International Guest Lecture SBE UISC 2022

Indonesia has millions varieties of medicinal plants that have the potential to add value to the herbal industry. As a nation with more than 30,000 species of plants and marine resources, it is not surprising that Indonesia can become the largest exporter of herbal medicinal client products in the world. However, about 9,600 species of plants and animals with known medicinal properties have not been used optimally as herbal medicines. That is why the International Guest Lecture SBE UISC 2022 brought the topic about ways to upscale herbal industries and to make use of Indonesia’s natural resources for the better. The guest lecture was held on 23rd September 2022, focusing on Jamu and the innovation of the herbal industry along with the step-by-step production of herbal products. The two speakers invited were Ms. Risa Umari Yuli Aliviyanti, the Chief Product Officer at Widya Herbal Indonesia; and Ir. Dewi Tristantini, M.T., Ph.D., a lecturer from the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Indonesia.

The event began with a welcoming speech from the president of SBE UISC, Katya Shamira. The topics discussed by the two speakers were mostly about the herbal industry in Indonesia. Ms. Risa opened the discussion by talking about the problems of disease, aging, and death. We were told that Jamu, the herbal medicine of Indonesia, is deeply tied to the culture and wisdom of Indonesia. Herbal medicine is a part of Indonesian heritage. In accordance with the wisdom of the local community, Jamu is the combination of herbal ingredients and prayers/spells. Ms. Risa also explained about the differences between herbal medical practice of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Jamu. Then, she discussed how to bridge herbal products as a cultural heritage with technology. The first thing to do is know the market. There is also a need to upgrade the quality of ingredients and know about the regulation and procedure. Lastly, new technology and trends should be used in order to achieve safe, high-quality, and efficient products. Aside from that, Ms. Risa talked about the history of the herbal industry in Indonesia and the step-by-step procedure of making herbal products. Documentation of quality, be it for the products or the facilities, is also needed to ensure the products are safe for public use.

In the second session, Dr. Dewi discussed several developed medicinal herbs in the Department of Chemical Engineering of University of Indonesia. As an introduction, Dr. Dewi talked about Indonesia’s geographical conditions and demographics along with species of natural herbs and Jamu. She also introduced Bancar Resik, an anti-atherosclerosis mixed-herb formula that she developed, to the audiences. Bancar Resik is formulated from curcuma and leaves of tanjung and starfruit. It contains several phytochemicals with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-cholesterol properties. Aside from that, another mixed-herb formula was also developed in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Jamu Turun Tegang Saraf that can be used for anti-neuropathic pain. This mixed-herb formula is made from cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, and contains several phytochemicals such as 6-gingerol, eugenol, and myristicin. There is also Adem Panas, an anti-inflammatory mixed-herb formula used to treat upper respiratory tract infection. It is made from aromatic ginger and galangal, and contains EPMS (ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate) which has the potential to increase the body's immune system.

The discussion was closed with a question-and-answer session. After the session, the president of SBE UISC gave appreciation to both Ms. Risa and Dr. Dewi in the form of a certificate. The president of SBE UISC also gave a closing statement. The guest lecture was closed at last with a photo session. Overall, the guest lecture was a success and both the speakers were very passionate in discussing the potential of herbal products in Indonesia.