Dyadha Oriach is a biology undergraduate program student at Radboud University and Rutger Lemstra from the Geography Program of the University of Groningen of the Netherlands who has the opportunity to take part in a student exchange program for one semester at the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University. Oddly in the 2022/2023 semester, both of them tasted learning at the UGM Faculty of Biology in full. Dyadha took courses in Carcinology (the study of crustaceans), marine biology, phycology (the study of algae), malacology (the study of molluscs), limnology (the study of lakes), and biomaterials. Unlike Dyadha, who join as a bachelor’s degree in biology in her home university, Rutger is a student of the geography study program, taking courses in plant anatomy, plant systematics, and cell and molecular biology.

“Coming to Indonesia has been an amazing experience. I had the chance to meet so many wonderful people and to see the world from a different perspective. I explored wonderful places, tried delicious food, learned a bit about the traditional dance, the language, its rich biodiversity and culture in general and even about myself. I’m thankful and happy for this incredible opportunity at UGM”, said Dyadha.

Rutger said “Studying in biology is something new, and very worth doing. Apart from studying, I also studied culture and visited Gunung Leuser National Park, Lake Toba, Bali and East Timor”.

“Hopefully in the future the collaborative program of the Faculty of Biology UGM with Radboud University and Rutger Lemstra from the University of Groningen of the Netherlands can be sustainable,” said Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. in a meeting with Rutger and Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D., on the sidelines of his preparation to return to the Netherlands (SHP).

Students of the UGM Faculty of Biology Masters Study Program conducted a thesis research proposal seminar for Class 2021 Even students on Tuesday, December 27 2022. The activity was carried out in the Auditorium room of the Faculty of Biology as the opening ceremony and will be divided into four rooms when entering the main event. The research proposal seminar was attended by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Head of the Master’s Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Sc., and the thesis advisors. The series of events consisted of opening and core activities, namely the presentation of proposals by students. The event was opened at 08.00 by host sisters Fanny Sukma Sundari and Rizal Muhammad Rifa’i from the odd 2022 batch. Furthermore, the activity continued with remarks from the Head of the Biology Masters Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Sc. This proposal seminar was taken by 47 students guided by 22 thesis supervisors. From this activity, students can get input from supervisors and other colleagues to support the research to be carried out. Furthermore, students are also expected to be able to take comprehensive exams and thesis trials immediately.

 

The official opening was carried out by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Writing a research proposal is one of the crucial stages during the master’s education process. The proposal seminar activity is a follow-up to the proposal writing. The Dean advised students to follow up on the seminar proposal activities immediately by carrying out a comprehensive exam in semester 3. All students are expected to be able to take a comprehensive exam from January to March, provided that they have met the specified requirements, namely TPA and TOEFL. The implementation of the proposal seminar is expected to improve the quality of master’s education at the Faculty of Biology UGM, with input that enhances the research plan and the output provided can be in the form of a publication LoA.

Next, students presented their proposals divided into four rooms, namely in the Tropical Biology Auditorium with Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si as moderator, upper courtroom with Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc., lecture hall 6 with Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Sc, as moderator and lecture room 7 with Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc as moderator. In general, the purpose of the proposal seminar is to find out how much students understand the research that will be carried out. In addition, inputs and improvements are expected to be received and added to the composition of the proposals that have been written. Each student delivered their presentation for 10 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session. The audience was allowed to ask questions at the end of the discussion. Finally, each supervisor gave conclusions on the urgency of the research and clarified the results of the query and answer session. Activities ended at 12.00 in each room. [Khusnul Qonita Maghfiroh]

