VIVAnews - At least 35 scientists from nine countries will attend an international seminar today on 'Alfred Russel Wallace and The Walacea.' This international seminar takes place at Hotel Imperial Aryaduta, Makassar, and will last until 13 December.
The seminar is attended by scientists from nine countries: Spain, Italy, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, Thailand, the Netherlands and Indonesia. It is being held to commemorate 150 years of the 'Ternate Essay.'
"They will discuss the Ternate Essay because it is related to the discovery of Darwin's theory of evolution," said head of the Seminar's Committee, Sangkot Marzuki, Thursday, Dec. 11.
According to Sangkot, several historians have indicated that Alfred Russell Wallace and Charles Darwin are two scientists that discovered the basics of the theory of evolution. Ternate, an island in the Moluccas, Indonesia, is mentioned as one of the locations where the inspiration of the theory came from.
Sangkot hopes that the seminar will serve as a reminder of Wallace's and Darwin's contribution to the world. This would also serve to put Indonesia on the map, especially with regard to the history of Darwin's theory.
"Forgetting Wallace's role also means forgetting the role of Indonesia's land that has inspired the birth of the theory of evolution, as well as Ternate as the place where the inspiration came from," he said.
Governor of South Sulawesi, Syahrul Yasin Limpo officially opened the seminar at the official gubernatorial house in Makassar. During the opening ceremony, American ambassador for Indonesia and several other guests from other countries were also present.
Coverage by: Zeena/Makassar
Translation by: Ramona Sofianne Dewi
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