First Purple Sweet Potato Harvest in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Udayana University Faculty of Medicine Research Team Launches Functional Food Innovation for the Elderly

• Posted by: Admin
• Selasa, 23 September 2025
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First Purple Sweet Potato Harvest in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Udayana University Faculty of Medicine Research Team Launches Functional Food Innovation for the Elderly

The Pertiwi Purple Sweet Potato Research Team from the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University (FK Unud) successfully held its first purple sweet potato harvest, which included a gathering with the elderly. This event took place at the Wantilan Pura Dalem Banjar Karang Dalem II, Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Abiansemal District. This event was also supported by PT Varash Saddan Nusantara and various related sectors. The event was attended by the Regent of Badung, the Head of the Badung Regency Agriculture Office, the Head of the Badung Regency Health Office, the Head of the Bali Provincial Health Office, the Dean's Office and lecturers from FK Unud, as well as the initiator of the purple sweet potato capsule production, Prof. Dr. dr. I Made Jawi, M.Kes. (September 21, 2025)

The Head of the Badung Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), Mrs. Rasniathi Adi Arnawa, attended the event and expressed her deep appreciation for the collaboration between the community, government, and academics. According to her, this event not only marked the first harvest but also demonstrated real synergy to improve community health and well-being.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Prof. Dr. dr. I Gede Eka Wiratnaya, Sp.O.T., Subsp.Onk.Ort.R(K)., emphasized the strategic role of purple sweet potatoes as a functional food.

"Purple sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, natural antioxidants proven to improve lipid profiles and reduce oxidative stress. Our initial findings indicate that purple sweet potatoes from Bongkasa Pertiwi Village have the highest anthocyanin content compared to other regions, making them an ideal choice for community nutrition interventions," said Prof. Eka.

The research conducted by the Udayana University Faculty of Medicine team was divided into two stages. The first phase focused on testing the anthocyanin content of the Ipomoea batatas var. purpurea variety using HPLC. The second phase was a prospective cohort study, in which the intervention group consumed 150 grams of purple sweet potato per day for six months to assess its impact on lipid profiles and oxidative stress, while the control group was observed as a comparison.

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, also explained that Bongkasa Pertiwi Village was selected as the research location based on its fertile soil quality and high anthocyanin content. This product has even been submitted for certification under the name "Ubi Ungu Pertiwi," which is awaiting approval from the Governor of Bali.

The presence of Prof. Dr. dr. I Made Jawi, M.Kes., as the initiator of the purple sweet potato capsule production, added significance to this event, as it provided insights into the use of local agricultural products as the basis for research-based health product innovations. With the first harvest, collaboration with PT Varash, and a meeting with the elderly, this activity is expected to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, introduce health innovations based on local wisdom, and raise public awareness of the importance of functional foods for health. The journey to this first harvest is the result of a long collaboration. Since the first planting on May 17, 2025, the community and research team have worked intensively through various stages, from land preparation and fertilization to pest control and plant maintenance. Several important meetings with the Health Office, the Agriculture Office, the Regent of Badung, and the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, strengthened cross-sector collaboration, making today's culminating event possible.

This first harvest not only symbolizes the success of local agriculture but also affirms the innovation of functional foods based on local wisdom produced by Udayana University. It is hoped that the purple sweet potatoes from Bongkasa Pertiwi will improve public health, strengthen food self-sufficiency, and become a source of pride for Bali at the national and international levels.