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Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut B. Pandjaitan meeting with Zhejiang University - 

In September 2020, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) together with the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Development of a Research and Innovation Center for Conservation of China-Indonesian Medicinal Plants. The agreement involves Zhejiang University and has resulted in research collaboration and capacity building.

To monitor the progress of this collaboration, on Monday (22-05-2023) the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut B. Pandjaitan held a meeting with Zhejiang University. One of the aspects discussed in the previously signed MoU was the establishment of Herbal Centers and the development of agriculture through the Horticulture Herbal Technology Science Park (TSTH2) and Food Estates in North Sumatra, Central Kalimantan and Central Sulawesi.

The NDRC has appointed Zhejiang University as a partner in this matter. "Zhejiang University has advantages in the field of agriculture with superior universities and industries. Therefore, we hope that this collaboration can encourage related sectors," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

Currently, the government is building various supporting facilities for TSTH2, such as agricultural and medicinal plant research laboratories, dormitories, smart green houses, and laboratory equipment. IT Del, appointed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, is collaborating with Zhejiang University in managing TSTH2. In addition, Tsinghua University's Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center will also support capacity building for students and educators.

In this meeting, Coordinating Minister Luhut asked Zhejiang University and the NDRC to implement the existing MoU and immediately take follow-up steps. Several representatives from the NDRC and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for Indonesia visited TSTH2 located in North Sumatra and had discussions with IT Del.

"The research plan has been formulated in a roadmap. The proposal has been made by IT Del together with leading universities in Indonesia and several other agencies," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, in the proposal, Indonesia submits further research on genomic and plant breeding, especially jernang (dragon blood), turmeric, and frankincense. However, commodity options can be further discussed between the two parties.

"We hope that this research will produce concrete things and Indonesian President Joko Widodo can sign a memorandum of understanding during his visit this year," hoped Coordinating Minister Luhut.

For information, during the 2022 G20 Summit, Indonesia and China also signed an MoU on the Development of the Center for Research and Innovation for Conservation of China-Indonesia Medicinal Plants. This MoU was signed by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the NDRC and witnessed by President Joko Widodo and President Xi Jinping//VOI