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Ketahanan Pangan

Local Food Potential For National Food Security

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Until 2024, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) notes that Indonesia still imports five major food commodities, namely rice, beef, garlic, corn and sugar. This high dependence on food imports often triggers inflation and burdens the national economy. For this reason, efforts to preserve and develop local food need to be prioritized, especially through sustainable food diversification to support food independence, economic stability and national food security. However, efforts to preserve and increase local food production are not easy. Policies and programs to diversify local food consumption that have long been implemented have not shown significant results in increasing local food consumption. The main challenges include limited availability of local food due to prolonged drought, uncompetitive prices, and inconsistent product quality as there are no quality standards for local food.

Food Security

According to data from the National Food Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture in 2019, Indonesia has 77 species of local food plants that are sources of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, as well as various types of vegetables, fruits, and spices. Some examples of potential local food commodities include:

  1. Cassava
  2. Sweet potato
  3. Banana
  4. Corn
  5. Breadfruit
  6. Ganyong
  7. Sago
  8. Pumpkin
  9. Arrowroot/ arrowroot/current/selarut tubers
  10. Taro
  11. Suweg/iles-iles/porang
  12. Gadung
  13. Gembili
  14. Sorghum/cantel

From the many examples of potential local foodstuffs available in the community, according to the National Food Agency, people’s consumption patterns are still not diverse, nutritionally balanced and safe, which means that energy consumption from grains, oils, fats and animal foods still exceeds ideal consumption. In contrast, tubers, nuts, and vegetables and fruits are still lower than the expected food pattern standard. This shows that not all local foods are widely studied or cultivated by the community. If we only rely on one commodity, it means that we do not appreciate the diversity and richness of our biological resources.
To encourage the development of local food, a comprehensive strategy is needed, including:

First, an approach with the utilization of food processing technology carried out by changing the original form of local food and enriching its nutritional value in order to improve the image of local food, directed at certain segments of society that adjust to a practical lifestyle of presentation and processing, in collaboration with universities and research institutions. For example, analog rice from corn, sago, cassava, porang, etc.

Second, the approach of maintaining local wisdom towards the local food pattern culture. This is done through socialization and promotion in order to be confident that local food consumption patterns are very wise to maintain both in terms of health and cultural preservation. For example, making embal from Maluku, Rasi in Cirendeu, thiwul in Java, Sinonggi and Kabuto in Southeast Sulawesi, etc.

Third, expanding promotion and increasing consumer preference for local food through modification or innovation of food products that can eliminate boredom for consumers. In addition, the utilization of information technology such as marketplaces and social media can be used as a form of marketing strategy to expand product promotion. The government has a crucial role in encouraging the promotion of local food ingredients. The lack of support from the government can lead to low public awareness of the importance of local food consumption.

The Special Region of Yogyakarta itself has great potential in the development of local foods, such as sweet potatoes, cassava, ganyong, arrowroot tubers, and corn. These carbohydrate-rich foods can be processed into staple foods, such as sweet potato klepon, taro getuk, ganyong getuk, and lethek noodles. In addition, Yogyakarta’s local fruits, especially salak pondoh, are processed into products such as dodol salak, manisan salak, salak chips, and various other foods. Other local fruits, such as yellow kepok banana and kluthuk banana, despite their low selling value, can still be maximized into more attractive and value-added processed products.

Collaboration between farmers, government and the private sector is the key to developing and marketing local food effectively. With an integrated approach, local food is expected to become the backbone of sustainable national food security.

Then, what is the role of the community in supporting local food? According to Dr. Riska Purnama, a lecturer at one of the state universities as well as a local food activist in Yogyakarta, by buying food commodities produced by local farmers that are widely sold in traditional markets, as well as choosing processed food products typical of a region, in addition to supporting local food can also drive the regional economy. Also, buying vegetables and fruits according to the season that are easily available, will reduce the risk of adding preservatives because it does not require a long trip. In addition, by consuming staple foods other than rice, it becomes one of the ways to diversify food independently. Last but not least, don’t forget market snacks sold on the side of the road, most of which use local ingredients, such as sengkulun, lupis, gathot, getuk, kipo, jamu gendong, and many more. With these simple steps, the community not only supports the sustainability of local food, but also contributes to the preservation of culinary culture and the overall strengthening of the regional economy.


By: Dinar Mindrati Fardhani, Ph.D (Lecturer in Biotechnology at UNISA Yogyakarta)

Ketahanan Pangan
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Difabel 1

UNISA Yogyakarta Empowers Disabled Entrepreneurs with Fashion Design Training

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The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta demonstrated its commitment to empowering the community through a community service program in collaboration with SMK Muhammadiyah Gamping on Saturday (9/11/2024). LPPM UNISA Yogyakarta provided special fashion design training for people with disabilities as part of the Partnership-Based Micro Business Household Industry (IRT-UM) Development Program for Fiscal Year 2024 organized by Kemdikbudristek.

