On November 14–17, 2024, the Asian Ornithological Conference (AOC) was held in Beijing, China, bringing together 528 delegates from 39 countries (505 from Asia and 23 from outside Asia). Attendees represented 76 universities, 37 research institutions, and 28 exhibitors, sponsors, and event supporters. This quadrennial conference, previously held virtually in Zhuhai, China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to foster academic exchange across Asia, promote ornithological research and conservation, and enhance the international status and influence of Asian ornithological organizations.
The vibrant conference was supported by the International Ornithology Union (IOU) and organized by the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the International Zoological Society, China Ornithological Society, and the journal Avian Research. Over four days, the event facilitated knowledge-sharing on bird-related research across participating countries through plenary talks, symposia, and poster presentations.
Key conference highlights included:
- Plenary Talks: Eight speakers, including Indonesia’s Prof. Dr. Dewi M. Prawiradilaga from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
- Keynote Talks: Four speakers, with Indonesia represented by Mohammad Irham, M.Sc. (BRIN).
- Youth Talks: Three speakers from various countries.
- Symposia: 26 sessions with 190 delegates, including Indonesia’s Dr. Anik Budhi Dharmayanthi and Yohanna Dalimunthe, M.Si. (BRIN), Prof. Pramana Yuda (Universitas Atmajaya Yogyakarta), and Dwi Agustina (UGM graduate student and Program Coordinator at the Indonesian Cockatoo Conservation Association, KKI).
The conference also featured a bazaar of research tools and equipment, showcasing products from leading companies in China and beyond.
For UGM’s graduate students, Dudi Nandika and Dwi Agustina, attending the AOC provided invaluable opportunities to expand their networks, showcase their expertise, and gain broader insights into the global ornithological community. Both have extensive experience in bird conservation, particularly with parrot species, through their work at KKI.
Their participation was marked by exceptional achievements:
- Dudi Nandika received the First Prize Poster Award for his poster, “Recent Data Analysis on Feeding Guilds of Bird Communities as Bioindicators for the Management of Manusela National Park, Maluku.”
- Dwi Agustina earned the First Prize Presentation Award for her oral presentation, “Aligning Cockatoo Conservation Efforts with Local Huaulu Customary Wisdom on Seram Island, Maluku, Indonesia.”
Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Dudi’s academic advisor, expressed his pride: “Alhamdulillah, congratulations on winning the awards for the best oral presentation and poster at the Asian Ornithological Conference. May this bring blessings and continued success.” Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, M.Si., their supervising lecturer, conveyed his congratulations and admiration for their achievements.
Dudi extended heartfelt gratitude, saying: “We are deeply thankful to Allah SWT, and to our mentors—Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc.; Prof. Dewi Malia Prawiradilaga; Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, M.Si.; and George Olah, Ph.D.—for their invaluable guidance. Special thanks to the KKI team, colleagues Dr. La Eddy and Dr. Paulus from Universitas Pattimura, Dr. Herlina Agustin from Universitas Padjajaran, as well as friends and family who have always supported us.”
The achievements of Dudi and Dwi serve as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for further ornithological research and bird conservation efforts in Indonesia.
