Indonesia, as a megabiodiversity country, holds a vital role in global biodiversity issues. These issues extend beyond conservation and are closely tied to food security, health, the economy, and cultural resilience. Strengthening biodiversity research must align with sustainable development and national resilience. Therefore, biodiversity research needs to be directed not only at conservation but also toward sustainable utilization supporting the food, pharmaceutical, and renewable energy sectors, as well as climate change mitigation.
Chair of the Steering Committee of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Megawati Soekarnoputri, underscored the importance of nationalism and sovereignty in every research and innovation initiative, including biodiversity management.
She stressed that strengthening research should be accompanied by historical awareness, commitment to environmental protection, and the courage of young generations to take an active role.
Soekarnoputri also reminded participants of the significant contributions of Indonesian women to the nation’s struggles, emphasizing the need to further strengthen their role in research and policymaking.
“Young people must remember that this country belongs to you. Use your knowledge and abilities to safeguard Indonesia’s independence, sovereignty, and endurance,” she conveyed during the workshop “Biodiversity Management and Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights for a Sustainable Future: UGM–BRIN Synergy” held at UGM Senate Hall, Wednesday (Oct. 1).
Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to tropical biodiversity research and conservation through strengthened collaboration with BRIN in conservation and intellectual property protection.
“Through this collaboration, UGM seeks to strengthen the biodiversity research ecosystem so that its results can have tangible impacts on sustainable development,” said Professor Emilia.
The rector highlighted UGM’s efforts to advance research capacity through flagship facilities, including the Integrated Laboratory Management (MLT), Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), Porok Marine Research Station, the Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center (MSIBC), and the PIAT Genetic Bank.
Furthermore, UGM has developed leading programs and innovations, including the first Biodiversity Curator Professional Program (PKKH) in Southeast Asia, the development of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI), and consistent protection of genetic resources through the PIAT Genetic Bank, which won the Indonesian Breeder Award in 2021.
The rector noted that in 2024, UGM recorded 28 copyrights and 30 biodiversity patents, while by September 2025, the university had registered 11 copyrights and 19 patents.
“These data demonstrate UGM’s commitment not only to producing innovations but also to strengthening legal protection of national biodiversity,” she stated.
Dr. Bambang Kesowo, a member of the BRIN Steering Committee, emphasized in his keynote speech that biodiversity management cannot be separated from strong intellectual property (IP) governance.
Without clear legal protection, he noted, Indonesia’s research outcomes and biological wealth risk being exploited by external parties. Therefore, a comprehensive regulatory framework is necessary to ensure the sustainable use of biodiversity while enhancing the nation’s competitiveness.
Dr. Kesowo also encouraged UGM to expand IP education and awareness beyond the Faculty of Law (FH UGM) to other faculties, including agrocomplex, sciences, and socio-humanities.
“Strengthening IP is a crucial foundation in safeguarding national sovereignty over our vibrant biodiversity,” he said.
Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, Head of BRIN, stated that biodiversity research should focus not only on conservation but also on sustainable use, supporting the food, pharmaceutical, renewable energy, and climate mitigation sectors.
According to him, collaboration with UGM holds strategic significance as it brings forward innovations relevant to industry and society while strengthening Indonesia’s global research networks.
“We see UGM as a strategic partner in advancing biodiversity research, particularly in producing innovations that can be brought downstream,” Dr. Handoko remarked.
Dean of the Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), Professor Budi S. Daryono, presented material on the status and trends of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI), which is being developed as a national indicator to monitor biodiversity conditions.
The IBI measures species richness, population distribution, and ecosystem balance, thus serving as a basis for conservation policies and sustainable development strategies.
According to Professor Daryono, this scientific instrument is also essential for anticipating the impacts of climate change and supporting Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.
“Biodiversity trends in Indonesia must be monitored scientifically so that conservation actions can be implemented accurately and sustainably,” he said.
The workshop also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BRIN and UGM on the preservation and utilization of tropical biodiversity, signed by Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships at UGM.
On the same occasion, a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was signed between BRIN and UGM on the management of intellectual property of biological resources, signed by the Acting Director of Business Development at UGM, Professor Sang Kompiang Wirawan.
The workshop was further complemented by a Mini Expo showcasing UGM’s downstream biodiversity research results. The exhibition highlighted a range of innovations derived from Indonesia’s tropical biodiversity, which have been safeguarded through IP mechanisms.
Through this workshop, UGM has further strengthened its position as a center for tropical biodiversity research, contributing not only to scientific development but also delivering concrete solutions for sustainable development.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi