BANDUNG, February 4, 2026 – An international community service initiative involving the Faculty of Animal Husbandry at Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Indonesia, and a delegation from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was successfully conducted from February 1 to 4, 2026. The program aimed to strengthen knowledge transfer in food safety and quality for local communities, specifically dairy farmers, while promoting low-carbon farming practices in the Bandung region of Indonesia.

The UPM delegation was led by Dr. Nuzul Noorahya binti Jambari, alongside Associate Professor Dr. Nor Khaizura binti Mahmud @ Ab Rashid from the Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM). They were joined by five postgraduate students from FSTM’s Food Safety and Quality Research Group and the Laboratory of Food Safety and Food Integrity at ITAFOS, UPM. The program was organized following an official invitation from Prof. Dr. Ir. Ellin Harlia of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, UNPAD.

Program Scope and Locations

The collaborative project took place across three key locations: Cijeruk in Lembang, Pulosari in Pangalengan, and the UNPAD campus in Jatinangor, Bandung. Titled "Empowering Dairy Farmers to Enhance Milk Safety and Quality Assurance and Low-Carbon Farming," the project addressed critical issues within the local milk production chain. Key challenges tackled included fly infestations, sub-optimal barn and livestock hygiene, and microbiological milk quality that had yet to meet stringent food safety standards.

Knowledge Transfer and Community Empowerment

A total of 34 dairy farmers from diverse educational backgrounds participated in an intensive course at the South Bandung Livestock Cooperative (KPBS) in Pangalengan. During the sessions, Dr. Nuzul and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Khaizura provided specialized training and shared expertise on hygiene guidelines and milk safety, referencing international standards and food regulations from both Malaysia and Indonesia. The training approach was inclusive, ensuring that every farmer—regardless of their formal education level—could accurately understand and implement food safety procedures.

The training continued with Prof. Dr. Ellin (UNPAD), who guided participants on circular economy concepts, specifically the optimization of cow manure biomass as a source of biogas energy. The program was supported by 18 student facilitators—five from UPM and 13 from UNPAD’s Faculty of Animal Husbandry (FAPET). They assisted participants during pre- and post-training assessments, which ultimately showed a significant increase in the farmers' understanding of the subject matter.

Field Visit: Pulosari, Pangalengan

The delegation visited farms in Pulosari, Pangalengan, which feature a unique setup where cattle barns are integrated into residential areas and vegetable farming plots. This proximity exposes the farms to pest risks, such as flies, as the use of animal manure as organic fertilizer is common in the surrounding area.

The delegation highlighted these environmental hygiene issues, noting that pest disturbances not only compromise the microbiological quality of the milk but also affect animal welfare. Stress caused by fly infestations can directly lead to a drop in productivity and the quality of the dairy output. To address this, UNPAD is currently conducting research to find effective solutions for reducing fly populations on these farms.

Despite these challenges, the delegation was impressed by the ingenuity of several local farmers. Under the guidance of Prof. Ellin’s research team, they have adopted a circular economy model by converting cow manure into biogas via small-scale systems for domestic use. This process provides clean cooking energy and produces a byproduct known as digestate, which is processed into high-quality vermicompost (worm fertilizer). Remarkably, this vermicompost is now exported internationally for use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries—a prime example of transforming environmental waste into high-value products.

Circular Economy Inspiration: Cijeruk, Lembang

At a farm in Cijeruk, Lembang, the delegation observed highly systematic farming practices that serve as a benchmark for the circular economy. Through efficient waste management, the farm has successfully reduced manure accumulation by 80%.

The process begins by channeling manure into biodigesters to produce methane gas (biogas). As a result, farmers no longer need to purchase cooking gas, leading to tangible savings in living costs. The remaining solid waste is fermented and dried into premium organic fertilizer. This integrated approach not only maximizes the value of livestock waste but has also helped mitigate river pollution—previously a major ecological concern in the area.

Straw Mushroom Farm: Purwakarta

Another highlight of the program was a visit to a Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) farm in Purwakarta. These mushrooms are a premium product commercialized internationally for their high nutritional value. Scientifically classified as a functional food, they are rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, phenolics, and ergothioneine, which support the immune system and offer therapeutic benefits.

The farm uses a unique cultivation method: utilizing fermented water hyacinth (known as keladi bunting in Malaysia) as the primary growth medium. While water hyacinth is often considered an aggressive aquatic weed that disrupts pond and wetland ecosystems, the farm has successfully repurposed it into a nutrient-rich resource for premium mushroom production.

Strategic Bilateral Cooperation

To conclude the program, the UPM delegation met with UNPAD’s Vice-Rector to discuss strategic collaboration opportunities. The discussions were highly productive, and both parties are currently finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize closer academic and research ties in the future.

Acknowledgments

UPM expresses its deepest gratitude to Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), particularly Prof. Ellin and the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, for their warm hospitality and full logistical sponsorship throughout the program. This collaboration is expected to further strengthen the bond between the two universities and deliver a lasting impact on the farming communities of both nations.

Date of Input: 09/04/2026 | Updated: 09/04/2026 | nur_jasni