Marking two decades of backing Indonesian food science, the Indofood Research Nugraha program selected 83 undergraduate student researchers from 595 submitted proposals for its 2026-27 cycle. The milestone was celebrated during the 2026 National Food Symposium in Jakarta, a biennial forum designed to bridge academic research, government policy, and industry application.
Jakarta Symposium Discusses Food Innovation for National Self-Reliance
Held on Oct 8, 2026, ahead of World Food Day on Oct 16, the event centered on the theme “Functional Food Innovation Based on Local Resources for National Self-Reliance.” The gathering brought together officials, academics, and industry leaders to discuss how traditional food knowledge can transform into commercial and nutritional solutions. National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy delivered a keynote address outlining national development policies regarding food, nutrition, and health.
Two Decades of Funding Undergraduate Science
The Indofood Research Nugraha initiative traces its roots back to 1998 with the Bogasari Nugraha Program before officially taking its current form in 2006. Over the past 20 years, the program has received more than 19,200 research proposals and funded over 1,100 undergraduate projects across more than 200 universities spanning from Aceh to Papua.
Panelists Discuss Requirements for Bringing Functional Foods to Market
A panel discussion moderated by expert team member Professor Fenny M. Dwivany explored the multi-faceted requirements of bringing functional foods to market. Dyan Garneta Paramita Sari of the Industry Ministry addressed competitive industry policies using local raw materials, while dr. Novi Indriastuti of the Health Ministry focused on nutrition and non-communicable disease prevention. Ati Widya Perana of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency outlined safety, quality, labeling, and claim requirements.
Bridging Research with Community Needs
“Developing functional food requires bridging research, community needs, industry readiness, and regulatory standards,” Professor Purwiyatno Hariyadi, chairman of the IRN Expert Team and a professor at Bogor Agricultural University, explained at the symposium. He noted that the initiative aims to cultivate critical young researchers capable of connecting academic knowledge with real-world community needs.
Investing in Indonesia’s Food Future
Stefanus Indrayana, a spokesperson for PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to human capital. “As a Total Food Solutions company born and raised in Indonesia, we believe investing in research and human capital is vital to securing the future of Indonesian food,” Indrayana stated.
Selected Students Receive Grants and Mentorship for Research Projects
The symposium concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing top researchers from the 2025-26 cycle alongside a symbolic grant presentation for the newly chosen cohort. The 83 selected students will spend the coming year executing their projects under the direct mentorship of the multidisciplinary IRN expert team.
