dage tempeh). Highest concentration of essential amino acids in the products were phenylalanine (17.66 g/kg in kethek), histidine (6.46 g/kg in bungkil), and isoleucine (12.18 g/kg in dage tempeh). Bungkil and dage tempeh showed methionine as the lowest concentration of essential amino acids, 0.462 g/kg (bungkil), 0.696 g/kg (dage tempeh). While tryptophan and methionine in kethek were also in low concentration, 3544.7 and 3.628 g/kg, respectively. Based on the highest concentration of essential amino acids, the products showed good candidate for source of compounds related to neurotransmitters.
The agricultural sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane, due to anaerobic conditions in paddy soils. Effective monitoring of these emissions is critical for climate change mitigation and sustainable agricultural practices. This study developed an Internet of Things (IoT)-based system for real-time monitoring of methane emissions and soil health. The system integrated advanced sensors: RS-CH4-X-2-EX for methane detection, CWT-BL-ORP-2K-S for redox potential measurement, and QC-S8 for soil chemical analysis. The design process focused on creating a user-friendly platform capable of providing continuous and accurate data. Field testing evaluated the system’s performance under flooded paddy field conditions. The RS-CH4-X-2-EX sensor demonstrated high precision (±2%) and rapid detection (<10 seconds), accurately capturing methane concentration dynamics. The CWT-BL-ORP-2K-S sensor effectively monitored redox potential with stable readings in anaerobic environments, while the QC-S8 sensor provided detailed information on soil moisture, nutrients, and pH levels, critical for precision agriculture. The sensors were seamlessly integrated into an IoT platform, allowing remote data access and real-time visualization, enhancing decision-making for sustainable farming. This system offers a cost-effective and scalable approach for monitoring GHG emissions and improving soil health, enabling more efficient resource use, increased productivity, and reduced environmental impacts.
The snake fruit chips industry generates significant environmental impacts due to fuel emissions and production waste. Food loss and waste occur at various stages, including processing, storage, and distribution. To address these challenges, this study proposes the integration of circular economy principles by repurposing snake fruit peel and seed by-products into powdered beverages, based on the follow-up scenario for by-product utilization. Environmental impacts were assessed using OpenLCA 2.0 software and the ReCiPe Midpoint 2016 method, focusing on categories such as global warming potential, stratospheric ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and human carcinogenic toxicity. For every 15.024 kg of raw material used, 1 kg of chips was produced, requiring a total energy input of 30.277 MJ/kg, of which 42.3% was electrical energy, 51.2% LPG, and 6.5% fuel. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) results indicated that the production stage contributed most significantly to environmental impacts, with Global Warming Potential (GWP) as the dominant category. Implementing circular economy strategies not only reduces environmental harm but also enhances resource efficiency and promotes sustainable consumption and production practices within the snake fruit chips industry.
Iced tea is a popular beverage in Indonesia typically prepared by brewing dried tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) with hot water and adding ice cubes, often sweetened with sugar. This study aims to evaluate the presence of microbial contaminants and the possible use of sodium cyclamate in large iced tea servings sold by street vendors around Surakarta. A total of 25 samples were collected using purposive simple random sampling. Microbiological tests were conducted to determine Total Plate Count (TPC), total coliforms, total Staphylococci, and total Salmonella-Shigella contamination. The highest recorded values were as follows: TPC at 8.58 x 102 CFU/ml, coliforms at 419 CFU/100 ml, Staphylococci at 529 CFU/100 ml, and Salmonella-Shigella at 262 CFU/ 100 ml. These results indicate that the microbiological quality of iced tea sold on the streets of Surakarta does not meet the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for safe consumption. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness and hygiene training for vendors to ensure proper sanitation practices in the preparation and sale of iced tea.
