The Indonesian Indegenous Fungus Cultured Bank is Really Needed
About three hundred experts, academicians, and observers of mycology (the science that deals on fungi) throughout Indonesia came to meet together in Bogor to attend the launching of the Society of Mycology Indonesia (Mikoina). Mikoina as a forum for scientific society of fungus experts was born 4 months ago. "Mikroina should participate, encourage and take advantage of the scientific situation which is developing in the community," said Rector of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Prof. Dr. Ir. Herry Suhardiyanto, MSc. while presenting his remarks at the Opening of the Seminar and the launching of the National Association of Indonesian Mycology (Mikoina), with theme "Mykes Pro Vita", on Tuesday, 18 September 2012, at IPB International Convention Center.
Fungi play an important role for life in the earth. With the ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity by the government of Indonesia, the mycologists should give full attention to the wealth data of fungi. "Indonesia as a hotspot megabiodiversity hasn’t yet acquired a wealth of data fungi. Yet, with the loss of tropical forest area and deteriorated of marine ecosystems, many types of tropical fungus have disappeared. Mikoina will become the driving force for the formation of indigenous fungal culture bank which will be equipped by its data base of supporters.
Moreover, said the Rector, fungus was the point of interest organism of the Cartagena biosafety protocol. Free trade of agricultural products should continue to limit the spread of fungal pathogens. "Disturbingly mycotoxin contamination to be one of factors that limitize the export of Indonesian agricultural products," said Rector.
Despite of the negative impacts, the fungus also has many benefits. Sustainable agriculture, said Rector, requiring fungi as biological control agents and bio fertilizers. Many tribes in Indonesia has long been utilized fungus as part of their local culinary, call it fermented cassava, tempeh, oncom, gatot, soy sauce and mushroom.
Deputy Minister of Research and Technology (Kemenristek) for the Utilization of Science and Technology, Dr. Idwan Suhadi Mikoina expressed his warm welcome to launching of Mikonia which will be beneficial and provide real contribution for the community. "In the cabinet meeting, President Yudhoyono has classified various political and business communities, each of which has its own interest. Especially for the scientific community, the president would appreciate its existence because it often provides valuable input for the formation of government policies. I hope the presence of Mikoina will assist the shape of the roadmap for mycological research and related regulations that will support the green economy, "said Dr. Idwan. (Wied).
