Nestled in the heart of Bogor, West Java, formerly known as Buitenzorg during the Dutch colonial period, the Bogor Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Bogor) stand as a green jewel of Indonesia—a place where science, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. (Kebun Raya Bogor) stand as a green jewel of Indonesia—a place where science, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. Spanning more than 87 hectares and home to over 12,000 plant species, the Gardens are not only a haven for biodiversity but also a living witness to Indonesia’s colonial history, royal legacies, and scientific milestones.
Roots in the Colonial Era
The story of the Gardens begins in the early 19th century. In 1817, under the direction of Governor-General Godert van der Capellen and with the vision of German botanist Prof. Dr. Caspar Georg Carl Reinwardt, the Gardens were formally established. Located in the then Dutch-controlled town of Buitenzorg (now Bogor), the site was chosen for its rich volcanic soil, tropical rainfall, and proximity to the governor’s palace.
The Spirit of the Land: Prabu Siliwangi and the Sacred History of Bogor
Long before the arrival of the Dutch, the land that now holds the Botanical Gardens was part of the Kingdom of Sunda Pajajaran, with Bogor (formerly Pakuan Pajajaran) as its royal capital. According to Sundanese history and oral traditions, the legendary king Prabu Siliwangi, one of the most revered figures in West Javanese culture, ruled this region during the 15th century.
Local traditions connect the land to sacred royal heritage, especially around the Batutulis inscription—a monument commissioned in 1533 by King Surawisesa in honor of his father, Prabu Siliwangi. Today, the site lies just beyond the main garden complex and is a living reminder of Bogor’s deep cultural roots.
The Rise of a Scientific Center
In the late 1800s, under the leadership of Johannes Elias Teijsmann and later Dr. Melchior Treub, the Gardens evolved into a leading center for tropical biology. Teijsmann introduced economically valuable species like oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), while Treub elevated the Gardens to international prominence.
During the early 20th century, the Bogor Botanical Gardens continued to thrive as a center for scientific excellence. However, a significant historical chapter occurred during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia (1942–1945). During this time, the Gardens came under the control of the Japanese military administration. While many institutions were disrupted, the Gardens were preserved due to their scientific and symbolic value. The Japanese continued to maintain the botanical collections, although scientific activity was limited and repurposed to support wartime needs. Despite the challenges, this era demonstrated the resilience of the Gardens and their perceived value by both colonial and occupying powers.
Treub Laboratory: A Cradle of Life Science Innovation
Founded in 1884, the Treub Laboratory was named after the Dutch botanist Melchior Treub, whose visionary leadership transformed the Bogor Botanical Gardens into one of the earliest and most respected centers for tropical biological research in the world. Treub believed that tropical ecosystems—often seen by European scientists as chaotic or inferior—deserved their own scientific methods and frameworks. His work laid the foundation for tropical botany as a respected scientific discipline.
The laboratory became a hub of groundbreaking studies in plant physiology, taxonomy, symbiotic fungi, and embryology. Treub and his colleagues made pioneering observations on liverworts and ferns, as well as the early development of plant embryos—research that was crucial for understanding plant evolution and adaptation in tropical climates.
One of the most historically significant contributions of the Treub Laboratory was its role in the early study of plant hormone responses, particularly in how plants grow toward light (phototropism) and respond to gravity. These studies on grass coleoptiles helped lay the groundwork for the later identification of auxin, the first discovered plant hormone, which regulates growth and cell elongation. Although auxin itself was chemically isolated by later scientists in Europe, the physiological principles and experimental designs were rooted in the methods first used at Treub Laboratory.
Beyond its research output, the Treub Laboratory served as Southeast Asia’s first modern biological research institution, training both European and local scientists. It inspired the creation of other research bodies, including Herbarium Bogoriense, and eventually helped shape the formation of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI)—now integrated under BRIN (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional).
The Closure of a Scientific Era
In the early 2020s, the Treub Laboratory was officially closed by BRIN as part of a sweeping reorganization of Indonesia’s research institutions. The move was intended to streamline research activities under a single national body, but it also marked the end of an institution that had operated continuously for nearly 140 years.
The closure was met with disappointment and criticism from both Indonesian and international scientists. Many viewed the decision as a loss of scientific and historical heritage. While BRIN emphasized efficiency and modernization, critics argued that dissolving the Treub Laboratory risked severing future generations from the legacy of tropical biology in Indonesia.
Following this transition, BRIN also relocated all active research activities related to tropical biology and biodiversity to its Cibinong Science Center in West Java. The move centralized research away from the historical setting of Bogor Gardens, effectively ending the Gardens’ role as a live research site.
At the same time, the operational management of Bogor Botanical Gardens was transferred to a private company. While the Gardens remain open to the public and continue to serve as an educational and tourism destination, this shift in governance has raised new concerns about conservation priorities, public access, and the preservation of scientific integrity.
To this day, questions remain about the fate of the laboratory’s archival collections, scientific instruments, and the role of Bogor Botanical Gardens as a home for autonomous, long-term research. The story of the Treub Laboratory serves as a poignant reminder: modernization in science should not come at the cost of institutional memory and cultural continuity.
A Living Laboratory and National Treasure
Despite institutional changes, the Bogor Botanical Gardens remain a center of education, conservation, and community engagement. With its vast plant collections, natural beauty, and cultural depth, the Gardens are visited by millions each year and continue to inspire a sense of environmental stewardship.
The Garden in the 21st Century
Managed under BRIN and operated by a private company, the Gardens are adapting to modern needs—digitizing collections, launching environmental education programs, and responding to global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change. Yet, as the story of the Treub Laboratory shows, preserving scientific legacy is just as crucial as innovating for the future.
Why It Matters
The Bogor Botanical Gardens are more than a collection of plants. They are:
- A living museum of biodiversity,
- A sanctuary of Sundanese royal heritage,
- A birthplace of tropical biology, and
- A reminder of what must be preserved in the name of progress.
As we chart the future of science and conservation, let us not forget the roots from which they grow.
From Prabu Siliwangi’s sacred land to the shuttered halls of Treub Laboratory, the Gardens hold stories of power, wisdom, and renewal. Will you walk their paths and carry their legacy forward?
