On Saturday, August 26th, 2023, the Biology Festival 2023 was organized as an introduction and exhibition (expo) of the study groups and organizations within the Faculty of Biology at UGM (Gadjah Mada University) for incoming freshmen. The event was attended by 218 new students of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. The festival was conducted in-person, with activities held both in the Tropical Biology Auditorium within the Faculty of Biology UGM for study group and organization presentations, and along Taman Biologi Road (Jatabi) for the exhibition of each study group and organization. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Mr. Nur Harmanto, the Chairperson of POTMA BIOGAMA (Alumni Association of Biology UGM), and Mrs. Teteh Yulia, the Vice Treasurer of POTMA BIOGAMA.
The event began at the Tropical Biology Auditorium with the opening by the MC ( Birrul Qisty Mutmainnah Nazara and Dhea Amelia), followed by the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Gadjah Mada University Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology March. Subsequently, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, the Chairperson of Biology Festival 2023, delivered a welcome address. This was followed by speeches from Fathur Syahrian Ramadhani, the Chairperson of BEM (Student Executive Board) Biology UGM, and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM.
The next segment consisted of introduction of each Study Group and Organization (KSE, KSAT, BiOSC, KSH, Matala Biogama, KSK, Formasigen, JMMB, KMK, Double Helix, SEMA, BEM, and Biosphere), interspersed with dance performances by the Graduate Student Family of the Faculty of Biology UGM and a gaming session. The event then transitioned to Taman Biologi Road (Jatabi). During this portion of the event, not only the new students but also all students from various batches of the Faculty of Biology UGM participated in the activities. The proceedings kicked off with a fashion show by each Study Group and Organization, followed by the exhibition (expo) of the Study Groups and Organizations, accompanied by the Music Corner entertainment.
The event concluded with the announcement of winners for the Best Indoor Performance, won by KSAT (Kelompok Studi Arsitektur Taman), the Best Fashion Show, secured by KSK (Kelompok Studi Kelautan), and the Best Stand Decoration, awarded to BiOSC (Biology Orchid Study Club). Through the Biology Festival 2023, it is hoped that incoming students gain insights into various Study Groups and Organizations within the Faculty of Biology UGM, aiding them in selecting the ones aligned with their interests and talents to foster knowledge and soft skills development.
