Ministry, BPOM strengthen downstreaming of natural medicine research

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) strengthened downstream processing of university research on natural-based medicines, so it can move from research toward development and production.

"Universities and research institutions already have the capabilities in research and development. However, to bring the results to the production stage, the connection with industrial facilities and support from various parties is needed," the Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto said in a statement here on Friday.

Yuliarto assessed that downstream processing requires integrated works, from raw material supply and processing and purification to product development.

Connection between researchers, industry, and regulators is important, so the research results could be developed in a directed way, have added value, and meet the requirements needed for wider use.

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As part of the effort, the ministry has explored communication with industry on potential use of natural material extraction facilities that are not yet used optimally.

The facilities could support processing of university research results toward the next stage of development, while still observing technical standards, licensing, and applicable provisions.

According to Yuliarto, universities and research institutions have developed research and processing technology for the kratom commodity up to the pilot plant stage.

Campuses need industrial facility support and BPOM guidance so development can run according to standards and regulations.

"Through this development, Indonesia is expected not only to export raw materials but also to produce processed products with higher added value," he added.

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Meanwhile, BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said the agency's support is needed to ensure the downstream processing goes hand in hand with meeting safety, quality, and product standard requirements.

Both sides also discussed the use of production facilities, certification, export provisions, and possible technical assistance for researchers and industry.

To strengthen the researchers’ readiness in entering the downstream processing stage, the ministry and BPOM have planned coaching clinics for researchers and professors.

They also discussed opportunities to open research proposals that can support natural material development and turn research results into value-added products.

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Translator: Sean, Kenzu
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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