Exciting news comes from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Institute of Herbal and Social Studies (IHIS UGM). One of its researchers, Dr. Agustina Ari Murti Budi Hastuti, has secured a prestigious grant from the PHC Nusantara 2025 program, a research collaboration initiative between Indonesia and France.
Through this program, Dr. Hastuti will collaborate with Professor Illa Tea from the Institut des Sciences Analytiques in France on a study titled Indonesian Ginger and Ginger Essential Oil Authentication Study.
This grant recognizes the quality of research at IHIS UGM and paves the way for deeper international cooperation, highlighting the global competitiveness of Indonesian research.
The study uses advanced chemical analysis and modern technologies to develop authentication methods for Indonesian ginger and its essential oils.
It aims to ensure the authenticity and quality of these valuable natural ingredients so that they can be optimally used in the health and pharmaceutical industries.
Although ginger has long been used in traditional medicine, challenges remain in guaranteeing its purity.
According to Dr. Hastuti, authentication is also crucial for protecting local farmers and preventing product fraud.
“We want to ensure that the ginger used in the industry, both locally and internationally, comes from authentic, high-quality sources,” she said.
The research will be conducted in both Indonesia and France and is expected to strengthen knowledge and technology transfer.
It also holds the potential to expand international trade in natural products.
With scientifically grounded and standardized practices, Indonesian herbal products could gain stronger access to global markets.
Dr. Hastuti emphasized the importance of scientific approaches in supporting health claims for herbal products.
“We hope that Indonesian natural products can secure a strong position in the global market, and this research is a step in that direction,” she added.
The PHC Nusantara program is coordinated by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), alongside Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
It aims to strengthen international scientific networks and support high-impact research collaborations between the two countries.
Through this program, researchers from Indonesia and France can share resources, expertise, and scientific approaches, serving as an effective form of science diplomacy.
Dr. Hastuti’s achievement underscores IHIS UGM’s capability to address global challenges while promoting Indonesia’s rich tropical biodiversity.
This research also marks a significant milestone in demonstrating that studies based on local resources can compete at an international level.
IHIS UGM continues to show its commitment to addressing strategic issues through impactful research.
Dr. Hastuti hopes that more studies like this will drive international recognition of Indonesia’s natural resources.
“Science can be a powerful bridge between nations. I’m honored to contribute to this collaboration,” said Dr. Hastuti.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Illustration: Freepik