Indonesia Still Lagging Behind in Wood Forensics, IPB University Develops DNA-Based Identification Technology
While the DNA approach has become the global standard in forestry forensics, its application in Indonesia is still relatively limited. Responding to this challenge, IPB University has taken on a strategic role by developing DNA-based wood identification technology through the Indonesian-Based Wood Identification Program research consortium.
Dr Fifi Gus Dwiyanti, a silviculture lecturer at IPB University and one of the researchers, revealed that DNA technology has been widely used globally, especially in forestry forensics.
“Globally, around 80 percent of forestry forensics, especially for timber tracking, has used the DNA approach. However, in Indonesia, its application is still relatively limited,” she said.
Dr Fifi explained that DNA-based wood type and origin identification technology can strengthen the timber tracking system and support forestry law enforcement in Indonesia.
“This DNA method allows wood to be traced to three levels of analysis. Starting from identifying wood at the family, genus, or species level, then determining the origin of the population, to verifying the match between the log and a specific stump,” she said.
According to Dr Fifi, this approach enables scientific proof of whether a piece of wood found in the field actually originates from a specific location or stump.
She further explained that the DNA barcoding method is used for species identification. The process involves DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing. The results are then matched with global databases such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) or the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ).
“Through this process, previously unknown wood species can be accurately identified based on DNA sequence matches,” she explained.
Meanwhile, to determine the origin of the wood, population genetics methods are used. According to Dr Fifi, the main challenge at this stage is the limited database of the natural populations of each species in Indonesia.
“Researchers must develop a database of the entire natural population of each wood species, which can number in the hundreds of commercial species. This data is key to proving the claims of wood origin listed in official documents,” explained Dr Fifi.
Therefore, DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting is used to match logs and stumps. This method uses DNA fragment sizes from various loci to ensure that individual logs match their stumps. This approach has been widely applied in other countries and has become a reference in forestry forensics cases.
Dr Fifi explained that the success of DNA identification is highly dependent on genetic diversity, discriminatory DNA markers, DNA quality and quantity, and the availability of a robust database.
“IPB University, together with a consortium, continues to develop sequence databases, DNA extraction protocols, and chloroplast genomes of various Indonesian tropical wood species as the scientific pillars of DNA-based wood identification,” she said. (dr) (IAAS/HNY)
