Yogyakarta, 18 September 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the peak ceremony of its 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary on Thursday (18/9) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. Carrying the theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity”, the event reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and improving the quality of human life, both nationally and globally. The ceremony was also broadcast live through the Faculty of Biology UGM’s YouTube channel, enabling wider public participation.
The Open Senate Meeting was attended virtually by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of collaborative tropical biology research to address future challenges in food, energy, and the environment. The Rector of UGM, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., expressed her appreciation for the Faculty’s achievements in generating impactful innovations in tropical biology. She further highlighted UGM’s position, through the Faculty of Biology, as a National and International Center of Excellence in Tropical Biology.
The keynote scientific lecture was delivered by Drs. Heri Susanto, S.Si., M.M., Managing Director of Rentokil Initial (Indonesia, Sri Lanka & Maldives), with a presentation entitled “The Role and Application of Biology in the Pest Management Industry in Indonesia and the World”. He emphasized the critical role of biology in integrated pest management to support food security, public health, and the sustainability of environmentally conscious industries.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., presented the Faculty’s accomplishments over the past five years, including the strengthening of tropical biotechnology research, the development of international curricula, and the contributions of alumni across various sectors. He also announced the soft launching of the Bio Medic Center building plan, envisioned as a new center of excellence for tropical biodiversity-based biomedical research and services.
The Open Senate Meeting served as the main agenda of a series of Lustrum XIV and 70th Anniversary activities that had been held since May 2025. These included a Fun Walk, Book Review and Blood Donation Drive, National Seminar on Tropical Biology, International Summer Course, Alumni Gathering, and the BioToprak Creative Stage. All activities were designed to strengthen the networks among academics, alumni, and partners, while reinforcing the Faculty’s role as a leading center for tropical biology at both the national and international levels.
The event also featured the signing of memorandums of understanding with PT. Biogen, the Marine and Fisheries Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and St. Augustine Catholic University, focusing on collaboration in education, research, and community service.
“The theme Biology for Environment and Humanity serves as a reminder that innovations in biology must always be directed toward sustainable solutions for the planet and the welfare of humankind,” remarked Prof. Budi S. Daryono.
