UGM POLICIES 2025
Yogyakarta, December 12, 2025 — Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to promote the downstreaming and commercialization of health research outcomes so they can be widely utilized by the public. Various innovations—ranging from dental health products based on local natural ingredients, low-cost tuberculosis (TB) screening tools, to the development of phytopharmaceuticals derived from sappan wood—were presented at a forum on the development and commercialization of health innovations held on the UGM campus. The discussion was moderated by Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., Secretary General of the Ministry of Health.
One innovation that attracted significant attention was the development of dental health products based on local natural materials. Prof. drg. Suryono, SH., MM., Ph.D., a researcher from FKG UGM, has developed products designed using a promotive and preventive approach to address the high prevalence of oral and dental diseases in Indonesia, which remains at approximately 60–90 percent. In addition to obtaining distribution permits and halal certification, these products are also being prepared for export to several countries, including Malaysia and the Middle East. However, strengthening commercialization units and regulatory support for domestic product use remains an urgent need.
In the field of infectious diseases, FKKMK UGM researcher dr. Dian Kesumapramudya Nurputra, Sp.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., has developed an affordable, rapid, and portable TB screening tool. The sensor- and artificial intelligence–based device is expected to improve active TB case detection in communities, particularly in areas with limited healthcare facilities. Experts emphasized the importance of standardization, cross-regional validation, and policy support so that this innovation can be adopted as a national program.
Meanwhile, in the field of natural medicines, Prof. Dr. apt. Zullies Ikawati from UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy presented research on the development of sappan wood extract as a cognitive function enhancer, which also shows strong potential. The research has passed in silico, in vitro, and in vivo stages, obtained patent protection, and produced a product prototype. Nevertheless, regulatory frameworks that still treat herbal medicines similarly to synthetic drugs, as well as limited funding for clinical trials, remain major challenges in the downstreaming process toward market readiness.
The forum emphasized that cross-sector collaboration among universities, government, and industry is key to the success of national health innovation development. Policy support, flexible funding, and a conducive research ecosystem are considered crucial to ensure that domestic innovations do not remain confined to laboratories but instead deliver tangible benefits to society.
(Andri Wicaksono)
