Prof. Dra. Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal, M.Sc., Ph.D. has been officially inaugurated as a permanent professor of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia (UI), in the field of Systematics and Prospection of Microorganisms, by UI Chancellor Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., on Wednesday (11/13) at the UI Depok Campus Convention Hall.
In his inauguration, Prof. Wellyzar gave a speech entitled “Revealing the Secrets of Microorganisms Through Biosystematics”. Through his speech, he explained that microorganisms are very small organisms, ranging from 0.1 to 10 micrometers, which can only be seen with a microscope. Microorganisms have diversity in shape, size, structure, and reproduction, and play an important role in the ecosystem and everyday human life.
On the earth’s surface consisting of 29.2% land and 70.8% water, not many people know that 90% of the biomass in the aquatic environment is microorganisms. Almost all respiration processes (98%) in the ocean are carried out by microorganisms. Microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea play a key role in marine respiration, especially in the decomposition of organic matter.
Nevertheless, currently only about 1% of the estimated number of microorganism species on Earth have been uncovered, while microorganisms are the largest component of biodiversity on Earth. That is why revealing the diversity of microorganisms and their roles in the environment, as well as their potential applications in the field of biotechnology, is very important to carry out.
In revealing this, it is necessary to have the science of microbial biosystematics which studies the identification, classification, and understanding of the evolutionary relationships between various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and viruses. This science integrates morphological, physiological, genetic, and biochemical approaches in compiling and documenting the diversity of microorganisms in nature.
“The integration of biosystematics with genomics approaches today not only deepens our understanding of microorganisms and their roles in ecosystems, but also opens up new opportunities for innovation in various fields, including health, agriculture, food, environment, and biotechnology. The resulting research can accelerate the discovery of solutions to current national and global challenges,” said Prof. Wellyzar.
On that occasion, Prof. Wellyzar presented the results of his research in applying biosystematics to uncover the mystery of microorganisms in Indonesia. He and his team have proven that the forest in the Cisolok geothermal area is a strategic habitat for finding various new taxa of microorganisms. The area is a biodiversity hotspot for the rare-Actinobacteria bacterial group and the Chloroflexota phylum. Exploration of thermophilic bacteria in geysers and hot springs in Indonesia has been reported since 1991.
Research related to the exploration and application of thermophilic bacteria is currently increasing. Long-term monitoring and conservation of the natural ecosystem of hot springs are important and require attention in terms of commercial applications. Although some studies are based on industrial applications, there is still very little evidence up to the commercial scale. “Therefore, it is important for stakeholders to bridge the gap in the downstream process of research products so that they can reach the people who need them,” said Prof. Wellyzar.
He added that it is necessary to build a database specifically for big data of Indonesian tropical microorganism genomes and information related to their Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). This data contributes to improving understanding of the diversity and evolution of tropical microorganisms in Indonesia, as well as their role in the environment.
In addition, he also said, the existence of a culture collection of microorganisms in Indonesia needs to be increased in its role in preserving, providing, and promoting the use of genetic resources of microorganisms that are scientifically interesting and useful in industry in Indonesia and globally. Membership in the regional and global gives the culture collection recognition and visibility in the international scientific community.
“This recognition can enhance the reputation and credibility of the cultural collection, attract collaboration, partnerships, and funding opportunities from national and international organizations. This collaborative effort will bring significant progress in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology in Indonesia,” said Prof. Wellyzar.
Until now, Prof. Wellyzar has been actively conducting various researches and has been published in various national and international journals. Some of them are What Species Is That? Answering the First Question from True Nature Enthusiasts (2024); Dictyobacter halimunensis sp. nov., a new member of the phylum Chloroflexota, from forest soil in a geothermal area (2024); Identification and screening of enzymatic abilities of Ktedonobacteria from forest soil of Cisolok Geothermal Area, Indonesia (2022); and The effect of the use of commercial tempeh starter on the diversity of Rhizopus tempeh in Indonesia (2021).
Prof. Wellyzar has completed his Bachelor of Biology from FMIPA UI in 1991. Then, in 1998, he completed his master’s program at the Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Tokyo University, Tokyo, Japan. Still at the same campus, he successfully earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in 2001.
The inauguration procession was also attended by the Director General of Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Dr. Rasio Ridho Sani; Professor of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Prof. Ir. Professor of the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, UKI Jakarta Prof. dr. Retno Wahyuningsih, MS, Ph.D.; Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilization of BRIN Dr. R. Hendrian, M.Sc.; Director of PT. Cheil Jedang Indonesia Onasis Wahju; President Director of PT. Kievit Indonesia H. Drs. Aryono Bambang Ardhyo, MM.; Director of PT Embrio Biotekindo; Co-founder of the Indonesian Tempe Movement Dr. Ir. and Professor Emeritus of FMIPA UI Prof. Dr. Indrawati Gandjar.
