Chancellor of Universitas Indonesia (UI), Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, and Investigator of Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Group Research, Xiao Minfeng, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UI and BGI Group — one of the leading life sciences and genomics organizations in the world , was established in 1999– last Sunday (13/11), at Samabe Bali Suites & Villas, Bali. The two institutions agreed to cooperate to facilitate and complement education and research needs in order to strengthen collaboration between countries to innovate in the academic and cultural fields. The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), General TNI Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, M.P.A., hopes that the synergy of domestic and foreign institutions can create various innovations for society.
“I appreciate the collaboration between local and foreign companies who have worked together to find various innovations in the health sector, such as vaccines, polymerase chain reactions, and drugs for tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia. We are very happy that China is sharing its knowledge of technology in the health sector with us. Utilization of this technology is very important, especially to increase community resilience. With this collaboration, we hope that local and Chinese industries will be able to work together to create a better life,” said Luhut. BGI is a scientific research-based company focused on life sciences, genomics and discoveries leading to the early identification and management of disease. Following the “research, production and application” model of genomic development, BGI’s innovations have been implemented in more than 100 countries. BGI has collaborated and partnered with thousands of organizations in various multidisciplinary research fields, including medical health, resource conservation, and community service.
In addition to UI, BGI Group also collaborates with the Indonesian Ministry of Health in terms of scientific research and development of research platforms. He also collaborates with IT DEL to develop research and scientific discoveries in the fields of agriculture, herbs and animal husbandry based on genomic technology. In the event which was also attended by the Minister of Health (RI), Ir. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, CHFC, CLU., the signing of the cooperation was also carried out between several Indonesian and Chinese companies. First, CanSino and Etana for the development of the Inhaled TB vaccine, the Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4), and the virus vector platform development facility. Second, Walvax and Etana for the collaboration of the Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV-13_PCV-15) and Papillomavirus (HPV-2) vaccines. Third, Abogen and Etana for mRNA therapy collaboration (including the COVID-19 vaccine, Dengue Fever vaccine, and oncology products).
To make the Presidency of the G20 Indonesia Summit 2022 successful, an air laboratory offered by BGI Group and a capsule laboratory by MGI were built in Bali, Indonesia. The air laboratory is an innovation for mobile Covid-19 testing, while the capsule laboratory is an innovation for mobile sequencing laboratories. Not only that, Sansure and UBC also work together to build a molecular factory in the field of developing PCR test products (including TB, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, HPV and cancer). Meanwhile, MiRXES PTE.LTD. and PT Elion Medika Indonesia are collaborating for the development, validation and commercialization of molecular diagnostic tests for screening and early detection of cancer cases with high incidence and mortality in Indonesia.
