The BNSc (Biomedical and Natural Science) research team from Politeknik ‘Aisyiyah Pontianak has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning two prestigious research grants from the Kemdiktisaintek 2025 Program (Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology – Science and Technology Grant Scheme). The announcement was officially made through Decree No. 0070/C3/AL.04/2025, dated May 28, 2025.
The Kemdiktisaintek 2025 Grant is a nationally competitive research funding initiative aimed at supporting innovative, applicable, and impactful research from higher education institutions across Indonesia. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, student involvement, and solutions to real-world health and environmental challenges.
The first funded project is led by Dr. Khoirul Rista Abidin, M.Biomed, a lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences, with Ariffialdi Nurhidayattulloh, S.Tr., M.Kes as a co-researcher and Febrina Siregar representing the student research division from the D-IV Medical Laboratory Technology Program. The research is titled:
“Development of Uncaria gambir Roxb. Extract Cream as an Anti-Psoriasis Agent in Imiquimod-Induced Rat Models.”
This study seeks to explore the potential of Uncaria gambir, a native herbal plant from Kalimantan, in treating psoriasis through topical cream formulation. The team will test the cream’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects using a standard preclinical psoriasis model.
The second awarded project is led by Ariffialdi Nurhidayattulloh, S.Tr., M.Kes, who also serves as a medical laboratory science lecturer. His co-researcher is Fath Dwisari, S.Si., M.Sc., and they are joined by student Adelia Chintya Ningrum, also from the D-IV Medical Laboratory Technology Program. The project is titled:
“Formulation of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Extract as an Anti-Acne Treatment in Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Rat Models.”
This research investigates the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Kratom extract in combating acne vulgaris, particularly against P. acnes-induced skin inflammation. The team aims to produce a natural, affordable, and scientifically validated alternative to synthetic acne medications.
These dual achievements demonstrate the BNSc team’s growing role in herbal-based biomedical innovation. According to Dr. Khoirul, “Our goal is not just academic success but the development of affordable, evidence-based herbal solutions for community healthcare.”
The success of these proposals also highlights the strong commitment of Politeknik ‘Aisyiyah Pontianak in fostering research excellence, collaborative mentoring, and meaningful student engagement in scientific innovation.
As Indonesia continues to promote local herbal resources through science and technology, the BNSc team’s work is expected to contribute significantly to future therapeutic developments. Their research aligns with national priorities in health, local biodiversity utilization, and downstream innovation.
These projects will be funded and monitored over the next year, with progress reports and publications expected as part of the grant agreement under the Kemdiktisaintek 2025 framework.
For more information, the full list of grant recipients and the decree can be accessed via the Ministry’s official announcement: Decree No. 0070/C3/AL.04/2025.