Ulfa Febiana Whatin, S. Biotek., alumni of the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, Biotechnology Study Program, succeeded in becoming the selected researcher for the Indofood Research Nugraha Program 2021-2022 under the guidance of Mr. Dr. Ali Budhi Kusuma, S.Si., M.Sc., ALS and Andi Baso Manguntungi, S.Si, M.Si with Research Title: Development and Standardization of Sumbawa ‘Ikan Bage’ Products Probiotics Based on Lactobacillus fermentum Fermentation.
Of course, in the research process, Ulfa must have had a journey, especially in joining the IRN program. This was very long and full of stories, which of course had a valuable impression on Ulfa.
“Allow me to tell you a little story about my journey. At that time, I and other friends were given directions to take part in a research program, namely the IRN program. often known as Community Service Program (KKN) and at that time I admitted that there was not much time left for me to finish my undergraduate studies, so with the direction and guidance of one of the great lecturers in my study program, namely Mr. Andi Baso Manguntungi, M.Si, I and my friends my friend finally managed to upload a research proposal on the IRN website. I still remember very well, that day was the last night to upload the proposal and we were all still struggling with our respective proposals.
Since the beginning, I have seen various obstacles, starting with an account that suddenly couldn’t upload a proposal until I had to create a new gmail account to upload my research proposal. And I still remember once that night that we were willing to stay in the parking lot of a cafe in Sumbawa so that the proposal could be submitted because the cafe had passed working hours which meant it was almost closed and maybe because we were there we didn’t feel comfortable closing it.
As time went on, it didn’t feel like the time for the announcement to pass the IRN funding had arrived, at that time my friend Syahril was the only student who passed funding from several students who submitted proposals from UTS. Honestly, at first I felt relieved because I didn’t have to carry a heavy burden, because in that condition I thought that I just wanted to graduate quickly. However, in September I was surprised by the information that I had also passed the funding for the IRN program, I must have been confused at that time whether this information was true or not. Since I was in Makassar at that time to carry out street vendors, I immediately asked my supervisor, Mr. Bas, and the information turned out to be true. It feels mixed, I’m happy and confused and that’s where the beginning of my journey in this research process. One fact again surprised me that it turned out that my supervisor was no longer able to be a supervisor in my research because he was no longer teaching in my study program. I was very worried at the time, plus I was worried whether I could finish this research or not. Alhamdulillah, I am responsible for carrying out my research with a new supervisor, namely Dr. Ali Budhi Kusuma, S.Si., M.Sc., ALS.
At first I was very afraid because I was guided by a lecturer who was relatively new to me on campus and I was not familiar with him. Yes, Mr. Alidi has just returned to the biotech study program after completing his doctoral studies. I’m getting more and more afraid of it. But I am aware that I am constantly afraid of when I will advance and be able to complete this research while there are still many other burdens that I must complete as well. Over time I finally started ordering tools and materials for my research activities and I started discussing with Mr. Alidi about my research. Finally, in January, I conducted a seminar on my research proposal and on July 1, I successfully completed the final trial of my research. I am proud and surprised that I was finally able and able to get through all of this even though there were so many obstacles along the way.
A little story during my research, which took place at the Food Biotechnology Laboratory in Sumbawa TechnoPark (STP). In the room there were only 2 students doing research, me and my friend. However, during my research I was often alone in a room and that sometimes made me learn more and more that I should not be afraid and should hasten this research. During my research, I was helped a lot by my friends and research colleagues in the STP laboratory. Oh yeah, let me thank all my friends who have helped a lot in my research process, without your help my research might be too late to be completed.
In its implementation, the IRN Program has 2 audits for evaluation and monitoring of research activities from students who pass. The first audit was conducted in February and the second audit was conducted in August. I still remember that in the first stage of the audit I was asked by Prof. Ambar is related to why I took the title as my research. Of course, I hope that my research can be applied in the future among the Sumbawa people. Due to
Problems related to Sumbawa Bage Fish which are usually consumed in the market based on research shows that there are consequences that can be considered fatal and I hope that the public knows the urgency of using a fermentation starter in the manufacture of Bage fish. I don’t blame any party at all, but in accordance with the slogan we have applied so far, “Prevention is better than cure”. Once again, I am very grateful to those who have helped me, especially PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk. Who has provided research funding so that I can complete my undergraduate research.”
