On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) LRI-PGKH IPB University held a gathering to mark its 28th anniversary. The event brought together center leadership, dedicated staff, and laboratory interns to reflect on the institution’s historical growth and research milestones.
The ceremony opened with remarks from TropBRC Director Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rafi, S.Si., M.Si., who expressed gratitude for the center’s ongoing progress. He was joined by Secretary Dr. apt. Siti Sa’diah, M.Si., along with Advisory Board members Prof. Dr. Irmanida Batubara, S.Si., M.Si., and Prof. Dr. Ir. Suminar Setiati Achmadi, M.Sc. During the event, advisory board members recalled the center’s origins in 1998, when operations began in a single room with borrowed furniture from the Primate Research Center (PSSP).
Global Recognition and Milestone Achievements
A key highlight of the gathering was the recognition of two TropBRC researchers. The International Research Institute for Food, Nutrition, Health, and Halal (LRI-PGKH) presented Certificates of Appreciation to Prof. Irmanida Batubara and Prof. Mohamad Rafi for their inclusion in Stanford University’s List of the World’s Top 2% Scientists 2026.
Representing the Head of LRI-PGKH, Prof. Dr. Ir. Erika Budiarti Laconi, M.S., who delivered virtual congratulations via video call, the certificates were handed over by LRI-PGKH Secretary Prof. Dr. Ir. Darda Efendi, M.Si., and Administration and General Services Supervisor Nurwandi Nanda Cahyana, S.E.
TropBRC 28th Anniversary: Legacy of Excellence and Mandates
Historically, five visionary founders initiated TropBRC on October 20, 1998, under Rector Decree No. 118/K13/HK/OT/1998. These founders included Prof. Dr. Ir. Dudung Darusman, M.A., Prof. Dr. Ir. Suminar Setiati Achmadi, M.Sc., Prof. drh. Dondin Sajuthi, M.St., Ph.D., Prof. Dr. drh. Toni Ungerer, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Latifah K Darusman, M.S.
Subsequently, the center restructured in 2005 to accelerate technological commercialization and support IPB’s world-class status. Over the years, TropBRC has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. For instance, the institution earned ISO 17025:2008 and ISO 9001:2005 certifications in 2012. Moreover, it secured the title of Center of Excellence for Herbal Medicine in 2013 and a Higher Education Center of Excellence (PUI-PT) in 2016.
Currently, TropBRC operates under six primary mandates, guided by Rector Decree No. 62/IT3/OT/2016:
- Exploring, developing, and utilizing indigenous knowledge for human, animal, and plant health.
- Recommending policies on bioethics and natural resource conservation.
- Advancing GAP, GACP, and GMP for tropical biopharmaca products.
- Developing standardization models for biopharmaca products.
- Enhancing socio-economic benefits through product commercialization.
- Serving as the primary Tropical Biopharmaca Information Service Center.
Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Eng. Wisnu Ananta Kusuma, S.T., M.T., led the attendees in a solemn prayer. Next, the group gathered for photos and enjoyed lunch together. Ultimately, the TropBRC 28th anniversary celebration concluded with an engaging door prize session, rewarding ten fortunate staff members.
