Depok, January 7, 2026 – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), held an open doctoral promotion examination for the Biology Study Program with Aulia Hasan Widjaya as the doctoral candidate. The event took place on Wednesday (January 7) at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI, Depok.

Aulia presented her dissertation entitled “Conservation Strategies for Dehaasia pugerensis Koord. & Valeton (Lauraceae), an Endangered Tree Endemic to East Java, Indonesia,” which highlights efforts to conserve a rare endemic tree species from the Puger Forest in Jember, East Java. The species is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and is found only in this region.

Aulia’s research employed a multidisciplinary approach grounded in ecology, genetics, genomics, and conservation. She successfully mapped population conditions, community structure, genetic diversity, and propagation strategies to support the long-term preservation of this rare species.

“This research underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to protecting D. pugerensis, a relict species adapted to semi-arid karst forests yet highly sensitive to habitat disturbance,” Aulia stated. She also proposed conservation strategies such as habitat protection, control of invasive species, as well as vegetative propagation techniques and tissue culture.

The vegetation assessment revealed high biodiversity within the habitat of D. pugerensis, with 90 species from 85 genera and 35 families, comprising more than 1,300 individuals. However, more than half of these species were represented by only one to two individuals, indicating a community structure that is highly vulnerable to local extinction. Molecular analyses using DNA barcoding and chloroplast genome sequencing confirmed the identity of D. pugerensis and demonstrated the potential of molecular markers for genetic conservation efforts.

Practical conservation efforts were also carried out through vegetative propagation using shoot cuttings, achieving a highest success rate of 57% with the fastest growth observed within 37 days. This approach demonstrates the potential of ex situ conservation as a complement to in situ protection in the species’ natural habitat.

Aulia emphasized that conserving D. pugerensis is not merely about saving a single species, but also about preserving an important evolutionary lineage and the ecological functions of tropical forests. “Protecting this tree means safeguarding the forest ecosystem as a whole,” she stated.

Thanks to this research, Aulia successfully earned her doctoral degree with the distinction of Cum Laude, under the supervision of Dr. Dra. Andi Salamah as promoter, and Dr. Iyan Robiansyah and Tety Maryenti as co-promoters. The open examination was attended by a panel of examiners who provided evaluations and scholarly feedback on her dissertation.