Nawwall Arrofaha, Henti H. Rachmat, Andi Salamah, Fifi G. Dwiyanti, Iskandar Z. Siregar, Oliver Gailing, Koichi Kamiya. (2026). What transformation is needed in Indonesia's Dipterocarpaceae research to contribute to global tropical forestry? Silva Fennica vol. 60 no. 2 article id 25062. https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.25062

Keywords: bibliometric analysis, genetic, global, Indonesia, molecular

Highlights: Indonesia is among the countries with the highest Dipterocarp biodiversity; Global studies form two main clusters related to the ecological and phytochemical aspects; Global and Indonesian molecular research focuses on commercially important species; Research in Indonesia is progressing more slowly than global trends, and its domestic research network remains fragmented.

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The Dipterocarpaceae family comprises the dominant tree species of Southeast Asia’s rainforests, with their centre of diversity in Borneo (Kalimantan) and Sumatra, Indonesia. Despite considerable molecular research on dipterocarps, a comprehensive mapping of the research foci remains lacking. This study aims to identify research priorities, existing gaps, and methodological trends in Dipterocarpaceae studies within Indonesia to inform future research efforts, shape policy directions, and contribute to global sustainable forest management. Through two distinct searches in the Scopus database, 1174 articles were retrieved for bibliometric analysis, and 94 molecular and genetic research articles were selected according to specific keywords and criteria. Bibliometric and thematic analyses revealed two primary clusters within global studies of Dipterocarpaceae: ecology, forestry, and conservation; and phytochemistry and pharmaceutical applications. However, genetic research is primarily focused on species of notable commercial significance, specifically Rubroshorea leprosula (Miq.) P.S.Ashton & J.Heck. and Rubroshorea parvifolia (Dyer) P.S.Ashton & J.Heck. Notably, molecular and genetic research on Dipterocarpaceae in Indonesia is approximately two decades behind prevailing global trends. The current focus of molecular research in Indonesia is directed towards genetic diversity and population structure, with strong international collaborations but fragmented national networks, highlighting the need to diversify themes and strengthen partnerships. Furthermore, studies on endemic and threatened species are scarce. The findings of this study emphasize the critical need to strengthen national research capacity, advance technological development, and foster both domestic and international collaborations to address these significant knowledge gaps in the global conservation of Dipterocarpaceae.

Arrofaha, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Prof. Dr. Mahar Mardjono Kampus Universitas Indonesia Depok, Depok 16424, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8067-9182 E-mail: nawwall.arrofaha@ui.ac.id
Rachmat, Research Centre for Ecology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, West Java 16911, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4586-6820 E-mail: hent003@brin.go.id
Salamah, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Prof. Dr. Mahar Mardjono Kampus Universitas Indonesia Depok, Depok 16424, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4074-8342 E-mail: salamah@sci.ui.ac.id
Dwiyanti, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Academic Ring Road Campus IPB Dramaga, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0366-3259 E-mail: fifi_dwiyanti@apps.ipb.ac.id
Siregar, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Academic Ring Road Campus IPB Dramaga, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5419-482X E-mail: siregar@apps.ipb.ac.id
Gailing, Department of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4572-2408 E-mail: ogailin@gwdg.de
Kamiya, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8566, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3614-9029 E-mail: kkamiya@agr.ehime-u.ac.jp

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