Biotech Updates

Biotechnology Expert Dialog 2012 in Bogor

July 20, 2012

The Biotechnology Expert Dialog 2012 with the theme "Genetically Engineered Crop vs Food Security" was conducted on 10 July 2012 in Bogor, Indonesia, to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of biotechnology in the country. Two sessions were held: State of the art of genetically engineered crop utilization and Current research on genetically engineered crop in Indonesia.

Dr. Roger Beachy, director of Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Centre gave the keynote talk on "Worldwide outlook of genetically engineered crop deployment and their significant contribution in world food security." Dr. Bambang Purwantara, IndoBIC director and of SEAMEO-BIOTROP provided information on the rules and regulation of GM crop research in Indonesia. The current updates and status of genetically engineered sugarcane was discussed in detail by Prof. Bambang Sugiharto of Jember University.

The 179 participants were composed of researchers, faculty, students, agricultural practitioners, and the private sector. The event was organized by Bogor Agricultural University in partnership with Croplife Indonesia.

Further information can be obtained from http://pakarbiotek.wordpress.com/. For information on biotechnology in Indonesia, contact Dewi Suryani of IndoBIC at catleyavanda@gmail.com.