On Saturday, August 12, 2023, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), had a special opportunity as one of the speakers at the Research and Innovation Exhibition held as part of the 28th National Technology Awakening Day (Hakteknas) organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Higher Education, Research, and Technology. The event took place at Plaza Tenggara Gelora Bung Karno, Central Jakarta.

This activity was an effort by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to promote the spirit of local innovation and celebrate the educational advancements supported by technological achievements from the young generation of Indonesia. The theme of this year’s event was “Research and Innovation Talent for Indonesia Emas 2045” (Golden Indonesia 2045). The event was divided into three main parts: the preparation of the Hakteknas series, the Hakteknas exhibition, and the peak of the Hakteknas event, which lasted for four days from August 10-13, 2023. In this event, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., played as the main speaker. He presented an interesting topic in a Talk Show titled “Academic Community Innovation Towards Indonesia Emas 2045”. His presentation focused on innovations in the field of biology, particularly related to the development of the shape and size of Hikapel Melon fruit, as well as the innovation of shampoo made from Melon GMP (Gama Melon Parfum).

The participation in this event involved representatives from various universities, including Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Besides Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the event also invited Dr. Agnes Rosarina Prita Sari, M.Phil. (FKKMK) and Prof. Dr. med.vet. drh. Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo (FKH), who are also representatives from UGM. Moreover, the event was attended by the Indonesia CSR Forum, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, journalists, as well as representatives from the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Engagement.

The 28th Hakteknas Research and Innovation Exhibition served as a platform for innovators, researchers, and academics to showcase cutting-edge technological products, innovative ideas, and the latest research results. Additionally, the event supported a spirit of cross-sector collaboration and emphasized the development of local solutions that contribute to the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045, aiming to transform Indonesia into an advanced nation by 2045 in celebration of its 100th independence anniversary.

On Friday, August 11, 2023, the Faculty of Biology hosted a Public Lecture with the theme “The Power of Core Skills: Unraveling Termites, Phages, and Beyond.” The theme was presented by Ajeng Kusumaningtyas Pramono, D.Sc from Gifu University, Japan, who is also an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology. The Public Lecture was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, the Chair of the Undergraduate Program, the Academic and Student Affairs Coordinator of the Faculty of Biology, along with the new students of the 2023 batch of the Faculty of Biology.

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The event took place in the Auditorium Biologi Tropika and was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology. In his opening remarks, Prof. Budi expressed that determination and strong will are important assets in achieving one’s aspirations. He also emphasized the importance of enthusiasm and motivation for students embarking on their studies each semester, drawing inspiration from Biology alumni who have forged successful careers in their respective fields. During the presentation session, Ajeng Kusumaningtyas Pramono, D.Sc, shared her experiences throughout her academic journey, spanning from her Bachelor’s to Doctoral degrees, and her scholarship experiences abroad. In the discussion session, students showed great enthusiasm by posing questions to Dr. Ajeng Pramono about her research topics. As a conclusion, Dr. Ajeng Pramono stated, “With core skills, you can push in any direction.” In this session, Prof. Budi also awarded door prizes in the form of books to four participants of the public lecture.

The event preceded with an explanation of academic services by the Academic and Student Affairs Coordinator of the Faculty of Biology, Mrs. Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si., M.Sc. She provided information about course registration, examination systems, class attendance, student services, and academic announcements.

In an effort to promote the development of digital library services in Indonesia, the National Library of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Digital Library Forum and Brawijaya University, organized the 14th Digital Library Conference Indonesia (KPDI) in 2023. The conference took place from August 9th to 11th, officially inaugurated by Prof. Widodo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Med.Sc., the Rector of Brawijaya University (UB), at Hotel Atria Malang. The theme of the 14th KPDI was “Forging the Future through Digital Preservation of Local Indonesian Knowledge (Culture, Knowledge, and Learning).” In his address, Widodo expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the organization of this excellent event. He noted that there are many challenges ahead for libraries as the digital era unfolds, one of which is the proliferation of digital information. The official opening of the event followed with the striking of the gong by Muhammad Syarif Bando, the Head of the National Library of Indonesia.

