In a series of collaborative research activities between lecturers of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Semarang State University with the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaya, a visit was made to the Moringa Industry MR Moringa Sdn. Bhd, Terengganu, Malaysia.
The collaborative research entitled: “Production of Functional Food From Moringa Leaves By Industries And Its Utilization Among Urban Households In Indonesia And Malaysia”, is chaired by Prof. Dr. Ari Yuniastuti, M.Kes with members Prof. Dr. drh. R. Susanti, MP and Prof. Dr. Noor Aini Habibah, M.Si. The chief researcher from Universiti Malaya is Prof. Dr. Che Wan Jasimah, with members Dr. Maisarah binti Hasbullah, Dr. Suzana Afif, Dr. Mohd Zufri, and Dr. Sujatha.
The visit to the MR Moringa industry was initiated by Prof. Dr. Che Wan Jasimah and aimed to allow the research team to directly observe the Moringa (Kelor) production process by MR Moringa Sdn. Bhd.
MR Moringa Sdn. Bhd. is a Moringa leaf industry based in Terengganu, Malaysia, which manages Moringa leaves from cultivation to product development, including capsules, tea, coffee, powder, oil, soap, and more. These products provide natural health benefits, enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and herbal properties. This supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, by contributing to the availability and promotion of functional food products that can enhance community health, particularly among urban populations.
According to information from the owner of MR Moringa, Dr. Maimunah, she once visited and learned about Moringa leaf processing at PT Kelor Organik Indonesia (Kelorina), Blora, Central Java, Indonesia. This knowledge exchange highlights innovation in natural product processing, reflecting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which encourages inclusive and sustainable industrial development and the promotion of innovative technologies in food and health sectors.
The visit by the Biology lecturers from FMIPA UNNES was highly beneficial. As researchers, they were able to observe firsthand the entire Moringa processing flow, from drying and powdering to capsule production. This practical insight is expected to allow researchers to make meaningful comparisons between the Moringa industries in Malaysia and Indonesia, identifying strengths and potential improvements.
The event concluded with the signing of an Implementation Arrangement (IA) between the Dean of FMIPA UNNES, Prof. Dr. Edy Cahyono, M.Si., and the owner of MR Moringa, Dr. Maimunah. This agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening academic–industrial relations at the international level and supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which promotes collaboration across sectors and countries in pursuit of sustainable development.
The event wrapped up with an exchange of souvenirs, a group photo, and the purchase of MR Moringa products, symbolizing the spirit of mutual respect, innovation, and partnership that underpins this collaborative effort.
