IPB University Develops ART Center Laboratory and Biobank for the Rescue of Javan and Sumatran Rhinos
New hope has emerged for the rescue of Javan and Sumatran rhinos. IPB University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, is ready to develop the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Center Laboratory and Biobank Indonesia for wildlife conservation.
This facility is designed as a center for storing genetic information on wildlife, including preventing the extinction of two rare Indonesian rhino species: the Javan rhino and the Sumatran rhino.
The Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni, said that his office is opening up as much space as possible for universities, especially IPB University, to play a role in strategic research related to forestry and conservation.
During the Cooperation Agreement and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the ART Center Laboratory and Biobank at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (9/2), Raja Juli said that research is vital to bridge the gap between government policy and scientific facts in the field.
“During my tenure as Minister, I will be willing to use my authority to build a path of knowledge that bridges the gap between policy makers and researchers for any initiative from universities, especially IPB University, which is closely related to forestry,” he said.
On that occasion, Raja Juli also expressed his readiness to facilitate coordination with various parties, including donor agencies and strategic partners, so that the ART Center Lab and Biobank project at IPB University can be realized soon.
Meanwhile, the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, emphasized that biobanks are a strategic step to ensure the sustainability of increasingly endangered animal populations.
“The rescue of wildlife cannot rely solely on area conservation. Genetic conservation through biobanks is an urgent step,” said Prof Arif.
According to Prof Arif, the development of the ART Center Lab and Biobank is in line with the three main research focuses of IPB University, namely sustainability, omics science (genomics, metabolomics, and others), and artificial intelligence (AI). These three fields are now interconnected and have become the main pillars of conservation research.
“Many omics studies now utilize AI. In fact, wildlife monitoring and migration patterns are now carried out using AI-based technology. This synergy makes conservation more effective,” he explained.
IPB University itself has conducted various cutting-edge studies, including research on bat migration patterns and efforts to save Sumatran rhinos. International collaborations, such as with Leipzig Zoo in Germany and the Colossal team, also strengthen IPB University’s efforts in developing a biobank.
“If this biobank is realized, Indonesia will have a new milestone in genetic wildlife rescue. This will be a tangible contribution from IPB University to biodiversity sustainability,” he said.
Deputy for Food, Natural Resources, and the Environment, National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Leonardo Adypurnama, also known as Teguh Sambodo, PhD, also said that the government continues to prioritize sustainable development, particularly in natural resource management and wildlife conservation.
He emphasized that the development of a biobank by IPB University in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry is an important part of the implementation of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN).
“We appreciate the collaboration between IPB University and the Ministry of Forestry in developing the ART Laboratory and Biobank. This is one of the forms of implementing priorities in the RPJMN, particularly regarding the utilization of biodiversity,” said Teguh Sambodo, who is also an alumnus of IPB University. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)
