Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) has once again earned recognition in the field of research. Dr. Jeki Wibawanti, S.Pt., M.Eng., M.Si., a lecturer in the Livestock Science Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Central Java Development Research Award (Anugerah Karya Riset Pembangunan/AKRP) through his research entitled Effects of Mangrove-Derived Glucomannan on Microbial Properties, Viscosity, and Texture of Goat Kefir.
The AKRP is an annual award organized by the Central Java Provincial Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) under Decree No. 45 of 2026. It recognizes research projects that make meaningful contributions to regional development through innovative and applicable solutions.
The finalists were selected from researchers representing public and private universities, government institutions, and research organizations. As part of the evaluation process, each finalist is required to prepare a policy brief, deliver a scientific presentation, and participate in an interview with a panel of eight judges before the final winners are determined.
Dr. Jeki's research highlights one of Central Java's key local resources—Peranakan Etawa (PE) goat milk from Purworejo Regency—combined with glucomannan extracted from mangrove fruit (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) as a natural prebiotic. This combination resulted in the development of glucomannan synbiotic kefir, a functional food product derived from locally available resources with strong innovation potential. The study has also been published in the Scopus Q2-indexed International Journal of Veterinary Science.
According to Dr. Jeki, the research was designed not merely to produce scientific publications but also to generate innovations that could be directly utilized by the community.
"In the future, we aim to establish a downstream innovation ecosystem that connects Peranakan Etawa goat farmers, local mangrove resources, universities, SMEs, and local governments. Through this research, we hope to increase the added value of goat milk, strengthen food security, and improve the welfare of livestock farmers in Central Java," he explained.
He added that the research has evolved gradually over the past several years, beginning with the exploration of mangrove-derived glucomannan as a local prebiotic, followed by the development of synbiotic kefir based on goat milk, and continuing toward a downstream strategy to transform the innovation into a product ready for commercial production.
The research has also been strengthened through collaborations with various universities as well as national and international partners. In addition to producing internationally recognized Scopus-indexed publications, the innovation has been submitted for a Simple Patent, further demonstrating its readiness for future implementation.
Being named an AKRP finalist reflects the significant potential of this research to contribute to Central Java's development. The synbiotic kefir innovation not only offers a healthier functional beverage alternative but also creates opportunities for SME development, increases the economic value of Peranakan Etawa goat milk, and promotes the sustainable utilization of mangrove resources. This approach aligns with regional efforts to strengthen food security, accelerate research commercialization, and foster an economy based on local resources.
The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo expressed appreciation for the achievement, emphasizing that it demonstrates the university's commitment to producing impactful research.
"We highly appreciate Dr. Jeki Wibawanti's achievement in being selected as a finalist for the 2026 Central Java Development Research Award. We hope this innovation will continue through the downstream development and commercialization stages so that it can provide broader benefits to society. This accomplishment further reinforces UMPWR's commitment to producing research that is academically excellent, practically applicable, and capable of addressing regional development challenges through innovation," the Rector stated.
