August 13, 2025 | 03:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Food and water crises pose challenges for many countries, including Indonesia, and in response to this, academics, government officials, and research institutions from Australia and Indonesia convened to present their research findings at the ANU-KONEKSI Climate Policy Forum at UI (University of Indonesia) Salemba Campus, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The forum showcased two cross-country research projects: the development of climate-resilient crop varieties and solar-powered desalination technology for coastal areas and small islands.
Resilient Rice for Food Security
Professor Barry Pogson from the Australian National University (ANU) explained that his research aimed to understand how plants respond to the environment.
"If we understand how to respond, we can adapt responsibilities," Barry said.
He utilized genome editing, a technique to modify specific sections of a plant's DNA 'book' to adapt to climate conditions.
The Director of Crop Seedlings at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ladiyani Retno Widowati, deemed drought-resistant varieties relevant in achieving the target production of 34 million tons of rice by the end of 2025.
Currently, farmers are being asked to plant off-season, including during dry seasons and in non-paddy fields. "So many seeds are needed, about 1.1 million per month," she said.
Professor Yekti Asih Purwestri from Gadjah Mada University also highlighted local rice varieties, such as those from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which contain valuable genetic information. According to her, local rice from other regions in Indonesia also holds a wealth of genetic information.
"If not developed, it could become extinct. Genome editing cuts and replaces specific parts with the plant's information," Yekti said. She noted that Indonesia does not yet have specific regulations for this technology, unlike the Philippines and Australia.
Freshwater from the Sea
In the field of water, A/Prof. Jeremy Smith from the Australian National University and Prof. I Nyoman Widiasa from Diponegoro University have developed hybrid reverse osmosis desalination research and solar panel technology for freshwater supply in coastal areas and small islands.
Nyoman explained that Indonesia has abundant water reserves, but distribution is uneven. This modular technology has been installed as a pilot project at Diponegoro University campus, utilizing local seawater.
"At least 50,000 people are now able to enjoy freshwater from the western part of Central Java's coast to Rembang in the eastern part of Central Java," Nyoman said.
In response to this research, Dr. Moh. Irfan Saleh, the Director of Water Resources at Bappenas, stated that this initiative aligns with Indonesia's commitment at the 10th Water Forum, particularly in water management for small islands. "In the future, we are preparing a program for water security for small island development," Irfan said.
This research collaboration is expected to extend beyond the testing phase. A series of research and cross-country knowledge exchange is said to be a crucial asset for expanding the benefits of technology, from dry land to coastal villages that have long depended on water from outside the region.
Editor's Choice: Sri Mulyani Highlights Food and Energy Security Crucial for National Sovereignty
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia's 80th Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace 70% Ready
2 menit lalu
Minister Prasetyo Hadi said preparations for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day in Jakarta are nearly complete.
Indonesian House Speaker Urges Concrete UN Measures to End Gaza Crisis
3 jam lalu
In the letter, the Indonesian House Speaker referenced the most recent reports from United Nations agencies regarding the Gaza crisis.
M4.7 Earthquake in Indonesia's Southern Waters Rattles Sukabumi to Tasikmalaya Regions
5 jam lalu
The earthquake's epicenter was located in the sea at a distance of 82 kilometers southwest of Bandung Regency, Indonesia.
Indonesia Aims to Double Trade with Peru Through CEPA Agreement
5 jam lalu
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso aims to double Indonesia's trade with Peru through the Indonesia-Peru Comprehensive Economic Agreement /IP CEPA
Vehicles and Palm Oil Lead Indonesia's Export Commodities to Peru
17 jam lalu
The trade pact between the two nations promises to boost market access for exports and imports, strengthening industries on both sides.
Independence Cup 2025: Indonesia Holds Tajikistan to Thrilling 2-2 Draw
17 jam lalu
A draw leaves the U-17 Indonesia national team and Tajikistan in second and third place respectively in the current Independence Cup 2025 standings.
Activist Urges Prabowo to Raise Gaza Evacuation Target to 10,000 People
20 jam lalu
Humanitarian activist Abdillah Onim urged President Prabowo to expand the Gaza refugee evacuation plan to 10,000 for treatment in Indonesia.
Merdeka Palace to Host 16,000 Guests for 80th Independence Day Celebration
22 jam lalu
A total of 16,000 guests will attend Independence Day celebration at Merdeka Palace on August 17, split evenly between morning and afternoon sessions.
Meteor Shower in Australia Tonight: What You Need to Know
1 hari lalu
Tonight, Australia will have front-row seats to the best meteor shower of the year. Here's everything you need to know about this cosmic spectacle.
Agrinas CEO's Resignation Reveals Invasion of Large-Scale Rice Mills to Small Farmers
1 hari lalu
The former CEO of Agrinas revealed issues regarding the invasion of large-scale rice mills to small farmers.
