UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., officially appointed Prof. Erlyna as Professor at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium on Monday (10/2/2025). During the event, Prof. Erlyna delivered an inaugural speech. The title of her speech was “Development of the ‘Porang’ (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Industry Towards the Global Market.”

Increasing Global Demand for Carbohydrate-Rich Foods

In her speech, Prof. Erlyna highlighted the growing global food consumption driven by population growth. She emphasized that the fundamental food need is carbohydrate-rich foods, primarily derived from cereals and tubers. Tubers, in addition to being carbohydrate sources, contain antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia has seen an increase in tuber consumption. This includes both staple and complementary foods. In particular, the Pacific region incorporates tubers into its traditional food culture, contributing to the rising demand. Commonly consumed tubers include sweet potatoes, cassava, gadung (Dioscorea hispida), gembili (Dioscorea esculenta), talas (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), and porang.

Economic Potential of Porang

Among these tubers, porang has shown the most significant growth in production and processing due to its high economic value. The tuber contains glucomannan, a substance used in various industries. It serves as a thickening agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, and gelling agent in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical sectors.

Though porang, also known as “iles-iles,” has gained popularity recently, Indonesians have used it for centuries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for porang surged. At that time, sellers priced glucomannan-rich shirataki rice at over IDR 200.000 per kilogram. Meanwhile, they sold porang tubers in Madiun Regency for IDR 15.000 per kilogram.

“The development of the porang agro-industry brings substantial financial benefits. It also creates opportunities for product diversification, enhances farmers’ welfare, and boosts national export value,” Prof. Erlyna explained.

Porang’s Global Market Potential

Porang holds significant potential as one of Indonesia’s leading export commodities. However, its development requires technological support, processing innovations, and government policies.

Challenges remain in the market. Its monopsonistic nature limits access, price stability, and information flow for business actors. Technological issues include removing oxalic acid and glucomannan extraction—processes that many porang entrepreneurs have yet to master. Furthermore, strict import standards for porang products—whether tubers, chips, or crepes—pose additional barriers.

Collaboration for Industry Development

To foster a sustainable porang industry, Prof. Erlyna advocates for a penta-helix approach. This includes collaboration between the government, businesses, academia, communities, and media. This collaboration can strengthen every aspect of the porang value chain, from production to marketing.

The porang industry can thrive in both domestic and global markets by implementing suitable policies and advancing technology. Supporting research, diversifying products, empowering farmers, and improving supply chains are also essential for its growth.

“The penta-helix model is an effective framework for collaboration. It is also the key to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of Indonesia’s porang industry,” Prof. Erlyna concluded.

Rector’s Expectations for New Professors

Rector Prof. Hartono reminded newly inaugurated professors to utilize their expertise to contribute to sustainable development. He urged them to remain dedicated to producing high-quality scientific work that addresses societal and national challenges.

“I hope the newly appointed professors will contribute to solving various national and global challenges,” Prof. Hartono said.

The addition of new professors in the field of Food Agribusiness will help advance research efforts. This supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 2: Zero Hunger. Professors in this field play a vital role in food security and efficient food distribution. They also contribute to developing innovative solutions to combat hunger.

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The initiative involves ten UNS students from four FP study programs—Agribusiness, Agrotechnology, Agricultural Extension and Communication, and Food Science and Technology—partnering with the Kenanga Women Farmers Group (KWT Kenanga) in Wonosari Village, Gondangrejo District, Karanganyar Regency.

Wonosari Village was strategically selected due to its potential for cultivating lemongrass and ginger, which thrive in dryland conditions. The area includes dedicated but underutilized land donated for educational activities.

“In this village, we have land allocated for educational purposes, but it hasn’t been utilized due to its dry conditions. We usually plant lemongrass and ginger because they are relatively resilient,” Diana, Chair of KWT Kenanga, said.

The program focuses on empowering the women of KWT Kenanga. Through intensive guidance and training, they are actively involved in downstream products, strengthening the local economy with market-ready goods.

Using practical training and a community-based approach, the UNS students teach methods for processing lemongrass and ginger into finished products, such as herbal drinks. This approach enhances community skills and creates new business opportunities in the village.

“We aim to maximize the potential of lemongrass and ginger in Wonosari Village. These TOGA plants are processed into a finished product we and the KWT members named Sertijab, short for Sereh Wangi Jahe Mantab (Fragrant Lemongrass and Ginger),” Juna Fatimatuz Az-Zahra, a member of the MBKM grant team, explained in an interview on Friday (29/11/2024).

The Sertijab herbal drink is one of the program’s key outputs. The team also introduced innovative packaging, including sachets and boxes with eye-catching full-print designs, to enhance product value and expand market reach. This downstream initiative demonstrates the transformation of raw materials into value-added products, fostering creative economic growth in Wonosari Village and empowering KWT Kenanga.

The program’s success is expected to serve as a model for other villages with similar conditions. By empowering local communities and leveraging natural resources, Wonosari Village has demonstrated that environmental challenges can be addressed through innovation and effective collaboration.

This initiative reflects UNS students’ tangible contributions to building more self-reliant and competitive rural communities. It also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 8 on “Decent Work and Economic Growth” and No. 12 on “Responsible Consumption and Production.” By reducing poverty and promoting sustainable resource use, the program exemplifies responsible and impactful natural resource management.

HUMAS UNS

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