Acting head of LIPI, Bambang Subiyanto, who is also a professor in biomaterial field, said on Sunday that Jokowi had conveyed the message during a ceremony, in which the President signed an inscription in commemoration of two centuries of the botanical park, which facilitates research and is a nursery for rare trees.

President Jokowi reminded park management to cover all visible concrete fences with foliage. He also asked that buildings be renovated make the garden more attractive, said Bambang.

Enny Sudarmonowati, LIPI’s deputy for biodiversity science and a professor in biotechnology, said Jokowi had also asked LIPI to provide more selfie and Instagrammable spots. She said it would be a challenge since the budget for the vast garden stood at Rp 50 billion (US$3.63 million) a year.

The President asked LIPI what it needed for the garden. “I said, we need a modern greenhouse for nurseries so the public can learn,” she said. “The President is offering much support for the Bogor Botanical Garden’s development,” said Enny. (evi)

Correction: The previous version of this article misstates the name of LIPI's acting head. It is Bambang Subiyanto, not Bambang Supriyanto.

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