During his response, Syarif Bando acknowledged the collaboration between UB and the Arterial Research and Educational Network in the Asia Pacific (ARENA-PAC), highlighting its potential for providing the academic community access to global reading materials and journals. He stressed the role of librarians as readers and knowledge gatherers worldwide, emphasizing their significance as a profession that all other professions rely upon. He asserted that librarians need to convey the latest and forthcoming knowledge to the public. In the current digital age, he mentioned that the amount of electronic information is still limited, necessitating librarians who can repackage information. For this occasion, the Head Librarian of UGM assigned several librarian staff to participate as speakers in the call for papers or as participants in the conference. Among them, Aris Setiawan SIP, a librarian from the Faculty of Biology Library at UGM, had the opportunity to participate as a conference attendee.

The conference was attended by over 500 participants, including librarians, educators, and library practitioners from across Indonesia. The hope is that by participating in this event, attendees can develop four essential skills necessary for librarians and library managers in the digital era: the ability to curate digital data, analyze important data, conserve, and preserve data. The aspiration is that these skills will inspire and contribute to the evolving landscape of library science and can be applied to support the advancement of knowledge within the academic community.

Several recommendations were concluded after this event, including digital preservation strategies for traditions, languages, scripts, rituals, norms, arts, and various cultural products as part of cultural heritage and cultural expression. These should become part of commodification and cultural economic enhancement. Additionally, digital preservation should play a role in safeguarding the nation’s memory, revitalizing national history, nurturing values of unity, diversity, education, and strengthening cultural literacy. Furthermore, information technology is expected to significantly influence the future of digital libraries.

The Faculty of Biology UGM is actively enhancing its capabilities to become a center for Tropical Biodiversity and Biomedical education and research. This entails a need for bolstering human resource capacities and infrastructure to support this vision. In this batch, Indra Lesmana, M.Sc., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology UGM, had the opportunity, sponsored by the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS), to attend a training program on biomedical and omics at the China National GeneBank (CNGB) located in Shenzhen, China. The training took place from July 31 to August 9, 2023.

Participants in this training program comprised teaching staff, doctors, professionals, researchers, practitioners, and technicians from universities, vertically-aligned Ministry of Health hospitals, and clinical laboratories. Among the participants were representatives from institutions such as Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bogor Agricultural University, University of Indonesia, RSCM, RSPON, Harapan Kita Heart Hospital, Harapan Kita General Hospital, Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital, Persahabatan General Hospital, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Dr. Ngoerah General Hospital, and the GSI Laboratory.

The training program encompassed lectures, laboratory practices, and field visits, including an introduction to CNGB, the history and development of the Beijing Genome Institute, clinical testing services for thalassemia, cancer risk, NIPT, WES, and WGS. Additionally, the training covered the NGS platform material from BGI, specifically MGI. Laboratory practices focused on DNA extraction using magnetic beads and DNBSeq library preparation. As part of the field visit, the participants toured BGI Bioverse to observe the research outcomes of perennial rice, a crop capable of sustained growth and multiple harvests across seasons without replanting.

As a result of this training, fresh insights into sequencing technology developments were gained, which can enhance the curriculum content. Moreover, laboratory technical skills were augmented, adding new research and testing methods. This is expected to fortify the excellence of education, research, and community engagement at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

The Entomology Study Group (KSE) of the Faculty of Biology at UGM once again organized an event called “Upgrading Skill,” which focused on the theme “Sanger & NCS for Research in Entomology.” The event took place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, providing a platform for discussions on molecular analysis and the latest research trends in the field of entomology. The main objective of the Upgrading Skill was to educate all members of the ESG, especially regarding the application of technology in entomological research. The event was conducted online via Zoom, and the participants were active members of the KSE.

The event, which was scheduled from 08:00 to 11:30 AM WIB, was led by Delia Sawanda Syarifatullah (KSE XXIV), with Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng., an alumnus of ESG XIV who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, serving as the main speaker. The activities commenced at 09:00 AM WIB with an opening speech by the KSE Advisor, Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., PhD. This was followed by Atikah Fitria Muharromah’s presentation on “Sanger & NCS for Research in Entomology.” The presentation covered the basic concept of DNA as the genetic instruction in cell life and DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing, a laboratory method for determining the order of nucleotides, has evolved over three generations. Furthermore, a comparison between the Sanger Technique and NGS Technique, along with their applications, was also presented.

The Upgrading Skill event concluded with a discussion session, and the activities wrapped up with a documentation session for all participants and the speaker at 11:00 AM WIB.

