TANGERANG – Head of the Food Biotechnology Research Center, Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar, S.P., M.Si was invited as one of the speakers in the internal activities of the Tangerang City Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), with theme of the Research and Development Forum on Tuesday, 19 November 2023. This activity was attended by Heads of divisions and staff from several divisions at Bappeda Tangerang. Head of Bappeda, Ir. H. Decky P. Koesrindartono, M.Sc was also present to provide various information and convey the aims and purposes of this activity. He said that through this Research and Development Forum activity, it is hoped that the Tangerang City Government and several universities in Tangerang City can collaborate and exchange ideas. This is for regional development and innovation in Tangerang City. The Agency Secretary, Widi Hastuti ST., M.Sc also provided input and opinions regarding existing collaboration possibilities that could be assisted by Bappeda. Euis Nurlaila, S.Kom., MAP as Head of the Research and Development Planning Division, who initiated this activity, also took part in the activity from the beginning to the end of the discussion. Several universities that attended the discussion, apart from Binus University, were represented by representatives from Muhamaddiyah University Tangerang, Raharja University, Syekh Yusuf Islamic University Tangerang, and Buddhi Dharma University Tangerang. All activity participants from various universities and Bappeda staff were very enthusiastic about the discussion.

On this occasion, Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar, S.P., M.Si explained the results and innovation work carried out and obtained over several years, rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme). Research on rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme) which will be developed in the drug industry has also been explained in detail to the forum participants present. It was also presented about the TORPEDO banana which will be utilized as a research type besides rodent tuber. Through the presentations made, there are many opportunities for collaboration between the city government, represented by Tangerang City Bappeda, and researchers at universities. Bappeda offers collaboration with the Women’s Farmers Group (KWT) which is a partner in TORPEDO banana research. There is a Horticulture Laboratory researchers can use to develop rat taro or TORPEDO bananas. The City Government, through the industries in the area, can support the commercialization process of herbal products being developed. When all planned collaboration is carried out, it must be through an agreement or MOU between Tangerang City government and Bina Nusantara University. So that the collaboration can run according to the objectives. It will produce output that can be used not only by Tangerang residents but also by Indonesia.