South Tangerang, FIKES News Online,– Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, through the Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES), is collaborating with the Indonesian Essential Oil Council (DAI) in organizing the 2026 National Essential Oil Conference (KNMA) which will take place on 2–4 November 2026 at the Trembesi Hotel BSD, South Tangerang. In this activity, UIN Jakarta acted as one of the co-hosts by involving lecturers and students from the Pharmacy Study Program as part of the committee.

Carrying the theme "Innovation in Cultivation Technology and Production Processes to Support the Sustainability and Competitiveness of Indonesian Essential Oils", KNMA 2026 is a strategic forum that brings together the government, academics, researchers, associations and industry players to discuss opportunities, challenges and directions for the development of the national essential oil industry. Conference discussions covered various aspects, starting from cultivation, processing, marketing, biological activities, downstream products, sustainability, to biodiversity, Wednesday (4/11/2026).

The series of events began on November 2, 2026, with the National Conference (Munas) of the Indonesian Essential Oil Council (Dewan Atsiri Indonesia) and a gala dinner. UIN Jakarta was represented at the gala dinner by the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Institutional Development, Prof. Dr. Din Wahid, M.A., Ph.D., and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Zilhadia, M.Si. In his remarks, Prof. Din Wahid expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Indonesian Essential Oil Council for the trust placed in UIN Jakarta to serve as a co-host for KNMA 2026. He also highlighted the significant potential for developing essential oils through interdisciplinary collaboration at UIN Jakarta—specifically involving the Pharmacy and Agribusiness study programs, among others. Such collaboration is expected to create opportunities for research, innovation, and the downstream development of essential oils—ranging from the utilization of natural raw materials to the creation of value-added products that can benefit both the public and the industry.

Moving into the main agenda on November 3, 2026, the conference was opened by the Head of the South Tangerang City Industry Office, Mochamad Hardi, S.T., M.M., who also inaugurated the board members of the Indonesian Essential Oil Council (Dewan Atsiri Indonesia) for the 2026–2031 term. KNMA 2026 also featured the Deputy Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, H. Faisol Riza, as the keynote speaker. In his address, he encouraged the strengthening of downstream processing for essential oils, enabling Indonesia to better transform raw materials into high-value products—particularly for the perfume, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. He further noted that Indonesia currently ranks as the world’s fifth-largest exporter of essential oils, with patchouli oil serving as one of the nation’s leading export commodities.

The conference drew 190 participants and was supported by 36 sponsors from various sectors. This level of participation reflects the significant interest and engagement of diverse stakeholders in the development of Indonesia’s essential oil industry, while reinforcing KNMA’s role as a collaborative platform for academia, government, and the industry.

UIN Jakarta, through the Pharmacy Study Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES), made a tangible contribution to KNMA 2026 by involving 17 students and two lecturers—apt. Hendri Aldrat, M.Si., and apt. Adha Dastu Illahi, M.Farm.—in the organizing committee. The involvement of these students and faculty members spanned various operational areas, including serving as masters of ceremonies (MCs), performing traditional dances, managing participant registration, and providing technical and operational support throughout the event.

This participation not only represents the institution’s support for a national-scale conference but also provides students with hands-on experience in managing large-scale events. It allows them to develop essential communication and teamwork skills, while also building professional networks with academics, researchers, government officials, and industry practitioners. The KNMA 2026 series concluded on November 4, 2026, with a field trip to the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Paragon. This activity served as part of a broader conference series that brought together academic, research, and industry perspectives within the ecosystem for the development of essential oils in Indonesia.

By serving as a co-host for KNMA 2026, the Pharmacy Study Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta demonstrated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with various stakeholders—specifically in the advancement of science, research, innovation, and the downstream development of Indonesia’s natural resources. This cross-disciplinary synergy and industry partnership are expected to serve as a strategic step toward promoting the sustainable utilization of essential oils and enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian products, both nationally and globally. (ADI)