The Indonesia Consortium on Interdisciplinary Sciences (UKICIS) held a training entitled “Belitung’s Efficacious Teran Bee Propolis”. This activity is a form of community service. This activity is the result of research collaboration between the Department of Biology of IPB with the Universitas Indonesia (UI), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The training was held at Kek Tapa Nature Library, East Belitung Regency, on Sunday (8/10).
The training not only covered theoretical aspects but also provided an opportunity for participants to practice propolis extraction. Dr M. Sahlan, a lecturer from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (DTK FTUI), was the presenter in this training.
Dr. Sahlan explained that the propolis extract of Belitung teran bees varies in colour, depending on the source of resin or tree sap collected by the bees. Harvested propolis raw materials should be immediately stored in dark bottles and at cool temperatures. Dr Sahlan explains, “This needs to be done because the active substances in propolis are very sensitive to heat, therefore, storage is done in a dark bottle at a cool temperature.”
Next, Dr Sahlan guided the honey extraction practice using 125 mL of propolis, PCO solvent oil, and a bottle. The extraction process involves mixing the propolis and oil in a bottle, and then turning the bottle upside down for 5 minutes every morning and evening for one month, or two weeks at the earliest, to separate the propolis wax. Once the extraction process is complete and there is no longer any discolouration, filtering is done, and the extracted propolis can be consumed as 5-10 drops or the equivalent of one teaspoon.
Dr Sahlan emphasised the importance of preserving nature as propolis is derived from plant resin. This is necessary to maintain the quality and quantity of beekeeping production.
In early 2023, a team from UKICIS collected propolis from three teran beekeepers in Belitung and East Belitung. The results showed a diversity of phytochemical compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols.
The Dean of FTUI, Prof. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU expressed his hope that this community service activity would provide great benefits in improving teran bee products and the economy of the Belitung and East Belitung communities.
“I hope that the collaboration between universities, researchers, and communities can continue to grow and flourish. This kind of initiative will provide long-term benefits for all parties involved, as well as serve as an example for other collaborative efforts across Indonesia,” said Prof Heri.
This training activity was attended by teran beekeepers in Belitung and East Belitung, who brought 25 grams of propolis to be extracted together. The training was also made possible through UKICIS’ collaboration with the East Belitung Community for the Protection of Geographical Indications (MPIG).
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Bureau of Public Communication
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia