Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing nuclear technology-based innovations in the healthcare, food, and agricultural sectors to strengthen food security, boost exports, and enhance healthcare services across Indonesia.
The statement was delivered by BRIN Head Arif Satria during an international conference held as part of the 72nd anniversary celebrations of Universitas Muslim Indonesia in Makassar on Monday, June 8, 2026.
Arif Satria emphasized that the development of nuclear technologies for healthcare and food applications remains one of Indonesia’s strategic priorities.
He noted that nuclear technology offers significant opportunities in both sectors, including the use of food irradiation to support the export of agricultural products such as fruits to international markets.
Food Irradiation Facilities to Strengthen Export Competitiveness
One of BRIN’s key initiatives is the development of food irradiation technology for export-oriented agricultural products.
Previously, Indonesia relied heavily on irradiation facilities located abroad to meet export requirements imposed by several destination countries. As a result, certain products had to be shipped to third countries for irradiation treatment before reaching their final markets.
This dependency increased production, logistics, and export-import costs for businesses.
To address the challenge, BRIN has established a food irradiation facility in Jakarta, enabling exporters to process their products domestically before international shipment.
Food irradiation technology is used to extend shelf life, preserve nutritional value, ensure food safety by eliminating harmful microorganisms, and protect agricultural products from pest infestations.
Sidenuk Variety and Nuclear Applications in Healthcare
Beyond food preservation, BRIN has also developed a high-yield crop variety known as Sidenuk through the application of nuclear technology.
The Sidenuk variety offers improved productivity, greater resistance to pests, and the potential to contribute to Indonesia’s national food production targets.
According to Arif Satria, nuclear technology represents an important solution for enhancing the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s food sector and ensuring long-term food resilience.
In the healthcare sector, BRIN highlighted the critical role of nuclear technology, which has been widely utilized in medical services for decades.
One of the most established applications is radiology, where nuclear-based technologies support disease diagnosis and treatment across various medical disciplines.
Arif explained that radiological services are fundamentally built on nuclear technology, while similar scientific principles have also enabled the development of advanced agricultural varieties through nuclear-assisted breeding techniques.
BRIN believes that continued investment in nuclear technology innovation will play a significant role in strengthening Indonesia’s food security, expanding agricultural exports, and improving the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services nationwide.
Conclusion
BRIN is advancing the use of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, and food security to strengthen Indonesia’s global competitiveness. Through food irradiation facilities, improved crop varieties, and medical applications such as radiology, nuclear innovation is expected to support national resilience, export growth, and better healthcare outcomes.
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