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Bulian coconut chips are a typical Jambi food made from dried and fried old coconuts. The traditional production method and inadequate hygiene standards make this product susceptible to microbial contamination, especially harmful bacteria. This study aims to identify the types of bacteria that may be present in Bulian coconut chips using culture and Gram staining methods as the initial step for morphological identification. Samples were taken from three local producers in Bulian District, Batanghari Regency, Jambi. Testing was carried out by serial dilutions up to 10⁻⁴, then planted on Nutrient Agar (NA) media and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. The colonies that grew were then observed morphologically and Gram staining was performed using a modified method without alcohol. The results showed the presence of various colonies with cream, white, and pale yellow colors. Based on the results of Gram staining, bacilli and cocci were found, which were included in the Gram-positive and Gram-negative categories. The types of bacteria suspected to appear include Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and possibly Escherichia coli. These findings indicate a risk of microbial contamination that could endanger consumer health, especially if the production process is not improved. Strict hygiene and sanitation principles are strongly recommended in the processing of this traditional food to ensure the product remains safe for consumption. The importance of implementing hygienic standards in the production of Bulian coconut chips is further emphasized by these findings. In addition to improving food safety, implementing proper sanitation procedures can also extend the product's shelf life and increase consumer confidence in local traditional foods. Efforts such as training local producers, using clean equipment, and hygienic packaging can help minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

Bekasam is a traditional fermented fish product commonly produced in South Sumatra and South Kalimantan, known for its distinctive sour taste resulting from the metabolic activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB play a crucial role in the fermentation process, contributing to the product’s flavor, texture, and safety. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize LAB from bekasam made using tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Isolation of bacterial strains was performed using the pour plate method on Nutrient Agar (NA) medium at various serial dilutions to obtain discrete colonies. The colonies were observed macroscopically to assess their morphological characteristics, including shape, size, color, surface texture, and edge profile. Further identification involved Gram staining to determine cell wall type and microscopic morphology. The results revealed that the bacterial colonies were generally small, round, white to cream in color, with smooth surfaces and flat edges. Gram staining demonstrated that the dominant isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, exhibiting rod-shaped or oval morphology. These characteristics are consistent with members of the genus Lactobacillus sp., a common LAB group in fermented fish products. Additional phenotypic traits observed included catalase-negative reactions, absence of spore formation, and the ability to produce lactic acid as the main metabolic end product. The combination of morphological, staining, and basic biochemical characteristics supports the initial identification of the isolates as LAB. The presence of Lactobacillus sp. in bekasam suggests their significant contribution to the fermentation process, influencing the product’s sourness, safety, and preservation. The findings of this study provide a basis for further molecular characterization and potential selection of LAB strains as starter cultures to improve the quality, consistency, and safety of bekasam in traditional and industrial production.

Tempoyak is a traditional fermented product made from durian and widely consumed in Sumatra. Tempoyak fermentation involves lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are known to have potential as probiotics and as producers of antioxidant compounds. The tempoyak fermentation process plays an important role in increasing nutritional value and health benefits, primarily due to its ability to produce bioactive compounds such as lactic acid and antioxidants that are beneficial for the human body. This study aims to isolate lactic acid bacteria from local fermented tempoyak from Sumatra and evaluate their potential antioxidant activity. Isolation was carried out using the spread method on MRS agar media, which is specifically designed to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Next, the obtained isolates were analyzed based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and catalase test for initial identification of the types of bacteria present in tempoyak. After isolation, selected isolates were tested for antioxidant activity using the DPPH test, which is one method to measure the ability of a compound to neutralize free radicals. Vitamin C was used as a positive control in this test. The results showed that several LAB isolates from tempoyak had varying antioxidant activity, with some isolates showing significant potential. The detected antioxidant activity indicates that LAB isolates from tempoyak have the potential to be applied as probiotics with health benefits and as functional food ingredients that can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. This study provides evidence that tempoyak, besides being a traditional food, also has the potential to be further developed in the functional food and probiotic industries. These findings add insight into the potential of traditional fermented products, such as tempoyak, which provide not only culinary benefits but also health benefits.

Durian is a tropical fruit belonging to the climacteric group, meaning it experiences a surge in respiration after harvest and quickly deteriorates. Due to its perishable nature, processing is necessary to extend its shelf life and maintain its nutritional value and flavor. One traditional method of processing that has long been known in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra, is the fermentation of durian flesh into tempoyak. Tempoyak is a natural fermentation product made from ripe durian flesh that has undergone a further ripening process and has a distinctive sour taste and strong aroma. The tempoyak fermentation process involves the activity of microorganisms, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus, which play a crucial role in producing flavor, a semi-solid texture, and functional health benefits. Human food needs depend not only on the quantity of food but also on the quality of its nutritional content, such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. In this context, fermented foods such as tempoyak provide added value in the form of probiotics that have the potential to improve digestive health. Lactic acid bacteria, which dominate the natural fermentation process, play a crucial role in the formation of flavor compounds and beneficial biological activities. This study aimed to isolate and identify the types of LAB present in traditional tempoyak from Jambi. Isolation was conducted to obtain pure strains of bacteria with potential probiotics, while identification aimed to determine the dominant bacterial species in the tempoyak fermentation process. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of functional food products based on local fermentation.

This study aims to identify Lactobacillus sp. bacteria obtained from the fermentation of Channa striata fish (snakehead fish) originating from Bathin VIII, Sarolangun, Jambi. Snakehead fish is known to have high protein content and bioactive compounds that support the growth of probiotic microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Fermentation was carried out naturally for several days under controlled conditions, then isolation and characterization of bacteria were carried out through culture techniques on de Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar (MRSA) media. Initial identification was carried out using colony morphology tests, Gram staining, and basic biochemical tests. The isolation results showed the presence of round, convex, and milky white colonies, and showed Gram-positive and rod-shaped properties, which are typical characteristics of Lactobacillus sp. This study indicates that fermented snakehead fish can be a natural source of Lactobacillus sp. isolates that have the potential to be developed as probiotics in functional foods or local fermented products. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of local microorganism-based food technology and increase the economic value of snakehead fish in the Jambi region. Further research is needed to test the functional potential and safety of the isolated strains.

Pekasam is a traditional fermented fish product that involves microbial activity, particularly lactic acid bacteria, during its fermentation process. This study aims to isolate and identify bacterial species involved in the fermentation of gabus fish (Channa striata). Samples were collected at different stages of fermentation and analyzed microbiologically. The isolation procedure utilized selective media such as MRS agar and Nutrient Agar (NA). The resulting colonies were observed based on morphology and further identified through biochemical tests, Gram staining, and oxidase tests. The results indicated the dominance of several bacterial isolates, primarily from the Lactobacillus genus. Identification confirmed that lactic acid bacteria played a crucial role in the fermentation process and contributed to the characteristic flavor of the pekasam. This research contributes to the scientific understanding of traditional fish fermentation and offers potential for utilizing local probiotic strains in traditional food products.