The growing plastic waste crisis is an environmental challenge requiring innovative, sustainable solutions. Waste management requires not only the implementation of the 3Rs Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce but also the development of innovative materials that can be safely returned to the environment. The Return to Earth approach developed by PT Greenhope Indonesia is one effort to provide plastic solutions based on biodegradable materials and biopolymers, serving as alternatives to conventional plastics.

This vision aligns with the research conducted by the Smart Genetics Research Group, led by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The research focuses on the development of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer with potential applications as a raw material for biodegradable plastics, using a recombinant yeast-based microbial cell factory. The research is funded through the Link & Match Grant and supported by the 2026 Research Commercialization Program for Model and Prototype Testing, which promotes the translation of laboratory-based research into more applicable technological developments.

As part of strengthening university–industry collaboration, the UGM research team has been working with PT Greenhope Indonesia since 2023, with the current phase focusing on completing a product prototype in November 2026 at PT Greenhope Indonesia’s Main Factory in Tangerang. The activity involved UGM student researchers Ihsanul Fikri Alfarizel and Diva Septiani, under the supervision of principal researcher Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with the PT Greenhope Indonesia research team.

The collaboration aimed to further develop bioplastic resin based on PHB produced by recombinant yeast. PHB resin developed through research at the Faculty of Biology UGM was brought to PT Greenhope for purification, material development, and further testing in collaboration with the Greenhope research team. The four-day collaboration resulted in five key outputs:

1. Purified industrial PHB resin as a reference material.
2. Purified recombinant yeast-derived PHB resin developed through UGM research.
3. Industrial PHB biofilm with its dimensions and thickness characterized.
4. Recombinant yeast-derived PHB biofilm with its dimensions and thickness characterized.
5. Product packaging prototype, representing an initial material design for applications such as instant noodle seasoning sachets.

These five outputs represent an important initial step in bridging laboratory-scale research with the material development needs of industry. The transformation of PHB resin into biofilm and subsequently into a packaging prototype demonstrates the potential of recombinant yeast-derived PHB for further development as a more sustainable plastic material.

The collaboration between UGM and PT Greenhope Indonesia will continue through further research and testing, with the long-term goal of developing biodegradable plastic products based on PHB produced by recombinant yeast. This effort is expected to help reduce dependence on conventional plastics while strengthening the commercialization and application of biotechnology research in Indonesia.

This collaborative initiative also contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the development and commercialization of bioplastic technology; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through the development of more sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic materials; and SDGs 13, 14, and 15, through the development of biodegradable materials with the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste. Furthermore, the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT Greenhope Indonesia represents an implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by bringing together academic research capacity and industrial expertise to develop bioplastic solutions with real-world applications.

Banyuroto, Magelang, October 20, 2026 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), strengthened its commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture through a community engagement program held at Inggit Strawberry Agrotourism, Banyuroto, Magelang, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The program focused on the theme “Implementation of Smart Integrated Agronomy and Digitalization as an Innovation (SDG 9) to Support Sustainable Strawberry Farming for Food Security (SDG 2) and Farmer Economic Empowerment (SDG 8).”

The program was designed to bridge scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and the practical needs of strawberry farmers. Through direct interaction with the farming community, the Faculty of Biology UGM provided knowledge and practical insights aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacity to manage strawberry production more effectively, sustainably, and independently.

The community engagement team consisted of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D.; Dr. Mirza Hanif Al Falah, S.Si., M.Ling.; Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., M.Sc.; and Tika Nur Amini, S.Si. Ganies Riza Aristya and Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari served as resource persons, while the other team members contributed as instructors.

Strengthening Farmers’ Understanding of Seed Quality and Plant Breeding

Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. delivered a session on seeds, plant breeding, seed production, and seed storage. The session highlighted the fundamental role of high-quality planting materials in determining the success of agricultural production.

Farmers were introduced to the characteristics of quality seeds, including varietal purity, good germination capacity and vigor, healthy seed condition, and freedom from contamination by pathogens and other undesirable materials. The presentation emphasized that the selection and management of healthy planting materials are essential components of a productive and sustainable farming system.

The session also covered practical principles for selecting plants as seed sources, producing quality seeds, harvesting, cleaning, drying, and storing seeds. Farmers were encouraged to select healthy and vigorous plants as potential sources of planting material and to pay close attention to post-harvest seed management. Proper drying and storage are particularly important because moisture, heat, air exposure, insects, and light can adversely affect seed quality and longevity.

