Using paleogenomics, genetic material can reveal history. This is what experts do to reveal the origins of the ancestors of the Indonesian nation. What is paleogenomics?
Paleogenomics is a field of science that studies genetic material derived from the remains of ancient organisms in the past.
Unfortunately in Indonesia, it is quite difficult to get ancient genetic material. This is because Indonesia has a tropical and humid climate that tends to damage archaeological specimens and the genetic material contained in them.
Therefore, as mentioned in the webinar 'Unraveling the Mysteries of the Origin of Our Ancestors' the role of archaeologists in sampling for paleogenomic research and analysis is very important.
"Paleogenomics is a field that requires the most advanced knowledge and technology ever. We must take this approach, but human resources and facilities are very limited," said Prof. dr. Herawati Sudoyo, PhD, principal researcher at the Mochtar Riady Institute for Nanotechnology (MRIN), in a webinar held on Tuesday (2/8/2022).
Therefore, according to Herawati, they (MRIN) collaborate with other researchers who have the latest technology so that we can take advantage of the results.
One of the collaborations is through the MoU with the Center for Historical and Prehistoric Archaeological Research, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), which was signed today, Tuesday (2/8/2022).
Dr. Herry Jogaswara MA, Head of Research on Archeology of Language and Literature at BRIN said that this MoU aims to understand the relationship between prehistoric humans and modern humans using paleogenomic techniques.
"Some of the activities that will be carried out include research in the field of genetic and DNA analysis on the findings of teeth and human skeletons found in Sulawesi. This research is expected to be useful for Indonesia to reveal our history," he said.
Researchers are using paleogenomic techniques to unravel past mysteries related to human ancestors. That's why, paleogenomics is concerned with genomes (including DNA research) that are sourced from ancestral human remains.