IPB University and WRI Indonesia Hold Training on Wood Forensics

IPB University in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, held a training on wood sample collection and wood identification through genetic/DNA analysis for wood forensics for law enforcement and analysts.

This training is expected to increase the knowledge and capacity of stakeholders on sampling and identification methods through genetic/DNA analysis for wood forensics.

The activity was attended by 20 participants from various government agencies and was held at the Advanced Research Laboratory IPB University, IPB Dramaga Campus (28-29/12).

Dr Fifi Gus Dwiyanti, Lecturer of the Department of Silviculture IPB University as the resource person explained, wood DNA analysis is used to determine the origin and type of wood. 

“Here we provide theory and practice directly to the field, how the process of taking wood samples for the subsequent wood DNA extraction process, as well as how to do wood DNA sequencing and process data from sequencing results,” she said. 

“We hope that by doing and participating in this training, participants will be able to utilize the knowledge gained to be applied in the workplace or agency of origin of the participants,” he said.

She also added, IPB University is ready to help and receive wood samples if these agencies need assistance for wood identification in terms of wood forensics, ranging from wood DNA analysis to data sequencing. 

Taufik Bakti, one of the participants from the West Java Police, said, “We are very happy for this training activity. This is a new field of knowledge for our forensic team in the police, especially in the West Java Police.”

“We got a lot of knowledge and we will develop it further so that it can help us in investigations in the police,” he continued. (AS/Rz) (IAAS/Ard)