Strengthening Collaboration: IPB University, PT Supra Sari Lestari, and Mom Uung Educate on Nutritious Food Products
IPB University is strengthening its collaboration with several industrial partners to develop nutritious food products, specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
A cooperation agreement was signed with PT Supra Sari Lestari and PT Ibu Anak Sukses (Mom Uung). This partnership represents a mutual commitment to providing food products that are safe, high quality, and research based.
The Managing Director of PT Supra Sari Lestari, Bryan HR Suryanto, BSc, PhD, emphasized that the collaboration with IPB University is a strategic step toward introducing product innovations with a broad impact.
“The integration of academic research with industrial needs allows us to produce higher quality products that are well-received by the community,” he explained. PT Supra Sari Lestari itself brings over two decades of experience in the processed food and beverage industry.
As part of the collaboration series, a talk show was held as a platform for public education regarding the importance of research based food products, particularly for pregnant and lactating mothers. Through this forum, the public was encouraged to understand that nutritious, safe, and effective food must be supported by robust scientific research.
One of the speakers, a Professor of Nutritional Science at IPB University, Prof M Rizal M Damanik, presented his research findings on the benefits of the torbangun plant (Plectranthus amboinicus) as a breast milk stimulant (galactagogue).
Prof Rizal explained that his research on torbangun began with an interest in examining the truth behind traditional practices passed down through generations. He noted that local wisdom often harbors scientific potential that has yet to be fully uncovered by modern research.
“The use of torbangun for breastfeeding mothers has long been recognized in the traditions of the Batak community. However, at that time, there was no scientific proof regarding its effectiveness. Therefore, I began researching it in 2001, and the research continues to this day because its benefits are quite extensive,” he stated.
Research results indicate that the consumption of torbangun can help increase breast milk production. Initially, the plant was consumed as a boiled vegetable. Over time, the community began processing it by adding coconut milk to make the taste more palatable.
“The tradition of consuming torbangun is scientifically proven. Breastfeeding mothers who consume it show an increase in milk production. Originally it was just boiled, but later coconut milk was added to make it easier to consume,” he explained.
With the progression of research, torbangun is no longer consumed only as a vegetable; it has been developed into lactation capsules and functional foods. It has also been recognized as a herbal breast milk support under the regulations of the Ministry of Health.
The Director of Cooperation, Communication, and Marketing at IPB University, Dr Alfian Helmi, emphasized that partnerships with industry are part of IPB’s vision to address national nutrition and health challenges. He also introduced the IPB Science Technopark as a facility supporting the development of applied research and product innovation alongside the industry. (AS) (IAAS/HNF)
