Yogyakarta, 16 September 2025 – The Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed academic delegates including Dr. Riskina Juwita (Tokyo University of Agriculture), Dr. Rosalia Natalia Seleky (Shimane University), representatives from the Main Section Head of Organizational Development, Perhutani, Doddy Juli Irawan, M.Sc., Cahyo Wisnu Rubiyanto, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta), and Dr. Hani Perwitasari (Faculty of Agriculture UGM), along with several students from Shimane University, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The visit was led by Dr. Riskina Juwita (Tokyo University of Agriculture) and Setyowati Triastuti Utami, Ph.D. (Coordinator of the International Affairs Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy UGM), with Dr. Djoko Santosa representing the Faculty of Pharmacy as a herbal medicine expert.
The main agenda of the visit was to explore potential collaboration in herbal medicine research, given the increasing interest and demand for Indonesian herbal products in Japan. One particularly interesting topic of discussion was the development of rhizomes, especially curcumin derived from turmeric, which has been patented in Japan for its efficacy in relieving hangovers.
Dr. Riskina Juwita emphasized the importance of developing research based on Indonesia’s rich biodiversity so that it can bring broad benefits not only to the domestic community but also to global health needs. “The growing demand for herbal medicine from international markets, particularly Japan, represents a strategic opportunity to drive innovation while ensuring the sustainability of natural resources,” she stated.
Furthermore, Dr. Riskina Juwita also highlighted the importance of synergy between academia, industry, and resource managers in ensuring the sustainable availability of raw materials for herbal medicine. This collaboration is expected to serve as an initial step toward long-term research partnerships that will strengthen the position of Indonesian herbal medicine in the global market.
This collaborative initiative also supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By advancing herbal-based research that contributes to public health, it aligns with SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being. The development of innovative products rooted in local resources and international research cooperation strengthens SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. At the same time, the partnership between universities, industry, and natural resource managers reflects the spirit of SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the importance of global synergy in addressing health and sustainability challenges.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to follow up on the discussion through the formulation of joint research agendas, as well as student and researcher exchanges. The Faculty of Pharmacy UGM warmly welcomes this initiative as a tangible step in strengthening scientific diplomacy and supporting the development of Indonesia’s bioeconomy based on local excellence.
