Three Master’s students in Biology, collectively known as Team Chaetomorpretty guided by Dr. med.vet. Hendry TSSG Saragih, MP, have clinched top honors in the national essay competition, Nusantara Writing Festival 2023. Led by Indah Nur Fauziah along with Anggi Rehulina Sitepu & Olvita Mayani they secured the 1st place, Gold Medal in the Health Essay category, along with the Best Video award and also grand championship.The event was organized by the Nusantaramuda Prima Equality Institution and STMIK Pradnya Paramita Malang with the themed “Innovation and Creativity for a Better Indonesia,” encompassed eight fields/sub-themes, including agriculture, health, education, environment, food, technology, social economic law, as well as tourism and culture.
Nusantara Writing Festival (NWF) 2023 not only brought forth fierce competition but also provided an opportunity for participants to share knowledge and innovations that can be applied in society. Team Chaetomorpretty focused on the health sub-theme, addressing the topic of arabinogalactan polysaccharides from the marine macroalgae Chaetomorpha linum, which hold potential as prebiotics and gut health modulators for pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders. They highlight the cases of digestive system disorders and anomalies in Indonesian children, known as pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (PFGID). These disorders can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, however there has not been much research and study about PFGID yet. One strategy for managing digestive system health, especially in children, is through the consumption of prebiotics. One such type of prebiotic with potential is arabinogalactan, found in certain macroalgae. Chaetomorpha linum, an abundantly available macroalgae species, stands out for its ability to thrive in extreme environmental conditions, rapid growth rate, and year-round availability (perennial). These physiological characteristics give Chaetomorpha linum a potential for widespread utilization. The supplementation of prebiotics using Chaetomorpha linum as a means to reduce cases of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is an apt innovation in bolstering a child’s digestive system resilience.
Improving the digestive system health status of children is an investment in the future. A healthy digestive system in children will enhance their immune system resilience. A healthy younger generation will undoubtedly contribute to Indonesia’s demographic dividend in the future.