PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk (Darya-Varia) has relaunched the D-STAR 2025 (Darya-Varia Scholarship for Talented and Aspiring Women Researchers) program. This scholarship is specifically designed to support talented female students in the field of pharmacy. This year, D-STAR focuses on the development of herbal innovations derived from Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, which holds great potential for health. The program is also part of the series leading up to Darya-Varia’s 50th anniversary, while expanding opportunities for women to grow in research—a path that is often challenging.

“Innovation in healthcare cannot be born with just one perspective alone. We need diversity in ideas, approach and experience to provide relevant and meaningful solutions on society,” stated Dr. Ian Kloer, President Director of PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk. “Through the D-STAR program, we seek to offer opportunities for the new generation, especially to those who have deep interest in the research field to grow, experiment and turn ideas into real contributions that can be felt by universities, companies, and the wider society. For us, research is not only merely a college final project, but a process that could create a tangible impact for a better future for a healthy, adaptive and sustainable health.”

“D-STAR is exclusively presented to female students as Darya-Varia believes that women hold a strategic role in shaping the future of inclusive and sustainable healthcare research. Although a significant number of women are in pharmacy, we recognize the importance of being involved in expanding the access of female youth to actively contribute to developing healthcare solutions, their representation on innovative research and academic leadership. This program is aligned with the company's commitment to encourage women empowerment in healthcare and pharmacy — which has a vital part of global and national sustainable agenda,” added Ian.

Not only a scholarship, D-STAR 2025 winners will receive a research benefit worth IDR30,000,000 intensive training and mentoring from industry and academic practitioners along with professional network opportunities. This year’s focus is directed toward advancing research that integrates modern science with Indonesia’s rich medicinal plant heritage — a legacy of significant cultural and economic value.

The herbal care industry in Indonesia experiences a rapid growth trend, reflecting a rising interest among the public for natural based health solutions. Along with this development, it is important to broaden the scope of research, including exploring various factors that may influence the efficacy and safety of products, so that the development of herbal medicines becomes more targeted, safe, and inclusive.

Lilis, Research and Development Division Head of Darya-Varia stated that, “Women have precious capacity and perspective on research. D-STAR is designed to empower women students to take a strategic role, develop competence and actively contribute to creating inclusive healthcare solutions. We believe that the increasing woman researcher participation could strengthen the research foundation of pharmacy and healthcare in Indonesia by enriching perspectives, broadening the impact of research, and producing studies that are of higher quality and more relevant to the wider community.”

The D-STAR has garnered favorable responses from academics, particularly the deans of the pharmacy faculties of D-STAR 2025’s four partner universities: “ D-STAR is not only a scholarship program, but a part of strategic contribution for the future of pharmacy research in Indonesia,” Prof. apt. Junaidi Khotib, SSi, M.Kes., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Airlangga stated. “This program gives a real opportunity for our women students to explore research potential that is relevant to the people's needs while encouraging cultural change in the professional world.”

Prof. Dr. apt. Satibi, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), added, “D-STAR provides a remarkable experience for our students. Not merely about the funding, but also about how they cultivate a resilient, impact-oriented research mindset. This is a tangible step toward providing more equitable access for emerging talents.”

“We are pleased to welcome this collaboration with Darya-Varia through the D-STAR program. This initiative is vital to expand students' perspectives on research and the professional industry.” Prof. Dr. apt. Arry Yanuar, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Indonesia (UI) stated. “We progressively foster a more open academic and professional culture that values contributions from diverse backgrounds.

Prof. apt. Diky Mudhakir, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Dean of Sekolah Farmasi Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), additionally stated “One of the strengths of the D-STAR program is the capability to connect academic and industry worlds. Our students not only learn to conduct research but also understand the practical context of what they worked on.”

This year, the four top female students have been selected as the recipients of D-STAR 2025, namely: Anggininda Salsabila (Universitas Airlangga), Vira Nuha Sabita (Universitas Indonesia), Iffah Zakiya Yasmin (Universitas Gadjah Mada) and Hanifah Syifa Kamila (Sekolah Farmasi ITB). The winners will develop research based on pharmaceutical technology and Indonesia’s biodiversity, which is expected to make a tangible contribution to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

“More than just a research program, D-STAR is part of Darya-Varia’s long-term strategy to support sustainable national healthcare resilience. The program provides a platform for the next generation of pharmaceutical researchers to create innovations rooted in Indonesia’s natural wealth and diverse scientific perspectives. Through D-STAR, Darya-Varia reaffirms its commitment as a Pioneering Pharmaceutical Excellence with globally-standardized innovations, A Trusted Partner in Health and Wellness through collaborations that enhance quality of life, and Championing Family Well-Being via superior products and services,” concluded Dr. Ian Kloer.