Sleman, June 1, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology UGM proudly announces the launch of Buddy Counsellors, aimed at enhancing the well-being of students within the campus environment. This initiative is designed to train students to become peer companions who can provide adequate emotional support and counselling to fellow students in need. In this fast-paced and demanding era, mental health has become one of the crucial aspects that needs attention. The Faculty of Biology UGM recognizes the importance of social support and emotional assistance for students in facing academic pressures and daily life challenges. Therefore, the Buddy Counsellors training aims to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment where students can support each other and promote mental well-being.

The event was directly attended and inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., accompanied by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., as well as the Head of the Administration Office, Mulyanto, S.T., MM.

During this activity, 24 Buddy Counsellors were equipped with basic knowledge of mental health, first aid for mental health issues, including an understanding of mental health issues in general, as well as outbound activities to get to know each other. The coordination of this activity was carried out by Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. (Counsellors team), Titin Fauziah, S.E., MBA. (Coordinator of HPU at the Faculty of Biology UGM), as well as psychologist at the Faculty of Biology, Yudhistira, M.Psi., Psikolog.

After completing the training, participants will receive a Buddy Counsellors Mental Health certificate recognized by the Faculty of Biology at UGM. They will become valuable resources for their peers on campus, ready to provide the necessary assistance and support in maintaining students’ mental health. Congratulations, Buddy Counsellors of the Faculty of Biology at UGM.

Community Service Program at the Faculty of Biology UGM with coordinator Sukirno, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. has been started since 2020 through the MBKM Community Service Program to Build Villages. After preparation and initiation since 2020, in 2021 the program will progress gradually with a strong commitment from all village officials spearheaded by Mr. Supriyanto, S.Pd. (Kebonalas Village Head), Mr. Suwadi, S.Pd. (Village Secretary), Mr. Robani, S.TP. (Chairman of the BPD) and members, Mr. Sunardi as the head of the sub-village, Mrs. Mulati and Mr. Junarko as the Maju Makmur BUMDES with assistance from the MBKM Membangun Desa, Faculty of Biology UGM proposed Kebonalas as a Fruit Plant-based Tourism Village to the Klaten District Government. The submission will be carried out in November 2022, and then undergo an assessment in the field on January 11, 2023 by the Youth Culture and Sports and Tourism Office.

After carrying out the Assessment, on February 10, 2023, Alhamdulillah, Kebonalas Village received a Village Decree from the Regent for the KABUT KEBONALAS Tourism Destination vehicle with the SK number 435/41 of 2023 dated February 10, 2023 and the Tourism Awareness Group Decree of the Youth Culture and Sports and Tourism Office with Number 2 Year 2023. With this success, it is hoped that this program can run according to plan and the goal of a tourist village can soon be realized to become a source of income and empowerment for the people of Kebonalas Village that is synergistic and sustainable.

In order to introduce waste management techniques, the team of Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM MBKM) Faculty of Biology 2023 chaired by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. and involved two students namely Galuh Kirana Mahadewi and Laila Uswatun Chasanah have carried out activities related to organic waste management in Dusun Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Wirokerten, Banguntapan, Bantul. This activity is planned to take place in 2 semesters, starting with a socialization event which have been held on Sunday 14 May 2023 from 09.00 to 10.30 WIB at the house of the neighborhood head of RT 001, Mr. Zamzuri. This socialization activity was attended by 15 participants of RT 001 and the head of Hamlet. In her greetings, Ms. Rina said that the MBKM PkM activity was the second year of the MBKM PkM Program at RT 001 Kepuh Kulon. The Waste Management theme is a program that is expected to be applied by people in their homes or in their environment. Head of the hamlet, Mr. Sunartana conveyed the importance of household-scale waste management. This is because a lot of garbage has accumulated in various places due to garbage dumps that can no longer accommodate waste. In this socialization activity, it was explained the meaning of waste, types of waste, examples, as well as how to process waste into more useful items.

After the socialization activities were carried out, then practical activities were carried out in managing household organic waste into compost and eco enzymes. This activity was held on Sunday, 21 May 2023 from 09.30 to 11.00 WIB at the house of the neighborhood head of RT 001, Mr. Zamzuri. This activity was attended by 23 participants consisting of women from Kepuh Kulon RT 001. Before doing the practice, Galuh and Laila demonstrated how to make compost and eco enzymes from household waste. In this activity, Rania Naura Anindhita, a student at the UGM Faculty of Biology, introduced her product to the participants who attended. Eco Lindi is a liquid that neutralizes the smell of garbage, the smell of garbage sprayed by Eco Lindi will disappear within 10 minutes. During the practice of making compost and eco enzymes, the community was divided into four groups, one group consisting of 5 to 6 people and each group carried out independent practices. The waste used comes from household waste collected a few days before. At the end of the activity, the MBKM PkM team distributed EM4, molasses, and Eco Lindi to the participants that attend, so they could re-practice making the compost and eco enzyme at their homes. Eco Lindi that is distributed can be sprayed to remove the smell of household waste, chicken coops, or cattle houses. This PkM MBKM activity will be continued from July to November with the utilization of household waste into more useful materials.