Improving Disease Awareness and Prevention in Strawberry Production

Meanwhile, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. presented material on the identification of major strawberry diseases and strategies for their prevention. The session introduced farmers to several important diseases that may affect strawberry growth, yield, and fruit quality.

The diseases discussed included gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum, powdery mildew, common leaf spot, crown rot, red stele root rot, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, angular leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas fragariae, strawberry viral diseases, and soft rot. The presentation also explained characteristic symptoms and environmental conditions that may favor disease development.

Rather than focusing solely on disease control after infection occurs, the training emphasized preventive and integrated plant health management. Farmers were encouraged to use healthy planting materials, maintain field sanitation, improve drainage, manage irrigation, maintain adequate plant spacing and air circulation, monitor plants regularly, and prevent pathogen movement through contaminated tools, soil, water, and plant materials.

The importance of healthy planting materials was also emphasized as a critical link between seed management and disease prevention. Healthy and pathogen-free seedlings can reduce the risk of introducing diseases into production areas. At the same time, appropriate management of the growing environment—including drainage, irrigation, and humidity—can help create healthier strawberry production systems.

Towards Smart, Integrated, and Sustainable Strawberry Farming

The community engagement program reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s broader effort to translate biological sciences and technological innovation into practical solutions for agricultural communities. By combining knowledge of planting material quality, plant breeding, seed management, disease identification, and preventive plant health management, the program encourages farmers to adopt a more integrated approach to strawberry cultivation.

The knowledge shared during the program is expected to support farmers in making more informed decisions throughout the production cycle, from selecting healthy planting materials to maintaining plant health and managing harvested products. Such an integrated approach is particularly relevant for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of strawberry-based agrotourism in Banyuroto.

Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

The program directly contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The application of Smart Integrated Agronomy and digitalization supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting innovation and technology-based approaches in agriculture. Strengthening strawberry production through improved planting materials and plant health management contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting sustainable and productive food systems. Meanwhile, enhancing farmers’ knowledge, skills, productivity, and economic potential contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through this initiative, the Faculty of Biology UGM demonstrates its commitment to connecting biological innovation, agricultural technology, and community empowerment to develop a more productive, resilient, and sustainable strawberry farming ecosystem in Banyuroto.

Sequence data analysis is an important component of modern biological research, particularly in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. The use of computational tools and R packages provides researchers with a practical approach to processing, analyzing, and interpreting biological sequence data. To enhance participants’ practical skills in sequence data analysis, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a hands-on training session on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. The training was conducted in collaboration with Tunghai University, Taiwan, with support from the Forum Mahasiswa Peneliti Genetika (Formasigen) of the Faculty of Biology UGM as a supporting organization in facilitating the collaboration. The activity focused on the use of R and various relevant R packages for analyzing biological sequence data.

The training was led by Dr. Lan-Wei Yeh and Bo-Cheng Wang from Tunghai University, Taiwan. Participants were introduced to various practical approaches to processing sequence data using R-based computational tools. Throughout the training, participants directly practiced analytical procedures using R packages designed to support sequence data analysis. The hands-on activities provided participants with opportunities to work with sequence datasets, apply various analytical tools, and observe and interpret the resulting outputs. Through the hands-on approach, participants not only learned the theoretical concepts of sequence data analysis but also gained direct experience in using R packages for data analysis. The training also provided participants with an opportunity to explore various computational tools that can be applied to their own biological research.

The activity is expected to enhance participants’ skills in processing and analyzing sequence data using R while encouraging the application of computational approaches in molecular biology and evolutionary research. By gaining direct experience with R packages, participants are expected to further develop their ability to conduct sequence-based analyses in their future research. The hands-on training concluded with a discussion and interactive session with the participants, providing an opportunity to ask questions and further explore the application of R packages in sequence data analysis. Through this hands-on training, the Faculty of Biology UGM, together with Tunghai University and with the support of Formasigen, contributed to strengthening scientific capacity and technology-based research skills in Indonesia. The activity supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by providing practice-based learning opportunities and strengthening international academic collaboration.

On Tuesday, 6 October 2026, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a general lecture titled “Adaptation in Endangered Butterflies and Divergence in Taiwanese Carabus”. The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium (Auditorium Biologi Tropika), Faculty of Biology, UGM, and featured Dr. Lan-Wei Yeh and Bo-Cheng Wang from Tunghai University, Taiwan, as invited speakers. The lecture ran from 09:30 to 11:30 WIB and was attended by students, lecturers, and researchers from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. This event was organized through a collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Biology and the UGM Faculty of Biology’s Student Genetics Research Forum (Formasigen).

