Utilizing local natural resources can bring multiple benefits, particularly in strengthening the local economy. On Tuesday (January 4), several Women Farmers’ Groups (Kelompok Wanita Tani, KWT) from Gunung Kidul—representing the villages of Srikoyo, Karang Asem, Piyuyon, and Banyumanik—participated in a community service program led by lecturers from the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The activity focused on transforming cassava into manggleng, a traditional crispy snack, and was held in collaboration with Banyumanik Research Centre.
Department News
The Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has officially launched a new dairy product pilot plant facility to support academic and innovation activities. This facility, inaugurated on Thursday (February 6), is one of the significant outcomes of the Kampus Merdeka Competitive Program (PKKM) grant. It was established through collaboration between TPHP UGM, the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), the Centre for Food and Nutrition Studies (PSPG), and PT Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia.
Dr. Sunardi Siswodiharjo, S.T.P., M.Agr., returned to share his expertise with students of the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP) UGM, particularly those enrolled in the Food Preservation Technology course. This guest lecture titled “Food Preservation Systems: Industrial and Market Insights” took place on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
In his lecture, Dr. Sunardi explored food preservation systems not only from a technical standpoint but also from a commercial perspective. He guided students in understanding how preservation technologies are applied in the food industry and how innovation in this industry can enhance product competitiveness in the market.
Universitas Gadjah Mada held a graduation ceremony for 1,408 graduates from the Undergraduate and Applied Bachelor programs in the Second Graduation Period of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, including six graduates from the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Faculty of Agricultural Technology.
In her congratulatory remarks, Dean of FTP, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., extended her warmest congratulations to all graduates for completing their studies. She emphasized that an academic degree is not merely a personal milestone but also a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the nation. “May the knowledge you have gained bring a positive impact and continue to benefit society,” she said.
The Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a guest lecture titled “Catering Business Management” on Monday, March 10, 2025. This session featured Frederic Arnold Wibowo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Jolly Bakery, Padi Resto, Java Zest Bakery, and Rumpun Padi Resto. During his lecture, Frederic shared effective strategies for managing catering businesses efficiently and sustainably.
He began by emphasizing the importance of good practices in business, a high-quality product, and establishing clear operational standards. Consistency in taste can be achieved through the use of weighing scales during production, while selecting the right serving tools can enhance the overall customer experience.
The Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a laboratory equipment training session aimed at enhancing the technical competencies of its academic community. The micropipette training took place on Monday, June 23, 2025, and was open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. Additionally, it was mandatory for all laboratory technicians within the department.
The training was divided into two main sessions: theory and practice. The theoretical session was delivered by Mr. Zulkarnain from PT Infiniti Bioanalitika Solusindo, covering the fundamental principles of micropipette operation, pipetting techniques such as forward and reverse pipetting, and pipette maintenance. Participants were also introduced to two pipette systems—air-cushion and positive displacement, which were adjusted to liquid characteristics such as viscosity, vapour pressure, and density.
Fitri Asih Victoria, S.T.P., Regional Manager PT. Boga Makmur Wijaya, also an alumna of the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP) UGM, Class of 2004, returned to her academic roots as a guest lecturer for the Food Industry Sanitation course on Monday (March 17). The session was mandatory for students enrolled in the course and offered real-world insights into the sanitation practices of the food service industry.
In her presentation, Ms. Fitri began by introducing the foundational concept of a restaurant, not merely as a place that serves food and beverages, but as a service-oriented environment focused on customer satisfaction. A core element of this service is maintaining stringent standards of sanitation and food safety, including the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), a crucial component. She emphasized the need to manage critical control points to minimize the risk of contamination. These include proper storage of ingredients in warehouses, chillers, and freezers, as well as strict monitoring of temperature and heating durations during food preparation and cooking.
Aditya Putra Nugraha, Release Manager East Factory PT Sari Husada and an alumnus of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP) UGM class of 2004, returned to his alma mater as a guest lecturer in the Food Industry Sanitation course on Monday (21/04). This guest lecture is a mandatory session for students who have enrolled in this course.
Drawing from his experience in the Quality Food Safety Department at PT Sari Husada, Mr. Aditya delivered a comprehensive lecture on sanitation practices within the dairy industry. A key focus of his lecture was hygiene management, a crucial component of the seven prerequisite programs supporting the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.
Amalia Fitriani, S.T.P., an alumna of the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP) UGM from the class of 2018 and the founder of Call Me Tiramisu, was invited as a guest lecturer for the Entrepreneurship I course on Tuesday, May 6. Amalia, fondly known as Lia, shared her journey and valuable insights on the importance of developing entrepreneurial character in today’s challenging world.
According to Lia, building a business inevitably involves facing various problems and challenges. However, these very challenges often give rise to solutions and opportunities that can be leveraged to create a sustainable enterprise. “Entrepreneurial character is not something innate—it is shaped through experience, perseverance, and a continuously developed mindset,” she explained.
The Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held another guest lecture on Tuesday (May 6), featuring Wisginanti Handayani from PT Foodex Inti Ingredients. The session centred around the rapidly evolving field of flavor technology, particularly in the food industry.
In her presentation, Ms. Wisginanti emphasized that the world of flavour extends far beyond basic taste. It involves a wide range of complementary components, such as spices and herbs, onions and garlic, pepper, as well as processed and artificial flavours—all of which are essential in creating distinctive and consistent taste profiles.