The Faculty of Biology at UGM has launched a new program called the Professional Program in Biodiversity Curatorship (PKKH). This program is the first of its kind in Indonesia and Asia, focusing on producing biodiversity curators, following Cambridge University in the UK.
The program is opened as a strategic step to produce professionals capable of managing biodiversity at national and global levels. In its implementation, the Faculty of Biology has established partnerships with the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) and the Indonesia Biologist Association (IBA) or the Indonesian Biological Sciences Profession Association (PIHI).
Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, stated that the profession of biodiversity curatorship is an initial step and a historic opening to strengthen biology’s position and strategic role in supporting Indonesia as a mega biodiversity country globally.
“The opening of this program is also aimed at strengthening the implementation of Presidential Regulation No.1/2023 regarding the Mainstreaming of Biodiversity in Sustainable Development in Indonesia,” said Professor Daryono in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday (May 11).
Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, explained that participants in this professional education program will gain a deep understanding of biodiversity, practical skills in collection management and readiness to become leaders in this field.
Furthermore, Dr. Suyono added the profession of biodiversity curatorship optimizes the program’s network and provides opportunities for its alumni to join the Indonesia Biologist Association (IBA).
“This organization was established in 2022 and is based in Yogyakarta, the only official and legal biological profession organization in Indonesia aimed at uniting, fostering, and empowering biologists in Indonesia,” he clarified.
Dr. Ario Setra Setiadi, as the chair of IBA, welcomed and supported the establishment of the biodiversity curatorship professional program at the Faculty of Biology, considering this program an essential step in ensuring the preservation and further research on Indonesia’s biodiversity.
“Having well-trained biodiversity curators is crucial. They will ensure the proper maintenance of valuable biological collections, identify species that require special protection, and manage crucial information about life on Earth,” he said.
With high-quality biodiversity curators, Dr. Setiadi expressed hope that Indonesia’s human resources would be better equipped to preserve extraordinary biodiversity and face complex environmental challenges in the future.
Author: Gusti Grehenson