IPB University Trusted by BRIN to Hold APEC Egilat Workshop

IPB University was trusted by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to hold the Bogor Workshop on Wood DNA Identification. This workshop was part of the activities of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Expert Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (APEC Egilat) at IPB University.

The activity was held at the Advanced Research Laboratory (ARLab), IPB Dramaga Campus for two days (24-25/4). One of the speakers of the workshop, Dr. Fifi Gus Dwiyanti said, the workshop participants came from various countries such as Australia, Republic of Chile, China, United States, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan and Belgium.

The workshop titled “DNA Approach in Timber Forensics” aims to examine and search for DNA or genetic timber in the laboratory, especially timber from illegal logging. The search for wood DNA will facilitate tracking the type and source of the wood and is expected to help law enforcement, both from the police and customs as scientific evidence in court.

“After learning (the theory) in class, they will practice to experience the search for wood DNA. They will extract the DNA of the wood pieces and sequence the bases. After that, they are expected to know the types,” said Prof Iskandar Zulkarnaen Siregar, Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Collaboration and Alumni Relations.

The resource persons for this workshop came from various faculties at IPB University, including the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan), and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA). Together with the speakers, the participants exchanged knowledge and discussed wood DNA research.

“We (Indonesia) cooperate with APEC to build joint capacity because wood itself has high economic value. IPB University was asked to contribute to Indonesia because IPB University’s research in wood genetics is quite good and trusted,” said Prof Iskandar. (IAAS/PRP)