Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through the Food Technology and Processing Research Center (PRTPP), welcomed a delegation of academics and students from Huazhong Agricultural University, China, on Friday (February 6). The visit was part of an academic exchange program and an international summer course organized by the university’s Faculty of Plant Science and Technology.
Yaqi Wang, a lecturer at the Faculty of Plant Science and Technology at Huazhong Agricultural University, stated that the collaboration between the university and BRIN has been actively ongoing since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 2024. The partnership includes joint research projects, publications in internationally reputable scientific journals, and human resource development initiatives.
Joint Research in Sustainable Food Innovation
According to Wang, in 2025 the collaboration was expanded to support doctoral studies and field research activities in China for BRIN researchers. She also highlighted that Huazhong Agricultural University is among the leading institutions in agricultural sciences, supported by internationally recognized scientists, including members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
“Some of our flagship research projects include the development of green rice varieties and sustainable food nutrition research,” Wang said.
Meanwhile, Andi Febrisiantosa, Head of the Halal Food Authentication and Substitution Research Group at PRTPP BRIN, explained that PRTPP operates under BRIN’s Agriculture and Food Research Organization (ORPP) and plays a strategic role in advancing food research from upstream to downstream processes.
“We conduct research starting from raw materials, processing methods, food safety, to downstream commercialization of products,” Andi stated.
He added that PRTPP also carries out various strategic research programs to support national policies on food security and safety. One of the current research focuses is strengthening food safety across supply chain systems.
“We see the supply chain as having a critical role in ensuring food product safety, which is why proper standardization is essential,” he explained.
At the same event, PRTPP researcher Anjar Windarsih presented the direction of halal research development at PRTPP. Ongoing projects include halal product innovation, substitution of non-halal ingredients, and halal detection technologies based on omics approaches, DNA analysis, and spectroscopy.
“Halal research holds great potential, not only for countries with large Muslim populations but also as a global economic opportunity,” Anjar said.
The visit is expected to further strengthen collaboration between BRIN and international partners in agricultural and food technology, while expanding Indonesia’s global research network. In addition, the program provided academic exposure and cross-cultural learning experiences for participants during their stay in Indonesia.
Conclusion
The academic visit highlights the growing strength of collaboration between BRIN and Huazhong Agricultural University in advancing agricultural and food research. Through joint innovation in sustainable nutrition, food safety, and halal technology, the partnership is expected to contribute to global food security while expanding Indonesia’s presence in international research networks.
Read more: Aster Plans to Finish Singapore Refinery Expansion and Berth Construction by Late 2026