Introduction
Biotechnology, in a wider sense, is
known and practiced for a long time
in Indonesia, although most people do
not understand the technological-process
and why it is called biotechnology.
The European Federation of Biotechnology
(EFB) definition seems fit to be adopted
for explaining the present status of
biotechnology in Indonesia, as this
definition is applicable to both ‘traditional
or old’ (such as “tempe”
– fermented soybean) and ‘new
or modern’ biotechnology (such
as protein structure).
The Indonesian Biotechnology Consortium
(IBC) was established on 29 September
1992. It is an independent body represented
by scientific educational, research,
and industrial communities. The aim
of IBC is to actively engage in mastering,
developing and making wise use of
the benefit from biotechnology for
the prosperity of mankind and environmental
conservation. IBC activities are focused
to facilitate and build: (1) cooperation
among government and private institutions
working in the field of biotechnology,
(2) communication and synergistic
cooperation with foreign institutions
in the field of biotechnology, and
(3) assist the Government in developing
specific biotechnological sectors
of importance to Indonesia. At present,
more than 34 institutions belong to
the government and private sectors
working in the field of biotechnology
are member of IBC. Indonesia is yet
to have a national biotechnology policy.
BINASIA is the acronym of Biotechnology
Information Network for Asia. This
internet-based network of biotechnology-stakeholders
in 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific
region is the expected outcome of
a project funded by the Government
of Korea, implemented by the Korea
Research Institute of Biotechnology
and Biosciences (KRIBB) and the United
Nations Asian and Pacific Centre for
Transfer of Technology (APCTT).
The BINASIA - Indonesia National
Workshop is being organized to promote
active participation of biotechnology-stakeholders
in the Network and international cooperation
among participating countries. This
workshop is also aimed to deliberate
the status of biotechnological developments
and the national priority areas of
Indonesia.
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