Researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Indonesia have discovered a new species of heat-resistant bacteria in a geothermal area in West Java, marking a significant breakthrough in microbial research and biodiversity studies.

The newly identified species, named Thermus javaensis, was found in the Cisolok geyser area in Sukabumi, according to a report released by the university on Tuesday.

Described as yellow-pigmented and rod-shaped, the bacteria were isolated from leaf litter samples and feature a distinctive structural form known as “rotund bodies.” Scientists say the microorganism is capable of surviving in temperatures approaching the boiling point of water, highlighting its extreme thermophilic nature.

Researchers noted that Thermus javaensis is the first species from the genus Thermus ever identified in Indonesia’s geothermal ecosystems, making the discovery particularly significant for regional microbiology.

Lead researcher Professor Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal said the finding underscores Indonesia’s rich and largely unexplored microbial diversity, particularly in geothermal environments.

“The discovery of Thermus javaensis shows that Indonesia's geothermal ecosystem is a biodiversity hotspot with enormous microbial diversity that has not yet been fully scientifically explored,” he said.

According to the research team, scientific exploration of microorganisms in the Cisolok geyser area began in 2012, while the samples that led to the identification of this species were collected in 2015.

Beyond its scientific importance, researchers believe the bacterium may have practical applications in biotechnology and industry. Its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures suggests potential use in the development of heat-resistant enzymes and bioactive compounds, which could be applied in fields such as healthcare, industrial processing, and pharmaceutical research.

Scientists say further studies will be needed to fully understand the organism’s genetic structure and possible applications, but the discovery already highlights Indonesia’s geothermal regions as promising sites for future biological innovation. (ILKHA)