Jakarta, 4 August 2025, The International Coconut Community (ICC) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Jakarta (FMIPA UNJ) have formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to enhance collaboration in research and student capacity development in the field of biotechnology and sustainable coconut development.
The MoA was signed by Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Director General of ICC and Dr. Hadi Nasbey, Dean of FMIPA UNJ, at the ICC Secretariat in Jakarta. The signing marks an important milestone in ICC’s ongoing efforts to bridge academia and industry in advancing the global coconut sector through science, innovation, and youth empowerment.
Under this agreement, FMIPA UNJ students will have the opportunity to undertake professional internships at the ICC Secretariat, where they will be mentored by ICC experts and researchers engaged in biotechnology, pest and disease management, genetic resources, and sustainable production systems. The program aims to equip young scientists with hands on research and technical experience while fostering a strong understanding of international collaboration and the global coconut industry.
In her remarks, Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw delivered a presentation on ICC’s role as an international collaboration center in coconut research and development. ICC plays an important role in promoting and facilitating the biotechnology innovation and downstream processing of coconut-based products globally, with the support of the International Thematic Action Groups (ITAG) of COGENT. These groups focus on key areas of research: ITAG 1 deals with in-situ and ex-situ conservation, ITAG 2 focus on genomics and breeding, ITAG 3 addresses plant protection and germplasm exchange, and ITAG 4 concentrate on invitro culture and cryopreservation.
Dr. Hadi Nasbey highlighted the significance of the partnership in preparing FMIPA UNJ students for global research exposure and fostering applied biotechnology initiatives in collaboration with ICC.
The partnership with FMIPA UNJ demonstrates ICC’s commitment to nurturing future scientific leaders and strengthening research collaboration with academic institutions. By connecting students to real-world research environments, we are building the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation in the coconut sector.
The ICC–FMIPA UNJ partnership reinforces ICC’s strategic objective to support member countries in developing human resources and strengthening research capacity, aligning with ICC’s vision of fostering a resilient, innovative, and sustainable global coconut community.