The Panasonic Scholarship Indonesia was first launched in 1998 by Panasonic Corporation Japan to celebrate its 80th anniversary. The scholarship is offered through PT. Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia in the form of Postgraduate Scholarships at the best universities in Japan for outstanding graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (S1) from various universities in Indonesia. Since 2014, Panasonic has changed the scholarship policy to provide Education Cost Aid and monthly Stipends for Bachelor’s (S1) and Master’s (S2) students, and in 2019, it was extended to include Diploma (D3/D4) students. The selection process for the Panasonic Scholarship begins with candidate selection through their respective universities /faculties /programs, followed by Panasonic’s own selection. The determination of scholarship recipients takes into various factors such as the completeness of administrative documents, students’ GPA, language proficiency, family’s economic condition, involvement in organizations, “Future Plan” essay, and readiness to become a Panasonic Scholarship recipient.

Panasonic has designated 22 students as recipients of the Panasonic Scholarship 2023, comprising 12 students from the Bachelor’s program (S1), 4 from the Master’s program (S2), and 6 from the Diploma program (D3/D4). Adhisa Fathirisari Putri (Bachelor) and Aji Sukma Iqbal Najibulloh (Master) are students in Faculty Biology UGM, respectively, who have been selected as recipients of the Panasonic Scholarship 2023. Adhisa’s essay titled “To Understand Oneself, To Be A Leader of Our Own Self” explores the connection between neuroscience and human capability in understanding oneself, becoming a self-leader, and enhancing the quality of life. Aji’s essay, “Researcher is A Leader for Their Research Object,” explains the steps to comprehend one’s identity and leadership style, manage study plans, and explore taxonomic research opportunities for Indonesia’s progress.

The scholarship awarding ceremony for the awardees was held in person at PT. Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia on Thursday, July 27, 2023. In his address, Mr. Tomonobu Otsu, the President Director of PT. Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia, expressed that the 22 selected students are talented individuals who are expected to contribute to society at large. Aji was chosen to deliver a gratitude speech, highlighting that wise students not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also develop attitudes and leadership qualities to understand their own capacities.

On Thursday , July 27, 2023– A collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade was carried out by lecture from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully identifying the geographic origin of smuggled orangutans using DNA forensics. This achievement resulted from a partnership between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the Conservation Agency of East Java Province. It began when the East Java BKSDA sought the assistance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, to identify the subspecies and geographic origin of a smuggled orangutan on July 14, 2023.

Orangutans, being one of the endangered great apes, are targeted by illegal hunting, posing a significant threat to their survival as a species.The rescued orangutan, still a baby, posed challenges to determine its origin. To provide accurate information about the origin of the smuggled orangutan, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, a lecturer at the Systematics Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, conducted a forensic DNA analysis to resolve this issue. Dr. Sendi was also assisted with genetic facilities by Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory.. By combining the DNA sample of the orangutan with an extensive genetic database of orangutans, Dr. Sendi accurately identified the geographic origin of the specimen. The results showed that the orangutan belonged to the Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii subspecies, naturally distributed in the southwest and central regions of Kalimantan.

Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono stated, “We appreciate the contributions of many parties in protecting the existence of orangutans and other wild animals. These results are expected to assist law enforcement and authorities in facilitating the process of releasing orangutans back to their habitat and tracking broader illegal wildlife trade routes, enabling more effective prevention measures.” This outcome emphasizes the importance of cooperation between academics, the government, and conservation institutions to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate illegal hunting that damages ecosystems. With the identification of the geographic origin of the smuggled orangutan, it is hoped that law enforcement will be more effective, leading to stricter punishment for wildlife traffickers.

On Monday 7 August 2023, a group of waste management tour participants coordinated by SONJO, a humanitarian movement focused on aiding communities visited The Faculty Of Biology UGM. The group, consisting of 25 participants, arrived at the Faculty of Biology UGM around 9:30 AM and was promptly received by the Dean and the faculty members. This visit to the Faculty of Biology at UGM was part of a series of visits that had previously taken place at the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.

During his welcoming speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude for the participants’ visit. “The issue of waste actually originates from humans themselves, so it’s up to humans to solve it,” Prof. Budi stated. Furthermore, Prof. Budi elaborated that the Faculty of Biology UGM engages in daily waste management across a substantial area, including organic waste from the Biology Forest. Over time, the Faculty of Biology has made discoveries in waste management, such as expediting compost production.Following this, a video demonstrating the waste management procedures carried out at the Faculty of Biology at UGM was played.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were taken to the field to witness the waste management processes firsthand, which included:

1. Composting and maggot cultivation
2. Production of POC/Biofertilizer and ECO enzymes
3. Vermicomposting process

The waste management tour participants are scheduled to continue their visit for a period of 3 days until Wednesday (8/9/23), with participants from hospitals and religious boarding schools.

