"BRIN is ready to be an enabler in the development of herbal medicine products, especially if producers want to upgrade the product category to Standard Herbal Medicine (OHT) or phytopharmaca," Handoko noted in a statement here on Friday.
The agency head emphasized the importance of enhancing the quality of herbal medicine products through more in-depth research, which includes extensive preclinical and clinical trials, leveraging BRIN's supportive facilities.
He explained that BRIN has complete infrastructure, including a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard laboratory and limited production facilities to support product development.
Utilizing these facilities allows manufacturers to reduce costs and time without disrupting their regular production lines.
Handoko also advocates for the scientific validation of herbal medicine based on local wisdom. He noted that in-depth research to scientifically prove the benefits of herbal medicine could open up opportunities for developing new products.
"Inspiration from local wisdom can be the basis for innovation. With the support of genomic evaluation and other data, we can develop better products or improve the quality of existing ones," he remarked.
Hence, Handoko appealed to herbal medicine producers and the Indonesian Herbal Medicine Council to continue improving the quality of their products and collaborating more closely with BRIN.
"We support this strategic step. Hopefully, this collaboration will be able to raise the image of herbal medicine as a cultural heritage as well as a modern innovative product to be proud of," he remarked.
Meanwhile, General Chair of the Indonesian Herbal Medicine Council, Daniel Tjen, commended BRIN's initiative in opening up wider collaboration opportunities, given that herbal medicine is a form of local wisdom with a rich history spanning Sabang to Merauke.
"Herbal medicine is often considered Java-centric, even though if we look at history, herbal medicine is spread throughout the archipelago. For example, in East Kalimantan, the Kutai Kingdom also has a herbal medicine tradition that uses their local language. This will be our focus to document and preserve this local wisdom," he highlighted.
Daniel expressed hope for further research collaboration to elevate Indonesian herbal medicine to new heights.
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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