Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to promote the downstream development of biotechnology products, including innovations in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
To support this initiative, UGM has partnered with PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia as an industry collaborator. The cooperation agreement was signed at the UGM Central Office on Thursday (Aug. 15).
The memorandum of agreement on education, research, and community service was signed by UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, and President Director of PT Etana Biotechnologies, Nathan Tirtana.
Professor Emilia expressed hope that this partnership will strengthen research and foster joint contributions with industry in product development.
“We expect this to be a long-term collaboration. We consistently emphasize independence, including in health services, particularly in vaccines and medicines,” the rector said.
Collaboration between UGM and PT Etana Biotechnologies has previously been established through various programs with the UGM Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Pharmacy.
Joint research has focused primarily on the development of biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. Beyond research, this partnership is also expected to advance the application of appropriate technology.
“We hope that every product and research outcome will have a positive impact on society,” Professor Emilia added.
She further emphasized that this strategic partnership could serve as a catalyst for innovation, strengthen the research and technology ecosystem, and deliver tangible benefits to society and national development.
Nathan Tirtana explained that PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia is a biotechnology company focusing on the research, development, and production of vaccines and biologically based pharmaceutical products to support national health resilience.
“As a healthcare company, we are committed to delivering the best quality in health products, particularly vaccines and medicines,” he said.
The collaboration with UGM will take two forms: downstream research in the development of new products, and basic research in the form of knowledge transfer from the company to UGM.
“What we have will be transferred to UGM, with the hope that it will benefit students as they enter the workforce, since our processes are aligned with industry standards,” Tirtana explained.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto