KUALA LUMPUR – Students from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro (FK Undip), under the DIMER-C FK Undip organization, achieved an international accomplishment by winning a Silver Medal at the 2nd International Student Competition (ISC) 2026, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 14–15 February 2026.
The DIMER-C FK Undip team presented an innovative project titled “ChitoFreeze”, a topical pain-relief gel that combines chitosan with andaliman extract, an indigenous Indonesian spice. The product was developed as a natural analgesic alternative to help relieve muscle and joint pain through anti-inflammatory properties and a cooling sensation that enhances user comfort. This innovation highlights the scientific potential of Indonesian local resources to compete at the international level while offering sustainable health solutions.
The team was led by Samuel Davinci (Class of 2024), with members Fahmi Istikmal Akbar (2023), Joana Alya Varojahan Sinaga (2024), Keyshasi Cintanaya Sakti (2024), and Maisha Rayya Ghita Kalani (2023), all from the Undergraduate Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro. The team was supervised by dr. Lusiana Batubara, M.Si.Med.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Fahmi Istikmal Akbar explained that ChitoFreeze was designed to promote Indonesian herbal potential through scientific development. “Through this innovation, we aim to demonstrate that local Indonesian ingredients can be transformed into competitive, safe, and sustainable healthcare products at the global level,” he said.
Fahmi also shared that the main challenge during preparation was coordinating team members from different academic years and schedules. “The process required strong communication and structured teamwork. Despite the challenges, it trained us to collaborate effectively and stay committed until the competition,” he added.
Meanwhile, the supervising lecturer dr. Lusiana Batubara, M.Si.Med. emphasized that the Silver Medal reflects a consistent learning process and strong teamwork. “This achievement shows not only academic competence but also the students’ openness to discussion, feedback, and growth. International competitions test the ability to communicate ideas clearly and contextually,” she stated.
Regarding the mentoring process, she explained that guidance focused on strategic direction and encouragement, while students remained the main drivers of the project—from idea development and literature exploration to final presentation in Kuala Lumpur. She also encouraged FK Undip students to view this achievement as a starting point for building a sustainable tradition of international excellence through curiosity, courage, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Through this achievement, Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Diponegoro reaffirms its commitment to supporting student innovation, research culture, and international competitiveness, while encouraging the development of health innovations rooted in local wisdom and global scientific standards. (Public Relations of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro)
