National Herbal Centre Launched at UNS's 50th Anniversary
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in Surakarta celebrated its 50th anniversary with the theme “Five Decades in Service to the Nation, Foundation for Accelerated Achievements with Impact and Sustainability”. The occasion marked the official opening of the National Herbal Centre, aimed at transforming local potential into scientific innovation and herbal-based medicine.
Rector of UNS, Professor Hartono, emphasised that the Kentingan campus has achieved institutional excellence accreditation, with the majority of programmes holding A-grade accreditation and 36 holding international accreditation. Furthermore, UNS operates three Centres of Excellence in Science and Technology (PUI) that have passed selection and received recognition from the Ministry of Research and Technology.
“UNS is also supported by 28 active research centres under the institution of LPPM UNS,” Hartono stated during the anniversary celebration at the Kentingan Campus Auditorium, attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto, and the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmad Pambudi.
With various achievements at both national and international levels, UNS is committed to becoming a centre for the development of science, technology, and art that is excellent and impactful. The university is expected to contribute to advancing human civilisation whilst grounding itself in the noble values of Indonesian culture.
The launch of the National Herbal Centre reinforces UNS’s focus on utilising local biodiversity, particularly herbal plants, developing them into standardised herbal medicines and phytopharmaceuticals. The programme is expected to enhance public health independence and establish the campus as a national and international herbal centre.
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudi, commended UNS’s capability in developing medicinal plants into superior capsule extracts.
“Indonesia possesses more than 2,800 medicinal plant species with potential for generating natural treatments. UNS has demonstrated the ability to identify and utilise this potential to produce superior herbal medicines,” Rachmat stated.
Furthermore, the government hopes this herbal centre will become a downstream development programme for herbal medicine advancement, not only at the national level but also at the regional and international levels.
During the anniversary celebration, UNS awarded the Parasamya Anugraha Widyatama Taru Tirta Bawana commendation to Professor Emil Salim, signifying the Blessing of Safety and Wisdom for the World, like a Tree That Gives Life-giving Water.
Emil Salim affirmed that the campus’s initiative to develop natural resources into superior medicinal solutions is both timely and highly beneficial for the health of mankind.
Through this strategic approach, the university not only reaffirms its position as a leading campus at national and international levels, but also establishes itself as a pioneer in developing locally-based herbal innovation with tangible positive impact for society.