Editorial

The circular which was enclosed in Bulletin 24 has received full attention of our readers and a large number of cards were received. The large majority favours the continuation of our annotated bibliography as it is, not cutting off references on the Australian and Pacific floras, and not discarding the references on the Cryptogams. A review of Mr. Ferguson’s Index is given on p. 1912. October 21, 1970, Foundation Flora Malesiana existed twenty years. This anniversary was marked by a small festivity in the Rijksherbarium. Although curtailed financially since January 1958, it has kept its promise to promote all studies encompassing progress of the botany and plant geography of the Malesian subcontinent. It is gratifying that with the distinct tendency of the rehabilitation of the economical and political situation in Indonesia during the last few years, science in general, and biology in particular, are getting a new impetus. Amongst others through international agreement and co-operation, two master organisations have been set up, SEAMEC and BIOTROP, the latter being the centre of biological studies and education allotted to Bogor. It is clear that this focus will be a great stimulant and will sponsor biological activity. It was particularly pleasant to learn from Professor Sarwono and Dr. Didin, chairman and secretary of LIPI respectively, that this general scientific rehabilitation scheme included assistance towards the Flora Malesiana Foundation. Although the scientific elaboration of Flora Malesiana has been transferred as a major work project to the Rijksherbarium, a necessity since 1958, there are various desiderata left, amongst others contributions from Indonesian systematists. Unfortunately, the net result of Dr. Kostermans’s efforts to have promising Indonesian students thoroughly trained and prepared to share the tremendous task still before us, is meagre. Two of them, Dr. Soegeng and Dr. Didin, are occupied with very responsible and very necessary but largely administrative tasks, Dr. Prijanto died unexpectedly, and Dr. Soepadmo spends his time largely on educational matters. Clearly something must be done and we trust that in the near future creative work by Indonesian systematists can be resumed. We shall, I sincerely hope, overcome, and the future carries certainly very promising features for a more intense co-operation. And disinterested loyal co-operation is the very basis of ensuring achievement. It is with immense satisfaction that I see this perspective of a bright future ahead.