Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. encouraged greater national investment in biotechnology-derived therapeutics through a webinar titled “Does Indonesia Need to Invest in Biotechnology-Derived Therapeutics?” held on October 30, 2025. The event featured Prof. Dr. Teruna J. Siahaan, Aya & Takeru Higuchi Distinguished Professor from the University of Kansas, and was opened by the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Dr. Ir. Dwi Indroyono Soesilo, M.Sc.
Prof. Teruna emphasized the importance of investing in biotechnology research to strengthen national health resilience, enhance pharmaceutical independence, and expand job creation through university–industry collaboration. He is recognized for his contributions to the development of cancer-targeting drugs and for fostering research partnerships with leading Indonesian universities, including Padjadjaran University (UNPAD), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and the University of Indonesia (UI). He also supervises Indonesian graduate and doctoral students in pharmacology, biopharma, and biochemistry across several U.S. institutions.
More than 200 Indonesian and U.S. biotechnology experts participated in the session, joined by representatives from national pharmaceutical companies such as Bio Farma, Kimia Farma, and Kalbe Farma. The participants expressed strong support for joint research and development initiatives in biotechnology between Indonesia and the United States.
Dr. Fauzan Adziman, S.T., M.Eng., Director General of Research and Development, and Dr. Ahmad Najib Burhani, M.A., Director General of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Education, Research, and Technology, welcomed the proposed 300% tax incentive for companies engaging in research activities, affirming government support for both fundamental and applied research in biotechnology.
Ambassador Indroyono reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advancing science and innovation diplomacy to strengthen research and health industry independence. “Collaboration among research institutions, industry, and universities is the key to the future of Indonesia’s health and economy,” he stated. (*)