On Saturday, April 15 2023, the BIORAMA or BiOSC Sharing Together activity was carried out at an orphanage in Yogyakarta, namely the Aisyah Orphanage on Jl. Munir, Serangan No. 109, Notoprajan, Ngampilan, Yogyakarta. This activity is one of the annual work programs under the Public Relations and BiOSC Network field carried out in the month of Ramadan. This year, BIORAMA’s agenda is distributing food aid and donation. The funds used came from opening donations on March 31 – April 13, 2023 so the total funds received were Rp. 2,067,000,-. The event was opened with remarks from the Head of BiOSC, Lisna N Aini, followed by remarks by the Chairperson of the Aisyiyah Orphanage, Mrs. Windah. She was grateful for the donation provided. The BIORAMA event was closed with a joint documentation session.

On Saturday, April 15 2023, a Field Class was held, followed by an Iftar. The activity is to increase Seedling’s knowledge and skills in implementing the Small Group Discussion 2 material that was presented a few weeks earlier. Field class activities in the form of materialization by the Plant Diversity Science Sub-Division and Landscape Ecology Science Sub-Division, as well as the implementation of SGD 2 material by the Landscape Architecture Science Sub-Division.

The first field class was delivered by the Landscape Ecology Research Sub-Division. The speaker explained about the interaction of abiotic factors with the environment and the procedures for using tools in making mini reports which included how to measure soil pH, soil moisture, and temperature in the UGM Biological Forest. Then proceed with the second field class by the Landscape Architecture Sub-Division, namely the implementation of designing a garden which includes site inventory and making notations on the base map. This was followed by the final field class by the Plant Diversity Science Sub-Division. The presenter explained about the growth form, macromorphological characters of plants, and the aesthetic value of a plant. After the presentation of the field class, it was followed by closing the field class and an explanation of the assignment.

After the field class activities were over, it was followed by iftar with all KSAT members. After that, the activity continued with the creation of content from the ten members who were selected to come forward bringing their own snacks. The activity continued with the exchange of snacks that had been brought between KSAT members. The joint opening activity ended with a closing prayer and documentation.

Wednesday (26/4/23) the Faculty of Biology UGM held the Syawalan 1444 H, which is one of the routine activities carried out by the Faculty of Biology UGM every Shawwal month, this time with the theme “Strengthening Gathering and Increasing Harmony in Reaching Achievements”. The recitation took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and was attended by all Lecturers, Education Staff, Association of Dharma Wanita Management, Retired Lecturers/Educational Staff, and Student representatives.

The event opened with the recitation of the Qoran, by Ustadz Tantan Qital Barozi and Ustadzah Neng Najmiah. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. on that occasion expressed his gratitude for the presence of all invited guests. In his remarks Prof. Budi said that the Faculty of Biology continues to hold syawalan recitation events to strengthen friendship and achieve harmony among the Biology Faculty’s family. Prof. Budi also apologized for all mistakes while carrying out his serving duties. “On behalf of the Faculty of Biology I wish you a happy Eid Al-Fitr 1444 H, and ask for sincerity to be forgiven for all mistakes and mistakes.”

Next, the Syawalan Pledge was delivered which was guided by Abdul Razaq Chasani, M.Sc., Ph.D. and followed by the main event of the Syawalan. The speaker was Prof. Dr. Chairil Anwar who is a Lecturer at FMIPA UGM. “We were created as nations so that we can stay in touch with one another.” As noble as we are, people who are pious, that is, people who are in an emergency or spend too much of their fortune for the benefit of many people, and people who can control their anger. “Through this syawalan, we hope that we will return to our nature, return to our identity as human beings, namely clean human beings”

The Syawalan was closed with a prayer led by Prof. Dr. Chairil Anwar and continued shaking hands as a sign of mutual apologies.

As part of the Asean University Network (AUN), which is a network of universities in the ASEAN Region, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, also continues its participation in one of the activities held by AUN, namely the AUN-EEC (Ecological Education and Culture) General Assembly, as a continuation of AUN -EEC First Round Meeting which was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in 2019 in the Philippines. AUN-EEC is one of the AUN agendas designed in the form of education and culture aimed at educating the younger generation of ASEAN to have a sustainable mindset towards biodiversity and the environment.

At the AUN-EEC General Assembly 2023 which was held virtually hosted by Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines on April 26 2023, 22 representatives from 30 member universities attended, including 2 (two) lecturers as representatives of the UGM Faculty of Biology namely Sari Darmasiwi, S.Si., M. Biotech., Ph.D. and Nurindah Septriani, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The meeting began with a presentation by the AUN EEC Secretariat, Emmanuel Delocado, who delivered several teasers on the main AUN-EEC 2023 agenda including the AUN-EEC Conference “Communing and Reconciling with Nature” which is planned to be held on August 16, 2023, followed by AUN-EEC Workshop “Individual Commitments for Ecosystem Restoration and Reconciliation” on October 11, 2023. The target participants for the two events were lecturers, students, and researchers from member universities.

