Yogyakarta, July 1, 2024 – A team of students from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University has achieved remarkable success by winning 3rd place in the CEWAMA Research Competition organized by the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic Curug. This national competition ran from May 29 to June 25, 2024, for the scientific writing phase and concluded with final presentations on July 1, 2024.

The team, named “ALNOCO” (Algae Non Carbon), consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (class of 2021), K.H. Mahadhevy Ryrathna Vidhantyka (class of 2022), and Aqil Muhammad Hafiz (class of 2021). Under the guidance of Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc., and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., they presented a paper titled “INNOVATION OF POME AS A MICROALGAE (Neochloris oleoabundans) SUBSTRATE FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF RENEWABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT FUEL DERIVATIVES.”

In their work, the ALNOCO team addressed the issue of alternative bioavtur from microalgae biomass by utilizing waste POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) as a growth substrate. The biomass of N. oleoabundans, which is rich in lipid content, can be used as an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative for aircraft fuel. The growth and lipid content of N. oleoabundans are influenced by various factors, including optimal nutritional content (N:P:C). POME waste provides the necessary N:P:C levels for N. oleoabundans to grow and accumulate lipids in its cells.

This innovation has significant potential to support environmentally friendly bioavtur production before 2030, with the support of all parties involved in the next stages of testing, including preparing a roadmap for commercialization, However, further discussion is needed to optimize the growth of microalgae in POME waste and extract lipids for making aircraft fuel that minimally pollutes the air. Additionally, the use of microalgae and POME as alternative options has been proven to be safe to process, fulfilling the need for a clean energy transportation system, which will positively impact the environment.

The competition was attended by 56 teams from various universities across Indonesia. The achievements of the ALNOCO team demonstrate their commitment to developing innovative and applicable research. This success also showcases the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the development of sustainable science and technology, aligning with UGM’s SDGs goals in the renewable energy field.

The Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) – Community Service Team from Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, led by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani S.Si., M.Kes. with team members Anida Safriyani, Nailah Aufa Khansa, Rizquita Brillianti, and Safia Putri Sakanti (Undergraduate student of Faculty of Biology, 2021) carried out activities to improve family health in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman. This program was implemented under collaboration with a partner from the Takmir of the Jami’ Darussalam Mosque, Mr. Gunardi S.Si. The program was started with a quetionnaire of the healthy lifestyle of Pajangan Hamlet residents and socialization of healthy livestyles. Completing the questionnaire was carried out on 4 – 8 May 2024 by around 57 residents of Pajangan Hamlet from 8 years to 72 years old.

Furthermore, on June 9 2024, our MBKM team conducted socialization entitled “Healthy Lifestyles and Nutritious Food Consumption Patterns”. This activity took place at the Jami’ Darussalam Mosque and was attended by around 17 residents of Pajangan Hamlet. In this activity, our team explained about the healthy lifestyles and the importance of nutrient balance for the body. We also explained the impacts of inbalance nutrient intake and how to prevent it. When conducting socialization, we displayed the results of the healthy lifestyle questionnaire that has been carried out previously. The residents were very enthusiastic in asking various questions and discussions related to the material presented. At the end of the activity, our team gave appreciation to residents who actively participated in the discussion.

Our MBKM team hopes that this activity can increase the knowledge of the residents of Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, so that they can adopt a healthy lifestyle and consume balanced nutritious food in their daily lives and that they can encourage prosperity aas well as improve their standard of living and health.

Currently, tourism continues to grow and has become a mainstay for local communities. One of the significant potentials that is easy to develop is the utilization of natural landscapes with tourism potential. Gunungkidul Regency is an area dominated by karst landscapes with various tourism potentials such as beaches, caves, hills, waterfalls, mountains, historical sites, and cultural tourism. One of the potential natural tourism areas with a promising landscape topography is in Kathongan Village, Nglipar, particularly Punthuk Kepuh Area.

Punthuk Kepuh offers the best sunrise view surrounded by karst hills. Additionally, there are facilities like playgrounds, camping sites, glamping, joglos, prayer rooms, and parks. However, the soil conditions and characteristics at Punthuk Kepuh make it challenging to arrange shading plants and develop gardens. Therefore, the development and arrangement of gardens is necessary, which is the objective of the Community Service (PkM) activity based on the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program.

