The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted the International Conference on Nusantara Spices and Biodiversity (ICNSB) 2026 in conjunction with the 10th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. Carrying the theme “Reviving the Glory of Nusantara Spices through Biodiversity Research and Sustainable Innovation,” ICNSB 2026 was organized as part of the 71st Anniversary Celebration of the Faculty of Biology UGM.
The conference served as a platform for scientific exchange among academics, researchers, students, and practitioners to discuss recent developments in biodiversity, Nusantara spices, and sustainable bioresource-based innovations. Participants represented various institutions, including universities, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and industry sectors. A total of 114 participants attended the event, including 38 presenters who shared their research findings during the ICNSB sessions.
ICNSB 2026 featured seven major thematic areas reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to spice and biodiversity research: Biodiversity and Systematics; Phytochemistry and Bioactive Compounds; Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering; Genomics, Transcriptomics, and Metabolomics; Medicinal and Pharmacological Potential; Sustainable Cultivation and Smart Agriculture; and Ethnobotany, Traditional Knowledge, and Bioeconomy. Through these themes, the conference aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in supporting the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.
The conference was conducted under the framework of the Indonesia–Netherlands University Consortium for Sustainable Futures (INUCoST), a collaborative network involving Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Mulawarman, and Leiden University. In addition, ICNSB 2026 was supported through the Indonesian Collaborative Research Program (Riset Kolaborasi Indonesia/RKI), involving several leading Indonesian universities, namely IPB University, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to strengthening biodiversity research and the development of Indonesia’s biological resources through both national and international partnerships.
The conference featured Dr. Roderick Wiebe Bouman as the keynote speaker, presenting insights on the potential of biodiversity and scientific collections in supporting biological research and conservation efforts. The invited speakers included Prof. Chiharu Nakashima, Assoc. Prof. Yaya Rukayadi, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, who shared perspectives on plant pathology in spice crops, natural products and health applications of spices, as well as data and findings from Indonesian spice collections being developed through ongoing INUCoST and RKI projects to support the advancement of Nusantara spices and biological resources.
The Chair of ICNSB 2026, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., stated that the conference represents a tangible implementation of various research collaborations focused on Indonesian spices. According to him, Indonesia is widely recognized as one of the world’s centers of spice diversity; however, efforts related to documentation, characterization, management, conservation, and downstream utilization of research outputs still require stronger collaboration among stakeholders. “Indonesia possesses an extraordinary diversity of spices that form an important part of our history and national identity. Through this forum, we hope that spice-related research will not only contribute to scientific publications but also support the sustainable management of biological resources and generate broader benefits for society,” he remarked.
Appreciation for the successful organization of the conference was also expressed by Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He expressed hope that the conference would further strengthen research networks among universities, research institutions, and international partners while contributing to the revival of Nusantara spices through scientific approaches and sustainable innovation.
As part of the scientific program, the organizing committee also presented Best Presenter Awards in each parallel session to recognize outstanding presentation quality and scientific contributions. The awards are expected to encourage both early-career and established researchers to continue producing impactful research that advances scientific knowledge and promotes the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s biodiversity.
Overall, the implementation of ICNSB 2026 and the 10th National Seminar on Tropical Biology contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the promotion of education and scientific exchange; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through biodiversity-based research and innovation; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened national and international collaborations in research and biological resource development. Through this conference, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation that support the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s biodiversity for future generations.












































































