OPTIMIZING PORANG UTILIZATION IN INDONESIA: LESSONS FROM JAPAN FOR NUTRITION AND DISABILITY SUPPORT

Abstract

Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus Prain) is a strategic commodity with significant potential to improve nutrition for pregnant women and children with special needs. Its high glucomannan content supports prenatal health reducing risks associated with intellectual disabilities and provides a foundation for gluten-free, casein-free diets for managing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This article examines porang's nutritional role, explores consumer-accepted products like shirataki noodles and analog rice, and analyzes recent Indonesian innovations. Despite its promise, challenges persist, including low productivity from traditional farming, inferior processing infrastructure, and limited market access. To optimize its potential, we recommend a multi-strategy approach: transferring cultivation technology from Japan, digitalizing supply chains, developing superior varieties, and fostering partnerships between farmers, industry, and government. This integrated effort positions porang as a halal and thayyib food source capable of enhancing nutritional status, supporting specialized diets, and contributing to Indonesia’s food security and preventive health strategies. This study serves as a critical reference for sustainable agricultural development and local food innovation.