This study aims to determine the effect of infusion stem lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) against the growth of bacteria on tilapia meat (Oreochromis niloticus). Research conducted in experimental, consists of long soaking of tilapia meat in infusa concentrations 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Soaking carried out for 30 minutes and 1 hour with an interval of observation time at temperature room i.e T0 (h to 0/shortly after soaking), T6 (6 hours after soaking) and T12 (12 hours after soaking).The number of bacterial contamination of tilapia meat is calculated after it soaked infusion in level of dilution 10-4, 10-5, 10-6grow on medium of NA in triplo. The amount of bacteria measured using the TPC (Total plate Count) method and the characteristic of bacteria tested using the Gram staining method.Research shows that infusion stem lemongrass less influential in inhibiting the growth of bacteria on tilapia meat because the result exceeds the maximum limit of microbial contamination on fresh fish set by SNI 7388:2009 i.e. 5 × 105 CFU/g. Based on identification obtained 5 bacterial isolates, which is 3 isolates shaped bacil and 2 isolates shaped coccus.

Keywords: Infusion stem lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Soaking time, The growth of bacteria.