On Thursday, October 22, 2026, a group of 51 students completed a comprehensive field visit. Specifically, these students from the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition visited the Biopharmaca Conservation Cultivation Unit (UKBB). Furthermore, the Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) LRI-PGKH IPB University actively manages this agricultural facility. Visitors can easily find this site located at the Cikabayan Garden. Importantly, this garden sits directly on the IPB Dramaga Campus. Therefore, this academic excursion directly supported the students’ medical curriculum. In particular, it fulfilled core requirements for the Principles of Herbal Medicine course. Ultimately, the educational program aimed to broaden their practical insights. As a result, they learned extensively about the utilization of tropical medicinal plants. Moreover, they studied the proper processing techniques for these natural resources.
Hands-On Processing of Tropical Medicinal Plants
To ensure an optimal learning environment, organizers divided the field visit into three separate batches. Consequently, this structural division allowed for highly focused instruction. It also provided better engagement for everyone involved. Upon arrival, UKBB Garden Manager Taopik Ridwan, S.T.P., M.Si., officially welcomed the visiting groups. Next, he provided warm introductory remarks. Afterward, the students started their primary practical activities outdoors.
During the outdoor session, students first received a direct, hands-on introduction. Specifically, they examined various living botanical species. Next, they learned standard procedures for producing high-quality simplicia. Undoubtedly, this represents a crucial processing step for natural ingredients. Additionally, the students observed ongoing botanical research directly at the facility. Thus, these practical activities effectively supplemented their theoretical classroom studies.
Throughout the training, five dedicated academic supervisors carefully guided the student cohorts. For instance, Dr. Sera Budi Verinda, M.Biomed., led the group alongside Febrial Hikmah, S.Si., M.Biomed. Similarly, Benedikta Diah Saraswati, S.Si., M.Biomed., and Andika Setyoadi, S.Si., M.Biomed., provided essential educational instruction. Finally, Prof. Irmanida Batubara, S.Si., M.Si., also accompanied the academic learning cohort. Through this hands-on approach, the faculty expects highly positive results. Indeed, they want the students to build a strong scientific foundation. Ultimately, these future professionals will confidently contribute to modern herbal medicine development.
✍️ Author & Editor: Tiest
📸 Documentation: UKBB Team