The event then continued with discussion and information exchange regarding the agenda of each member institution related to education in biodiversity and the environment for 2023 which can be supported by AUN-EEC. In this case, the UGM Faculty of Biology is socializing the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development which is planned to be held in July 2023.

This event was closed by the Executive Director of AUN-EEC, Maria A.C. Cuyegkeng who invites and develops a network of universities affiliated with AUN so that they can work together to realize the mission of educating the younger generation to preserve the environment and contribute to the community.

Every year the Christian Student Society (PMK) of the Faculty of Biology celebrates the Easter service with the aim of providing a place for Christian students and lecturers to celebrate Easter. This activity is also useful in developing Christian students’ spiritual relationships through joint fellowship. At this Easter celebration, PMK Biology carries the theme “Philadelfia” with the main verse on Hebrews 13:1-3. Through this theme, it is hoped that the brotherly love and friendship that God has given through humans can be channeled in the form of love for others, not only for those we know but for everyone according to the love of Jesus Christ.

This activity was held on Saturday, April 15 2023 at 17.00 – 19.00 WIB in Room 1-2 Building B, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity was attended by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St. as PMK Biology supervisor lecturer, member of PMK Biology batch 2018 to 2022, representatives of PMK and KMKK UGM, and representatives from the Inter-University Fellowship – Yogyakarta Christian Student Society (PERKANTAS-PMKY).

This activity began with remarks by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and was followed by a celebration session and a prayer session. The celebration session was carried out in the form of Bible-themed games to bring each student closer and create an atmosphere of brotherhood, and was followed by praise through songs. During the worship session, the sermon was delivered by Ev. Fillia A. Laua from GII Hok Im Tong Cornerstone Jogja with the title “Maintain Brotherly Love”. The word that was brought about the extraordinary love of Jesus Christ became the basis for us to love others. Our love can be shown in the form of kindness, empathy, loyalty, and happiness. By carrying out this activity, it is hoped that we can increase brotherly love for everyone around us.

On Saturday, April 29 2023, the BiOSC 2023 Family Gathering was held. This activity was part of the celebration of the 17th BiOSC Anniversary. This time the Family Gathering carries the theme IOS (Bonding BiOSC) with the jargon “Empower One Another”. This activity was attended by Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M. S., M. Sc., as the BiOSC supervisor. In addition, this activity was also attended by 64 BiOSC members. In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. giving hope to BiOSC on this 17th Anniversary so that in the future it will be even more solid. Apart from that, he also hopes that BiOSC will be more responsive to the condition of orchids at UGM, especially at the Faculty of Biology.

To enliven the Family Gathering activities, each field with representatives from AD XVII made different performances. In addition to performances, in this Family Gathering activities various group games were also held. The BiOSC 2023 Family Gathering is very exciting and fun. Everything went smoothly. By holding the 2023 Family Gathering, it is hoped that it will strengthen the sense of kinship so as to create a harmonious relationship between BiOSC members

On Saturday, May 6 2023 the UGM Faculty of Biology Community Service Team made their first visit to the Kampung Satwa located in Kedung Banteng, Sumberagung, Moyudan, Sleman, Yogyakarta. This visit was aimed at introducing oneself as well as coordinating with partners in the context of implementing a program entitled “Strengthening Food Security in Kampung Satwa to Improve Family Nutrition and Anticipate Wasting and Stunting Incidents”. This program is one of fourteen proposals that have passed to be funded in the 2023 Community Service-Free Learning Campus (PkM-MBKM) Grant for the Faculty of Biology UGM.

As for some of the activities that will be carried out in Period I (Even Semester Academic Year 2022/2023) include: (1) Counseling on the use of ecoenzymes for households, agriculture, health and the environment, (2) Cultivating microgreens as an alternative to vegetable nutritional needs, (3 ) Dissemination of the Nutrition Awareness Family Program (Kadarzi) and monitoring of the growth and development of children and toddlers, and (4) Utilization of residents’ yards as Nutrition Gardens.

The stunting and wasting prevention program has become a directive from the PKK of Kedung Banteng. With the collaboration between the Swanting Team and the Kampung Satwa, it is hoped that good synergy will be created in the context of preventing and accelerating the reduction of stunting and wasting in the Kampung Satwa and its surroundings through programs to improve community nutrition, especially for children and toddlers. This program is in line with the Republic of Indonesia’s national program for the 2020-2024 period as stipulated in the Republic of Indonesia Presidential Regulation No. 72 of 2021 and the Republic of Indonesia Minister of Health Regulation No. 13 of 2022.