To arrange the garden in the Punthuk Kepuh area, PkM-MBKM activity was conducted on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, 2024. The landscape architecture discussion and garden arrangement were led by Anggi Nada, Tsaabita Roona, and Purwi Anis under the guidance of Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo S.Si., in collaboration with the Garden Management program from the Kelompok Studi Arsitektur Taman (KSAT). The target of this service program is the Kelompok Sadar Wisata Punthuk Kepuh (POKDARWIS) which was catalyzed together with the KSAT team.

The garden-making process took two days. On the first day, a land survey and design adjustments were carried out on three garden sites, followed by the land clearing and execution process. The garden design process was then presented to community and POKDARWIS to get feedback and suggestions from the community’s perspective. On the second day, the finalization of the garden construction and the closing of the activity were conducted.

The first phase of the garden arrangement activity went smoothly and was very well received by the community, especially POKDARWIS. Mujiyono, the chairman of POKDARWIS, welcomed the PkM-MBKM collaboration to enhance the aesthetic value and support efforts to advance tourism in Punthuk Kepuh. Furthermore, this activity is expected to provide hands-on practical experience while enhancing the social spirit of the students involved, contributing to community benefits. As the supervising lecturer and proposer of PkM-MBKM, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo S.Si. stated that this program is UGM’s effort to contribute to SDG 15 regarding sustainable land ecosystem management and benefit the community.

The Community Service Team – Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology UGM for the year 2024, chaired by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., has successfully conducted a series of Community Service activities at Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Wirokerten, Banguntapan, Bantul. The MBKM PKM program supports SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 2 No Hunger, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. The team, consisting of four students, namely Nurindah Musarofah, Hasna Nabila Kusumastuti, Cindy Adisty Rudi Ananda Putri, and Amalia Rizky Fauzi, focused on the theme of simple hydroponic cultivation technology to enhance community food independence. This program is designed to span two semesters. On the even semester, PkM-MBKM activities were conducted on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB at the residence of Mr. Zamzuri, the Head of RT 001 Kepuh Kulon. The activities included socialization and practical demonstrations of simple hydroponic cultivation utilizing a wick system. The event was warmly received by 22 residents of RT 001 Kepuh Kulon, as well as Mr. Sunartana, the Head of the Kepuh Kulon Hamlet. In his address, Mr. Sunartana expressed his hope that this program would evolve into a sustainable initiative to address local challenges, urging community members to support its continuity. Mrs. Rina emphasized that the program aims to bolster community food independence by maximizing limited land resources through hydroponic cultivation and encouraged residents to adopt hydroponic practices at their homes.

Socialization activities included providing information on the concept and benefits of hydroponics, suitable plant species for hydroponic cultivation, various hydroponic techniques, types of fertilizers and equipment, and procedures for implementing wick system hydroponics. The wick system was chosen for its simplicity, minimal requirement of tools and materials, and low maintenance costs. During the practical session, residents were divided into four groups of 6-8 individuals, each accompanied by a student mentor to facilitate independent practice. Participants engaged in activities such as seed selection, planting in rockwool, preparation of nutrient solutions, and transplanting seedlings. It is hoped that the residents’ enthusiasm and newly acquired skills will contribute to the sustainability of the program. Additionally, the PkM-MBKM team distributed sets of hydroponic tools to enable residents to continue practicing hydroponic cultivation at home. The PkM-MBKM program will be continued in the odd semester Academic Year 2024/2025 in September with activities to process hydroponic harvests into products that can be used for community food independence.

#SDG 1 No Poverty, #SDG 2 No Hunger, #SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

A total of four students from the UGM Faculty of Biology had the opportunity to be accepted into the Indonesian International Student Mobility (IISMA) program in 2024. They are Abigail Yemima (Class of 2021) who was accepted at the University of Glasgow, Felix Luman Shanahan (IUP Class of 2022) who will study at the University of Groningen, Maxmillian Melvin (IUP Class of 2022) at the University of Pennsylvania, and Tan Rendy (Class of 2022) who will be having the opportunity to study at the University of British Columbia.

