Depok, January 7, 2026 — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), held an open doctoral promotion examination for Hani Mulyani on Wednesday (January 7) at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI, Depok. The dissertation defended was entitled “Development of Fermented Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Using Kombucha and Encapsulation Technology as an Innovation in Nutraceutical Formulations: Chemical Characteristics and Bioactivity.”
Hani’s research presents an innovation in the nutraceutical field through the development of a ginger-based kombucha formulated using encapsulation technology. The product is designed as a natural alternative for people with diabetes while also promoting the independence of Indonesia’s nutraceutical industry. Kombucha is known for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities, while local ginger is rich in bioactive compounds that are beneficial for health.
“This research was born from a desire to optimally utilize the potential of local ginger and to produce a nutraceutical product that is safe, natural, and affordable,” said Hani Mulyani.
She added that kombucha fermentation combined with encapsulation technology produces a ginger kombucha powder that is stable, practical to consume, and able to retain its bioactivity.
In her dissertation, Hani explored three ginger varieties—elephant (gajah), emprit, and red ginger—and four carbon sources (honey, sucrose, fructose, and glucose) to identify the optimal combination that yields the highest antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The final product is a ginger kombucha powder produced through encapsulation with maltodextrin, which extends shelf life and facilitates storage and consumption.
The open examination, chaired by the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., affirmed Hani Mulyani’s achievement in earning her doctoral degree with the distinction of Cum Laude.
Throughout her research, Hani was supervised by Dr. rer. nat. Yasman, S.Si., M.Sc. as promoter, with Prof. Nina Artanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Dr. Dra. Ratna Yuniati, M.Si. serving as co-promoters. The examination committee for the open defense comprised Dr. Dian Hendrayanti, M.Sc., Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hanafi, M.Sc., Dr. Windri Handayani, S.Si., M.Si., and Hakiki Melanie, M.Sc., Ph.D.
In his remarks, the promoter Dr. rer. nat. Yasman, S.Si., M.Sc. emphasized that Hani’s research not only highlights scientific aspects, but also represents a tangible contribution to public health and the independence of the national nutraceutical industry.
“This research demonstrates how innovation based on local resources can address public health challenges while simultaneously strengthening Indonesia’s nutraceutical industry,” said Dr. Yasman.
He added that the ginger kombucha developed through this research is expected to reduce oxidative stress and the risk of infection, improve the quality of life of people with diabetes, and maximize the utilization of local ginger.
“We hope that this ginger kombucha can serve as a natural alternative for people with diabetes, while also supporting the independence of the national nutraceutical industry,” he added.
