Public Relations of UPNVJ – The National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), the University of Mataram (Unram), and the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) are strengthening their strategic steps to bring Sumbawa wild horse milk to the international market. This effort was marked by a meeting and discussion of Sister Province cooperation between NTB and Karaganda, Kazakhstan, at the NTB Governor's Office, Tuesday (2/6/2026). This meeting involved UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., NTB Governor Dr. H. Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, S.IP., M.Sc., and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Indonesia Serzhan Abdykarimov. This cross-country collaboration is aimed at strengthening the productivity, quality, and downstreaming of Sumbawa's superior products to ensure global competitiveness.

Sumbawa's wild horse milk has long been recognized as a specialty product of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), possessing cultural, economic, and health benefits. Through this collaboration, this local commodity will not only be positioned as a traditional product but will also be developed into a value-added product through research, technology, and quality standardization.

The primary focus of the collaboration between NTB and Karaganda is the modernization of the management of Sumbawa's indigenous horses, particularly in the development of dairy products. Karaganda was chosen as a partner because Kazakhstan has a strong tradition in horse management and the use of mare's milk-based products. The transfer of knowledge and technology from Kazakhstan is expected to accelerate the improvement of local product quality to meet international consumption and distribution standards.

There are two key innovations highlighted in this collaboration. First, improving the quality of Sumbawa wild horse milk through more hygienic harvesting, processing, and storage. This step is crucial for maintaining product purity, enhancing consumption safety, and strengthening market confidence in the quality of Sumbawa wild horse milk.

Second, the development of technology to process wild horse milk into milk powder. This innovation is considered strategic because it can extend shelf life, simplify distribution, and open up export opportunities to a wider market. In powder form, Sumbawa wild horse milk has the potential to reach consumers across regions without losing its beneficial value and unique character as a superior regional product.

"This collaboration serves as a bridge to enable the hidden gems of Sumbawa Island to rise in class, become highly competitive, and be recognized on the global stage," was the main message that emerged at the meeting.

UPNVJ plays a key role in the scientific oversight of this program through the Faculty of Health Sciences. UPNVJ academics and researchers will contribute to research on milk quality processing, product efficacy and safety testing, and the development of quality standards before the product is further developed. The university's role is crucial to ensuring that the downstream process is not only market-oriented but also based on scientific evidence and consumer protection.

The involvement of Unram and the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government strengthens the local dimension of this collaboration. Unram has academic and geographic proximity to NTB's livestock potential, while the NTB Provincial Government plays a role in promoting policies, facilitating collaboration, and strengthening the regional economic ecosystem. This synergy is expected to unlock direct benefits for livestock farmers, MSMEs, local communities, and the people of Sumbawa.

This technology adaptation program is also projected to be a gateway to developing other local potential on Sumbawa Island, including products based on wild buffalo milk. With a research, technology, and international collaboration approach, NTB has the opportunity to expand its portfolio of superior regional products that can compete globally.

For UPNVJ, involvement in this collaboration is part of the university's commitment to providing knowledge that has a direct impact on society. Under the leadership of UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., the university continues to strengthen cross-sector and cross-national collaboration as a tangible contribution to research downstreaming, regional empowerment, and strengthening Indonesia's competitiveness on the international stage.