Ulfah Najamuddin Ambo Rappe’s Search for New Sources of Sustainable Nutrition

As one of the world’s largest rice producers, Indonesia is renowned for its vast, lush fields that stretch across the archipelago. While rice is a staple food for millions, many of its byproducts, particularly rice bran (bekatul), remain underutilised.

For Ulfah Najamuddin Ambo Rappe, a lecturer at Universitas Hasanuddin in Makassar and a researcher in nutrition, this overlooked resource holds immense potential.

Through her PhD research at The University of Queensland (UQ), Ulfah sought to unlock the value of rice bran.

"Rice bran is rich in protein and oil, yet it’s mostly used for feeding animals. With Indonesia’s rice production being so extensive, I saw an opportunity to turn this byproduct into a valuable resource for human nutrition," she explained.

An Overlooked Source of Sustainable Protein

The ultimate goal of Ulfah’s research was to contribute to developing food products that use rice bran as a key ingredient, addressing both sustainability and nutrition.

An alternative protein source based on rice bran could reduce reliance on animal protein production and improve food security in Indonesia.

"As the world’s population grows, the need for alternative protein sources becomes more pressing," Ulfah said.

Ulfah’s research centred on the extraction of protein from rice bran. She focused on comparing different extraction techniques, such as enzyme and alkaline methods, to find the most efficient and sustainable approach.

"I wanted to identify a method that not only maximised the protein yield but also made it affordable and accessible for application in Indonesia. It’s not just about finding a solution—it has to be practical for implementation in a local context," Ulfah explained.

A Quest to Innovate Nutrition and Food Science

With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in nutrition and public health, Ulfah has always been passionate about research.

In 2015, Ulfah participated in the Australia Awards Short Course in Public Health Leadership at Griffith University. Impressed by how the course supported her work, she was determined to continue her doctoral studies in Australia.

During the short course, she discovered The University of Queensland. She was immediately drawn to the world-class facilities and vibrant academic community.

In 2017, she applied for the Australia Awards Scholarship. Her decision to apply was influenced by the advanced research opportunities, the global network she would access, and the financial support provided by the scholarship.

Furthermore, Ulfah had a clear vision of what she wanted to achieve through her research.

"I knew I wanted to focus on rice, and UQ had the facilities and expertise to support my research goals," she explained.

Life in Australia Filled with Rich Experiences

Moving to Australia for her PhD was a major step for Ulfah. The academic environment, the healthcare system, and the cultural diversity all made a huge impact on her.

One of the most memorable aspects of her time in Australia was the healthcare system. She underwent thyroid surgery during her stay and was impressed by the level of care and attention given by healthcare professionals.

"It was an experience that made me feel valued and respected as a patient," Ulfah shared.

Ulfah found the academic culture in Australia to be collaborative and supportive. She felt encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and form her own opinions.

"I was part of a research team where we all supported each other. Whenever someone had a problem, we would come together to find a solution. That sense of collaboration was something I hadn’t experienced before," she said.

"Before, I was more of a follower, but my experience in Australia pushed me to be more proactive and confident in my own ideas."

Upon returning to Indonesia in 2023, Ulfah found that her time in Australia had significantly enhanced her professional skills. As a lecturer, she now uses more interactive teaching methods, encouraging her students to take an active role in their learning.

Her PhD experience also boosted her credibility within her department, especially in terms of lab-based research skills, which are not as common in her field.

Working on Public Health and Nutrition Challenges

Since completing her PhD, Ulfah has also been invited to participate in multiple projects with Indonesian ministries.

From July to December 2023, Ulfah was invited to join a significant project with the Ministry of Social Affairs focusing on improving food budgets for vulnerable populations in social shelters (panti sosial) across Indonesia.

The project required Ulfah and her team to assess the nutritional needs of shelter residents and calculate the appropriate costs to provide them with adequate and sustainable diets.

"Food budgets for vulnerable groups were extremely low—only around Rp18,000 for three meals a day. The Ministry couldn't increase the budget without solid research, so we were tasked with conducting assessments and providing evidence for the cost increase," Ulfah explained.

As part of the project, Ulfah and her team visited several provinces, including Papua, Ternate, and Kalimantan. They evaluated food prices, examined local dietary patterns, and calculated the nutritional needs of shelter residents based on age and health conditions.

The project ultimately led to an increase in the food budgets. Ulfah’s contribution not only demonstrated her expertise in nutrition but also her commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of some of the country’s most marginalised populations.

In 2024, Ulfah joined a project with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). Ulfah and her team worked with local health departments to develop comprehensive health plans that aligned with both national priorities and local health challenges.

One of the main outputs of the project was the development of work plans to help local health officials better manage their resources and implement health initiatives effectively.

"This project was a new experience for me. It wasn’t directly related to nutrition, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn and contribute to improving health governance in Indonesia,” Ulfah said.

A Future Focused on Innovative Solutions

The projects with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health came with challenges. However, Ulfah’s dedication to public health and her commitment to making a difference helped her overcome these hurdles.

"I’ve learned that perseverance is key. Each project has its own set of challenges, but you can’t give up. You have to keep pushing forward and continue improving yourself along the way," Ulfah reflected.

In her academic career, she remains focused on finding innovative solutions to food security and health challenges, both in her home country and beyond.

"I’m always looking for new opportunities to learn and grow,” Ulfah said. “Whether it’s through research, teaching, or projects like these, I want to continue making a positive impact on public health in Indonesia.”