The Indonesian Biotechology Information Center, hosted by SEAMEO BIOTROP, co-organized the Biotechnology Expert Dialogue 2012 on 10 July 2012 in Bogor, Indonesia with the theme "Genetically Engineered Crops vs Food Security." 

Aimed at enhancing the knowledge and appreciation of biotechnology in Indonesia, the Dialogue consisted of two sessions, namely: (1) State of the art of genetically engineered crop utilization and (2) Current research on genetically engineered crop in Indonesia.

Dr. Roger Beachy, Director of Donald Danforth Plant Science Research Centre gave the keynote talk on "Worldwide outlook of genetically engineered crop deployment and their significant contribution in world food security." Dr. Bambang Purwantara, IndoBIC and SEAMEO-BIOTROP Director, elaborated on the rules and regulation of GM crop research in Indonesia. On the other hand, Prof. Bambang Sugiharto of Jember University provided the updates on genetically engineered sugarcane in Indonesia which is expected to be launced in 2014.

The Dialogue was attended by 179 participants composed of researchers, university lecturers and  students, agricultural practitioners, and private entrepreneurs. The event was organized by Bogor Agricultural University in partnership with Croplife Indonesia, IndoBIC, ABSP II and US Department of Agriculture.

Written by: Dewi Suryani