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| (left) Prof. Dr. Ir Wehandaka Pancalaga, M.Kes, (center) Prof. Dr. Rahayu Relawati, M.M, dan (right) Prof. Dr. Ir. Damat, M.P ( photo : special) |
The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) has added to its list of professors. At this time, three professors from the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (FPP) were inaugurated on December 2, 2023. They are Prof. Dr. Ir. Damat, M.P., Prof. Dr. Ir. Wehandaka Pancalaga, M.Kes., and Prof. Dr. Rahayu Relawati, M.M. Each of them possesses expertise in their respective fields and contributes significantly to academia and society. This inauguration further strengthens the quality of education pursued by UMM.
For instance, Damat consistently explores functional food based on local resources to develop functional food products rich in resistant starch. Additionally, he continually supports the halal certification of food and beverage products. From 2006 to 2021, Damat consistently received funding support from the Ministry of Education and Culture (Dikti) through various research and community service initiatives. He has produced products such as antioxidant-rich analogue rice (Rasgadan), resistant starch-rich macaroni, low-glycemic index cakes, the establishment of UMM Bakery, and various other research products.
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Damat also develops products using local raw materials that are free of gluten. Further, gluten is not suitable for consumption by individuals who are intolerant of it, as it can cause celiac disease. His research endeavours aim to support the realization of national food resilience based on local resources. Besides, it is also to provide functional food.
On the other hand, there is Wehandaka, who researches the field of finishing techniques for leather with natural dyeing. This product is known as ecoprint batik. He began his research in 2014, studying batik methods on leather. Subsequently, in 2016, he developed leather finishing techniques using tie-dye methods. In 2018, he experimented with carving methods and eventually developed the eco-print method, which has been in practice since 2021.
"With eco-print batik, I also assist community efforts related to leather goods in various places, for example in Bululawang, Malang, and Magetan. One of its advantages is the diverse and unique motifs," explained Wehandaka.
Wehandaka also emphasizes that the eco-print method is environmentally friendly and does not cause harm to nature. This development simultaneously aids the products of micro, small, and medium-sized leather crafters to be more competitive.
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Lastly, there is Rahayu, whose interest lies in the field of agribusiness management. She studies commodity market structures in food and horticulture, marketing strategies, and consumer behaviour. Her concern for sustainable agribusiness has motivated her to study organic food product marketing and green consumer behaviour.
Various research projects have received funding from Dikti and UMM's internal funding. There have been a total of 21 research projects conducted from 2007 to 2022. Research in green marketing in the agribusiness field has had positive impacts on the environment and businesses. Green marketing opens pathways for companies to provide environmentally friendly services.
There are numerous benefits from this research, including the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, SDG 2 contribute to food goals and food security. Similarly, SDGs 1 and 8 are related to poverty alleviation and the promotion of decent work.
"My research also contributes to green marketing and green consumer behaviour. Good agribusiness management will increase productivity, reduce waste, and ensure fair access to resources and opportunities," said Rahayu.(*wil/fajr)
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