The Indonesian Archipelago is the heart of the Coral Triangle, a biodiversity hotspot for marine and terrestrial life. This diversity forms an important part of Indonesia's natural, cultural, and economic heritage, its coral reefs alone support nearly 6 million people with direct employment.

Indonesia's biodiversity is suffering sharp declines, despite its economic and cultural importance. Lack of international interest in studying Indonesian biodiversity has limited our knowledge and has slowed the growth of the Indonesian scientific community as foreign scientists develop research collaborations elsewhere.

Through education and research such as the programs supported by the Indonesian Biodiversity Research Center, scientists are building capacity and excitement within Indonesian and American cultures to focus on research opportunities throughout Indonesia.