ICTS – Innovation Center for Tropical Sciences
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country, may appear as a static chain of tropical islands, but its origin tells a far more dramatic story — a story forged by fire, pressure, and time. Beneath its dense forests and fertile rice fields lies a deep geological history, one that began far below sea level. In fact, […]
Rising from the Deep: How Indonesia Emerged from the Ocean Floor Read More »
In the brutal realities of the war in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank, one truth is often ignored: Palestinians are not foreign intruders or newcomers — they are the indigenous people of the land. Genetic science, archaeology, and historical continuity all confirm that Palestinians have lived in historic Palestine for millennia. And
Science, History, and Justice: Why Palestinians Deserve Full Rights to Their Land Read More »
Indonesia’s estuaries—where rivers meet the sea—are not just scenic coastal zones. They are rich with life, from shrimp farms and mangrove crabs to flocks of migratory birds. But a new study has sounded the alarm: a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, widely used in rice farming, is quietly contaminating these vital ecosystems. In a first-of-its-kind
Silent Poison in the Estuary: Insecticides Threaten Indonesia’s Coastal Waters Read More »
The scientific enterprise in the United States, once considered a beacon of global innovation, is under mounting strain. With Donald Trump now in a second term, a wave of anti-science and anti-immigration policies is triggering alarm throughout the academic world. Thousands of government scientists have lost their jobs, over a thousand federal grants have been
Can U.S. Science Weather the Storm of a Second Trump Presidency? Read More »
Indonesia is a country blessed with natural wealth, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. With over 17,000 islands and countless unique ecosystems, it’s no exaggeration to call Indonesia a living laboratory. From the coral reefs of Wallacea to the peat forests of Kalimantan, our land holds discoveries waiting to happen. However, the real question is: are we
Building a Science Nation: What Indonesia Needs to Do Now Read More »
Mangrove forests are not just trees by the sea—they’re natural fortresses that protect coastlines from erosion, provide homes for marine life, and even have ecotourism potential. Unfortunately, these fortresses are weakening in Mojo Village, Ulujami District, Pemalang Regency, Central Java. A recent study reveals the alarming condition of mangroves in this area. Researchers from Jenderal
Saving Mojo’s Mangrove Forest: The Forgotten Coastal Guardians Read More »
LAZNAS Inisiatif Zakat Indonesia (IZI) reinforces its commitment to developing empowerment programs through a strategic collaboration with the Innovation Centre for Tropical Sciences (ICTS), aimed at improving the quality and impact of poverty alleviation and sustainable development programs. The signing ceremony for this collaboration was held at the IZI Central Office in East Jakarta on
IZI-ICTS Collaboration: Improving Lives Through Technological Solutions Read More »
Bamboo is more than just a fast-growing plant—it’s a cornerstone of sustainable development, supporting ecosystems and economies around the world. Yet, identifying bamboo species has long been a headache for scientists. Traditional methods based on physical traits like leaf shape and culm structure are often unreliable because many species look alike. Now, a new study
Cracking the Bamboo Code: How DNA Barcoding is Transforming Bamboo Research Read More »
In the world of skincare, nature continues to surprise us with its incredible potential. One of the latest discoveries is tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum), a natural oil extracted from seeds commonly found in Indonesia. Traditionally known for its wound-healing and moisturizing properties, tamanu oil is now making waves for its ability to brighten skin naturally.
Tamanu Oil: A Promising Natural Ingredient for Skin Brightening Read More »
We are excited to announce the release of Volume 1, Issue 2 (December 2024) of Buitenzorg: Journal of Tropical Science—a publication dedicated to advancing knowledge in tropical science research. This issue features five impactful articles covering diverse topics in ecology, agriculture, and biotechnology: “Vegetation Diversity in Mangrove Forest Area of Mojo Village, Ulujami District, Pemalang