The infrastructure will serve as a modern center for research and development through genomic technology implementation.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Acting secretary general of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Tomsi Tohir, has asked regional governments to support the construction of the Herbal and Horticulture Science Technology Park (TSTH2) in North Sumatra.

He made the request during the Coordination Meeting on Regional Inflation Control in Jakarta on Monday.

He informed that the infrastructure will serve as a modern center for research and development through genomic technology implementation.

It was said that a garden of national herbal medicinal plant collections originating from all over Indonesia would be developed there.

Tohir underlined that the Ministry of Home Affairs has a role in supporting and disseminating information regarding the efforts of ministries, agencies, and regional governments to accelerate TSTH2 development.

"Through an official letter, regional governments are urged to send seedlings of endemic herbal plants from their respective regions," he said.

He also outlined several things that must receive attention from regional governments. For instance, the provincial office that handles agriculture, environment, and forestry affairs must coordinate and record endemic herbal plant seedlings sent for the garden.

Meanwhile, district heads and mayors have been asked to instruct the office that handles agriculture, environment, and forestry affairs to send endemic plant seedlings by no later than the fourth week of August 2024.

The TSTH2 development is a program of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment.

Tohir urged the coordinating ministry to provide clear guidelines regarding the delivery of the seedlings, including the contact person who will provide explanations when regional governments experience difficulties or require further information.

He asked regional governments to carefully identify the types of herbal plants in their regions. The plants that are sent will also be studied further at the TSTH2 to determine their benefits.

Related news: Indonesia has huge potential for producing herbal medicines: BRIN
Related news: Jamu a tool of cultural diplomacy: Presidential Council

Translator: Narda Margaretha, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2024