Young Women Talented With Drug Plant Research To Strengthen National Health Foundation

PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk (Darya-Varia) launched the D-STAR 2025 program (Photo: Doc. Darya Varia)

JAKARTA - Herbal plants have long been known as an important part of Indonesian culture and public health. With such abundant natural potential, serious research on medicinal plants can help produce new solutions that are widely beneficial, while maintaining cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk (Darya-Varia) has re-launched the D-STAR 2025 program (Darya-Varia Scholarship for Talented and Aspiring Women Researchers). This scholarship program was held for talented students in the pharmaceutical sector.

This year's focus is herbal research from Indonesia's biological wealth which has great value, both scientific and economic perspectives. This program also provides wider opportunities for young women to develop on research lines that are often full of challenges.

"Innovations in the health sector cannot be born from one point of view only. We need the diversity of ideas, approaches, and experiences so that the solutions produced are truly relevant and have a real impact on society," said dr. Ian Kloer, President Director of PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk, from Darya Varia's official statement.

Through the D-STAR program, we want to provide space for the younger generation, especially those who have a strong interest in research, to develop, experiment, and turn ideas into real contributions that can be felt by universities, companies, and the wider community. For us, research is not just a final task on campus, but a process that can produce tangible benefits for a healthier, adaptive, and sustainable health future," he added.

This scholarship is specifically intended for female students because women have an important role in creating inclusive and sustainable research. Although the number of women in the pharmaceutical sector is quite large, access and opportunities to lead research and produce innovation still need to be expanded.

"D-STAR is specifically intended for female students because Darya-Varia believes that women have a strategic role in shaping the future of inclusive and sustainable health research. Although the number of women in the pharmaceutical sector is significant, we feel the need to be actively involved in opening wider access for young women to actively contribute to the development of health solutions, their representation in innovative research and academic leadership," said dr. Ian.

"This program is also in line with the Company's commitment to encouraging women's empowerment in the health and pharmaceutical sectors, which is an important part of the global and national sustainability agenda," he added.

Scholarship recipients not only get Rp30 million in funds, but also intensive training, assistance from academics and practitioners, as well as opportunities to build a professional network. This year, research is directed at the integration of modern science with Indonesian medicinal plants that are rich in cultural value as well as have economic value.

Lilis, Research and Development Division Head Darya-Varia expressed that public interest in herbs is increasing, as can be seen from the rapid growth of the natural-based care industry in Indonesia. Therefore, in-depth research is needed to ensure wider safety, effectiveness, and benefits.

Women have valuable capacity and perspective in research. The D-STAR program is designed to empower female students to take a strategic role, develop competencies, and contribute actively in creating inclusive health solutions," said Lilis.

"We believe that the increasing participation of female researchers can contribute to strengthening the foundations of pharmaceutical and health research in Indonesia, both by enriching the point of view, expanding the impact of research, and producing more quality and relevant research for the wider community," he continued.

This program also received a positive response from various academics. Prof. apt. Junaidi Khotib (Airlangga University) sees D-STAR not only as a scholarship program, but also as a form of strategic contribution to the future of pharmaceutical research in Indonesia.

"This program provides real space for our students to explore potential research that is relevant to the needs of the community, as well as encourage cultural change in the professional world," he said.

In addition, Prof. Dr. apt. Satibi (UGM) said D-STAR provides a very valuable experience for our students. Not only about funding, but also about how they form a strong and impact-oriented research mindset

Not only that, Prof. Dr. apt. Arry Yanuar (UI) welcomes collaboration in the D-STAR program. This initiative is very important in expanding the horizon of students' thinking about the world of research and industry.

"Slowly speaking, we are building a more open academic and professional culture and respecting contributions from various backgrounds," he said.

In addition, Prof. apt. Diky Mudhakir (ITB) said that one of the strengths of the D-STAR program is his ability to bridge the academic and industrial world.

This year, four female students were selected as recipients, namely Angininda Salsabila (Unair), Vira Nuha Sabita (UI), Iffah Zakiya Yasmin (UGM), and Hanifa Syifa Kamila (ITB). They will develop research based on pharmaceutical technology and Indonesian biological wealth, in the hope of making a real contribution to society.

"More than just a research program, D-STAR is part of Darya-Varia's long-term strategy in supporting sustainable national health resilience," explained dr. Ian Kloer.

"This program is a space for the generation of pharmaceutical researchers to produce innovations based on Indonesia's natural wealth and various scientific perspectives. Through D-STAR, Darya-Varia affirms its commitment as Pioneering Pharmaceutical Excellence with global standard innovation, A Trusted Partner in Health and Wellness through collaboration that improves quality of life, as well as the Championing Family Well-Being through superior products and services," he concluded.