Indonesian Female Scientist Provides Nutritional Solutions for Mothers and Children, Wins International Award Tangerang
November 12, 2024 – Della Rahmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Food Technology Study Program at Swiss German University (SGU), has been awarded the prestigious 2024 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science award on November 11, 2024, in recognition of her innovative research aimed at providing nutritional solutions for pregnant women and children in Indonesia. This award not only celebrates her personal achievements but also underscores the importance of local food research as a key factor in improving the quality of life for communities.
Since 2014, Della has dedicated herself to finding local food sources that are nutrient-dense yet accessible to the wider population. Her primary focus has been the development of new food products, including a nori-style sprinkle based on kelakai, a wild fern from Palangkaraya, similar to Japanese furikake, and a non-soy tempeh made from kacang koro, which is rich in essential nutrients beneficial for the health of mothers and children. For Della, selecting these ingredients represents an effort to optimize Indonesia’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources.
In her journey, Della has visited diverse locations with varying natural conditions to identify kelakai species with the highest mineral content. From high-mineral lands to peat forests, she has explored remote areas, even traveling by boat to observe kelakai in its natural habitat. “This experience was unforgettable and eye-opening. Witnessing our natural wealth firsthand was a precious moment that strengthened my belief in the great potential of local foods,” Della shared.
Della also studied several variants of tempeh made from kacang koro to assess the nutritional content best suited for the needs of pregnant women and children. She hopes her research will create nutritious foods that are affordable and accessible to people across different social levels.
“Women Can Make a Difference”
As a scientist and a woman, Della believes that women play a significant role in bringing positive change to society. “Women are capable of achieving as much as men, and this award is proof that women’s contributions are valued and needed,” she said. She hopes her achievements can inspire more Indonesian women to enter the field of research and make a real difference in society.
Since joining SGU, Della’s research has received strong support, including her first research grant from the university in 2015. This support sparked the development of her kelakai and non-soy tempeh research, ultimately leading to international recognition.
SGU’s Support for Social Research
Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Samuel P. Kusumocahyo, Rector of Swiss German University, expressed his pride in Della’s dedication. “We are very proud to have a researcher like Della who not only focuses on science but also has a strong social impact on nutrition fulfillment in Indonesia. SGU is committed to supporting research that makes a real difference to society,” he said.
Della hopes her research will go beyond academic publications to truly improve the health of pregnant women and children throughout Indonesia. “I hope this research can be a direct solution in the field and open new perspectives in food technology,” she added.
With her innovation and dedication, Della Rahmawati has demonstrated that Indonesian women have great potential to solve national challenges. This award is proof that Indonesian female scientists can provide tangible solutions for the nation.
About Swiss German University
SWISS GERMAN UNIVERSITY (SGU) was established in 2000 as a joint effort between Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We are the pioneer in offering international curricula in Indonesia. Qualified students can graduate with a Double Degree from Indonesia and Germany, which SGU provides in cooperation with partner universities; surely a valuable tool for your future careers. Ever since its establishment, SGU has been dedicated to delivering quality education in line with international standards and aims to develop skilled professionals who meet the demands of the industry. In order to achieve its objectives, SGU offers quality-oriented learning through 16 Bachelor‘s Degree Programs and 6 Master’s Degree Programs ranging from Engineering, Information Technology, and Business to Life Sciences and Social Sciences. Furthermore, with small class sizes, and with English as the medium of instruction, you can look forward to pursuing your tertiary education and degree with full confidence.
