Disclaimer: This article is an editorial that highlights the problems in Indonesia today

PIKIRAN RAKYAT - The Indonesian government has expressed its commitment to support the work program of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and actively contribute in various global initiatives related to Intellectual Property (IP). This was stated by the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkumham) of the Indonesian Republic, Yasonna H. Laoly, at the Opening of the 65th Session of the WIPO General Assembly in Geneva, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

"We hope that future cooperation with WIPO will run smoothly, including the establishment of the Indonesian Intellectual Property Academy and various other ongoing projects related to the creative industries, trademarks, design, and SMEs," said Yasonna in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights press release.

Indonesia also emphasized the importance of making making a successful diplomatic conference on the Design Law Treaty to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November this year. Contemporary issues such as digital technology and artificial intelligence will be discussed at the forum, as intellectual property plays an important role in promoting innovation in this area.

"Therefore, Indonesia is ready to be actively involved in the international arena in shaping an intellectual property framework that is able to bridge the digital divide and is responsive to technological advances and the needs of the wider community," said Yasonna.

As part of its ongoing commitment to utilizing intellectual property as a tool to advance the economy, Indonesia along with other ASEAN member states, hosted an exhibition of creative and innovative products from each country during the WIPO General Assembly Session.

During the event, a seminar on Collective Brands in Tourism and the Creative Economy was also held on July 16, 2024.

"We brought 135 Indonesian GI products to be exhibited. This exhibition aims to promote and explore the potential of Indonesian products abroad," said Yasonna.

On July 8, 2024, Indonesia and WIPO signed the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK). This treaty aims to improve the effectiveness, transparency and quality of the patent system related to genetic resources and related traditional knowledge.

"By signing this treaty, we hope that it can prevent errors in granting patents for discoveries that are not new or innovative related to genetic resources and related traditional knowledge," explained Yasonna.

Yasonna stated that Indonesia will accelerate the ratification process of the treaty in accordance with internal procedures, hoping that other countries will also ratify immediately so that the minimum requirement of 15 ratifications for the treaty to come into effect can be achieved.

Furthermore, Yasonna stated that Indonesia is in the process of registering the National Research and Innovation Agency, in this case the Indonesian Culture Collection (InaCC), as one of the International Depositary Authorities (IDA) based on the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

"This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Indonesia's role in the management and utilization of global genetic resources," said Yasonna.

Indonesia also took the opportunity to showcase 135 local geographical indication products on display at the 65th WIPO General Assembly. The products showcased included coffee, plantation products, spices, handicrafts, and fishery and marine products.

The Indonesian delegation proudly showcased the richness of culture and local wisdom in front of delegates from various WIPO member countries. These products reflect not only Indonesia's natural diversity, but also traditional values passed down from generation to generation.

"These geographical indication products are real testaments to the hard work of local farmers and craftsmen, as well as the government's commitment to promoting and protecting Indonesia's intellectual property," said the Director General of Intellectual Property (Dirjen KI), Min Usihen.

Min hopes that this opportunity can increase global understanding regarding the importance of protecting geographical indications to support economic sustainability and the welfare of local communities. Indonesia, as a country that is high in biodiversity and the second largest coffee producer after Brazil, is seeking to optimally utilize this wealth.

The exhibition will run from 9 to 17 July 2024 at the WIPO Saloon Apollon Lobby with a different commodity theme each day. Indonesia's presence at the WIPO General Assembly also provides an opportunity to build international partnerships in developing further protection strategies for geographical indication products.

"This is expected to open up new opportunities to export these products to international markets while maintaining environmental sustainability and supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities," Min added.

The Delegation of the Indonesian Republic noted the importance of cooperation among countries to protect and respect intellectual property, which is an integral part of global cultural and economic identity.

Indonesia's participation in WIPO is expected to have a long-term positive impact on the development of local industries and the promotion of Indonesian culture in the international stage.

Overall, Indonesia's presence at the WIPO General Assembly provides positive momentum in strengthening the country's position as a major player in the protection and promotion of global geographical indication products.***(Politeknik Negeri Bandung/Yeurley Arba Nabila)