“Alumni are one of the partners for the development and innovation of education and learning. Until now, the Faculty of Biology UGM has more than 7,000 alumni who are active all over the country and around the world,” said Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc in his remarks at the inauguration of the DIY KORWIL KABIOGAMA. To gather alumni who are scattered in various regions in Indonesia, the Gadjah Mada Biology Alumni Family or what is called as KABIOGAMA was formed. “The KABIOGAMA regional committees that have been formed include KORWIL Lampung, Semarang, Purwokerto, and, Solo, Bali, East Kalimantan, and JABODETABEK,” said Ario S. Setiadi, Ph.D., CPM, DipM. ACIM as Chairman of the KABIOGAMA. The initiation for the formation of KORWIL DIY has been carried out since January 2018. The inauguration of the management of the KABIOGAMA KORWIL DIY for the 2022-2027 service period was held at the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University and was attended by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc as Vice Dean of P2MKSA, Ario S. Setiadi, Ph.D., CPM, DipM. ACIM., Drs. Heri Susanto, M.Sc. as Secretary General of the KABIOGAMA, Dr. RR. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, M.Kes, as the Central Executive Secretary of KABIOGAMA, and the management of KABIOGAMA KORWIL DIY.

The management structure of KABIOGAMA KORWIL DIY and its surroundings for the next five years, namely 1. Drs. Eddy Setiabudi, M.S. (Adviser 1): Bio ’77, 2. Dra. Hj. Yundaru Nurantini (Adviser 2): Bio ’81, 3. Dra. Evy Yuliati Rufaida, M.Si. (Adviser 3): Bio ’77, 4. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chairman): Bio ’99, 5. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. (Vice Chair): Bio ’95, 6. Eka Sulistiyowati, S.Si., M.A. (Treasurer): Bio ’99, 7. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Secretary): Bio 2002, and 8. Ardyan Pramudya Kurniawan, S.Si., M.Si (KABIOGAMA Program Coordinator): Bio 2003.

In his remarks after the inauguration, Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. expressed his gratitude to the management of the Faculty and Central Management of KABIOGAMA, as well as colleagues from KABIOGAMA KORWIL DIY. It is hoped that KORWIL DIY administrators could work together with the Faculty of Biology UGM and the KABIOGAMA to be able to carry out programs that benefit alumni and younger students. “Congratulations on the inauguration of the management of the Kabiogama Korwil D.I. Yogyakarta 2022-2027. Hopefully it will be a trust in advancing KABIOGAMA,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. after the inauguration (SHP).

Mutiara Wahyu Nirmalasari is undergraduate student in Faculty of Biology year 2020. This semester, she’s experiencing study abroad to Korea University through IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) program. It was unexpected for her to be selected to joining the program, but still she was excited and honored.

“Study abroad does open up your horizon about society and how to improve as a student,” she explained.

Mutiara chose a university in South Korea because she’s already interested in its culture since a long time ago so she didn’t need to face culture shock when study abroad. Besides, Korea University has the reputation as the top 3 university in South Korea, and it offers although in the end she couldn’t enroll in the classes she expected. At Korea University, Mutiara took 4 courses: Intermediate Korean 1, Marketing Management, New Media Cinema, and Media Technology.

Studying courses outside biological topics must be difficult, like the terms and basic insights that used in the courses. But Mutiara enjoyed the courses and adapted well since those are general courses. She makes sure herself read the “required reading” from the professor before classes so she can understand the lectures. She also had high curiosity of the courses she took, like searching the unique marketing campaign for Marketing Management course from YouTube, practicing Korean with ahjussi and ahjumma while groceries shopping, and explore surroundings.

Although Mutiara took courses which are not linear to biology, in fact she met biology related topic in her courses. One of the films discussed in class New Media Cinema entitle Gattaca (1997), about genetic engineering, the ethical value and how the future society face the genetic engineering. Besides, the courses she took can be applied to biological field, such as biological innovation product marketing and integration in biological information on digital media.

After finishing IISMA program, Mutiara will be focusing on graduating since there are some mandatory courses that she still has to take. But if she’s given the opportunity, she wants to continue about biotech abroad while trying to create easy and short content since she learned a lot about media here.

“I’m more than happy to go since I haven’t experienced that through my IISMA journey.” (MWN/AS)

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in the International Collaboration Forum 6.0 activity organized by the Division of Community and International Networking of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) on November 11 2022, online via zoom meeting at 14.30-17.00 (MYT). The event collaborated with several universities including De La Salle University, Philippines, Nanhua University, Taiwan, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, Vtrox Academy, Malaysia.

