BRIN Head Arif Satria emphasized during a seminar in Jakarta on Thursday that the agency has adequate research facilities at the Soekarno Science and Technology Zone (KST) in Cibinong, Bogor District, West Java, to support genomics research activities.

“BRIN aims to further strengthen synergy within the BGSI ecosystem. We seek guidance from the Health Minister on additional steps we should take, as we are keen to gain insight and direction on the future course of research in the health sector,” Satria said.

He stated that BRIN is equipped with facilities including five genome sequencing machines, a high-performance computer (HPC), a vaccine good manufacturing practice (GMP) laboratory, a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory, and a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) laboratory, which is claimed to be among the most advanced in Southeast Asia.

“I think we are an open platform, open to anyone. This includes professors, students, researchers, and researchers from the Health Ministry who can participate in our research,” he emphasized.

To support research projects, Satria explained, BRIN is also developing the Indonesia Nucleotide Archive (INNA) as a repository for nucleotide sequences and related metadata that adhere to global standards and are integrated with BRIN’s storage infrastructure.

He further emphasized that BRIN’s role in the project includes developing genomic surveillance for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as influenza, Nipah virus, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), tuberculosis, and others.

In addition, Satria said BRIN could contribute to biomarker research aimed at predicting future diseases based on the genetic characteristics of the Indonesian population.

“If we can predict future diseases, that would be very beneficial. And of course, we must adhere to the One Health approach, because the source of future diseases will depend heavily on zoonoses—diseases originating from animals,” Satria said.

On the same occasion, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the government would establish a research consortium to strengthen BGSI in addressing diseases that are considered difficult to treat, using more precise approaches.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the importance of maintaining public health as part of efforts to achieve Indonesia Emas 2045, noting that BGSI technology offers personalized testing results and follow-up tailored to each individual.



Related news: Indonesia, Japan push research cooperation through BRIN partnership

Related news: BRIN researchers find anti-cancer potential in turmeric soil bacteria