The event began with a welcome to the speakers by the faculty leadership: Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc.; Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.; and Matin Nuhamunada, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. This was followed by opening remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc. The Dean expressed his appreciation for the speakers’ presence and his hope that the event would serve as an effective means of knowledge transfer, enhancing academic competence, stimulating creativity in research, and strengthening the Faculty’s tangible contribution to the advancement of science.

In their presentation, Dr. Lan-Wei Yeh and Bo-Cheng Wang discussed how endangered butterfly species adapt to environmental pressures, as well as the processes of evolutionary divergence in Carabus beetles in Taiwan. The talk offered participants insights into the role of adaptation and diversification in shaping biodiversity, and into why this understanding is important for conservation efforts.

The event also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion of adaptation in endangered butterflies and divergence in endemic beetles is closely tied to SDG 15 (Life on Land), particularly in the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of threatened species. Meanwhile, the participation of speakers from Tunghai University, Taiwan, reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international academic and research collaboration.

The session was highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation from the audience. The lecture was followed by an active discussion, reflecting strong interest in evolutionary biology, genetics, and biodiversity conservation. This academic activity is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s ongoing commitment to broadening scientific knowledge and strengthening its international academic network. Through scientific forums such as this, the Faculty aims to bring the latest scientific developments to the academic community while opening opportunities for research collaboration with partner institutions abroad.

To explore opportunities for collaboration and strengthen research networks in the field of sugarcane, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) visited the Indonesian Sugar Research Institute (Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia/P3GI) in Pasuruan, East Java, on 1 October 2026. The visit was attended by two lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., along with two master’s students, Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., M.Sc., and Denianto Agung Wicaksono, S.Si.

The Faculty of Biology UGM delegation was welcomed by Dr. M. Akmal Agustira, Head of P3GI, together with Aris Lukito, S.P., M.Si., Ari Kristini, M.Plant.Prot., S.P., Head of the Research Division, and members of the P3GI research team. The meeting served as an initial opportunity for both institutions to introduce their respective areas of expertise and research activities, while also discussing potential synergies for advancing sugarcane research in Indonesia.

P3GI is one of Indonesia’s long-established research institutions in the sugar industry, with a long history of research on sugarcane and sugar. Based in Pasuruan, East Java, P3GI conducts research and development related to sugarcane, sugar, and sweetener technologies and products, while also providing technical support to stakeholders in the sugar sector, including sugarcane farmers and sugar mills. The institute traces its history to 9 July 1887, when it was first established as Proefstation Oost Java (POJ).

Through this visit, the Faculty of Biology UGM and P3GI explored opportunities for collaboration to strengthen research, promote the utilization of sugarcane genetic resources, and advance science and technology in the field of sugarcane. The meeting is expected to serve as a starting point for broader collaboration between the two institutions in the future.

The Indonesia Research and Innovation Fair (IRIFair) was held this year from 21–24 September 2026 by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) as a platform for identifying and developing Indonesia’s research and innovation talents. IRIFair serves as a platform for the exploration, exhibition, and competition of talents in research and innovation through a series of activities encompassing competitions, talent development, and recognition of promising research works.

In 2026, IRIFair was part of the BRIN Goes to School and BRIN Goes to Campus programs, featuring several main activities, including B-CREATIVE (BRIN Competition for Advanced Research and Innovation). B-CREATIVE is a research competition for final-year projects conducted by master’s degree students, designed to showcase, explore, and develop their creativity and potential as research and innovation talents.

In the competition, Tiara Putria Judith, a Fast-Track Master’s student in Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), under the supervision of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., was selected as a finalist in the Life and Natural Sciences cluster with her research entitled “Characterization of Composition and Genomic Variation of Sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) ‘Kidang Kencana’.” The B-CREATIVE assessment consisted of a Final Research Project Presentation, 3-Minute Research Pitch, and Research Poster Exhibition. Through these stages, Tiara won Third Place in B-CREATIVE at IRIFair 2026 with her research focusing on the genomic characterization of Indonesian hybrid sugarcane, particularly the commercial cultivar ‘Kidang Kencana’.

The research was motivated by the complexity of sugarcane genetic information resulting from a long history of breeding and genetic improvement. Meanwhile, molecular-level studies of sugarcane in Indonesia remain relatively limited, highlighting the need to further develop genomic resources for sugarcane cultivars adapted to Indonesian agroecosystems. In her research, Tiara utilized advances in sequencing technologies using both long-read and short-read approaches to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic information. The chloroplast genome was used as an initial step to characterize the genomic information of the ‘Kidang Kencana’ cultivar.

