Abstract Borobudur Temple in Indonesia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its intricate architecture and carved reliefs. Among its Buddhist symbols, the Kalpataru and the Kinara-Kinari reliefs represent biodiversity, environmental enlightenment, and a cosmological paradigm revealed through interconnectivity analysis. This study applies a holistic approach integrating intra-, inter-, and extra-textual as well as contextual analysis, complemented by a post-human perspective that deconstructs human centrality and places all beings on equal footing. The goal is to uncover alternative meanings of inclusivity and equality through Kalpataru cosmology. The article explores the relationship between multispecies flora and fauna within the Kalpataru and Kinara-Kinari motifs of the Karmawibhangga reliefs at Borobudur and their symbolic role in Buddhist cosmology. Through this holistic examination, the study highlights the enduring values of these reliefs as prototypes for understanding the interconnectedness of life.
Submitted date: 19 July 2025 Accepted date: 21 October 2025 Published date: 25 November 2025 Pp. 245–259, Pl. 25–27.
TWO NEW SPECIES OF THE Hylarana signata COMPLEX (ANURA: RANIDAE) FROM SUMATRA AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF H. sundabarat (CHAN, ABRAHAM, GRISMER & BROWN, 2020)
Amat Ribut*, Misbahul Munir, A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Danny Gunalen, Eric N. Smith, Achmad Farajallah* & Amir Hamidy *Corresponding author. E-mail: ributamat@gmail.com
Abstract The Hylarana signata complex is species-rich in Indonesia but remains taxonomically unresolved, particularly across Sumatra, where morphological conservatism obscures lineage boundaries. We analyzed Sumatran populations using an integrative dataset comprising adult-male morphology (32 characters) and mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA, 444 bp). Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference, maximum-likelihood, and neighbour-joining methods revealed two distinct and well-supported lineages, here described as new species. The uncorrected p-distance between them (4.81%) exceeds typical species-level thresholds in anurans. Multivariate analyses (PCA) show partial morphometric overlap with congeners, but the new species are diagnosable by consistent combinations of external traits—including humeral gland size and placement, dorsolateral stripe pattern, and webbing formula—corroborated by mitochondrial divergence. We also confirm H. sundabarat in multiple Sumatran provinces, refining its known range in Sundaland. All localities were georeferenced and verified with voucher specimens or genetic data following GBIF citation standards. These findings clarify the composition of the H. signata complex in Sumatra and highlight the island’s cryptic amphibian endemism and the importance of protected montane forests for biodiversity conservation.
Submitted date: 30 January 2025 Accepted date: 22 October 2025 Published date: 18 November 2025 Pp. 236–244.
BUTTERFLY INDICATORS AND ASSEMBLAGE PATTERNS IN URBANIZED GREATER JAKARTA
Nurul L. Winarni*, N. Nuruliawati, Achmad R. Junaid & Bhisma G. Anugra *Corresponding author. E-mail: n.winarni@sci.ui.ac.id
Abstract Urban areas dominated by man-made structures can still provide habitats for butterflies. To assess urban butterfly diversity, KupuKita—a citizen science platform—was launched in 2021 to monitor butterflies across the Greater Jakarta region (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi). Using a simple geotagged form with visual species lists from Papilionidae, Pieridae, and Nymphalidae families, data were collected from four habitat types: home gardens, green spaces, parks, and roadsides. Between March 2021 and November 2022, 50 species were recorded, with Appias olferna, Leptosia nina, Eurema sp., and Hypolimnas bolina being the most common. Cluster analysis based on habitat composition and vegetation identified three ecological groups—urban generalists, urban-tolerant, and rare species. Indicator species were recognized for green spaces and roads, but none for home gardens due to vegetation variability. These findings demonstrate the potential of citizen science for evaluating urbanization effects on butterfly communities.
Submitted date: 25 October 2024 Accepted date: 22 October 2025 Published date: 18 November 2025 Pp. 230–235.
IMMUNOGENETIC INSIGHTS AND CONSERVATION OF THE ENDEMIC LEMPUK FISH (GOBIIFORMES: Gobiopterus)
Asus M.S. Hertika*, Muhammad Musa, F. Farikhah, Renanda B.D.S. Putra, Sigit Afendy, Alfi Khasanah & Muhammad A. Alfarisi *Corresponding author. E-mail: asusmaizar@ub.ac.id
Abstract The health and conservation of the endemic lempuk fish (Gobiopterus sp.) are closely linked to their genetic diversity and immunological function. Assessing immune gene expression offers a robust indicator of fish health and environmental stress. This study examines the morphological characteristics, immune gene activity, and genetic variation of lempuk fish from Ranu Grati, East Java, Indonesia. Males had larger bodies and longer dorsal fins than females, which were shorter and stockier. Expression of immune genes (TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ) was quantified using RT-qPCR, while mitochondrial COI sequences were analyzed to determine genetic relationships. TNF-α was markedly upregulated, suggesting a strong pro-inflammatory response to environmental or pathogenic stimuli. COI analyses revealed moderate genetic divergence between East Javan and adjacent populations, with a close affinity to Malaysian Gobiopterus and clear separation from Australian species. Preserving genetic variation is essential for resilience against environmental stressors, and is necessary for the conservation of this endemic species.
Abstract Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, renowned for its exquisite architecture, adorned with intricate reliefs, sculptures, and stone outcrops. A notable aspect that has not been exhaustively examined is the presence of diverse forms of archaeofauna depicted in the carvings of the Karmawibhangga relief. By employing the methodologies of intra-, inter-, and extratextuality, the examination of these reliefs as ecological and cultural texts unveils the broader implications associated with the incorporation of fauna within the narrative of the Karmawibhangga. The examination of 160 panels of Karmawibhangga reveals 52 species of archaeofauna, classified into the following taxonomic groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and molluscs. The archaeofauna functions as a valuable indicator of temporal, natural, and symbolically meaningful expectations related to the designated aspects, particularly human behaviour. These conditions serve to underscore the fact that Karmawibhangga reliefs serve as a means of conveying natural scientific principles and cultural critique in a manner that is more accessible to readers.