On 13th December a team of delegates from ICC and DFAT visited the National Research & Innovation Agency (BRIN), Government of Indonesia. The team had a fruitful discussion with Dr. Puji Lestari, Chairman of Research Organization for Agriculture and Food and Dr. Dwinita Wiken Utami, Head of Horticulture Research Centre & Plantation.
At the outset, Dr. Dwinita welcomed all. Dr. Jelfina Executive Director presented the activities of ICC focusing on the cogent program. Dr. Tristan in his address mentioned that DFAT has a long-lasting relationship with Govt of Indonesia and implemented projects related to climate change, environmental pollution, and soil erosion. He added that DFAT is always open to any potential collaboration with BRIN facilitated by ICC, especially in Coconut Tissue Culture (CTC) as the technology is needed by the coconut industry to invest in the CTC laboratory. Mrs. Erlene briefed about the cogent activities and future programs of ICC-Cogent and how Cogent can have very well-collaborate programs with the research activities in coconut in Indonesia.
Dr. Puji, in her remarks, thanked all for sharing the information and mentioned that BRIN can collaborate with ICC in research on Mass propagation techniques in Coconut, cryopreservation, exchange of genetic resources, and conservation of genetic resources available in Indonesia. She added that the BRIN is mainly focused on research activities so whatever research will be carried out shall share with the farmers and the industry for the potential development of the coconut sector.
It has been decided that a tripartite MoU will be prepared between ICC-Cogent, DFAT/ACIAR, and BRIN to carry out the research activities for the CTC and long-term program on the conservation of genetic resources of coconut and exchange and duplication of the existing germplasms. Scholarship opportunity from BRIN to coconut scientists in ICC member countries was also discussed.
The team visited included Ms. Mridula Kottekate, Assistant Director, Mr. Alit Pirmansah, MSO, Mr. Klaudio Hosang, AFO, and Ms. Julieane Lacsina.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of Plaques by ICC and BRIN..