Ministry of Agriculture Encourage for the Genetic Resources Draft Bill to Be Included in the National Legislative Program to Protect Indonesia's Biodiversity

The Ministry of Agriculture ("Kementan") is advocating for the deliberation of the Draft Law on Genetic Resources (Sumber Daya Genetik – "SDG") ("Draft Bill") to strengthen the protection of Indonesia's biodiversity. Fadjry Djufry, Head of the Agricultural Assembly and Modernization Agency at Kementan, stated that Indonesia has yet to enact a specific law governing the protection of SDG, despite being recognized as one of the world's most biodiverse countries.

According to Fadjry, a comprehensive regulatory framework is essential because SDG serves as the primary foundation for the development of intellectual property based on biodiversity. Therefore, the government must first establish regulations governing the protection, utilization, and benefit-sharing of SDG before products developed from these resources can be recognized as intellectual property.

"This deserves attention because genetic resources are the upstream component, while intellectual property is the downstream outcome," Fadjry said.

He further explained that the Kementan currently manages approximately 51,000 plant accessions, more than 3,000 microbial accessions, and 56 livestock species with significant potential for commercial development and research.

Fadjry also warned that, without a strong legal framework, Indonesia's biological resources are vulnerable to claims by foreign parties through genetic resource theft (biopiracy), without ensuring fair and equitable benefit-sharing for Indonesia. Accordingly, the Kementan is urging that the Drfat Bill be included in the National Legislative Program ("Prolegnas") as soon as possible.

"This could become a complex issue, particularly if other countries seek access to our genetic resources because they recognize the enormous potential they hold," he said.