ICC Secretariat team visited CV. Aji Saka Kelapa, Malang, Indonesia, on 25 January, 2024. The team members were Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, ICC; Mr. Alit Pirhmansah, Marketing & Statistics Officer, ICC; Mr. Klaudio D. Hosang, Administration & Finance Officer, ICC; Mr. Otniel Sintoro, Information & Publication Officer, ICC. The team was warmly welcomed by dr. Zainal Gani, Owner & Director, CV. Aji Saka Kelapa. dr. Zainal Gani, and dr. Arliek Rio Julia Gani & Mr. apt. Dedy Prayogo, S. Farm, Head of Production & PPIC, CV. Aji Saka Kelapa accompanied the team and observed the production facility of VCO and Traditional Herbal Café. dr. Gani and Mr. Dedy Prayogo described the production process and health benefits of the VCO he produces.
Founded by dr. Zainal Gani in 2004, CV. Aji Saka Kelapa produces Vico Bagoes Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and other traditional herbals. Vico Bagoes VCO is a 100% organic coconut oil, processed with cold press and centrifuge method, Non-RBD (Refined Bleaching Deodorizing), no fermentation and no chemical additives, that resulted in a crystal clear, creamy, coconut odor, good taste and non-rancid VCO. With a total production area of 5.000 m2, Its production capacity is 200 liter/day or 5000 liter/month.
dr. Gani also founded a training center for VCO production wherein he disseminates knowledge and technology to people who are interested in producing organic VCO. Beside the training center, lies a Traditional Herbal Café which also provides coconut cream coffee as one of its favorite menus.
The ICC team observed the process of making VCOs directly since the coconut came from Vico Bagoes' coconut plantation in Situbondo. They pick the best coconut and make sure that the coconuts they process are always fresh. Fresh coconut is scratched and extracted into a cold press. This process should be done in less than 60 minutes to avoid fermentation and produce a delicious coconut base products.
The next process is the chilled centrifuge, which uses special technology to separate oil, cream, and water. So you get the pure virgin coconut oil that's tasty. The vacuum process is done to prevent oxidation and lower water levels so that VCO can be stored for two and a half years. After that, a filtration is carried out to ensure that the product remains fresh and quality in the packaging.
Most people associate coconut oil with cholesterol, fatty oil, and heart diseases, but the VCO is truly unique, and dr. Zainal Gani has unleashed the negative campaigns of the oil that has been accused of being a source of various diseases for years, so that dr. Zainal Gani and Vico Bagoes strive to promote health benefits of the incredible virgin coconut oil especially to the Indonesian community.
Dr. Gani mentioned that there's no cholesterol in coconut oil. Virgin Coconut Oil is also free of trans fats. Vico Bagoes always performs lab tests regularly to ensure that VCO content is always natural and safe to consume. Hair, face, skin, teeth, and the whole body can benefit from 50% of the lauric acid contained in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). For diabetics, VCO can be converted directly into energy without insulin. Three tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil contains 20% of your daily calorie requirement. Your blood sugar levels will tend to be stable and not hungry easily. Vico Bagoes can be consumed directly, for cooking, are safe to fry, or mixed with drinks (tea/coffee) and juice. It can also be used for skin and hair. Vico Bagoes are free of peel, taste and aroma of fresh coconut. So the coconut tree remains planted naturally and yields good fruit. More than 90% of the contents of Vico Bagoes are MCFA (Medium Chain Fatty Acid), and 50% are lauric acid similar to the content of mother's milk.
Dr. Gani mentioned that the company supports local farmers to help themselves. Vico Bagoes is dedicated not only to selling virgin coconut oil products, “More than that, we care about health, as well as environmental sustainability. We are committed to developing local coconut farmers so that their children can get a decent education and health. So that coconut trees remain planted naturally and organically, can yield good fruit so that the health benefits of coconut oil can be felt by more people.”
“The essential ingredient of Virgin Coconut Oil is lauric acid that fights against harmful bacterial, viral, and germ infections in the body. Planted in gardens without pesticides (no GMOs), processed organically with a cold-press centrifuge, without refining bleaching deodorizing (RBD), without hexane. The lauric acid contained in VCO has a stable molecular structure and in the immune system, improves metabolism, as well as diet,” he emphasized.
In alignment with the SDGs, having a total of 35 employees, Vico Bagoes provides a gender-equal opportunity for women. Vico Bagoes also empowers local farmers and is committed to developing local coconut farmers sustainbility. Besides, Vico Bagoes applied zero waste management. All VCO production wastes can be utilized to feed a layer poultry farm owned by the company.
dr. Gani has introduced a sustainable farming system in his factory and plantation in Situbondo Regency, seamlessly integrating it with livestock management. Spanning an impressive 11 hectares, the farm is rich with "superfood" plants such as Coconut, Avocado, and Kelor trees. The initiative employs about 30 individuals who are dedicated to managing a zero-waste system. Notably, the by-products of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) production, specifically dried coconut pulp and kelor’s leafs are repurposed as feed for goats. dr. Gani highlights that this innovative approach has led to a noticeable difference in the quality of goat meat compared to conventional sources. The meat is characterized by a brighter red color & less stickiness blood, minimal odor, and a softer texture once cooked.
Additionally, the farm harnesses solar energy to enhance the efficiency of plant irrigation, showcasing a commitment to energy conservation. This model of farming, if adopted on a larger scale, could serve as a inspiration of sustainability for both agriculture and industry.
dr. Gani stands out as an inspiring figure, widely recognized for his extensive contributions to knowledge sharing across various communities eager to learn about Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and health-related topics. His guiding principle is clear: those who possess knowledge should not hesitate to share it, ensuring that the benefits reach a broader audience. This philosophy is the foundation of his commitment to education. and empowerment, making a significant impact on those seeking to enhance their understanding and skills in these areas.