Yogyakarta, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly announces the successful implementation of the Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test. The event was attended by 12 participants from Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), Universitas Airlangga (Unair), Atma Jaya University, Andalas University, and UGM itself. This examination was a result of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the National Agricultural Professional Certification Institute (LSP) involving three competent assessors: Ari Setiowati, MP., Woro Anindito, Ph.D., and Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech.

The Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test took place on Saturday, August 5th, 2023, in the Upper Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada. Examination participants displayed exceptional skills in various aspects of tissue culture, including the latest laboratory techniques and methodologies. The test aimed to evaluate practical abilities, theoretical knowledge, and problem-solving skills of participants, which are crucial for advancing the field of biology. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Deputy Dean of Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni (P2MKSA) at the Faculty of Biology UGM, who delivered an inspiring opening speech. Dr. Suyono emphasized the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and highlighted the pivotal role of tissue culture in the development of biological sciences. Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology now offers Professional Certification for Biological Curators as a professional stage between Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Remarkably, participants of the Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test will receive a national competency certificate from Badan Nasional sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP). BNSP is an independent institution established as mandated by Article 18 paragraph (5) of Law Number 13 of 2004, with the task of conducting work competency certification and granting licenses to professional certification institutions (LSPs) that meet the prescribed requirements for conducting work competency certification. Currently, in accordance with the law, university graduates must possess both a diploma and a competency certificate. The presence of this certificate will enhance graduates’ competitiveness and provide added value when applying for jobs, as stated by Drs. Surini, M.Si., Director of the Agricultural LSP.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean of P2MKSA, stated, “The Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test is a testament to the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM in producing quality and competent graduates. We take pride in being a part of the effort to elevate the standards of professionalism in the realm of biology through collaboration with the National Agricultural LSP.”

The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that the success of this event will have a positive impact on the participants and contribute to the improvement of the college’s Key Performance Indicators (IKUs) as well as the enhancement of biological science competency for certificate holders.

Yogyakarta, 25 August 2023 – The Organic Waste Management Training was again held by the Faculty of Biology. On this occasion, 50 participants consisted of groups from the Market Sector Department, Trade and Industry Agency (Disperindag), Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) as well as the Faculty of Pharmacy and Academic Hospital of Universitas Gadjah Mada. Disperindag’s participation in this training is related to waste management in 29 markets in DIY after the temporary closure of the Piyungan Final Disposal Site (TPA) months ago. At least 9 tons of waste are generated every day from the entire market which has not been managed properly.

“There needs to be an effort downstream with education and upstream by sorting and selecting the waste that is disposed of,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in his speech to the training participants, Friday (25/8). Prof. Budi also said that if people at the household level were disciplined in sorting waste based on its category (organic-inorganic) it would be enough to reduce waste problems.

The Faculty of Biology has held Organic Waste Management Training activities which are attended by at least 25 Hospitals, 17 Islamic Boarding Schools, and 30 Waste Management Communities in DIY. On this occasion, as many as 40 participants from the Trade and Industry Agency, especially the Market Sector Department, attended training in the framework of solving waste problems in DIY markets, especially market organic waste in the form of fruit and vegetable waste. The training took place guided by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes. and Suharjita.

Susilo, Operational Service Manager for the DIY Disperindag People’s Market who also attended the training said that there were at least 29 markets involved and planned to work with the Faculty of Biology in waste management. He stated that the waste collected in each market usually does not only come from traders but also from the surrounding community with the largest amount of waste found in Giwangan Market and Beringharjo Market. Efforts that can be made by the Market Management since the closing of the TPA include limiting the amount of waste that the community disposes of at the market. Susilo also revealed the lack of public education regarding waste sorting and processing.

Faculty of Biology is committed to solving organic waste problems in DIY. In managing waste from DIY markets, Faculty of Biology can collect at least 3 tons of waste every day from these markets and process it. With the waste management technology applied at the Faculty of Biology including vermicomposting and Black Soldier Fly, Eco Enzyme, Bioferlilizer, Eco Lindi and others, the waste degradation process can last at least one week.

The commitment of the Faculty of Biology in waste management which also targets the people and communities in DIY emphasizes their commitment as an environmentally friendly campus and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Support for the SDGs includes increasing a healthier life (SDGs 3), having an impact on the availability of clean water in the environment (SDGs 6), and contributing to tackling climate change due to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste piles (SDGs 13).