UNS — The Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Institute (Kemenristek/BRIN) in collaboration with the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held “Workshop on Preparing Roadmap for the Development of Merah Putih Vaccine Facilities and Infrastructure” in Alana Hotel, Wednesday (16/12/2020).
This workshop was held to formulate the direction and strategy for developing vaccines in Indonesia, specifically a vaccine for Covid-19 and other illnesses. The roadmap for vaccine development in Indonesia can be categorized into four components, Human Resources roadmap, program roadmap, facilities and infrastructure roadmap, and management roadmap.
Kemenristek/BRIN – LPPM UNS invited non-ministerial institution, bio-molecular research institutes, and universities to discuss the roadmap of Merah Putih Vaccine development facilities and infrastructure. The invited institutes are Biology Molecular Institute (Lembaga Biologi Molekuler – LBM) Eijkman, Technology Assessment and Implementation Agency (Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi – BPPT), The Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Universitas Airlangga (Unair) Surabaya, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Yogyakarta, Universitas Indonesia (UI), and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).
The workshop was also attended by the Minister of Research and Technology, Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro, who joined via Zoom Cloud Meeting. To all researchers attending the workshop, the Minister stated that Merah Putih Vaccine is a vaccine studied and developed using virus isolates transmitting in Indonesia. The development and production process are also conducted in Indonesia. “Merah Putih Vaccine refers to the vaccine independence and not limited to Covid-19 but also for other transmitted diseases that require a vaccine,” Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro stated.
Research and Technology specifically appreciate seven institutions who took a role in the development of the Merah Putih Vaccine. The preparedness of these seven institutions is the symbol of Indonesian talents and abilities in producing vaccines. These institutions are using different platforms. Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro added that some institutes use recombinant protein platforms and others use DNA/ RNA. He also stated that quality has started to become a focus, and vaccines’ development has gone through pre-clinical testing. “The next critical stage is to pass the clinical test and get a permit from the BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) and then administering the vaccines with the hope of a good result,” he added.
Besides the minister’s direction, the attending researchers also received a referral from the Head of Covid-19 Research and Innovation Consortium, Prof. Ali Ghufron Mukti, who shared the rationale for developing the Merah Putih Vaccine is due to a large number of Indonesia population. “And do not want the needs of the people to depend solely on imports,” Prof. Ali Ghufron Mukti stated.
For him, Indonesian researchers’ ability to develop vaccines will be beneficial if another dangerous illness like Covid-19 appears in the future. Therefore, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu), Indonesia includes PT. Bio Farma in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations creates innovation regarding the global preparation to handle epidemic and pandemic. Prof. Ali Ghufron Mukti mentioned that five crucial issues received particular attention in the Merah Putih Vaccine development. First, vaccine development and production timeliness need a roadmap as a reference for research institutes and universities; secondly, the vaccine’s effectiveness; third, clinical test safety; fourth, the vaccine’s halal issue; and fifth, the independence.
“Indonesia should be able to develop (vaccines) and independent including when we speak about sovereignty and mastery of technology so that we encourage researchers from research institutions and universities to be independent together,” he stated.
He also conveyed that Kemenristek/BRIN will facilitate the development process and Human Resources development, including facilities. Following the roadmap design, Kemenristek/BRIN will develop the Center for the National Laboratory of Vaccines and Biological Products in the Research Center for Science and Technology (Pusat Penelitian Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi – Puspitek). Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti