Students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have once again achieved national recognition through a functional food innovation, securing third place in the food subtheme at the Sriwijaya Innovation National Essay and Poster Award (SINEPA) 2026, held from March 13 to 20, 2026. This achievement highlights the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in addressing contemporary challenges in food and health sectors.
The award-winning team, named Para Pencari Tuhan, consisted of Ahmad Fauzi Mansur and Shakira Desifa Arditya from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK), along with Ferdiansyah Darmawan from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST). The team presented a scientific work titled “Synbiotic Yogurt Based on Fucoidan from Sargassum sp. in Modulating Gut Microbiota and Enhancing Short-Chain Fatty Acids Production.” Their research was grounded in the abundant marine resources of Indonesia, particularly focusing on Sargassum sp., a type of brown seaweed that remains underutilized despite its rich bioactive compounds.
Through their study, the team identified fucoidan—an active compound found in Sargassum sp.—as a promising natural prebiotic capable of supporting the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms. By applying a synbiotic approach, which combines probiotics and prebiotics, they developed a functional yogurt innovation aimed not only at serving as a food product but also as a preventive solution for maintaining gut health. This innovation is designed to modulate gut microbiota balance and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), essential metabolites that play a key role in maintaining digestive system integrity and overall health.
Beyond its health benefits, the innovation also emphasizes sustainability. Utilizing Sargassum as a raw material reflects an effort to optimize local marine resources while promoting the development of competitive, marine-based functional food products. The concept evolved from an initial idea into a comprehensive scientific proposal through intensive discussions and rigorous literature review. This approach ensured that the research was not only innovative but also systematically developed and scientifically grounded.
Interdisciplinary collaboration played a crucial role in the team’s success. Despite facing academic challenges and time constraints, the team maintained effective coordination through clear role distribution and consistent communication. This synergy enabled each member to contribute optimally based on their respective expertise, resulting in a well-rounded and impactful research outcome.
This achievement demonstrates UNAIR students’ strong commitment to producing innovations that are not only academically उत्कृष्ट but also hold practical potential for society. Participation in competitions like SINEPA serves as a valuable learning platform, allowing students to refine their ideas, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and develop impactful solutions to real-world problems.
The synbiotic yogurt innovation based on Sargassum sp. stands as a clear representation of Indonesia’s vast marine potential in supporting a healthier, more innovative, and sustainable food future. It is expected that this accomplishment will inspire more students to explore local resources and contribute to advancements in food technology and public health.
Writer : Shakira Desifa Arditya
Editor : FBM dan TPA