In agricultural supply chain management that the involvement of intermediaries in product distribution often leads to increased prices for agricultural goods. This study proposes a solution using Smart Contracts and Certificate Authority within a blockchain framework to streamline distribution channels and reduce the Bullwhip Effect. The research simulates collaboration between farmers and consumers by implementing smart agriculture practices and optimizing distribution through Hyperledger Fabric- based blockchain technology. Data are securely stored in a ledger accessible only to authorized participants. The system framework includes farmers as producers, Village Unit Cooperatives as intermediaries, distributors, and end consumers. Ambient Intelligence technology, based on supply chain management principles, supports real-time awareness, activity recognition, and responsiveness using RFID sensors. Each product is tagged with RFID for automatic identification and tracking of goods and stakeholders. RFID-collected data are used to analyze consumer behavior and monitor presence, while GPS provides real-time shipment tracking with location updates and estimated delivery times. All components are integrated with blockchain to ensure transparency and efficiency across the supply chain. Transactions are automated via smart contracts, enabling secure and efficient processes while ensuring data integrity through a peer-to-peer network of nodes that store cryptographic records.
Community forest management practices among farmers vary based on several socio-economic factors. This study aimed to identify the types of community forest management adopted by farmers and to examine the factors influencing their choice of management practices. Data were collected through interviews with 40 respondents selected using an incidental sampling method. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors influencing management choices. The results revealed that teak and mahogany were commonly selected tree species due to inheritance, ease of marketability, the presence of naturally growing saplings, and low maintenance requirements. Maintenance activities, primarily weeding and fertilizing, were conducted alongside food crop cultivation. Harvesting was carried out as needed (tebang butuh) by selectively cutting trees with sufficiently large diameters for use or sale. Factors influencing planting decisions included age, mentoring, farming experience, participation in farmer group, and land size. Maintenance practices were influenced by the farmer’s main occupation, income from timber, and land area. Meanwhile, harvesting decisions were affected by family size and income from non-timber sources.
The swim bladder, or air bladder, is an internal gas-filled organ commonly found in most large marine fish, including the giant catfish (Arius thalassinus). During fish processing, the swim bladder is often discarded as a byproduct. Fresh swim bladders contain protein levels ranging from 12–33%, and when dried, they are marketed as fish maw. Fish maw has significant potential to be further processed into a high-value fish protein isolate (FPI). This study aimed to produce and characterize protein isolate derived from the fish maw of A. thalassinus using the alkaline extraction method. The results showed that fish maw flour contains 11.20% moisture, 85.3% protein, 0.94% ash, 0.94% fat, and 1.59% carbohydrates. It is also a rich source of amino acids, including glycine (16.6%), L-proline (9.4%), L-alanine (8%), L-arginine (8%), L-glutamic acid (8.1%), and L-threonine (4%). The FPI produced via the alkaline extraction method exhibited a protein content of 91%, with solubility of 66.94% in water, 56.65% in acidic solvents, and 80.64% in basic solvents. Additionally, the FPI demonstrated a water-holding capacity of 1.44 ± 0.09 g/g and an oil-holding capacity of 0.54 ± 0.05 g/g.
Resistant starch is known to reduce blood glucose levels. Analogue rice formulated from sago starch and red bean flour has been reported to contain high levels of resistant starch. This study evaluated the hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms of such rice in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA). Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with specific diets: a healthy control group (KS) fed standard feed, and diabetic groups fed standard feed (DSTD), boiled rice (DBMW), 100% sago starch-based analogue rice (DBS), or 90% sago starch and 10% red bean flour-based analogue rice (DBSKM). Interventions lasted 4 weeks, with weekly monitoring of blood glucose levels, biweekly assessment of insulin resistance via the HOMA-IR index, and final analysis of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in cecal digesta. An in-vitro glucose absorption assay using an inverted ileo-anal pouch was also conducted. The DBS group achieved the greatest blood glucose reduction (56%), while DBSKM showed the most significant improvement in insulin resistance, reducing the HOMA-IR index by 81%. Conversely, the DSTD group exhibited a 10% increase in the index. SCFA concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in DBS (133 mmol/L) and DBSKM (95 mmol/L) than DBMW (61 mmol/L). Glucose absorbability was significantly lower in DBS (13%) and DBSKM (16%) than DBMW (56%) (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that the hypoglycemic effects and improved insulin sensitivity in rats fed the analogue rice were associated with increased SCFA production and reduced glucose absorption, likely due to the rice’s high resistant starch content.
