RRI.CO.ID, South Tangerang – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is enhancing international collaboration with Japan through a research collaboration with the Prefectural University of Kumamoto (PUK). This partnership focuses on enhancing technical research and addressing mercury pollution, which increasingly threatens global health.

This strategic step was realized through a dissemination event titled “Mercury Pollution and the Kumamoto Prefecture Initiative,” held at the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Park (KST), South Tangerang, on Monday, 23 February 2026. The forum serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and an effort to raise public awareness regarding the dangers of mercury.

It also aims to raise public awareness and research capacity regarding the threat of a neurological disease caused by mercury called Minamata disease. Ario Betha Juanssilfero, Head of the Research Center for Environmental and Clean Technology (PRTLTB) at BRIN, emphasized that the partnership with PUK Japan is part of a long-term cooperation.

“This activity is part of the strategic cooperation between BRIN and the Prefectural University of Kumamoto (PUK) to strengthen research capacity and increase public awareness regarding mercury issues,” said Ario.

Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Tetsuro Agusa from PUK welcomed the close relationship and expressed hope that the joint seminar and research would strengthen academic and technical ties between the two institutions. "Through the seminar, I wish the collaboration, connection between our university and BRIN become more strong," he stated.

This research collaboration is more than just an exchange of knowledge, it is a concrete step for Indonesia in fulfilling international mandates. The Acting Head of the Energy and Manufacturing Research Organization at BRIN, Dr. Hens Saputra, explained that this move aligns with the ratification of the Minamata Convention, enacted through Law No. 11 of 2017.

As a follow-up to this global commitment, Indonesia has developed a national action plan covering the manufacturing, health, energy, and mining sectors. A key part of this commitment is reducing or even eliminating the use of mercury in production processes. Indonesia is also committed to specifically addressing Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM), which remains one of the largest sources of mercury emissions.

The urgency of this collaboration is driven by the transboundary nature of mercury as a pollutant. Dr. Hens Saputra reminded that mercury pollution is no longer just a local issue but a serious threat to global environmental quality.

“Considering that mercury pollution is not just a local issue, but has become a global one that significantly impacts human health and the quality of our environment,” Hens stated.