Indonesia promotes Marine Biopharma in healthcare

Indonesia is actively promoting the use of marine biopharmaceuticals in the healthcare, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries to harness the vast potential of its marine and fisheries resources.

The ministry's director general of Marine and Ocean Space Management Victor Gustaaf Manoppo stated that this initiative aims to enhance national pharmaceutical resilience while empowering coastal communities involved in the supply chain of natural medicinal ingredients.

Indonesia has abundant marine resources that can be developed into biopharmaceuticals, such as spirulina, fish oil, albumin, squalene, and sea cucumber extract, he said, underlining that the utilization must be carried out by upholding sustainability principles and maintain ecological balance to ensure long-term benefit.

As a member of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Phytopharmaceuticals Development and Utilization, the ministry has undertaken various efforts to improve the biopharmaceuticals capacity.

One such initiative is the development of microalgae spirulina to support the resilience of nature-based drugs and cosmetics in Klaten, Central Java, in collaboration with academics, businesses, and the local community, he remarked.

Meanwhile, the ministry's director of marine services Miftahul Huda highlighted that the development of spirulina and phycocyanin hold strategic value for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. He noted that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can play an active role in the supply chain, fostering economic growth.

In this regard, the ministry has launched a partnership program connecting MSMEs in the bopharmaceutical sector with large-scale companies, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

The ministry continues to bolster the national biopharmaceuticals ecosystem through regulatory frameworks, business support programs, and collaboration with parties in the academic and industry players.