Background

In this era of globalization and sustainable industrialization, the need for advanced materials and nanotechnology has emerged as a cornerstone for innovation in various sectors. Indonesia, as a country rich in minerals and biodiversity, holds immense potential to capitalize on these resources for national and global industrial advancement. This conference emphasizes the development of solutions from two critical resource bases: minerals and natural bioresources, both of which are crucial for addressing challenges in industrial innovation, disaster mitigation, and health crises such as pandemics.

Significance of the Theme

Indonesia is endowed with diverse critical minerals such as nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), bauxite (Al), and rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for modern industries. These minerals support the production of energy-efficient technologies like batteries, renewable energy components, and semiconductors, all of which are pivotal for clean energy transitions and technological innovation. For instance, nickel and cobalt are indispensable in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, while silicon is fundamental to IC ingot manufacturing for the electronics industry. Additionally, REEs have applications in high-tech industries, including magnets, lasers, and advanced communication devices.

On the other hand, Indonesia’s vast biodiversity provides a rich source of natural bioresources that are critical for developing sustainable solutions in medicine, nutrition, and agriculture. Traditional medicinal systems, such as Jamu (Indonesia), Ayurvedic (India), and Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM), have utilized these natural bioresources for centuries. Integrating these traditional practices with modern nanotechnology enables the development of natural products with enhanced efficacy and global competitiveness. Nano-delivery systems, for instance, enhance the bioavailability of bioactive compounds derived from turmeric, ginger, and green tea, making them suitable for functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Combining these two resource bases—minerals and bioresources—presents a holistic approach to addressing global challenges. For example, nano-material systems derived from minerals can be applied to improve agricultural yields through smart fertilizers and pest control solutions, while bioresource-based systems can support energy storage technologies and sustainable biofuels. Furthermore, leveraging these advancements ensures economic empowerment for local industries while fostering innovation on an international scale.

The development of advanced materials, powder technology, and nano systems relies significantly on fundamental sciences—physics, chemistry, and biology—forming the backbone of technological advancements. Physics contributes to understanding principles like crystallography, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics, enabling innovations in semiconductors, sensors, and storage devices. Chemistry drives the design and synthesis of materials through catalytic processes, energy conversion, drug delivery, and surface functionalization. Meanwhile, biology integrates bio-inspired systems and harnesses enzymatic pathways for sustainable bioresource processing, such as biofuels and pharmaceuticals, creating impactful solutions across industries. By incorporating these fundamental sciences, the conference facilitates the exploration of novel interdisciplinary approaches that bridge theoretical insights with practical applications.

Indonesia, as a country endowed with abundant critical minerals and rich biodiversity, stands at the forefront of these innovations. Critical minerals such as nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), bauxite (Al), and rare earth elements (REEs) are integral for supporting modern industries, while natural bioresources provide essential inputs for traditional and modern healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable energy. These resources, combined with advanced research, enable Indonesia to make significant contributions toward global sustainable development goals.