The increasing global demand for sustainable food production necessitates the adoption of low-carbon and efficient agricultural practices. This study explores the application of smart farming technologies to chili cultivation, particularly in Indonesia, a region where chili farming significantly contributes to the agricultural economy but faces challenges of resource inefficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Smart farming integrates Internet of Things (IoT) devices, automated irrigation, and precision agriculture to optimize water, fertilizer, and energy use, reducing the carbon footprint of chili production. The research, conducted through a systematic literature review, identifies strategies such as IoT-enabled soil moisture sensors, precision irrigation systems, and targeted fertilization techniques. These approaches collectively enhance resource efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts. When integrated with renewable energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation, these technologies further reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promoting both economic viability and environmental sustainability. Key findings reveal that precision agriculture not only mitigates GHG emissions but also improves crop resilience and profitability by reducing input costs and enhancing yields. The integration of renewable energy further aligns chili farming with Indonesia’s climate action goals, promoting a model for sustainable agricultural development. This study underscores the importance of adopting low-carbon smart farming practices to achieve greater agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental stewardship in the face of climate change.
Mayonnaise is a semi-solid oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion product with a high oil content, in which egg yolks play a key role as natural emulsifiers. This study aimed to determine the chemical, organoleptic, and droplet size properties of mayonnaise produced using various combinations of palm oil and soybean oil, along with different types of egg yolks, to develop a high-protein mayonnaise preferred by consumers. A completely randomised design (CRD) was used, with two factors: 1. the ratio of soybean oil and palm oil (40:60, 50:50, and 60:40), and 2. The type of egg yolk (laying hen, backyard chicken, and duck). The best result was found to be the 40:60 palm oil to soybean oil ratio combined with backyard chicken egg yolk, resulting in mayonnaise with 66.07% fat, 12.70% moisture, 4.75% protein, 2.39 dPaS viscosity, 99.80% emulsion stability, pH of 4.31, and an overall preference score of 3.73. Also, formulations using laying hen and backyard chicken egg yolks produced smaller, more tightly packed fat globules, enhancing emulsion stability. Backyard chicken egg yolk notably improved protein content and emulsion quality in mayonnaise.
Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) are typically cultivated at the beginning of the dry season, as they do not grow optimally during the rainy season. This study investigates the combined effects of mycorrhizal biofertilizer and NPK fertilizer on the growth of the Biosoy soybean variety during the rainy season. The experiment was conducted from 7 December 2022 to 7 March 2023, in Sidoharjo, Wonogiri District, Central Java, Indonesia using a Randomized Completely Block Design with two factors: mycorrhizal biofertilizer (0, 2.5 g, 5 g, and 7.5 g per plant) and NPK fertilizer (0, 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per plant), with three replications. Results showed that mycorrhizal biofertilizer application significantly impacted the weight of 100 dried seeds and seed yield per plot. NPK treatment significantly impacted plant height, fresh pods weight, 100 dried seeds weight, and seed per plot yield per plot, which reached up to 154.23 g. The interaction between mycorrhiza and NPK also had a significant effect on fresh pod and dry seed weights. The optimal combination was 5 g mycorrhiza and 2 g NPK per plant, which resulted in improved growth parameters: plant height (33.17 cm), number of leaves (83.25 strands), wet plant weight (25.20 g), dry plant weight (9.18 g), number of pods (29.83 fruits), fresh pod weight (29.11 g), dry seed weight (10.43 g), and 100 dried seed weight (25.97 g). These findings suggest that Biosoy soybeans can be effectively cultivated during the rainy season with proper fertilization.