IPB University Researcher: Indonesia is a Megabiodiversity Country, but Research on Fungi is Still Very Limited
Indonesia is known as a megabiodiversity country. However, does this claim also apply to the world of fungi? This question was discussed by Dr Ivan Permana Putra, lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, in the 7th edition of the Ngobrolin Spesies webinar.
In his presentation, Dr Ivan said that until now, data on fungi in Indonesia is still very limited. Based on 2017 records, only about 2.273 macro and micro fungal species have been identified. This figure lags far behind global data, which in the same year recorded more than 5 million fungal species.
“The problem is not our natural wealth, but the fact that our data is incomplete and has not been properly verified,” said Dr Ivan at the event organized by the Indonesia Species Specialist Group (IdSSG) online (10/31).
According to him, the main obstacles to fungal research in Indonesia include the lack of researchers focusing on mycology, insufficient field exploration, and the absence of a national fungal checklist.
“Often, reports on fungi only mention the name and location, without any description, pictures, or herbarium. In fact, without supporting evidence, the data is difficult to verify. Therefore, we need to create minimum standards for the publication of fungi in Indonesia so that the data is valid,” he said.
Dr Ivan also highlighted the underdevelopment of ecology and mycology in Indonesia. In addition, there is a generation gap in the field of mycology. As a result, local references are very limited. Many novice researchers, he said, still rely on foreign literature that may not be applicable to conditions in Indonesia.
Dr Ivan and his team’s research covers the collection of wild mushrooms, morphological and molecular identification, and nutritional analysis, to open up opportunities for the sustainable use of mushrooms.
Several types of local fungi are also said to have high economic potential. For example, the pelawan mushroom (Heimioporus sp.), which can fetch up to Rp4 million per kilogram in dried form, and the wild shiitake mushroom (Lentinula lateritia), which is found in the forests of Jambi and is currently being developed as an indigenous Indonesian seed.
Dr Ivan emphasized that mushroom research in Indonesia focuses on three main aspects: taxonomy, cultivation potential, and bioprospecting. “All utilization of biodiversity begins with recognition. We must first know who they are before we can utilize and protect them,” he said.
During the discussion session, Dr Ivan emphasized the importance of collaboration to enrich data on mushroom diversity in Indonesia. “Not only with researchers, lecturers, and students, we also need support from various parties, especially in collaboration with local people,” he explained.
Closing the session, Dr Ivan expressed his hope that in the future Indonesia will have an accurate and open national fungal database that can serve as a foundation for research, education, and the development of fungus-based industries. (Ez)(IAAS/LAN)
