Govt introduces bioethics commission

JAKARTA: The government introduced on Tuesday a National Bioethics Commission (KBN), which will oversee and provide recommendation on all scientific issues from the ethical point of view.

Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Umar Anggara Jenie said the commission was necessary as biotechnology development has become more advanced and the country needs to have solid arguments on its scientific researches from the ethical perspective.

The commission will serve a four-year term and will be represented by 35 members from various fields, including scientists, medical experts, ethical experts and religious leaders.

The commission is expected to hold its first meeting on Dec. 1, 2004. -- JP