[MBKM] – On Monday, 29 January 2024, as part of expanding partnership collaboration with potential industries in developing bioprospecting in Indonesia, the Research Team of the Independent Learning Independent Campus Program (Lit MBKM) from the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi M.Sc., along with student members Abisha Yoofi Yudhatama, Dinny Kartika, Fatihatur Rizqiya Afifah, Lathifah Pinasti Putri, and Vincensia Yurin Prilia Kristanti, conducted an initial visit to CV. Madana Central Cosmetics (MCC) in Dalon, Sroyo, Jaten, Karanganyar, Central Java. The visit was received directly by the CEO of CV MCC, Purwo Harigung Nugroho, A.Md., along with managerial and Research and Development (R&D) staff.
During the discussion, the importance of collaboration in supporting Indonesia’s self-reliance, especially in cosmetics, by utilizing biological resources and human resources to face the intense marketing of cosmetic products from abroad, was emphasized. The need for the government’s role in creating policies that can protect domestic products to compete with imported products was also highlighted. The partnership collaboration between CV MCC and the Faculty of Biology at UGM was expected to result in product innovations, especially by incorporating natural raw materials, including plants that are easily grown in Indonesia, such as the butterfly pea plant (Clitoria ternatea L.). According to Purwo Harigung, “this collaboration is not only related to product innovation through research but can extend to a broader market by building systems starting from legal aspects (BPOM), branding, and promotion.” The meeting also showcased the types of cosmetics produced and developed by CV MCC, including soap, lotion, masks, and facial moisturizers. From the discussion with R&D, it was agreed to attempt product innovation by utilizing butterfly pea flowers, which have been extensively studied for their phytochemical content and have abilities such as being anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and UV protection. MCC cosmetic company already has formulations for cosmetic products using mostly imported raw materials.
Simultaneously with the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CV Madana Central Cosmetics. In addition, a Letter of Cooperation was also approved in the MBKM Research Program for 2024, led by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi and Purwo Harigung Nugroho, A.Md. This collaboration was expected to be expanded and enhanced for the next five years. The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs, including a package of one of CV Madana Central Cosmetics’ products, namely the Plan6 Skin Bliss Box, and butterfly pea plant seeds from the MBKM Research Team. This activity also supports one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically on Responsible Consumption and Production (SDGs 12).