Yogyakarta, January 25, 2025 – Students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga, have successfully advanced as finalists in the Scientific Writing Competition organized by STIPER Yogyakarta Agricultural Institute. The team, consisting of Ririn Maghfiroh and Alna Nisa Ulfirdho, presented their research under the sub-theme of Food Health, focusing on stunting prevention and waste utilization through soft cookie products as part of sustainable waste management and food optimization efforts.
The choice of soft cookies as a medium for innovation was considered highly strategic due to the widespread consumption of these products in the community. The research incorporated fish bone flour as the main ingredient, which not only enriches the nutritional value of the cookies but also serves as an effective solution for sustainable waste management. Fish bones, often considered a by-product, contain high levels of essential nutrients. By transforming them into flour for use in soft cookies, the team addresses both nutritional deficiencies, particularly for pregnant women and toddlers, and the growing issue of food waste. This dual approach aligns with broader goals of reducing stunting rates while promoting eco-friendly practices in food production.
Their innovative idea successfully led the team to the final stage of the competition, demonstrating the potential impact of creative, research-based solutions. This achievement also reflects the role of students as agents of change who contribute to solving real-world problems, ranging from public health concerns to environmental sustainability. Through this project, the students showcased a combination of scientific rigor, social responsibility, and creativity, offering a tangible example of how academic research can be applied to societal challenges.
Participation in the competition provided valuable opportunities for the students to exchange ideas, observe other innovative approaches, and gain insights into effective research strategies. “We need to view problems from different perspectives and discover practical solutions,” they remarked, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and creativity in research. Beyond personal achievement, the students hope that their work can inspire further innovation in addressing issues such as stunting, nutritional deficiencies, and sustainable waste management in Indonesia.
By combining scientific knowledge with social awareness, FPK Universitas Airlangga students continue to strengthen their role as contributors to societal development and environmental stewardship, highlighting the vital connection between academic research, public health, and sustainable innovation.
