The Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), in collaboration with the Department of Biology at Andalas University, the Department of Biology at Padang State University, and the Biology Education Study Program at PGRI University of West Sumatra, successfully organized the National Working Meeting (Rakernas). The Rakernas, also attended by a delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM, was held at the Convention Hall of Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra, and lasted for three days, from July 16-18, 2024.
The Rakernas was attended by 55 participants who were representatives of biology-related study programs throughout Indonesia. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and also the Chairman of KOBI. Additionally, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as well as several senior lecturers and researchers were present at the event.
The Rakernas was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, represented by the Provincial Secretary of West Sumatra, Drs. Hansastri, Ak., M.M., CFrA. In his speech, he mentioned that the West Sumatra Provincial Government has collaborated in research with Andalas University, one of which includes the development of essential oils and human resource development. The event was then officially opened by the Chairman of KOBI, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who emphasized the importance of Indonesia as the number one megabiodiversity country in the world and encouraged biologists to complete marine biodiversity data, especially for the deep sea. “We hope that KOBI meetings become a platform for networking in every national working meeting and congress,” he said. The Rector of Andalas University, Dr. Efa Yonnedi, stressed the importance of meetings and networking in promoting collaboration and synergy between universities.
The Rakernas was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, represented by the Provincial Secretary of West Sumatra, Drs. Hansastri, Ak., M.M., CFrA. In his speech, he mentioned that the West Sumatra Provincial Government has collaborated in research with Andalas University, one of which includes the development of essential oils and human resource development. The event was then officially opened by the Chairman of KOBI, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who emphasized the importance of Indonesia as the number one megabiodiversity country in the world and encouraged biologists to complete marine biodiversity data, especially for the deep sea. “We hope that KOBI meetings become a platform for networking in every national working meeting and congress,” he said. The Rector of Andalas University, Dr. Efa Yonnedi, stressed the importance of meetings and networking in promoting collaboration and synergy between universities.
This Rakernas discussed various important topics, including the progress and results of research on the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI); updates on the IBI and MKDH databases; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); and sharing achievements from Kedaireka/Matching Fund/Program Dana Padanan grants. Additionally, presentations on the Biodiversity Curator Profession program and a workshop on evaluating postgraduate curricula were also main agenda items. The event, which was filled with various discussion sessions and workshops, aimed to enhance the capacity and competence of biology researchers. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM also actively participated in these sessions, sharing their experiences and knowledge in various fields. The Rakernas continued with the International Conference on Fundamental and Applied Biology (ICOFAB) which was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and concluded with community service activities and a field trip as the closing of the Rakernas series.
The KOBI Rakernas not only served as a forum for the exchange of scientific knowledge but also reinforced KOBI’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly enhancing inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17). Additionally, this event promoted the advancement of biological sciences in Indonesia, especially in biodiversity conservation, including the preservation of marine (SDG 14) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15), and the application of biological sciences for environmental sustainability.