In the class A parallel session with the theme Environmental in Innovating Higher Education, the UGM Faculty of Biology was represented by the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr., Sc., who is also the Chair of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI). In addition, also represented by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as head of the Doctoral Program Study Program, Faculty of Biology UGM.

Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. delivered the theme Domestication of Indonesian Native Fish an Integrative of Natural Resources Management and Innovation in Higher Education. On this occasion he said that wader populations in nature had begun to decline due to invasive species, and the development of water body management that paid little attention to the balance of the ecosystem. This problem is solved by developing technology for wader cultivation, supplying larvae, collaborating with local farmers for mass cultivation, developing post-harvest products, collaborating with the local government and also the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and making quality feed formulations. In terms of innovation in Higher Education, native fish research and database establishment, research and development of fish farming technology, problem-based learning for teachers and students, innovation and implementation for commercial and economic (bio-entrepreneurship) and community education for conservation will continue to be carried out in higher education environment, especially by UGM.

In the event, Prof. Budi and Mr. Bambang invited participants of the International Collaboration Forum 6.0, especially the younger generation, to continue to collaborate in developing ideas related to environmental preservation. This event is very useful and interesting especially in order to reduce the ecological footprint which is the impact of human activities on the environment which is needed to meet human needs and lifestyle.

The PkM-MBKM team of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, chaired by Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. with four student members, namely Amelia Rifki Alifiah, Fatika Soraya, Tiara Rachma Jatiningtyas, and Qonita Fillah, held a FGD (Focus Group Discussion) with the Kebonalas Village which was held on 22 and 29 October 2022. This event is one of a series of MBKM programs in to develop Fruit Garden Tourism Village in Kebonalas. This activity took place in Kebonalas Village with ± 15 participants. The FGD was attended by Mr. Supriyanto, S.Pd. (Village Head), Mr. Suwadi, S.Pd. (Village Secretary), Mr. Sunardi (Village Treasurer), Mrs. Sri Mulati (Director of BUMDES), Mr. Junarko (BUMDES Treasurer), Mr. Kuncoro (Secretary of BUMDES), Mr. Muh. Robani, S.T.P. (Chairman of the Village Consultative Body), Mr. Yousuf Sulaiman, S.IP. (Fruit Practitioner), and the four MBKM students.

The first FGD on October 22, 2022 was held at the Kebonalas Village Office from 10.00 to d. 13.00 WIB. In the first FGD, the discussion focused on making tourism names and preparing RAB for funding. In addition, it also discussed what elements should be added to the tour later in order to create a unique fruit garden tour to attract the attention of visitors. At the end of the discussion, it was agreed that the name of the tour to be used is “KABUT (Kampoeng Buah Tlatar) Kebonalas”. This name is a temporary name that needs to be studied further and fixed later. Making a name is the basis for making a fruit garden tourism logo which will be discussed with Mr. Junarko as the BUMDES administrator. In addition to the names, at the end of the discussion, a rough draft of the RAB has been obtained which will be continued in the second FGD. At this event, Mr. Suwadi submitted a proposal to add plants to be planted in fruit garden tours, such as durian and grapefruit.

Continuing the previous discussion activities, the next FGD was held on October 29, 2022 in order to fix the RAB for the Kebonalas Fruit Tourism Village development program. The RAB compiled is a compilation of funds issued by the village, expenditures for activities that have been carried out, and budget plans for subsequent activities. The RAB is planned to be submitted to various agencies so that in the process of developing the Tourism Village there will be collaboration between village treasury donations, funds from the Faculty of Biology UGM, and support from sponsors.

With this FGD, it is hoped that the tourism village development plan can continue with maturity. Kebonalas Tourism Village is a project for the community and from the people of Kebonalas Village Klaten so that contributions from the whole community have a role in the development of this Tourism Village. In addition, this FGD activity is a step forward for the realization of a Tourism Village. We do not forget to say many thanks to all levels of the Village Management, BUMDES Maju Makmur, BPD, Karang Taruna Kebonalas Village, and all parties who have been involved and supported the continuity of this event.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the KPTU Meeting Room, KPTU Building, Faculty of Biology, UGM, a briefing and release was held for students who will take part in Student Exchange activities at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The briefing was attended by the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, Caretaker Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si. Phd., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc, Head of Undergraduate Program, Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., IUP Manager, Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D ., Eng., OIA Manager, Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc. Ph.D., as well as staff and eight students participating in the Student Exchange.

