Amid the global challenges in developing natural-based medicines, Fahrul Nurkolis, S.Si., has emerged as one of Indonesia’s most accomplished young scientists. As the top and fastest graduate of the Biology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta (Academic Year 2023/2024), he is now actively contributing as a researcher at his alma mater, UIN Sunan Kalijaga. His dedication to academia and the pharmaceutical industry is reflected in his extensive research efforts. To deepen his expertise and accelerate the realization of his vision for the downstreaming of Indonesia’s natural resources, he is currently pursuing studies in Pharmacology at the Basic Medical Sciences Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga.
Academic Excellence and Research Achievements
Beyond his academic achievements, Fahrul has published over 105 scientific papers in reputable international journals and holds patents for anticancer and antidiabetic compounds. With such an impressive track record, he has positioned himself as one of the young researchers contributing to the transformation of pharmaceutical research in Indonesia.
Optimizing Indonesia’s Natural Resources
According to Fahrul, Indonesia boasts extraordinary biodiversity, with thousands of plant species that have the potential to serve as sources of natural medicine. Several bioactive compounds derived from native Indonesian plants have been proven to possess pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects.
"Many Indonesian plants hold great potential as raw materials for medicine. The challenge lies in ensuring that this research progresses to the production and commercialization stages, so that the benefits can be directly felt by society," Fahrul explained.
However, without a robust downstreaming system, the utilization of these resources will remain limited. Fahrul emphasized that without strong support from both industry and the government, Indonesia risks remaining merely a raw material exporter, while other countries process these resources into high-value pharmaceutical products.
Challenges in Research Downstreaming
Fahrul pointed out that the biggest obstacles in downstreaming pharmaceutical research based on natural products in Indonesia include inadequate infrastructure, complex regulations, and insufficient funding to develop research outcomes into market-ready products.
Key challenges in this process include:
- Limited investment from the pharmaceutical industry in research and development (R&D).
- Complex regulatory processes for obtaining certification for natural-based products.
- Insufficient funding for clinical trials and pharmaceutical product development.
- Lack of collaboration between academia, industry, and the government.
"Many outstanding studies have been conducted by Indonesian scientists, yet only a few have successfully entered the industry and reached the public. If we can build a research ecosystem that supports downstreaming, Indonesia will not only become a hub for natural product pharmaceutical research but also a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry," he added.
Strengthening Collaboration for Future Growth
Fahrul stressed that the key solution to overcoming these challenges lies in enhancing collaboration between academia, industry, and the government. With the right support, university-based research can evolve beyond scientific reports into high-value pharmaceutical products.
As an active participant in international academic forums, including the Nordic Nutrition Conference in Finland, the Asian Congress of Nutrition in China, and the International Conference on Nutrition and Growth in Portugal, Fahrul hopes that Indonesian research will gain greater recognition and influence on the global stage.
With a spirit of innovation and commitment to research, Fahrul envisions Indonesia becoming a world-renowned center for natural-based drug development. However, achieving this vision requires synergy between academia, industry, and the government to establish a stronger, market-oriented research system.
"Indonesia has everything—abundant natural resources and talented scientists. If we can overcome the barriers in research downstreaming, Indonesia can emerge as a global leader in the natural-based pharmaceutical industry," he concluded.
Through his groundbreaking pharmaceutical research, Fahrul Nurkolis not only inspires the younger generation but also paves the way for a more self-sufficient and globally competitive Indonesian healthcare industry.