The signing ceremony was attended by the Dean of the School of Pharmacy ITB, Prof. apt. I Ketut Adnyana, M.Si., Ph.D., and the co-founder of PT. Inovasi Alam Nusantara, including Maudy Ayunda representing From This Island.

The collaboration's objective is to advance pharmaceutical education and research in Indonesia, with a specific focus on cosmetics. Under this partnership, researchers from the School of Pharmacy ITB will actively participate in the development of cosmetics.

The role of researchers is pivotal in substantiating the various efficacy claims of numerous Indonesian natural ingredients for the cosmetics industry. Consequently, Indonesian natural ingredients that undergo research and demonstrate potential for development into cosmetic products with advanced technology will yield reliable and beneficial products for consumers, both nationally and globally.

Following the MoU signing, a guest lecture was conducted featuring speakers Maudy Ayunda, B.A, M.A, M.B.A., and Head of Research & Extract from From This Island, Erna Subroto, Ph.D. The lecture, titled "Challenges in Natural Ingredient Development for Cosmetic Application," addressed the challenges associated with developing cosmetic products using natural ingredients that are safe, high-quality, and scientifically proven to be effective. Another challenge discussed was the exploration and assurance of the availability and quality standards of raw materials derived from nature, which represent the diverse islands of Indonesia. The event drew an audience of approximately 130 students and lecturers from the School of Pharmacy.

PT Inovasi Alam Nusantara is a company specializing in skincare products made from local natural ingredients sourced from various islands in Indonesia. The company's mission is to showcase Indonesia's rich natural resources and support environmental ecosystems positively impacting the nation.

One of its product brands, From This Island, features four skincare products that build on traditional Indonesian cosmetics used empirically for centuries, reflecting the natural wealth of Indonesia. The products incorporate indigenous ingredients such as Papuan red fruit, black tea, mangosteen fruit, and guava. Each product contributes to local farmers who cultivate the raw materials.

"The mission of From This Island aligns with the goals and capabilities of the human resources at the School of Pharmacy ITB in developing cosmetic products with quality natural ingredients and endorsing original products made in the country," affirmed the Head of the Innovation Cosmetics Laboratory at the School of Pharmacy ITB, apt. Defri Rizaldy, S.Farm., M.Si., Ph.D.

Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Manajemen, 2021)