Health Ministry Inks Deal with 26 Universities to Develop Indonesian Herbal Database

Jakarta Globe, Dessy Sagita, October 15, 2012

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The Health Ministry signed on Monday a new partnership agreement with 26 state universities to create a national database of plants from across the archipelago that have therapeutic effects.

“I’ve been for some time bothered with how others have been claiming [our traditional herbs], and how we still import 90 percent of raw materials for our medicines. It would be wonderful if we can benefit from our own resources,” Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi said on the sidelines of the signing event in Jakarta.

The head of the ministry’s research and development agency, Trihono, said Rp 48 billion ($5 million) would be disbursed this year alone for the 26 universities to support related research projects, including those aimed at finding active ingredients in herbs traditionally believed to have therapeutic effects.

“As we have only limited research funds, we will prioritize research outside Java and Bali, because much research has been performed in Java-Bali,” Trihono said.

He added that Indonesia had barely explored its “extraordinary” biodiversity, saying thus far only five therapeutic plant species are registered with the ministry, when it is believed that Indonesia’s flora boasts upwards of 1,000 other plants with similarly therapeutic effects.

“South Korea only has ginseng, but look at how it’s renowned everywhere. We have 1,000 therapeutic plants, we can do much better,” Trihono said.