On August 5, 2024, a delegation of four representatives from PT Sido Muncul visited SEAMEO BIOTROP to explore potential collaboration on the conservation and development of agarwood trees. These trees, located in PT Sido Muncul's industrial area, are considered for use as raw material for essential oils in various company products.

Mr. Rizky, representing PT Sido Muncul's essential oil business unit, discussed the company's efforts to work with various institutions, including research institutions like BB Biogen and the Indonesian Essential Oil Council. The company has implemented tissue culture techniques and collaborates with partners to ensure consistent quality of raw materials, such as turmeric and cardamom.

Currently, around 40 hectares of the factory area are planted with agarwood trees, but the potential of these trees has not yet been fully optimized. The company is considering partnerships for upstream activities, including seed selection, cultivation, and utilization of agarwood trees. Downstream products, such as essential oils, are also being developed, with a focus on community development and positive impacts on society.

The visit included a presentation by Dr. Supriyanto titled "Some Potential Sources of Essential Oil Plants in Indonesia," highlighting various essential oil plants in Indonesia, particularly those from Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which have yet to be fully mapped. The visit concluded with a tour of SEAMEO BIOTROP's Advanced Essential Oil Extraction Technology (AEET) area and an in-depth discussion on agarwood bio-induction techniques and the utilization of its derivatives.