ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s biodiversity gained renewed global attention following the discovery of a blooming Rafflesia hasseltii in Sijunjung, West Sumatra.
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) announced the finding as part of an ongoing collaborative research project aimed at mapping the genetic relationships of Rafflesia species across Southeast Asia.
The discovery strengthens Indonesia’s position as the country with the world’s richest diversity of Rafflesia, a rare and iconic genus known for producing some of the largest flowers on Earth.
The research is conducted under The First Regional Pan-Phylogeny for Rafflesia project, a collaboration between BRIN, the University of Bengkulu, and the Rare Plants Community of Bengkulu. The project is supported by the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, alongside BRIN’s RIIM Expedition Program.
Indonesia Holds the World’s Highest Diversity of Rafflesia
Joko Ridho Witono, a researcher from BRIN’s Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, revealed that Indonesia and the Philippines are currently the two global hotspots for Rafflesia species diversity.
To date, Indonesia is home to 16 known species, and BRIN has successfully collected DNA samples from 13 species for comprehensive genomic analysis.
“This is part of our effort to understand the genetic relationships among Rafflesia species and ensure their conservation in natural habitats,” Joko said on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
He also emphasized that all sample collection in Indonesia is conducted legally and ethically, while Malaysia and the Philippines carry out parallel research in their respective regions.
Found in Community-Managed Forests: Evidence of the Need for Community Conservation
A crucial moment in the fieldwork occurred in Sijunjung, West Sumatra, where the team documented a blooming Rafflesia hasseltii inside a forest managed by the Nagari Forest Management Board (LPHN).
“This finding shows that many Rafflesia populations grow outside formal conservation areas—sometimes near coffee or palm oil plantations,” Joko explained.
“These conditions make community-based conservation extremely important to protect the species from human activities.”
The discovery also triggered national attention after Septian Riki, a member of the Rare Plants Community of Bengkulu, became emotional upon seeing the flower bloom for the first time. The video went viral and sparked wider interest in Indonesia’s rare flora.
Whole Genome Sequencing Opens Possibility of New Species Discovery
The project uses Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to map the complete genome of Rafflesia species—an unprecedented approach in research on this genus.
“Past studies only analyzed small gene fragments. Today, we map millions of base pairs to obtain a complete genomic profile,” Joko explained.
This method could reveal previously unknown species, especially if significant genetic differences emerge from WGS data.
Field Challenges: Rafflesia Flowers Bloom Only for a Few Days
Joko underlined the difficulty of Rafflesia research. The species is a holoparasitic plant whose flowers bloom for only a few days, and many grow in remote, hard-to-access areas.
Accurate information from local communities is crucial.
“Without support from local communities, many surveys would end without results because the flower may have wilted by the time researchers arrive,” he said.
BRIN to Produce National Conservation Policy Paper
BRIN will prepare a national policy paper based on the findings, outlining strategies to strengthen Rafflesia conservation in Indonesia.
“As the country’s scientific authority, BRIN is responsible for providing solid scientific foundations for biodiversity conservation policies,” Joko stressed.
With strong scientific collaboration and advanced genomic techniques, Indonesia has the opportunity to establish itself as the global center for Rafflesia research and conservation.
“With the right scientific approach and community support, we can ensure the survival of these rare and extraordinary flowers,” Joko concluded.
The discovery of Rafflesia hasseltii not only enriches scientific understanding but also enhances Indonesia’s role in global biodiversity diplomacy. The findings highlight the country’s vital position as a guardian of unique and irreplaceable biological treasures. (AT Network)
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