On 19 January 2026, the Biopharmaca Conservation and Cultivation Unit (UKBB) TropBRC welcomed 22 interns. These LabTropBRC interns. Prior to this main agenda, the internship group successfully completed a comprehensive tour of the TropBRC Animal Testing Laboratory (UKHP). This sequence of visits provided a well-rounded academic experience for the participants.
The participating laboratory students represent various respected academic institutions across Indonesia. Many of these interns study Biology or Chemistry. They attend the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University. Meanwhile, the remaining interns proudly attend other notable institutions, including UIN Jakarta, UNDIP Semarang, and SMK AK Nusa Bangsa Bogor. Upon their arrival at the facility, UKBB Manager Taopik Ridwan, S.P., M.Si., alongside his dedicated team of professionals, formally received the academic delegation.
Exploring Plant Research Facilities
During the session, staff members explained the unit’s daily operations. They also highlighted their primary focus on advancing biopharmaca conservation. Currently, the UKBB actively manages a highly productive 2.8-hectare botanical garden. This well-maintained area successfully holds about 500 unique medicinal plant species. It truly showcases the immense biological wealth of the surrounding region.
Additionally, the modern research facility provides vital technical infrastructure. This includes specialized drying ovens and modern distillation equipment. The skilled staff uses these advanced resources efficiently. They produce high-quality essential oils and prepare simplicia samples. Furthermore, they supply premium seedlings for various ongoing agricultural needs.
The planned educational agenda highlighted core research activities at the UKBB. These fundamental activities include sustainable cultivation, collection enrichment, and guided garden tours. Consequently, the visiting interns observed the diverse medicinal plant collections directly. They studied practical plant identification techniques. They also learned extensively about the potential industrial uses of these natural resources.
To boost participant engagement throughout the visit, the facilitating team hosted an interactive quiz. This fun activity successfully maintained the students’ interest while reinforcing new knowledge. Overall, the comprehensive visit deeply enhanced the interns’ practical understanding of biopharmaca conservation. Ultimately, they clearly recognized how Indonesia’s rich biodiversity drives vital scientific research and innovation.
✍️ Author & Editor: Tiest
📸 Documentation: TropBRC UKBB Team