Internationally, our Center also has strong association with top universities and other food related agencies in Asia, North America and Europe, such as ILSI Global and ILSI South East Asia Region, and IUFoST. This association has allowed us to significantly contribute to the development of food safety and quality in the region. For example our collaborations with ILSI SEAR in establishing training and programs to improve the understanding and qualifications of persons working on Risk Assessment in Food Safety started in Indonesia, and then the best practices were able to be replicated in other countries in the region.
SEAFAST Center’ s insight on how is Indonesia in the map of food technology in Southeast Asia and advantages in going into AEC
The state of technology adoption, effective and efficient usage in food manufacturing and industry greatly varies in Indonesia. Major food manufacturers, multinational and national corporate with strong capital and investments, have adopted advanced and modern technology and management to operate at a very competitive level, thus enabling them to penetrate and expand their business in the region, and beyond. Distinct Indonesian products such instant noodle, biscuits and confectionery, and some beverages( coffee is one good example) are thriving in domestic, regional and international market. The success of these companies
with their distinct products is due to their investment in modern and efficient technology and management practices. With the AEC agreement in place, the future for these companies are challenging but bright and full of opportunities.
At the other end of the spectrum is the enormous number of SMEs with very limited investment and capital at their disposal to adopt and utilize food technology and machinery for their business operation. In addition to low access to value chain and limited knowledge and expertise in food processing, SMEs will require more assistance and time to be competitively ready to face challenges the AEC brings to the Indonesian domestic market. And even more time to adapt and develop to expand their business to enter the regional market. The current advantages that SMEs have are their ability to cater distinct Indonesian preference for food and beverages( in terms of taste and other sensory qualities); and the immediate access to Indonesian agricultural and marine resources for use as ingredients and food production. More adoption and continuous development of applicable technology and improved technical qualifications will be needed by SMEs to increase their value added products and compete in AEC regionally.
The upcoming edition of Fi Asia 2016 will feature an international seminar with the theme of“ Food Innovations: ASEAN Economic Community( AEC) Challenges”. The objective is to highlight significant developments in research and innovations in food science and technology with an emphasis on innovative ASEAN food research towards the world. It is held as one agenda from Indonesian Association of Food Technologists( IAFT / PATPI), the Department of Food Science and Technology of Bogor Agricultural University( DFST-IPB) and SEAFAST Center.
Special Message from
Prof. Dr. Nuri Andarwulan Director
Dr. Puspo Edi Giriwono Executive Secretary
South East Asian Food & Agricultural Science & Technology( SEAFAST) Center
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