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| The talk show attracted enthusiastic interest from ILDEX visitors. (Photos: Infovet/NDV & Special) |
Balai Embrio Ternak (BET) Cipelang brought a new spirit to its participation in ILDEX Indonesia 2026, held 16-18 September at ICE BSD, Tangerang. In addition to exhibiting, BET Cipelang also held a talk show that provided an opportunity to introduce the direction of the transformation of the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) under the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture.
The talk show featured the topic “Precise Improvement Through Genetic Selection: Building Indonesian Livestock Farming on a Foundation of Superior Genetics.”
At the forum held on the second day of ILDEX, Thursday (17/9), BET Cipelang introduced innovations in biotechnology development, genomic analysis, genetic certification, and the establishment of a genomic bank as part of the roadmap toward BET to BEStGen (Balai Embrio dan Sertifikasi Genomik).
In his presentation, CEO of PT Moosa Genetika Farmindo, Drh Deddy F. Kurniawan MVet, emphasized that livestock farming plays an important role in providing animal protein for the public.
He highlighted Indonesia’s challenge in meeting protein needs. With a growing working-age population and an increasing number of consumers, demand for animal protein will continue to grow. In his view, this means the livestock sector cannot rely solely on conventional approaches. “We need a precision livestock farming system,” he said.
Technology is becoming increasingly important for improving both production capacity and livestock farming efficiency. One area receiving attention is genomics.
Advances in genomic technology are creating opportunities to bring livestock farming to a higher level of precision. While livestock selection has often been based on physical appearance and observable performance, genomic mapping makes it possible to assess genetic potential using more specific data.
This idea aligns with the transformation being prepared by BET Cipelang. The Head of BET Cipelang, Deasy Zamanti SPt MSi, explained that the change stems from the need for BET Cipelang’s duties and functions to better reflect technological developments and the current needs of the livestock sector.
BET Cipelang is no longer concerned only with embryo production, insemination, or reproductive technology; it is also moving toward using genetic information to identify livestock potential more precisely.
One issue this aims to address is the limited availability of recording in Indonesia. Consistent recording of livestock pedigrees and performance remains a challenge.
Deasy explained that this approach enables BET Cipelang to assess genetic potential not only in an individual, but across a population. By analyzing genetic material from a group of livestock, individuals with the greatest potential can be identified to support breeding programs. “The process of improving genetic quality can be carried out more quickly and in a more targeted way,” she said.
This transformation is being put into practice through BEStGen, a paradigm in which livestock selection is expected to shift from physical observation to precision data-based mapping.
This genomic development broadens the significance of cattle embryo transfer technology, which has long been a core competency of BET Cipelang. Livestock embryos are no longer viewed merely as the product of reproductive technology, but can also form part of genetic development.
The genetic material found in livestock embryos can be analyzed to identify desirable traits for development. “Genomic and genetic certification is an important foundation before genetic engineering technology can be developed further,” Deasy added.
On the other hand, BET Cipelang is also preparing a Genomic Bank. The facility will serve as a repository for Indonesia’s livestock germplasm genetic material. Deasy described it as a “savings account” of stored genetic material that can be used for research, conservation, and the development of genetic resources in the future.
Education and Business
BET Cipelang’s presence at ILDEX 2026 received a positive response from visitors, indicating interest in what BET Cipelang is developing in terms of both education and business opportunities.
In addition to industry players, BET Cipelang’s presence also drew the attention of representatives from the Embassy of the Netherlands, who came to the booth to talk. For BET Cipelang, ILDEX is more than just a chance to show off; it is an opportunity to explore collaborations and strengthen connections with various associations, communities, industry players, and international partners.
Participation in ILDEX this year is expected to make BET Cipelang better known to the public. “Who brought the cow statue? Well, visitors recognize it as a distinctive feature of BET Cipelang. This is also part of the promotion,” Deasy said with a laugh. (ADV)