IPB University Professor Explains the Role of AI in Driving Breakthroughs in Bioinformatics Systems in Indonesia
The AI for Bioinformatics webinar featured Prof Wisnu Ananta Kusuma, Professor of Bioinformatics Systems at IPB University, as the keynote speaker. The webinar, which was attended by 300 participants, is expected to encourage more computer researchers to get involved in bioinformatics research.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of the Bioinformatics Study Program at IPB University, the APTIKOM Bioinformatics Science Cluster, and the Indonesian Bioinformatics and Biodiversity Society (MABBI).
Dr Berry Juliandi, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at IPB University, said in his speech that the young generation who are members of MABBI have tremendous potential in the exploration and development of bioinformatics studies.
“I believe that the acceleration in the development of research results based on biological data will be extraordinary with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that helps us process various biological data,” he said.
In his presentation, Prof Wisnu emphasized the importance of applying AI in systems biology. “AI can be used to analyze molecular networks, predict therapeutic targets, and integrate multiomic data to support precision medicine,” he explained.
He also highlighted the concept of network pharmacology, a systemic approach to developing natural medicines. Through protein network analysis and innovative algorithms such as disassembly greedy modularity (DGM) and community consideration centrality (CCC), researchers can identify important genes and proteins related to diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s.
In addition, Prof Wisnu presented a case study on the integration of AI with bioinformatics to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that play a role in complex diseases.
“Variable ranking methods and machine learning can significantly narrow the search space, resulting in more accurate predictions,” he said.
He also mentioned the development of integrated platforms such as the Integrated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Pipeline (ISNIP) and Indonesian Herbal Medicine Analytics (IJAH Analytics), which combine data repositories, compound-protein interaction predictions, and disease network visualization. In the future, this system will be developed into I-PRIME, an AI-based precision herbal medicine research ecosystem.
Prof Wisnu is optimistic that the bioinformatics repositories and applications developed by Indonesian researchers will eventually be recognized and widely used worldwide. (MW) (IAAS/ASY)