As a presenter from SMK Muhammadiyah Gamping, Lisa Sari Dewi, S.Pd.T who is a fashion design and production teacher. Lisa shared her knowledge and experience with the six trainees. In addition to Lisa, this activity was also accompanied by a team from UNISA Yogyakarta, namely Dr. Islamiyatur Rokhmah, S.Ag., MSI and Siti Nadhir Ollin Norlinta, S.ST.Ft., M.Fis.

The training focused on the preparation needed to maximize the sewing business that the participants had started. The material presented included effective tips and tricks for promoting sewing services through various social media platforms, the use of banners, and other media. In addition, the participants were also given an understanding of the important aspects of starting and running a business, beyond sewing techniques alone.

“We hope that through this training, the participants can develop their potential and improve their product quality and production capacity. Thus, they can be more independent and contribute to the community’s economy,” said Islamiyatur.
This community service program not only aims to improve the technical skills of the participants, but also to improve aspects of quality and production capacity. In addition, governance and institutionalization, as well as business development and marketing of their businesses.

Ollin said he hopes that through this training, people with disabilities can be more confident in developing their businesses and achieving financial independence. The collaboration between LPPM UNISA Yogyakarta and SMK Muhammadiyah Gamping in this program shows the importance of synergy between universities and other educational institutions in empowering the community.

“This partnership is expected to be an example for other institutions to contribute in improving welfare. Especially for vulnerable groups of society,” said Ollin.

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Pilkada

Pilkada as the First Step to Good Governance

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The dynamics of national politics seem to have subsided after the completion of the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres). The dominant victory of the Prabowo-Gibran pair over other candidates has made the after-effects of the presidential election less visible. This situation is something to be grateful for, because with the conduciveness maintained, the transition of government is expected to be softer and less turbulent. However, the calmness of the national political scene does not seem to be the same if we talk at the regional level. Political tension in almost all regions is experiencing a dynamic situation and full of “strategy wars”. The simultaneousRegional Head Elections (Pilkada) on November 27, 2024 are certainly the main reason for the dynamic political conditions in the regions today. On the one hand, the increasing political tension in the regions certainly provides political risks that affect the community. But on the other hand, the simultaneous regional elections certainly provide fresh air and new hope for the people in each region.

Simultaneous elections can be used as a momentum in an effort to realize new hopes for the people in the regions. Momentum for policy improvement, development, and a better life. Of course, this momentum will be easier to realize if it is accompanied by the qualified rationality of the voters. As explained in the concept of rational voter theory which argues that voters will choose candidates who are considered most favorable to them based on the information available. In this context, candidates who have good policies and focus on the interests of voters will be more likely to be elected, motivating other candidates to be oriented towards good policies. Based on this theory, it is clear that the momentum for improving the socio-political situation in a region starts with the rationality of voters in determining leaders.

Good Governance and Clean Government
Accuracy in choosing leaders in the region will certainly have an impact on the quality of further government management. As we all know, good governance and clean government are the expectations of all elements of society in the regions. Good governance creates the basis for governance that takes into account political, economic and social stability. In addition, good governance also seeks to increase public trust, strengthen democracy, and ensure resources are used for common welfare. By understanding and applying this concept, every institution can become more accountable and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development. Meanwhile, clean government is an effort to create government institutions that are free from corruption, collusion and nepotism. Creating a clean government is the same as improving the quality of development in the region. These two things must be a concern, because cases of Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism (KKN) are recorded to be increasingly widespread and have become an inhibiting factor in the regional development process. Data from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for 2004-2024 states that there are 167 regional heads caught in corruption cases (regents/mayors and their deputies).


Simultaneous regional elections should be a new step and hope for each region in developing their regions by prioritizing the principles of good governance and clean government. The community as the determinant of who the new leader will be elected, becomes the most instrumental party. Based on this situation, of course, rationality and good political literacy must be put forward so that later voters can choose with full consideration and responsibility. If these efforts can be applied, then the implementation of good governance by the next regional leader is increasingly real to be applied.


By: Gerry Katon Mahendra, S.IP., M.I.P. – Lecturer in Public Administration at UNISA Yogyakarta

Pilkada
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Tangani Sampah

Losida, an Alternative to Handle Waste and Face the Rainy Season without Disaster

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The rainy season is here again, bringing with it a worry that seems to be an annual ritual: floods that inundate various regions. Every year, news about floods, the accumulation of garbage in river basins, and the losses suffered by the community fill the media pages. However, behind this natural phenomenon, there is a fundamental problem that we can actually overcome together: waste management that is still far from ideal and low public awareness of environmental cleanliness.

