The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen its international research collaborations through participation in the Plant Protein Plus Network UK–Southeast Asia (3PUKSEA). As part of this initiative, Prof. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, took part in a series of academic and industry engagement activities in the United Kingdom in April 2026. The program, titled “Plant Protein Plus Network UK–SE Asia (3PUKSEA): Multi-disciplinary Collaboration for Plant Protein Research and Innovation Network between the UK and Southeast Asia,” focuses on developing sustainable plant-based protein sources through international research partnerships (https://3puksea.io.vn/index.php/news-events/visits-the-uk-2026).
The collaboration centers on the potential utilization of rice protein, particularly from the rice aleurone layer, as an alternative and sustainable plant-based protein source. Global interest in plant proteins continues to grow due to increasing demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food systems. Although rice bran and aleurone layers are commonly used as animal feed by-products, they still contain valuable protein fractions with significant potential for human consumption. Rice protein is also considered an attractive alternative because it is naturally free from allergens such as gluten, making it suitable for a broader range of consumers.
“Plant-based proteins are often associated with legumes, but rice also possesses tremendous untapped potential that deserves greater attention,” explained Prof. Irfan.
The collaboration originated from an academic benchmarking visit conducted by the Department of Agricultural Microbiology UGM to Hanoi, Vietnam, in August 2024. During the visit, researchers discussed various opportunities for joint research, including rice protein utilization. In early 2025, research partners from Hanoi reconnected with Prof. Irfan, who is also an alumnus of Osaka University, to explore collaborative projects on rice protein extraction and utilization. Continued discussions eventually expanded into a broader international partnership, leading to his invitation to the United Kingdom to present the scientific background and future prospects of rice protein research.
The first agenda took place at University of Greenwich, where Prof. Irfan engaged with researchers working on the development of rice protein as a future food ingredient. One of the key initiators of this collaboration was Ben Bennett, who has extensive experience working in Indonesia’s agricultural sector. The visit continued in Birmingham, including discussions at Aston University, where conversations expanded beyond food systems to include innovations in converting waste materials into value-added products.
In addition to academic activities, Prof. Irfan attended the The UK Food & Drink Shows, a major national exhibition that brought together industry leaders, SMEs, researchers, and innovators from across the United Kingdom. The event showcased a wide range of innovative products, including kombucha, yogurt, berry-based beverages, and mushroom-derived meat alternatives. Beyond serving as a platform for product promotion, the exhibition provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and the exploration of future research and business collaborations.
One of the most valuable lessons gained from the visit was the importance of consistency in innovation and industrial development. According to Prof. Irfan, the success of a product is not determined solely by the novelty of an idea but also by the ability to maintain quality and implement standards consistently over time.
“It is not always the most extraordinary idea that succeeds, but the ability to execute it consistently,” he remarked.
Despite Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s major rice-producing countries, several challenges remain in developing rice protein as a commercial food ingredient. One significant challenge is the predominance of smallholder farming systems, which can make large-scale raw material collection more difficult compared with countries such as Vietnam. Prof. Irfan also emphasized the importance of strengthening a culture of standardization in research. According to him, improving research quality and consistency is essential for Indonesia to compete more effectively with institutions in Europe and other regions with well-established research standards.
This international engagement highlights UGM’s commitment to advancing sustainable food innovation and strengthening global research networks. Through collaborations involving universities, research institutions, and industry partners across Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom, the initiative is expected to accelerate the development of alternative protein sources while creating opportunities for future scientific innovation and international cooperation.
The activity contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through the development of sustainable alternative food sources, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through research and innovation in food technology, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the utilization of underused agricultural resources, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international collaboration among institutions in Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom