Hundreds of Researchers and Bird Enthusiasts Gather at IPB University, Emphasizing the Urgency of Wild Bird Conservation in Indonesia
More than 150 researchers and bird enthusiasts gathered at IPB University, Bogor, to attend the 7th Indonesian Bird Researchers and Enthusiasts Conference (KPPBI) held on August (8/8–10).
With the theme “Harmonization between Birds, Humans, and the Environment,” the conference emphasized the importance of balancing biodiversity, human management, and environmental conservation.
The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) at IPB University, Prof Nareswoto Nugroho, stated that this regular gathering of bird experts in Indonesia plays a vital role.
“This conference serves as an intellectual hub and reference center for all researchers, enthusiasts, observers, and bird experts in preserving Indonesia’s biodiversity, particularly birds, and can inspire and motivate participants,” said Prof Nares.
Indonesia, with 1.835 bird species or 16,7 percent of the global total, ranks fourth as the country with the highest number of bird species in the world. Of these, 542 species are endemic and 276 species are migratory birds.
However, data from the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) for the period 2016–2025 shows that 184 bird species in Indonesia are listed as globally threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Among them are 22 bird species classified as Critically Endangered, 96 species as Endangered, and 66 species as Vulnerable.
The conference discussed various important topics including ecology, management and conservation of birds in forests, ethno-ornithology (culture, breeding, trade, ecotourism), taxonomy, genetics and bird behavior, as well as the latest knowledge and technology in bird research.
Additionally, other topics were discussed such as the sustainability of migratory birds (raptors, shorebirds, and others), as well as the presence of birds in urban areas and human-dominated regions.
The Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, Ministry of Forestry, Prof Satyawan Pudyatmoko, highlighted serious threats to bird populations, including habitat degradation, land use change, illegal hunting and trade, climate change impacts, and zoonoses.
“To address this, the Kemenhut has formulated bird conservation policies that include developing strategies and action plans, encouraging private sector involvement, government and partner synergy, strengthening law enforcement, strengthening the national database, adopting a One Health approach, as well as expanding and strengthening conservation areas,” he said in his opening remarks.
The 7th KPPBI is expected to produce practical recommendations to strengthen bird conservation efforts in Indonesia while considering the social, economic, and cultural aspects of communities and environmental sustainability.
This event is a collaboration between various universities and the Indonesian Ornithological Society. Support is provided by various parties, including the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesian Seabirds, Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, Udayana University Bali, Semarang State University, Eksai Foundation, Rekam Nusantara, Rangkong Indonesia, Burung Indonesia, and RSPB.
This activity would not have been possible without the support of Global Messenger, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), KASI Foundation, PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa, Kehati Foundation, ExxonMobil, Pertamina Patra Niaga, Rekam Nusantara, Rangkong Indonesia, Indonesian Seabirds, Optisan Optic, Indonesian Cockatoo Conservation, and Bogor Naturalist. (*/Rz) (IAAS/STD)