Flooding is an effect, not a cause. Most floods are a result of human behavior, not just a natural result of high rainfall intensity or the topography of the area. Floods are mainly the result of our inability to manage waste properly. Data shows that our waterways, rivers and even beaches are currently full of waste, which not only impedes the flow of water but also threatens the ecosystem as a whole. Unfortunately, the solutions we have implemented have not been strong enough to tackle this problem. Policies related to integrated waste management are often just ideas on paper that are not followed by serious and sustainable implementation.

Household organic waste management is often a challenge for many people. Food scraps, vegetables, fruit peels, and other kitchen materials that are simply thrown into the trash can actually still be utilized in a more useful way. One method of organic waste management, which is gaining popularity and is environmentally friendly, is the LOSIDA method, which stands for Lodong Sisa Dapur. The existence of LOSIDA has great potential in preventing flooding due to the accumulation of waste. This concept allows every household to have an effective and efficient waste management system.
LOSIDA is an organic waste management system that focuses on utilizing kitchen waste as compost material through containers in the form of paralon, barrel, bucket, gallon or other closed containers that can be easily placed in the home area. The aim of this method is to reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, as well as to produce high-quality compost that can be used for plants. The process is quite simple and practical, so it can be done by anyone, both in urban and rural areas, without the need for expensive tools or materials.
LOSIDA is a practical, cheap, and effective solution in managing household organic waste. In addition to reducing the volume of waste disposed to landfill, preventing the accumulation of waste in waterways, this method also supports environmental sustainability and contributes to maintaining environmental cleanliness and building a culture of waste care. The more people who apply this method, the greater the positive impact on cities prone to flooding.
The rainy season need not be a threat anymore if we are willing to do something about small things, such as kitchen waste management. With LOSIDA, we can face the rainy season without worrying about flooding, while supporting environmental sustainability. Let’s make waste management a priority, not just an annual discourse. Only with collective awareness and concrete actions, we can realize a clean environment and free from floods caused by waste.


By: Suprihatin Wijayanti
University of `Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

Tangani Sampah
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Program Internasional

UNISA students successfully undergo international program at the University of Leed

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Master of Midwifery Batch XI students of Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta completed the International Practice Project Program at the University of Leeds, England. In this program, Unisa Yogyakarta students attended lectures in the classroom, to experience midwifery practice directly applied in the UK.

International Program

Unisa Yogyakarta students participated in the International Practice Project Program at the University of Leeds, UK, for 10 days from late October to early November 2024. They attended lecture sessions, clinical practice, and collaboration with leading health institutions in the UK.
“This experience not only increases knowledge, but also makes an impression on our hearts as students,” said one of Unisa Yogyakarta’s Midwifery Master Students, Wahyuni Idvia Nova, in a release statement, Thursday (14/11/2024).
The program was opened directly by Professor Angela Graves, Head of School of Healthcare under the Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Leeds, one of the best universities in the UK which is ranked 75th according to the World QS Ranking in 2024. Students’ spirits were further boosted when Dr. Vishal Aggarwal from the School of Dentistry spoke on the topic of dental care during pregnancy, opening students’ eyes to the importance of this aspect of health for pregnant women.

Each lecture session provides its own color. Topics such as qualitative research, quality of midwifery care and the importance of physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum enriched students’ understanding. Materials provided by various health professionals, including PhD students and physiotherapists, enhanced students’ understanding of the importance of interprofessional collaboration in improving the quality of maternal and child health services.
“In addition, we also attended clinical skills sessions such as newborn examinations, which provided an opportunity to experience first-hand how midwifery practice is applied in the UK,” said Wahyuni.
The International Practice Project Program this time was special because it coincided with the signing of a cooperation document between the University of Leeds and Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta. The event was attended by the Rector of Unisa, Dr. Warsiti, and Vice Chancellor of UoL, Prof. Hai-Sui Yu. The presence of two leaders from these institutions reinforces the commitment of both universities in strengthening international collaborations that will support various innovative academic and research programs.
One of the most memorable moments was the clinical visit to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, namely Leeds General Infirmary and St. James’s Hospital. There, students witnessed first-hand how delivery services in world-class hospitals are delivered. Students attended clinical sessions guided by health workers such as midwives, nurses, Obgyn doctors, dietitians, consultants who provide services to pregnant women with type 1 and 2 diabetes. This experience greatly broadens the horizons and increases the appreciation of Unisa Yogyakarta students for the health profession, especially midwives.

The program was closed with a presentation of student work and the presentation of awards for participants who showed the best achievements. A joyful atmosphere graced the closing of the program which was enlivened by an angklung performance by the students, introducing Indonesian culture to lecturers and international colleagues at the University of Leeds.

Program Internasional 2
Program Internasional
Program Internasional 1
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