The Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) LRI-PGKH IPB University recently co-organized the International Conference on Spices, Herbs, and Aromatics (ICSHA) 2026. Held on 23 June 2026 at the IPB International Convention Center (IICC) in Bogor, the event was a collaborative effort with the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University.
Conducted in a hybrid format, ICSHA 2026 focused on “Revitalizing the Spices Heritage: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Collaboration in Spices, Herbs, and Aromatics Development.” Consequently, the conference successfully united policymakers, academics, students, industry representatives, and researchers worldwide to strengthen international research networks.
Advancing Spice Heritage and Scientific Innovation
More than 150 participants attended the official opening. The comprehensive scientific program featured 61 oral presentations and 21 poster sessions. Importantly, these discussions covered recent breakthroughs in natural products, medicinal plants, aromatics, and herbal research. Moreover, distinguished keynote and invited speakers joined the forum from Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Organizing Committee Chair Dr. Rudi Heryanto stated that ICSHA 2026 provides a crucial platform for exchanging scientific knowledge. Furthermore, he emphasized its role in building strategic partnerships to support sustainable sector development.
Prof. Erika B. Laconi, Head of LRI-PGKH IPB University, highlighted Indonesia’s strategic position as a primary center of tropical biodiversity. She reaffirmed that herbs and spices are not merely economic commodities. Instead, they also represent vital health resources, cultural heritage, and drivers of sustainable growth.
Additionally, Dr. A.B. Rema Shree, Chairperson of ISO/TC 34 Spices and Culinary Herbs (India), discussed modern scientific integration. She explained how metabolomics, biotechnology, and natural product research effectively transform traditional spices into advanced pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods.
Finally, the conference celebrated the successful Workshop on GC-MS Applications in Indonesian Medicinal Plant Metabolomics Research, which was held earlier in June. Ultimately, these integrated initiatives demonstrate TropBRC’s dedication to promoting evidence-based research and elevating the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s medicinal resources.
✍️ Author & Editor: Titis Arifiana
📸 Documentation: ICSHA 2026 Committee