The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and also the chairman of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., attended the National Work Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) on November 29-30, 2023, at the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). This Rakernas was attended by 108 participants from various study programs such as Biology, Biology Education, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Applied Biology across Indonesia.The other representatives from the Faculty of Biology UGM were also present: the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. the head of Bachelor in Biology Study Program, Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., the head of Master in Biology Study Program and Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the head of the Tropical Biology Department.
The event commenced with an address by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., as the KOBI chairman, emphasizing the pivotal role of KOBI in enhancing quality assurance and elucidating the sustainability of biology as a fundamental discipline in Indonesia. Subsequently, the event was officially opened by the Dean of SITH ITB, Dr. Endah Sulistyawati, S.Si., Ph.D. The Rakernas KOBI spanned two days, focusing on five main topics and workshops guided by competent speakers on the first day. The second day involved workshops and served as the culmination of the Rakernas.
Various topics were covered during the event, ranging from strengthening the Biology cluster to influencing public policy formulation in legislative institutions to botanical illustrations in scientific activities. Additionally, there were presentations on Biology education at the high school level and a Teacher Program implemented through Lecturers Teaching at high schools. One of the crucial sessions was the fourth presentation delivered by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., a lecturer from Faculty of Biology UGM, on the topic of the National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) for Biological Curators. This session discussed the SKKNI for the job positions of Curators of Herbarium/Animal/Microorganism Collections, aiming to assist in human resource management in both governmental and non-governmental institutions to ensure that the existing workforce possesses competencies aligned with nationally applicable standards. The event continued with the final presentation on the Renewal of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index Database (IBI) through the Biological Data Curator Student Activities (MKDH) in 2024, delivered by Oki Hadian Hadadi, M.Sc. from WWF Indonesia. The first day of the Rakernas concluded with a workshop on the Development and Completion of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Curriculum Template, led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dr. Indra Wibowo, M.Sc., and Dr. Rodiyati Azrianingsih, M.Sc., as speakers. This workshop aided participants in analyzing OBE curricula for their respective study programs.
Furthermore, the second day was dedicated to a Workshop on Completing the Lamsama Accreditation Form, which served as the anticipated highlight for participants managing their respective study programs. This workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Tati Suryati Syamsudin, M.S., DEA., and Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, M.Si. as speakers.
The KOBI Rakernas wasn’t just a knowledge exchange forum but also emphasized KOBI’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly enhancing inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaborations (SDG 17). Therefore, the KOBI Rakernas aimed to strengthen collaboration among its members and support Indonesia’s biodiversity towards achieving sustainable development.