TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) cultural park introduced its latest collection of a new bird species that is officially named after Iriana Jokowi, Myzomela irianawidodoae. The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), which is now the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through the Biology Research Center, found this endemic bird originating from Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“This bird is called Myzomela irianawidodoae as a form of respect from one of the BRIN researchers, Prof. Dewi Prawiradiraga, in honor of the First Lady,” said a Veterinarian Piter Kombo to the media at the TMII Jagat Satwa Nusantara Bird Park, East Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

President Jokowi through the Minister of Environment and Forestry and the Minister of State Secretary approved the use of Iriana’s name in the scientific name of the bird according to Letter No. B 1199/ dated December 17, 2017.

Enny Sudarmonowati, LIPI’s Deputy for Biodiversity Sciences, said on January 23, 2018, that the use of the name was meant to honor the First Lady who cares about bird species. “Her dedication could be an example of environmental preservation,” she said.

Unfortunately, the small, black-beaked bird is on the verge of extinction due to habitat destruction and conversion of forest land. Besides, Rote Island is a small area and does not have a protected area. The bird is listed as a protected species by Law No. 5/1990 and Government Regulation (PP) No. 7/1999.

People can see the honeyeater bird Myzomela irianawidodoae by visiting the TMII Jagat Satwa Nusantara Bird Park, which is open every Monday to Friday (09:00 - 17:00 Jakarta time) and on weekends and national holidays (09:00 - 18:00 Jakarta time).

RACHEL FARAHDIBA R  |  MOH KHORY ALFARIZI

Editor's Choice: Taman Safari Animal Curator: 'Wild Animals Can't Be Kept as Pets'

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo in Google News