Synergy for Indonesian Bats: InaBCRU and FMIPA UNY Launch Strategic Partnership in Research and Conservation

YOGYAKARTA - The Indonesian Bat Conservation Research Union (InaBCRU) has officially established a strategic collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY). This landmark alliance focuses on advancing bat research, education, and ecological conservation across Indonesia. The formal agreement was signed on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) at the FMIPA UNY Conference Room. The event was attended by the executive leadership of FMIPA UNY alongside InaBCRU board members, led directly by Chairman Sigit Wiantoro, Ph.D. The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework encompassing joint research development, student internships, scientific publications, summer course programs, field work, conservation lab initiatives, and various educational experiments.

Sigit Wiantoro, Ph.D., Chairman of InaBCRU, expressed his sincere appreciation to FMIPA UNY for becoming the very first university to officially partner with InaBCRU in protecting Indonesia's bat populations.

"This collaboration marks a strategic milestone in strengthening the synergy between conservation organizations and academia. Together, we aim to produce high-impact research, build human resource capacity, and champion science-based conservation," stated Sigit.

This alliance adds to InaBCRU's growing global and regional network, which already includes strategic partnerships with Bat Conservation International (BCI), the Global Bat Sciences Network (GBatNet), and the Gunungkidul Regency Library and Archives Office.

Why Bats Matter to Indonesia's Ecosystems

As an organization dedicated to bat research, education, and protection, InaBCRU highlights that Indonesia is home to approximately 239 species of bats. These nocturnal mammals play indispensable roles in our environment as:

• Natural Pollinators for key economic and wild plant species,
• Seed Dispersers aiding forest regeneration, and
• Insect Controllers keeping pest populations in check.

Despite their ecological importance, bat populations face mounting threats from poaching, habitat destruction, mining activities, and deforestation. Protecting them demands sustained, science-backed efforts through cross-sector collaboration.

Dean of FMIPA UNY, Prof. Dadan Rosana, M.Si., emphasized his expectation that this alliance will yield tangible contributions to wildlife preservation through research, education, and community Outreach.

Echoing this vision, InaBCRU remains optimistic that the partnership will spark scientific innovations, reinforce national conservation networks, and inspire greater public awareness regarding the critical role bats play in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems.