Yogyakarta - Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW) Yogyakarta is exploring cooperation with PT Industri Jamu Dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk (SIDO) to strengthen herbal research, herbal saintification, and the development of products based on Indonesian biological wealth.
This step was realized through an audience that took place at the Sido Muncul office and was received directly by the President Director of PT Industri Jamu dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk (SIDO), Dr. (H.C.) Irwan Hidayat, at the end of June 2026.
The UKDW delegation was led by the Rector of UKDW, Wiyatiningsih, accompanied by Dr. Aniek Prasetyaningsih from the Faculty of Biotechnology as well as Christina Angelina and Adhimas Yudistira from the UKDW Cooperation and Public Relations Bureau.
During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for collaboration in the field of research, innovation, and the development of herbal products that are oriented towards the needs of the community while supporting the preservation of herbal medicine as an Indonesian cultural wealth.
This cooperation is also expected to strengthen the downstreaming of academic research results so that they can be applied in a tangible manner and provide wider benefits.
The Rector of UKDW, Wiyatiningsih, assessed that collaboration between universities and industries is an important step to accelerate the development of impactful research.
"We see great potential to build a mutually reinforcing collaboration between the academic world and industry. Through this collaboration, research results do not only stop in the laboratory, but can be developed into innovations that benefit the community," he said.
In the scheme that is being explored, UKDW lecturers and researchers have the opportunity to utilize the laboratory facilities and research infrastructure owned by Sido Muncul to support applied research, testing, and herbal product development.
"Synergies like this will further strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian herbal products at the national and international levels," said Irwan.
In addition to discussing cooperation opportunities, UKDW also invited Irwan Hidayat as the main speaker in the 2026 Nusantara Herbal Festival which will be held on July 16-17, 2026 at the UKDW Yogyakarta Campus.
In the agenda, Irwan Hidayat is planned to present a material entitled "Jamu Processing: From Natural Wealth and Tradition to the Global Market".
Irwan's presence is expected to provide insight into the strategy for developing Indonesian herbal medicine so that it can compete in the global market without losing its cultural roots and traditional values.
The Nusantara Herbal Festival is part of UKDW's commitment to supporting the preservation and development of herbal medicine as a national cultural heritage.
After being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, herbal medicine is increasingly seen not only as a traditional health product, but also as a representation of the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and Indonesian culture.
Through this festival, UKDW wants to encourage the role of academics, researchers, and industry in strengthening the scientificity of herbal medicine while increasing public awareness of the sustainable use of biological resources.
Various activities will enliven the 2026 Nusantara Herbal Festival, including the Nusantara Herbal Expo which includes product exhibitions, workshops, and health checks for the elderly, the National Herbal Seminar, the Herbal Ambassador Competition, the Infographic Competition, and the inauguration of the Herbal Corner and Herbal Garden in the UKDW campus environment.
Through this exploration of cooperation, UKDW hopes to establish a long-term partnership with Sido Muncul to strengthen research, innovation, and development of Indonesian herbs.
"Collaboration between universities and industries is the key to presenting herbal medicine that is increasingly relevant, reliable, and able to reach a wider market in the future," said Irwan.
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