Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMNS UI) Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., welcomed the presence of Dr. Matsui Minami from RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in order to discuss the collaboration of FMNS UI research with the Japanese research institute Riken CSRS, and the Riken Center for Advance Photonics (RAP) in the fields of Mathematics, Biology, and Geography. The purpose of this collaboration is to develop complex technology to prevent and control Pestalotiopsisleaf fall disease on rubber trees through the SATREPS (Science & Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) project, a Japanese technical cooperation scheme based on “Science and Technology Diplomacy” which was established in 2008.
The SATREPS project is supported and funded by the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) to facilitate research between Indonesian and Japanese researchers involved with the Project Period is five (5) years from the date of sending the first JICA experts to Indonesia or Kick-off Meeting held. This research collaboration involves a team of lecturers and researchers as well as students from the Department of Geography, Mathematics, Biology, and the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute (IRRI).
The form of the SATREPS project activities in Indonesia this time include the development of new fungicide candidate compounds for rubber tree leaf fall disease (both chemical and biological), the manufacture of new clones Hevea brasiliensis which shows resistance to leaf fall disease, development of a detection system for areas affected by rubber tree disease with Artificial Intelligent (AI) imaging analysis using data obtained from artificial satellites and drones, to strengthening the basis for research and development and practical application of relevant and long-term technologies.
“The SATREPS program supports research policies at FMNS and UI in general in an effort to improve research quality, output results in reputable international journals and patents as well as increase multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers both domestically and abroad to answer challenges related to global issues,” said Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., in his welcoming speech in Meeting Room A of the Dean Building, UI Campus, Depok (06/06/2022).
Meanwhile, Dr. Matsui Minami said, “This collaborative activity is expected to have a big impact in solving the problem of deciduous leaf disease in rubber plantations in Indonesia. In addition, cooperation in human resource development in the form of research visits, training, to Ph.D. programs in Japan is expected to be carried out in the near future involving staffs from UI.”
Both parties hope that the results of the technology development will be available all across Indonesia and can assist the government in tackling the rubber leaf fall epidemic that attacks a number of lands in production center areas. In such a way that global rubber production is expected to be abundant again.
Also present at this meeting were Dr.rer.nat. Budiawan (Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs), Dr. Lukmanda Evan Lubis, M.Si. (Cooperation, Venture, and Alumni Relations Manager), Dr. Dipo Aldila, S.Si., M.Si. (Research and Community Service Manager), Iqbal Putut Ash Shidiq, S.Si., M.Sc. (Head of the Undergraduate Geography Study Program), as well as several members of the research team from FMNS UI, including Dr. Retno Lestari, M.Si, Dr. Windri Handayani, M.Si., Prof. Alhadi Bustamam, M. Kom., Ph.D., Dr. Manessa Masita, and several other research staffs.
