24 April 2026

Summary

In this insightful interview, Pharmacist Delta Baharyati, M.S. Pharm., shares her experiences and expertise with students from the Sekolah Tinggi Farmasi Indonesia. She discusses the importance of practical training during university, her role as a lecturer at the University of Bengkulu, and her work in natural product research, especially in the field of phytochemistry. Delta also reflects on the potential of natural materials for medicine and cosmetics in Indonesia, and emphasizes the need for passion and skills in research. The conversation highlights the significant career opportunities in pharmacy, particularly in natural product research and academia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practical experience and internships at STFI are crucial for preparing pharmacy students for real-world work.
• 😀 Skills most applied in the field include patient interaction, pharmacy management, and various pharmaceutical techniques.
• 😀 Research in natural products requires patience due to trial-and-error processes.
• 😀 Indonesia offers vast potential for natural product research because of its rich biodiversity.
• 😀 In Bengkulu, research focuses on marine life and coastal plants, aiming to develop products like antioxidants, creams, and SPF.
• 😀 As an academic advisor, guiding students to explore topics they are genuinely interested in improves research outcomes.
• 😀 Current research projects by the speaker are on hold but may include development of coconut fiber products in the future.
• 😀 Skills in research emerge from students' motivation and willingness to learn; without intent, skills will not develop.
• 😀 Career opportunities for pharmacy graduates are broad, including academia, natural product development, and pharmaceutical industries.
• 😀 Motivation to enter academia can come from mentorship and guidance during earlier education stages.
• 😀 Successful undergraduate research in natural products can combine isolation of compounds with activity testing and product development.
• 😀 Personalized guidance is essential; forcing students into topics they are not passionate about can hinder their research success.

Q & A

Who is the main interviewee in the transcript and what is her current role?

The main interviewee is Apoteker Delta Baharyati, M.S. Farm, who is currently a lecturer at the University of Bengkulu in the S1 Pharmacy program.

How did practical experience at STFI contribute to Delta Baharyati's career readiness?

Practical experience, including internships (PKL) and laboratory practice at STFI, closely aligned with real-world pharmacy work, providing essential skills and preparation for her career as a pharmacist and academic.

What skills does Delta frequently apply in her professional work?

She frequently applies skills in patient interaction, pharmacy management, and various aspects of pharmaceutics, including solid, semi-solid, and sterile preparations.

What was the main challenge she faced in the field of natural product research?

The main challenge was conducting research in natural products, which often requires a trial-and-error approach, demanding patience and repeated experimentation.

How is natural product research developing in Indonesia according to Delta Baharyati?

Research in Indonesia is extensive due to the country's rich plant biodiversity, which can be used for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. The field has significant potential and is growing rapidly.

What specific focus does research on natural products have in Bengkulu?

In Bengkulu, the research focuses on marine life and coastal plants, aiming to develop products such as antioxidants, creams, or SPF-based skincare items.

How does Delta guide students to conduct independent research in natural products?

She encourages students to explore topics according to their interests, providing guidance only when they encounter difficulties. Motivation and interest are essential for successful research outcomes.

What are the key skills students need to support natural product research?

Skills stem from the student's willingness and motivation. Without genuine interest, the necessary technical skills and perseverance are unlikely to develop.

What are the career prospects for pharmacy graduates in the natural product field?

Career opportunities are broad, including roles as lecturers, developers of natural-based medicines, or involvement in other pharmacy-related fields such as vaccine development.

What motivated Delta Baharyati to pursue a career in academia?

She was motivated by the guidance of her mentor, who encouraged her to continue to an S2 program, which eventually led her to pursue a career as a lecturer and researcher in pharmacy.

What advice does Delta Baharyati give to students conducting natural product research?

She advises students to select research topics aligned with their interests and focus on natural materials that can be developed into products. For compound isolation, it is recommended to combine it with activity testing for meaningful results.