Yogyakarta, September 19, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) celebrated its 68th Dies Natalis with a meaningful event. The occasion began warmly with an opening speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who also led the soft launching of the Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center (MSIBC) building.
The MSIBC building stands as a symbol of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and biomedical in Indonesia. In his address, Prof. Budi explained the history of the building’s development and emphasized that it embodies the spirit of the UGM Faculty of Biology community to continue the mission of the late Prof. Ir. Raden Mas Moeso Suryowinoto, the founder of Indonesia’s first plant biotechnology laboratory in 1974. Prof. Ir. Raden Mas Moeso Suryowinoto was a dedicated figure in the development of plant biotechnology through tissue culture. The MSIBC building will also serve as the office for the Center for Tropical Biodiversity (Centrobio).
The inauguration of MSIBC was guided by Angellia Melliana Pramesthi, S.Si., and attended by various important guests from the Faculty of Biology’s partners, as well as the family of Prof. Ir. Raden Mas Moeso Suryowinoto. The atmosphere was filled with emotion during this moment, as a tribute to the long journey in advancing the field of biology in Indonesia.
Following the inauguration, the event continued with a prayer and a ceremonial at the Auditorium of Tropical Biology in the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Faya Nur Annisa Damantya, A.Md.Sek., and Asrindon, S.I.Kom. Subsequently, mementos were presented to retiring faculty members and education staff as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the development of the faculty.
The event proceeded with the announcement of scholarship recipients from the profits of Jasmine Corner, a canteen managed by the Dharmawanita of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Two fortunate students received these scholarships as support for their education. Additionally, awards were given to outstanding students and the best education staff who have made extraordinary contributions to campus development.
The 68th Dies Natalis competitions at the Faculty of Biology UGM were also successfully held, and winners from various categories such as solo vocal, lively movements, and short films were proudly announced.
As part of the celebration, the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS) made a valuable contribution of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) equipment and consumables worth 2 billion Indonesian Rupiahs. This marks a significant step in accelerating genomic and biomedical technology in Indonesia, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). Notably, the Indonesian Orchid Association (Perhimpunan Anggrek Indonesia or PAI) from Bangka Belitung also contributed by providing 150 Vanda hookeriana orchid seedlings, endemic to Bangka Belitung, to be nurtured within the Faculty of Biology UGM, contributing to the preservation of Indonesia’s flora diversity (SDG 15).
The highly anticipated moment came with the distribution of door prizes to lucky participants, with a total of 99 door prizes prepared. All participants came together in a warm and harmonious atmosphere during the closing moments of the event.
The 68th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Biology UGM was not just a celebration but also a reminder of the strong commitment to contribute to biodiversity preservation, the advancement of biological sciences, and quality education. Happy 68th anniversary, Faculty of Biology UGM! May the spirit and vision for a better future continue to thrive.