Orchids are a source of biodiversity unique to Indonesia. To date, more than 5,000 types of native orchids from the 30,000 orchid species worldwide are found in Indonesia.
Unfortunately, the existence of these plants, which have the potential to be developed into biomedicine, is increasingly threatened due to land conversion, natural disasters, and theft. Therefore, efforts are needed to conserve orchids in situ and ex-situ.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to focus on orchid conservation through its research and community service activities.
This includes research on propagating orchid seedlings via tissue culture technology and ex-situ conservation of native orchids through the orchid garden located at the UGM Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT UGM) in Berbah, Sleman.
As a flower with the title of the nation’s enchanting flora, orchids are now widely regarded and have significant business potential.
This business potential is very promising, making it reasonable for many ornamental plant enthusiasts to start orchid cultivation businesses. With its extensive collection and mission to inform, introduce, and educate the public about various types of orchids,
PIAT UGM plans to hold its first Orchid Festival at the PIAT UGM Orchid Garden on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The festival will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and showcase PIAT’s orchid collection.
It will also host an orchid auction with contributions from PIAT’s partner communities, including AKM Garden, Kusuma Plant, Palagan Orchids, Angkasa Orchids, Opak Anggrek, Kebun Kita, and Agri Orchids.
Dr. Alan Soffan, Head of PIAT UGM, explained to reporters on Thursday (May 16) that the purpose of holding the PIAT Orchid Festival is to introduce orchids as an alternative business and mental healing medium, presented as the re-opening of the PIAT Orchid Garden.
“We often see many people already cultivating orchids at home. The beauty and uniqueness of orchids are believed to be a stress reliever for enthusiasts, thus supporting self-healing for mental health,” he said.
Dr. Soffan added that, in addition to the orchid auction, the festival activities will include a talk show with the theme “Mindfulness in Orchid Business: Finding Peace Through Plant Cultivation” and a coloring contest for kindergarten and first to third-grade elementary students.
The talk show will feature UGM academics, orchid businesspeople, and practitioners from the Indonesian Association of Landscape Architects.
Dr. Soffan hopes that the PIAT Orchid Festival can become a unique attraction by introducing orchids, which can be enjoyed as ornamental plants and serve as a means of education and mental tranquility.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Editor: Gusti Grehenson