In the meeting, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, explained to students that the cooperation between UGM and UTHM, Malaysia was not a collaboration that had only been going on for a while. The founders of UTHM were UGM alumni including alumni from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Students should be grateful and proud because they were selected as Exchange participants at UTHM, one of Malaysia’s best universities. Furthermore, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si. Ph.D. also added that students should support each other while at UTHM. Further, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. explained that the students were not only representatives of Universitas Gadjah Mada but also representatives of Indonesia. Therefore, students are expected to be able to maintain the good name of the country and institution while participating in the Exchange activities. Regarding academics, Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc. Ph.D., as the Head of the Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Biology, said he was ready to help convert marks ​​from UTHM to UGM which might delay.

Of the eight students who attended the briefing, there were six students who and were ready to leave, which are Ghina Alyaa Khairunnisa Purnomo, Divkha Amanda, Mayland Muhammad Hanbal, Tsabitah Putri Asmalda, Adiva Aphrodita, and Zidni Meirizka Utami. Meanwhile, Delvi Sari and Rajendra Regaputra, they are still waiting for the visa process to be completed.

The event was then closed with the hope that the Student Exchange activities could run smoothly according to plan. The students are scheduled to depart the next day on Thursday, November 03, 2022. The students arrived safely and were greeted by UTHM representatives.[aa]

Thariq Rahman Aly is Biology student from year 2019 and he’s willing to be an environment scientist in the future. This year, Thariq got the chance to joining IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards).

“I felt grateful like never before. It made me contemplate and be grateful for all the things I’ve experienced throughout my life and all the people that supported and helped me. They made me the way I am now to be able to achieve this milestone,” he said, to express his gratefulness to be selected for joining this program.

In this opportunity, he managed to choose University of Queensland, Australia to be his host university as it offered courses that pursue his dream in contributing to maintain the global environment. At UQ, Thariq found courses that specifically would fulfil his ambitions and interest the most, there are Analysis of Scientific Data, Environment and Society, Design for A Better World, and Media and Society. The courses supported him in shaping his perspective, deepening his knowledge, and improving his skills. He believes that environmental issues under biological contexts are inseparable from anthropological dynamics. It is an ongoing discourse that requires the perspectives of a diverse community. For Thariq, these courses offer the opportunity for discussions, lectures, and intercultural exchange of perspectives needed to dive into that world.

At his first time arrived at UQ, he was quite surprised by how diverse the students are, because there is a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicity. It was harder for him to spot a native Australian than finding international students. Besides, UQ St Lucia Campus has beautiful views with its connection with the natural environment. Walkways are surrounded by trees and plants, seated with various colourful birds. The view is at its most beautiful during spring when the purple jacaranda trees start to bloom.

Thariq perceived that UQ is holding its academic integrity to the utmost importance. Throughout his study, Thariq received modules that educate students about academic integrity comprehensively and the consequences if they do not follow it. At first, it made him feel a little bit tense but it also gave him the positive learning experience that inspired and motivated him to study better.

Thariq spent his time at Brisbane, where he can enjoy the various awesome views and the connected natural environment within the city. He also participated on various events while living at Brisbane, such as student gatherings and festivals. Other than that, Thariq enjoyed casual walks and outings with his fellow IISMA awardees and new friends he made there. He also found quite remarkable diving spots just offshore Brisbane. He dived several times together with the UQ diving community and it was an irreplaceable experience to gain. He felt much livelier than ever.

IISMA is not just a program to further enrich skills and knowledge, but also utilize it to solve current global issues. Thariq hopes that after finishing this program, he can further contribute back to Indonesia for the advancement of society and consequently improve the living environment for the sake of future generations. “Though I am going to need to finish my thesis first,” he closed his statement. (TRA/AS)

Let’s meet Adhelia Intan Sabhira, undergraduate student in Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada year 2020. In 2022, she had the opportunity to join Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) to Radboud University, the Netherlands. It’s a scholarship program by Indonesia government for college students to study abroad for a semester.

