Universitas Indonesia (UI) marked a new milestone in health innovation with the launch of Propolisul, the first government-supported propolis extract product. This innovation results from a strategic collaboration between UI, PT HDI, PT Phytochemindo Reksa, and the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). The launch event was held at the UI Science Techno Park and attended by the UI Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Hamdi Muluk, M.Si.; the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering UI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.; CEO & Chairman of PT HDI, Brandon Chia; and CEO of PT Phytochemindo Reksa, Patrick Kalona.
Propolisul is an innovation developed from the research of Dr. Muhamad Sahlan, S.Si., M.Eng., a researcher from FTUI who has been studying Sulawesi stingless bee propolis since 2011. His research successfully identified new bioactive compounds, Sulawesin A and Sulawesin B, which have shown great potential in supporting metabolic health and combating oxidative stress.
In his remarks, Prof. Hamdi Muluk stated, “The launch of Propolisul is a tangible manifestation of UI’s contribution to promoting research-based innovation for the benefit of the broader society. We are immensely proud that research conducted by UI scientists can be developed into a commercial product that improves public health while empowering local communities. This collaboration between research and industry demonstrates that UI’s innovation ecosystem, based on the penta-helix model, is functioning well and sets a new benchmark for achieving UI’s mission of being impactful and excellent for Indonesia.”
Propolisul is manufactured at PT Phytochemindo Reksa’s pharmaceutical-standard facility, certified for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Halal, and by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). The production process utilizes innovative encapsulation technology to ensure the stability and effectiveness of its bioactive compounds. The product has undergone several clinical trials to confirm its benefits in supporting metabolic health and boosting the immune system.
Dr. Muhamad Sahlan says, “The discovery of new bioactive compounds from Sulawesi stingless bees opens significant opportunities for developing natural therapies based on Indonesia’s local resources. Propolisul proves that Indonesia’s biodiversity has tremendous medical potential to support global health.”
The launch of Propolisul also brings positive economic impacts by empowering bee farmers in Sulawesi. PT HDI actively collaborates with local bee farming communities through training programs and sustainable harvesting practices, aiming to improve farmers’ welfare while ensuring the sustainability of Indonesia’s beekeeping industry.
Brandon Chia emphasized, “Propolisul is a prime example of how science, industry, and communities can synergize to produce sustainable health solutions. We believe this product offers broad health benefits and plays a vital role in driving local economic growth.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Kalona added that Propolisul is an innovation that combines Indonesia’s natural wealth with modern science. With its unique bioactive compounds, this product holds significant potential in supporting metabolic health and unlocking new opportunities in the global market.
Propolisul is available at www.propolisul.com, Shopee, and Tokopedia, making it easily accessible to people across Indonesia.
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Office of Public Communication
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