Abigail Yemima expressed her gratitude for being accepted into the IISMA program. At first she didn’t feel confident and wasn’t sure she would be accepted. But her efforts paid off. “I felt that this was a kickstart into a brand new chapter of my life and opened the door to many new opportunities,” said Abigail. She is very grateful and excited to have been accepted at the University of Glasgow and will make the most of it. The University of Glasgow itself is a top university offering a variety of courses, ranging from STEM to Arts and Humanities, which supports interdisciplinarity for exchange students alike. Being a member of the Russell Group, the University of Glasgow also focuses on research allowing me to connect with researchers and educators with similar interests. “I have high hopes that the supplementary courses I take and my effort to expand my network will lay the groundwork for a post-graduate degree or my career in the future”, she hopes.

Meanwhile, Tan Rendy stated that months of preparation had finally paid off when he received the announcement. Being an IISMA awardee, it definitely still feels surreal as well as exciting. “My huge gratitude to myself and those who have supported me to reach this point. One down, more to go!”, he said. For him University of British Columbia is special. Actually, it was not even on his list. But once he got to its page and did more research, he just knew what he was looking for. University of British Columbia is the one.

Maxmillian Melvin also expressed his joy and honor at being selected as one of the IISMA participants. Max, his nickname, is excited to meet and collaborate with other colleagues and experience new things abroad. “I chose University of Pennsylvania because of its renowned reputation in research which offers a ton of opportunities and resources. Furthermore, University of Pennsylvania has a diverse community that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning,” he said firmly.

Furthermore, Felix Luman Shanahan firmly stated that the University of Groningen was his choice. “I opted for the University of Groningen as my choice for IISMA because of its renowned reputation in economics and business studies. I have a goal to establish a sustainable biology-based business in the future, and I believe that the knowledge and skills I acquire at the University of Groningen will assist me in achieving this goal”, said Felix. According to him, apart from excellent economics and business programs, the University of Groningen has a large international student community which offers excellent opportunities to expand your network and connect with people from all over the world. “I am extremely grateful and thrilled to become an IISMA awardee, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey— my friends, lecturers, and my family”, he concluded.

Congratulations to the students receiving the Indonesian International Student Mobility (IISMA) program in 2024! Hopefully this program will further increase student experience and knowledge specifically and can support the achievement of point 4 of the SDGs related to Quality Education.

Yogyakarta, March 1 2024 – Today, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed a benchmarking study visit from the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) which took place from 13.00 to 16.00 WIB in the KPTU courtroom Faculty of Biology UGM.

This event is part of an effort to deepen understanding of the Master’s and Doctoral program curriculum at the Faculty of Biology UGM. In his speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed his sincere appreciation for the visit of the team from ITB. He also expressed the hope that cooperation between the two institutions would become closer, especially in efforts to improve the quality of education holistically.

Also attending this event was the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Asset Finance and Human Resources, Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. as Head of the Department, Dr.rer.nat Andhika Puspito N, M.Sc. as Head of the Masters Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnanigrum, M.Eng. as Head of the Doctoral Study Program at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Emi Dwi Suyanti, M.Sc. as Coordinator Academic and Student Affairs.

Meanwhile, the team from ITB who took part in this visit consisted of Dr. Isty Adhitya Purwasena, M.Si., Dr. Iriawati, Sartika Indah Amalia Sudiarto, Ph.D., and Dr. Fenryco Pratama, M.Sc.

This meeting is not only a means to exchange information and experiences, but is also a concrete step in supporting the achievement of SDGs point 4, it’s an efforts to realize quality education in Indonesia.

