TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission IV Head from PDIP faction, Sudin, granted a green light for the Ministry of Agriculture to develop the production of eucalyptus necklace claimed to have the potential to prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

Despite the permit, Sudin underlined that the ministry was prohibited from using the State Budget for the production. “As long as it does not use the State Budget, go on,” said the legislator during a hearing with the Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo on Tuesday, July 7.

Sudin also allowed the ministry to cooperate with private parties.

If the ministry uses the state budget, he added, there will be consequences of failure. “If it fails, I and the ministry will be blamed,” Sudin said.

While developing the project, the ministry’s research and development agency was demanded to stay focused on its tasks, including creating superior plant seeds and innovation in the agricultural sector. Moreover, it is not instant to develop eucalyptus-based products as a cure or COVID-19 antivirus.

Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo appreciated the green light given by the DPR Commission VI, by which the ministry could continue the project development of the eucalyptus necklace more freely.

Indonesia, Syahrul added, has the ability and abundant raw materials to create various drugs. “I have more than 300 professors and virologists, as well as advanced laboratories,” he claimed.

Read: Eijkman Criticizes 'Antivirus Necklace' Claimed to Deter COVID-19

EKO WAHYUDI