Semarang, August 29, 2025 – Diponegoro University (UNDIP) and Bina Nusantara (Binus) University have taken an important step toward strengthening academic collaboration by initiating a joint research partnership in the field of functional food. This initiative was marked by a benchmarking visit aimed at fostering innovation and producing impactful scientific publications.

The Food Biotechnology Research Center (FBRC) at Binus University is collaborating with Dr. Fitriyono Ayustaningwarno (Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, UNDIP) and Yonathan Asikin, Ph.D (University of the Ryukyus, Japan) to design a comprehensive research program on “Pisang Torpedo,” a newly developed banana variety. “International collaboration like this is crucial to accelerate innovation. By combining expertise across institutions, we can unlock the full potential of local resources for global benefit,” added Yonathan Asikin, Ph.D, University of the Ryukyus. Pisang Torpedo was innovated by Prof. Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar and Khoirunnisa Assidqi, S.Pi., M.Si, offering a unique advantage with its exceptionally large fruit size—each banana weighing up to 1.27 kilograms. “We believe Pisang Torpedo can be a game changer in strengthening food security, and we are committed to transforming this innovation into products with real impact,” stated Prof. Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar, inventor of Pisang Torpedo.

Through this collaboration, the research team aims not only to explore the potential of Pisang Torpedo as a functional food source but also to develop innovative products that can strengthen national food security. It is expected that the outcomes of this research will provide significant benefits to communities across Indonesia and beyond. “This collaboration is a strategic step in developing functional food research that is relevant to both academic progress and real societal needs,” said Dr. Fitriyono Ayustaningwarno, Department of Nutrition, UNDIP.