Unhas secures BPOM distribution permits for 15 innovative products
Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has secured distribution permits from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) for 15 innovative products developed from research by its lecturers. Rector of Unhas Prof Dr Ir Jamaluddin Jompa stated in Makassar on Sunday that this achievement represents an important step in accelerating the downstreaming of research so it can be produced, marketed, and utilised by the public. He noted that the success is a significant milestone, as distribution permits have been one of the main obstacles preventing research results from entering the market. This year, Unhas is targeting around 200 additional innovative products to obtain BPOM distribution permits. According to Jamaluddin, the success of research is not only measured by scientific publications or patents, but also by tangible benefits for society through products that are safe, legal, and economically valuable. Head of the Makassar Centre for Food and Drug Control Yosef Dwi Irwan Prakasa Setiawan stressed that collaboration between universities, government, and the business sector is necessary so that research results do not remain confined to the laboratory, but instead are able to create business opportunities and employment. Meanwhile, Head of BPOM RI Prof dr Taruna Ikrar said BPOM acts not only as a regulator, but also as a strategic partner in strengthening the national innovation ecosystem, enabling research-based products to penetrate national and even global markets. The 15 products that received distribution permits include bread, Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), coconut oil, liquid palm sugar, cubed palm sugar, powdered palm sugar, sarabba, various processed seaweed products, and a Ginger Creamy beverage developed by a number of Unhas researchers. The distribution permit certificates were handed over during the Acceleration of Academia, Business, Government (ABG) Collaboration event in Makassar, as part of efforts to strengthen synergy in accelerating the downstreaming of research results.