The findings are expected to contribute to the enrichment of genomic resources for Indonesian hybrid sugarcane. This information provides a foundation for supporting the development of more precise, genome-based sugarcane breeding toward Smart Targeted Breeding, while strengthening the utilization of Indonesia’s sugarcane genetic resources for future research and breeding efforts.

On Wednesday and Thursday (September 9–10), a visitation team from the Faculty of Biology visited several retired Lecturer and staff. The first team, led by Titin Fauziah, SE, MBA, visited Drs. Rustamadji, MPA, Sukirno, Sujarmadi, BA, Harjana, and Mudjiman on Wednesday (Sept 9). The second team, led by the Chair of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan, Nurpuji Mumpuni, S.Si., M.Kes., visited Prof. Dr. Nyoman Puniawati Soesilo, SU, Prof. Dr. Santosa, Prof. Dra. Sukarti Moeljopawiro, M.App.Sc., Ph.D., and Drs. Ali Usodo Mulyo, SU, on Thursday (Sept 10).

These visits were part of the series of events commemorating the 71^st Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Previously, a gathering for retirees had been held on August 28, inviting all retired lecturer and staff; however, circumstances prevented some retirees from attending that event, prompting the visitation team to visit them personally and present tokens of appreciation from the Faculty of Biology.

“We should continue this tradition of visitation because our visits bring happiness to our senior colleagues—both retired lecturer and staff,” said Nurpuji after the visits. “For those of us who remain in good health, these visits also serve as a reminder to be grateful and to prioritize our own health,” she added.

“We extend our gratitude to all team members—including the DWP, lecturers, and administrative staff—who kindly took the time to visit the senior lecturers and staff members who dedicated decades of service to our faculty,” stated Dwi Umi, Chair of the 71^st Anniversary Committee of the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

The first team included Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A., alongside Rusna Nur Aini, A.Md., Ekowati Purwandari, A.Md., Ch. Sri Widati Rahayu, A.Md., Sujiman, Dwi Indartanto, Prapti, Subari, Dhimas Willy Saputro, S.IP., and Aditya Dimas.

The second team consisted of Nurpuji Mumpuni, S.Si., M.Kes., Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., Dra. Mulyati Sarto, M.S., Susi Sulistiyani Chaeruddin, S.E., Astri Fitriani, S.E., Sri Wahyuni, S.H., and Siti Aisyah, S.Si., M.Si.

Both teams represented the Faculty of Biology in strengthening the bonds of kinship between the faculty and its retired staff. This activity embodies SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (DUS)

On Sunday (September 6), a team from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada comprising Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Sc., Karina Safitri, Karina Raihana Salsabila, Adha Nurkholifah, and Kaka Pria Ananta visited their community partnership site in Kedungpoh Village, Nglipar, Gunungkidul. This “Partner Village Grant” team focused on the theme: “Developing the Potential of Chrysanthemums to Support Food Security in Kedungpoh” Fifteen women farmers from Kedungpoh attended the gathering at the Punthuk Kepuh Nglipar meeting hall.

During the event, Dwi Umi, the program leader, emphasized the importance of securing a steady supply of chrysanthemum flowers as raw material for the sustainable production of organic chrysanthemum-based goods. In a previous meeting, she had provided training on producing bio-fertilizer from cow urine to boost chrysanthemum productivity in the area. This time, she conducted training on creating organic growing media for the plants. “We must remain consistent in maintaining organic chrysanthemum cultivation; since our flowers serve as raw materials for food products, we aim to ensure there are no inorganic pesticide residues in the final processed foods,” Dwi Umi said at the start of her presentation.

“We already have a greenhouse provided by this grant program, so it is our responsibility to care for it, utilize it extensively and sustainably, and further develop it,” she added. The community service team has constructed the greenhouse and is cultivating four varieties there to supply raw materials for processed chrysanthemum products, including syrup, tea, hard candy, and flower chips.

Ludmilla provided a detailed explanation regarding the diversity of chrysanthemum species. Her presentation, titled “Species Diversity (Wild Species vs. Hybrid Cultivars) of Chrysanthemum spp.” outlined the characteristics of various chrysanthemum varieties. Ludmilla also noted that these plants have been cultivated and utilized for thousands of years in China and other parts of the world. “Beyond their aesthetic value as cut flowers, chrysanthemums can be used as food—for instance, the flowers and young leaves can be sautéed. They also serve as a natural pesticide,” Ludmilla explained. “We’ve used the plant to make chips from the leaves and flowers, but we didn’t realize it was also delicious when sautéed,” remarked Sri Lestari, a training participant. “Chrysanthemum are even used as remedies for fever and the flu, as well as for maintaining eye health,” added Ludmilla.

