BRIN Head Arif Satria said on Monday the discovery marked an important momentum to strengthen public awareness of the need to conserve the nation’s biodiversity, particularly outside Java, where many regions remain insufficiently studied.
“The natural treasures in Papua, Kalimantan and regions outside Java have not been fully explored, and we must acknowledge that. We will continue conducting expeditions across the archipelago to uncover new findings and species,” he said in Jakarta.
The newly described species include members of the Rafflesia, Begonia, Homalomena, Rhododendron and Nepenthes genera, as well as orchids, discovered in various parts of Indonesia. The discovery highlights Indonesia’s vast biodiversity potential, much of which remains unexplored, Satria added.
He said the discoveries could support bioprospecting efforts, through further studies linked to the newly identified species, including for pharmaceutical development.
“Every newly discovered species represents new knowledge for the world and serves as a reminder that Indonesia possesses extraordinary biodiversity that must be protected together. Biodiversity research is a crucial foundation for conservation, scientific advancement and Indonesia’s sustainable development,” he said.
He added that biodiversity conservation is becoming increasingly complex due to land-use changes, climate change, pollution, invasive species and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
These conditions have put many species at risk of extinction before they can even be scientifically identified.
BRIN and its domestic and international partners have discovered 1,583 new species since 1967, including 712 flora species, according to the agency.
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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Primayanti
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