<![CDATA[Diabetic ulcers are chronic complications of diabetes mellitus that are susceptible to infection, especially by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Increasing antibiotic resistance encourages the use of natural antibacterial agents, such as bitter melon fruit (Trichosanthes cucumerina). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of bitter melon fruit extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli that cause diabetic ulcer infections. This study implemented a post-test only control group design. Testing was carried out in vitro using the Kirby-Bauer method at concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, and 50%, accompanied by positive controls (Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin) and negative controls (distilled water). Antibacterial activity was measured by the diameter of the inhibition zone. The results of the analysis showed that the extract was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus, with a concentration of 50% being categorized as intermediate, while against Escherichia coli all concentrations were still classified as resistant. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the extract's potential as a natural antibacterial. However, its effectiveness is still limited, necessitating further research using higher concentrations or combinations of other plant parts.Keywords: bitter melon; in vitro; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli ABSTRAK Ulkus diabetikum merupakan komplikasi kronis dari diabetes melitus yang rentan mengalami infeksi, terutama oleh Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Meningkatnya resistensi antibiotik mendorong pemanfaatan agen antibakteri alami, seperti buah pare belut (Trichosanthes cucumerina). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengevaluasi aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak buah pare belut terhadap Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli penyebab infeksi ulkus diabetikum. Studi ini menerapkan rancangan post-test only control group. Pengujian dilakukan secara in vitro menggunakan metode Kirby-Bauer pada konsentrasi 12,5%, 25%, dan 50%, disertai kontrol positif (Gentamisin dan Siprofloksasin) dan kontrol negatif (aquades). Aktivitas antibakteri diukur melalui diameter zona hambat. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak lebih efektif terhadap Staphylococcus aureus, dengan konsentrasi 50% masuk kategori intermediet, sementara terhadap Escherichia coli semua konsentrasi masih tergolong resisten. Sebagai kesimpulan, temuan ini menunjukkan potensi ekstrak sebagai antibakteri alami, namun efektivitasnya masih terbatas, sehingga diperlukan penelitian lanjutan dengan konsentrasi lebih tinggi atau kombinasi bagian tanaman lain.Kata kunci: pare belut; in vitro; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli]]>