In order to promote local creative products through the development of KABUT KEBONALAS Manisrenggo Klaten Tourism Village, the MBKM Team Built a Village for the Faculty of Biology UGM which was coordinated by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D together with four MBKM students from the Faculty of Biology UGM ( Darren Nicholas Rahmanto, Fadilah Rahma Julianty, Joananda Taufik Ardana, and Tamara Sugihara carried out integrated community service together with Muhammad Naufal Dzakwan Luzen and teams from several clusters through the UGM PPM KKN program. This activity began with initial coordination with the Kebonalas Village Government and POKDARWIS Management KABUT KEBONALAS. This activity aims to integrate the MBKM Building Villages service program which has been started in 2022 so that it touches more on MSMEs and local culture and arts, fosters networking opportunities, and contributes to the economic growth of the community. Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village together with the MBKM Team, Faculty of Biology Gadjah Mada University. This survey was also carried out to gather ideas for activities in various agricultural and health techniques that are innovative and environmentally friendly.

The Kabut Kebonalas tourism awareness group team consists of Mr. Supriyanto, S.Pd. (Village Head), Mr. Robani, S.P. (Chairman of BPD), Mr. Suwadi, S.Pd. (Sekdes), Mr. Sunardi, Mr. Riyanto Wahyudi and others have been approved by the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism of Klaten Regency through Decree Number 2 of 2023, accompanied by a lecturer from the UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M. Sc., Ph.D.) and fruit plant cultivation practitioner, UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Yusuf Sulaeman, S.IP). This activity was also supported by MBKM Building Village students, namely Darren Nicholas Rahmanto, Fadilah Rahma Julianty, Joananda Taufik Ardana, and Tamara Sugihara. This activity supports the SDG’S, especially to eradicate poverty (SDG1), create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities (SDG 11) and to combat climate change (SDG 13).

A survey was also carried out in Sapen Manisrenggo Village, Klaten, to explore local potential which would be used as a flagship in community empowerment based on local wisdom and potential, such as agriculture, plantations and environmental conservation, including developing the potential for cultivating mangosteen and durian fruit.

#SDG 1: Poverty; #SDG 11 Inclusive communities; # SDG 13: Climate change; #UGM Biology

KABUT KEBONALAS Manisrenggo Klaten Tourism Village, which was built starting in 2021 and began planting fruit plants together with the MBKM Team Building a Village, Faculty of Biology UGM, which was coordinated by Sukirno, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. Since 2022, has entered the first harvest period. In November 2023, the first longan harvest was carried out together with MBKM students from the UGM Faculty of Biology together with elements of village society such as all POKDARWIS members, village government officials and PKK groups. On February 28 2024 KABUT KEBONALAS together with the MBKM team held harvest activities and socialization of tourist destination rides to all MUSPIKA Manisrenggo District. In this activity the village government invited Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Head of Manisrenggo Subdistrict Mr. Slamet, S.H., M.Si., DANRAMIL Manisrenggo Mr. Captain Inf. Sukarman, KAPOLSEK Manisrenggo AKP Fajar Damhudi, S.H., all members of POKDARWIS and elements of PEMDES Kebonalas, as well as the staff of teachers and the Manisrenggo Community Health Center. Thank God, longan, honey star fruit, avocado and crystal guava have entered their first harvest. This activity was also attended by the Coordinator of the PPM KKN team – Muhammad Naufal Dzakwan Luzen and teams from several clusters through the UGM PPM KKN program and the MBKM team Darren Nicholas Rahmanto, Fadilah Rahma Julianty, Joananda Taufik Ardana, and Tamara Sugihara.

This activity opened with a performance of the Gatotkaca Dance by Dik Dhimas and then continued with training for POKDARWIS KABUT KEBONALAS which was attended by resource persons from FK POKDARWIS KLATEN. This activity aims to strengthen POKDARWIS management and explore the village’s potential to be more integrated in MSME tourism villages, local culture and arts, grow networking opportunities, and contribute to the community’s economic growth. Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village together with the MBKM Team, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University.

The Kabut Kebonalas tourism awareness group team consists of Mr. Supriyanto, S.Pd. (Village Head), Mr. Robani, S.P. (Chairman of BPD), Mr. Suwadi, S.Pd. (Sekdes), Mr. Sunardi, Mr. Riyanto Wahyudi and others have been approved by the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism of Klaten Regency through Decree Number 2 of 2023, accompanied by a lecturer from the UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M. Sc., Ph.D.) and fruit plant cultivation practitioner, UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Yusuf Sulaeman, S.IP).