“We hope the Partner Village Community Service Team from the UGM Faculty of Biology will continue to support us in developing the potential of the organic chrysanthemums we are cultivating,” said Tri Wahyuni, head of the Women Farmers’ Group in Kedungpoh.

“We will continue to assist you in achieving economic independence and well-being,” replied Dwi Umi, concluding the workshop.

This program embodies SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (DUS)

On Sunday (Sept 6), the community service team from the UGM Faculty of Biology, led by Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., conducted a workshop on producing probiotics and biopesticides from household waste. The team included Dr. Eng. Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng., and two students, Karina Safitri and Karina Raihana. Their community service partner, the “Al Barokah” group—led by Tri Wahyuni—brought a team of 15 members to participate in the workshop, held at Punthuk Kepuh, Nglipar.
Dwi Umi provided training on applying probiotics to produce organic fertilizer for use as a growing medium for chrysanthemums. “The microorganisms in the probiotics help accelerate the decomposition of plant litter and waste from both Al Barokah’s food production and household activities,” Dwi Umi explained. “We used to simply burn our plant litter and waste without processing it into organic fertilizer; it turns out that fertilizer made using probiotics has a high nutrient content,” Tri Wahyuni ​​added. Dwi Umi hopes that this household waste-based organic fertilizer can be utilized as a growing medium for organic chrysanthemums, thereby supporting Al Barokah’s supply of raw materials for its chrysanthemum-based products.

Meanwhile, Atikah provided training on biopesticides to support organic chrysanthemum cultivation. Organic chrysanthemums are a flagship product of Kedungpoh, as they can be processed into hard candy, chrysanthemum tea, chrysanthemum syrup, and chrysanthemum flower chips. Al Barokah has been producing various chrysanthemum-based products since 2023 with guidance from the Faculty of Biology’s community service team led by Dwi Umi. Atikah outlined the definition of pests, the signs of plant damage caused by plant-disturbing organisms (OPT), the importance of reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, and the definition of biopesticides. “Biopesticides are living organisms utilized for pest control,” Atikah said, opening her presentation. “Biopesticides can be made from neem leaves, soursop seeds, or betel leaves, ladybugs, and even chrysanthemum flowers can serve as biopesticides because they contain pyrethrin compounds,” she added.
Before concluding the workshop, the Al Barokah team committed to initiating the production of organic fertilizer from leaf litter and household waste to serve as a growing medium for chrysanthemums in both home gardens and greenhouses. This Community Service Program supports the Kedungpoh Partner Village Program (Hibah Desa Mitra), which has successfully established a greenhouse for Al Barokah. “We hope the Faculty of Biology will continue to support us in our efforts to improve our economy—specifically the home industry driven by the women of Kedungpoh,” said Tri Wahyuni, expressing her hopes.

This workshop embodies SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (DUS)

Yogyakarta, August 28, 2026 — The Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the #8 Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, and Bioinformatics Training at Room 8, Meeting Room 1, and the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding. The training was attended by 22 participants and aimed to strengthen participants’ competencies in genetic analysis techniques through cytogenetic and molecular genetic approaches to support research, breeding, and the conservation of plants and animals.

The event commenced at 8:00 a.m. WIB, followed by the implementation of Package 3 and Package 4. On the third day, Package 3 continued with sessions on the fundamentals of DNA sequencing and an introduction to Next-Generation Sequencing, followed by practical sessions on secondary analysis and variant classification led by Indra Lesmana, S.Si., M.Sc. Meanwhile, Package 4, Whole Chloroplast Genome of Plants: Fundamentals of Bioinformatics Analysis, began with sessions covering the fundamentals of the whole chloroplast genome of plants, as well as bioinformatics analysis of plant genome assembly and annotation. The sessions were followed by practical activities on genome assembly and genome annotation, supervised by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., M.Sc., and Denianto Agung Wicaksono, S.Si.

The third day was officially closed by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The event continued with the presentation of certificates to the participants and a group documentation session. The three-day training covered a wide range of essential topics, including chromosome preparation and karyotype analysis, DNA isolation and quantification, PCR and electrophoresis, genetic variation analysis for conservation and breeding, the application of Next-Generation Sequencing in genetic disorder detection, library preparation and sequencing, variant classification, and bioinformatics analysis of the chloroplast genome. The combination of theoretical and practical sessions is expected to enhance participants’ competencies in molecular genetics and bioinformatics, thereby supporting research, breeding, and biological resource conservation. The training also aligns with the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 15 (Life on Land), through capacity building in genetic research and biodiversity conservation.