Bandung, August 4–13, 2025 – Two students from the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya (FK UB), Amira Najmi Fawwazuna (2023) and Dynna Aulya Faizah (2023), participated in the Unpad International Summer Program (UISP) 2025, organized by Padjadjaran University. This year, they chose the program titled “Ramie: From Farm to Products,” hosted by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) Unpad. Over the ten days, the program focused on scientific and cultural exploration of the ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea) as a sustainable natural resource.
The series of activities combined academic lectures, field practice, and creative workshops. Students were introduced to the basics of ramie cultivation, harvesting and herbarium creation, and learned degumming techniques to refine ramie fibers. Innovation was highlighted through a workshop on making kombucha from ramie leaves, connecting microbiology with functional product development. Creativity was also fostered through the Crochet Workshop and Shibori Workshop, where ramie fibers were processed into eco-friendly crafts and fabrics with both artistic value and economic potential.
In addition to academic learning, these activities also included cultural visits to several destinations in Bandung and Lembang. Through interactions with students from various countries, these experiences enriched intercultural understanding and opened up opportunities for international networking.
According to Dr. Asri Peni Wulandari, M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Center for Bioprospection of Natural Fibers and Biological Resources, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Padjadjaran University (Unpad), ramie has great potential to be developed into a variety of products, from large-scale textiles and herbal products to sustainable cosmetics. She emphasized that cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to expanding ramie’s use in supporting sustainable innovation.
For UB’s Pharmacy students, UISP 2025 is not just a summer program, but a transformative experience that combines science, creativity, and culture. By participating in “Ramie: From Farm to Products,” they not only deepen their academic skills but also strengthen their vision to contribute to environmentally conscious innovation in the health and industrial sectors.
