UI Expedition Team Educates Werianggi Residents on Processing Nutmeg into Hand Sanitiser
The University of Indonesia’s (UI) Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) has provided education and training to the residents of the Werianggi-Werabur Transmigration Area, West Papua, on processing nutmeg seeds into hand sanitiser products as an effort to increase the added value of local commodities.
The training was attended by 20 women from the Ayawata micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) group, comprising both indigenous Papuans and transmigrant residents, utilising nutmeg seeds which have historically had relatively low market value.
“Our hope is that the training and knowledge from the UI Patriot Expedition Team does not stop here, but is continuously developed into a business opportunity that can improve the welfare of Werianggi Village residents,” said training participant Katerina Bieth in an official statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
During the training, the nutmeg seeds are first dried in the sun for five to six days, then crushed and soaked in 70 per cent alcohol at a ratio of 1 to 5 for three days.
TUI UI selected nutmeg seeds based on literature studies regarding the essential oil content and active compounds in the commodity; however, the effectiveness of the formulation created by the residents is still undergoing testing.
TUI UI member Fhira stated that the team is still conducting further research into the content and effectiveness of the product after the nutmeg extract is mixed with both alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based formulations.
“We identified the content from journals. It turns out there are indeed components for antiseptic use. However, we are also reviewing further whether the nutmeg seed content remains that significant after being mixed with alcohol and non-alcohol,” said Fhira.
Laboratory testing is being conducted on four samples: a control group without hand sanitiser, hand sanitiser made from nutmeg seeds, hand sanitiser made from nutmeg flesh, and nutmeg seed soak water without alcohol.