SEAMEO BIOTROP in collaboration with the International Master Program of Information Technology for Natural Resources Management of IPB University conducted the second national training course on the use of geospatial data and information for regional potential analysis on 22–26 April 2019 in its Campus in Bogor. This training course was the advance level of the first one, intended to share knowledge and technical skills using spatial technology to analyze carrying capacity and region capability. A total of 31 participants from various government institutions, research institutions and universities throughout Indonesia joined this activity.

“Every region will have different potential which is needed to be explored. We already know that geospatial data and information is important, especially in formulating development plans and programs to optimize regional strength. Through this training course, I hope all participants will be able to understand the concept of the spatial/region potential analysis, conduct analysis of the carrying capacity and the regional capability potential based on determinant and spatial parameter, as well as operate the GIS software to explore and optimize the spatial data from various resources,” said Dr Irdika Mansur, BIOTROP’s Director, in his opening remarks.

During this five-day training course, five topics were delivered, namely: 1) The importance of carrying capacity and region capability analysis for Indonesia’s sustainable development; 2) Remote sensing optimization for natural resources potential analysis; 3) Hydrometeorology aspects on carrying capacity and region capability analysis; 4) Dynamics spatial model usage on region resources management; and 5) Atomization techniques of spatial analysis using Builder Model. Participants also joined a field trip to practice survey methods and surveillance using drone and GPS in Gunung Pancar, Sentul, Bogor.

Six experts were invited to give the lectures and practical guidance on the above topics, namely Mr. Hendaryanto, ST, MSi, from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as Dr Impron, Dr Zulhamsyah Imran, Dr Aslan, Mr Harry Imantho, MSc, and Mr Slamet Widodo, SSi, from BIOTROP.

At the end of the training, all participants created an action plan to be implemented in their respective institutions as a follow up action and requirement for passing the training course. (uzf/zsp)