For Adhelia, being selected for the IISMA program still feels like a dream, up until now. She believes that IISMA is fantastic and life-changing as it allows them to not only experience college life and a brand new and international setting, but also does it expand their worldview and networking with people from different cultures. “IISMA program provides us with more than useful benefits to pave our future.”

Studying abroad means get out-of-comfort zone for Adhelia. She hopes that by studying abroad, she become more independent, as well as being able to obtain all the knowledge and experience she couldn’t get in Indonesia and explore deeper into where her true passion lies. Furthermore, she is looking forward to share her own insight on Indonesians culture as well as exchanging perspective on various prompts with people from diverse background.

Adhelia enjoys her time in Radboud University, where she has been able to meet and converse with distinguished experts from different fields. Radboud University has the learning environment that extremely significant in shaping the way of studying, where students being assertive and proactive in conveying their opinions, disagreements, and agreements regarding certain topics in academia which is a pivotal point to strengthen students’ understanding on lessons.

In class, she found new learning and teaching system which is very interactive and objected on the analytical and critical-thinking. Adhelia realized that studying in class is not about reading textbooks, listening to lectures, and doing presentations, but it is also about trying to solve different real-life cases and thinking beyond what the students already know.  She is definitely honing skills of importance for her endeavors in Radboud University.

Why Radboud University?

It is a fun fact that Adhelia has spent her childhood in the Netherlands. She recalls the heartwarming memories until now. The sparked experiencing college life in the Netherlands as one of her dreams. Besides, she has the interest on biomedicine. Radboud University offered medical courses that support her interest in biomedicine among universities around the world. Currently, Adhelia is taking 3 courses: Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Globalising Worlds, and Intercultural Communication.

The reasons behind her selected courses are very inspiring. As a tropical country, Indonesia has high prevalence in infectious diseases hence Adhelia learn it from Global Health and Infectious Diseases which will help her with learning the sufficient knowledge on how to reduce the infectious disease cases. Globalising Worlds also closely associated with real-life situations in Indonesia as it studies issues related to urbanization, livelihood, climate change adaptation and mitigations, waste management, etc. in the Global South. Lastly, Intercultural Communications help her to obtain practical insights regarding how to communicate and connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the proper way (AIS/AS).

In the National Scientific Writing Competition, undergraduate Biology students once again made achievement by taking home, not only one, but three awards, including first place, best presentation, and best poster. The team consists of Umi Salamah, Maria Bening Wohingati Yarlantri Tamidiyono, and Wulan Usfi Mafiroh from Biology 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. This competition was held by Himpunan Mahasiswa Kimia Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), with the theme “Finding Untapped Potential of Indonesia Natural Resources for a Better Quality Life With Chemistry”. This event aims to express students’ innovations, inventions, and ideas in order to improve their capacity for scientific thinking.

 

This event was held in October 15, 2022 via online at Institut Pertanian Bandung (IPB) and was attended by students from universities throughout Indonesia. This competition was divided into four stages: abstract submission, paper evaluation, announcement of the top ten, and presentation of the work in front of the judges.

The team brought a scientific paper entitled “Optimizing the Potential of Krokot (Portulaca oleracea) Leaf Callus Extract with the Addition of Elicitors as an Alternative to T47D Breast Anticancer Agent”. According to the team. the idea was inspired by the high prevalence of breast cancer cases both globally and in Indonesia. There are treatments to heal breast cancer. However, those treatments have many sides effect that reduce patient’s quality of life. The team therefore tried to explore natural sources that can be used to treat cancer. One of the natural sources that has anticancer potential is Krokot or Purslane (Portulaca oleracea).

The team prepared presentation materials a week before the online presentation. They practiced routinely so they are able to explain the papers clearly. The team was able to clearly deliver their ideas and respond to the jury’s inquiries. “This was clearly the result of our hard work and everyone’s support” they said.

From this competition, they really hope to provide enthusiasm and support other students who has interested in scientific skills. Other than that, they hope they can bring Faculty Biology’s name on the national scene. [US]