“In 2025–2027, we will focus on two areas, Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Parks. These locations were selected based on mapping and analysis conducted between 2010 and 2019," Head of BRIN’s Research Organization for Life and Environmental Sciences Andes Hamuraby Rozak explained here on Tuesday.
He continued explaining, according to the mapping and analysis, the discovery rate of new species in the Danau Sentarum National Park area remains low.
"We suspect this area could be a haven for new species,” he added.
The expedition is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, as the national park’s managing authority, along with several universities. The expedition aims to discover new species of flora, fauna, and microorganisms.
Speaking at the launch of the Current Status of Indonesia’s Biodiversity in the Sumatra and Sulawesi Ecoregions, he stated that the initial phase of the expedition in the Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Parks has already begun, with further stages planned over the coming years.
BRIN also plans to conduct terrestrial expeditions in the Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation area, located within Bukit Barisan National Park in southern Sumatra.
Meanwhile, another expedition is scheduled to take place in Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park in Maluku from 2028 to 2030.
“This terrestrial biodiversity expedition is not only about species discovery, but also about developing young talents,” Rozak said.
Earlier this year through mid-2025, a total of 19 new plant and wildlife species were discovered across Indonesia through collaborative efforts between BRIN, the Ministry of Forestry, and some universities in the country.
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Translator: Prisca, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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