This activity supports the SDG’S, especially to eradicate poverty (SDG1), create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities (SDG 11) and to combat climate change (SDG 13).

#SDG 1: Poverty; #SDG 11 Inclusive communities; # SDG 13: Climate change; #UGM Biology

In an effort to introduce the biological world and the International Undergraduate Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM and its career prospects, campus visits and introductions were carried out at two international high schools in Denpasar, Bali, namely Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School and Santosa Intercultural School on February 12 2024. On the agenda, the Faculty UGM Biology was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School (GMIS), formerly Gandhi Memorial International School, is a private international school with campuses in Jakarta, Bali, and Semarang. GMIS Bali is located in Renon, Denpasar and was founded in 2007. GMIS Bali has almost 500 students from more than 30 countries. The teaching staff at the school are mostly Indian and Indonesian.

Santosa Intercultural School was founded in 1997 and is an independent, non-profit institution serving students from age 2 to grade 12. It consists of Doremi Preschool and Doremi Excellence School (DES). DES offers the Cambridge International Curriculum to its students. DES is fully accredited by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. Classes are held in English, but foreign students have mandatory Indonesian language classes. They follow the Cambridge curriculum and receive a certificate after grades 10 and 12.

After the zresentation session, it was followed by a discussion about the fields taught during lectures and career prospects for alumni of the UGM Faculty of Biology. Apart from that, the opportunity to take a double degree program (Double Degree) and the Fastrack Program was a part of what attracts many students’ interest. The International Undergraduate Program at the UGM Faculty of Biology, which is internationally accredited by ASIIN, has collaborated for a double degree program with the Australian National University (Australia), Leeds University (United Kingdom), and Western Sydney University (Australia). Meanwhile, the Double Degree Program collaboration process for undergraduate programs with James Cook University (Australia and Singapore) is in the process of being agreed. Apart from the double degree program, there is also a student exchange program with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (Malaysia), Yamagata University (Japan), Chiba University (Japan), Groningen University (Netherland), and James Cook University (Australia and Singapore ). Another international program that students can take part in is the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. Every year around 80-90 students from more than 10 universities from 8 countries participate. On a regular basis, the Faculty of Biology UGM also hosts guest lectures from professors from overseas partner universities as well as the International Conference on Biological Sciences every 2 years.

This collaboration is an activity of the Faculty of Biology UGM in recruiting prospective local and international students for the International Undergraduate Program and expanding international networks to improve the quality of research and academics at the global level.

Timor Leste, January 31, 2024 –  Delegation from the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, comprising of Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., the Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean, and Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, visited Pusat Budaya Indonesia (PBI) in Dili, Timor Leste.

Established in 2019, Pusat Budaya Indonesia (PBI) symbolizes the collaboration between the Indonesian and Timor Leste governments. PBI serves not only as a hub for Indonesian cultural activities in Timor Leste but also as a diplomatic center facilitating cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.

Discussions between the UGM Faculty of Biology delegation and representatives from PBI resulted in a strong commitment to support the dissemination of information about the Faculty of Biology UGM to the Timor Leste community through various media channels. This effort will be supported by Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) and PBI to ensure accurate and widespread information.

PBI also offers an international certified internship program for students of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The Program will include one month of preparation, one month of independent study and teaching assistance at PBI, and one month of reporting at one of the five state-owned enterprises or BUMN in Timor Leste, such as Mandiri, BRI, Waskita Karya, Pertamina, and Telkomsel.

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM also explored the possibility of collaboration in the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata – KKN) at the Indonesia-Timor Leste border, specifically in Timor Tengah Utara, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province. Moreover, there is an opportunity for professionals in Timor Leste to pursue further studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM with scholarships provided by the faculty.

This visit also fostering our connections with the Family of Alumni of the Biologi Faculty UGM or Keluarga Alumni Biologi UGM (Kabiogama) and the UGM Alumni Family or Keluarga Alumni Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kagama) residing in Timor Leste.

This visit aims not only to exchange information but also to strengthen the ties between the Faculty of Biology UGM and institutions in Timor Leste (SDG 17) and create new opportunities for collaborative academic development (SDG 4).