Indonesia builds National Biodiversity Center

Jakarta, February 25 (ANTARA) - Indonesia is building a National Biodiversity Center as a scientific center for research and collaboration on biodiversity in the field of biology, including microbiology, an official of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said. "The development of these facilities and infrastructure is intended to build a modern and complete National Center for Biological Diversity in Indonesia," Acting Deputy for Human Resources, Science and Technology Edy Giri Rachman Putra said in a statement here on Friday. Giri noted that the National Biodiversity Center would be open for collaborative research activities at the national and international levels. For this reason, BRIN invites all relevant stakeholders to collaborate in increasing research and innovation in the field of biodiversity. In addition, the Indonesia Culture Collection (InaCC) facility is a center for storing collections of microorganisms and represents Indonesia's strong commitment to support the use of biodiversity globally. As a country that has a wealth of biodiversity, Indonesia continues to strive to maintain its sustainability by having established at least 42 botanical gardens throughout Indonesia. Various new research facilities have also been, and are being built, at the Cibinong Science Center, Integrated Bioproduct Laboratory, Culture Collection facility, Genomics Laboratory, and other facilities related to biology, microbiology, and good manufacturing practices. It is hoped that the results of superior research and innovation related to biodiversity, both on land and water, will be obtained by utilizing modern and complete research and innovation facilities provided by the BRIN. Head of the Biological Sciences Research Organization (OR IPH) of the National Research and Innovation Agency Iman Hidayat earlier estimated that only 10 percent of Indonesia's biodiversity has yet to be identified. "Some researchers estimate the biodiversity that has been discovered so far is only about 10 percent of its total potential," he said. Indonesia is the country with the largest biodiversity globally, including terrestrial and marine biodiversity, he noted. However, the biodiversity that has been successfully discovered and recorded is still minimal, he added. Hence, exploration and research to uncover and utilize the nation's biodiversity is one of BRIN's priority programs, Hidayat said. As the coordinator of the national research program, OR IPH BRIN has two important activities, which comprise a program related to the disclosure and use of biodiversity and the conservation of endangered plants, he noted.