UI Researchers Gain Global Recognition for Cisolok Bacteria Discovery

The research team from the University of Indonesia (UI) has successfully discovered and identified a new bacterial species named Thermus Javaensis sp. nov. This strain is thermophilic, meaning it thrives in high temperatures.

As the name suggests, the bacterium was found on Java Island, specifically in the Cisolok geyser in Sukabumi, West Java. The research findings have been published in an international journal titled ‘Thermus Javaensis sp. nov., a novel thermophilic bacterium isolated from litter of a geyser in Cisolok, West Java, Indonesia.’

One of the researchers and UI microbiology scientist, Professor Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal, explained that although geothermal ecosystems in regions like North America and Iceland have been extensively studied, Southeast Asia’s geothermal environments remain underexplored for new Thermus diversity. The Cisolok geyser in Indonesia, with its unique organic-rich environment, is a promising source for discovering new thermophilic species.

‘We propose the name Thermus Javaensis sp. nov. for this strain. This discovery expands the known genus diversity and underscores the taxonomic significance of Indonesia’s geothermal habitats,’ said Wellyzar, citing his research on Sunday (31 May).