Yogyakarta, July 22, 2023 – On Saturday, July 22, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) successfully held the 7^th  National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) with the theme “Open Science and AI Technology in Tropical Biodiversity Exploration.” The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, and was attended by 172 participants from various backgrounds and institutions.

In the opening remarks, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., as the Chairperson of the 7^th  SNBT Committee, reported that the event successfully attracted participants from 75 different institutions, including universities, industries, private sectors, and government agencies. The participants came from diverse backgrounds, ranging from students, lecturers, researchers, conservation practitioners, to experts in the field of tropical biology. Such extensive attendance reflects the high interest and concern for tropical biodiversity issues.

The event was also enriched by the presence of three keynote speakers. Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Hadi Sukadi Alikodra, M.S. from IPB University, Dr. Muhammad Yopan from Amazon Web Services, and Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, shared their insights and knowledge on the importance of implementing Open Science and AI Technology in tropical biodiversity exploration.

The event commenced with a speech by Dr. Ririn Tri Nurhayati, S.IP., M.Si., M.A., as the Caretaker of the Subdirectorate of Research Programs, Directorate of Research, UGM. “The theme of this seminar aligns with the research priorities at UGM, which aim to develop technology that supports the knowledge in conserving biodiversity. With the existence of this forum, it is hoped to provide a platform for researchers and stakeholders to discuss and formulate relevant policies for biodiversity in Indonesia,” expressed Dr. Ririn.

The next address was given by Prof. Dr. Satyawan Pudyatmoko, S.Hut., M.Sc., the Director General of KSDAE-Ministry of Environment and Forestry, who appreciated the efforts of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in organizing this seminar. This was followed by a speech by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, who passionately expressed his hope that the seminar would broaden perspectives and enhance collaboration to collectively preserve biodiversity in Indonesia.

The plenary session became the main highlight of the event, guided by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., with Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Hadi Sukadi Alikodra, M.S., a Professor of Natural Resource Conservation and Wildlife Management from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University, delivering an inspirational talk on “The Future of Humanity and Biodiversity.” Following that, Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., the Head of the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, discussed the importance of “Open Science for Accelerating Tropical Biodiversity Discovery.” Lastly, Dr. Muhammad Yopan, the Government Account Lead at Amazon Web Services, presented the potential of utilizing AI and Cloud Computing for “Biodiversity Exploration.”

Parallel sessions provided a platform for presenters to discuss topics related to Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Tropical Biodiversity Exploration, Bioprospecting, Biomedicine, Tropical Biofunctionalities, Genetics and Molecular Biology, as well as Biosystematics and Evolution, which were engagingly discussed by experts and researchers in their respective fields.

The event concluded with excitement through the distribution of door prizes for the best questions and awards for the “Best Presenter” in the parallel sessions. The 7^th  National Seminar on Tropical Biology has successfully fostered a collaborative atmosphere and served as an important momentum for tropical biology to preserve and explore biodiversity.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to the success of this event. It is hoped that the success of the 7^th  SNBT will encourage even more collaborative efforts to protect tropical biodiversity and implement advanced technologies in biodiversity exploration. May this seminar serve as a driving force for a deeper understanding and awareness of the importance of preserving Indonesia’s natural wealth for a sustainable future.

Lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, M.Si and Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D have been able to significantly advance efforts to halt the illegal trade in elephant ivory. The lecturer employed forensic DNA technology in an operation conducted by the Sumatra Regional Forestry and Environmental Law Enforcement and Security Agency to determine the place of origin of elephant ivory that was being trafficked into Aceh’s Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport.

The Aceh BKSDA turned over the case to Balai Gakkum KLHK Region Sumatra, which on May 18, 2023, found evidence at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in the form of a package or box containing elephant ivory together with chips and instant coffee. The authorities sought the assistance of forensic scientist Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono and Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology UGM with experience in forensic DNA analysis, to determine the origin of the ivory.

Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono answered right away as he has expertise in genetic study of elephant populations in Indonesia, particularly in Way Kambas and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Parks. Dr. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., assisted him in conducting DNA analysis on the identified samples of elephant ivory. Even though the samples originated from eroded ivory, Dr. Sendi was still able to detect distinct genotypes that were particular to each population of elephants in various regions using forensic DNA techniques.

The Asian elephant’s Sumatran subspecies was identified as the source of the elephant ivory by the results of the forensic DNA investigation. This finding provides strong evidence that the ivory came from illicit trading. The provided details are essential.

Currently, the suspect M has been detained at the Aceh Regional Police for further investigation. Against the evidence in the form of 1 elephant ivory weighing 5 kg with a length of 58 cm, inner base length of 52 cm, outer base length of 62 cm with a base diameter of 31 cm, 56 sachets of coffee, 0.5 kg of chips and 1 cardboard secured at the Aceh Law Enforcement Post , Balai Gakkum KLHK Sumatra Region.

Documentation of the Press Release of the Gakkum Sumatera, 17 June 2023

The illegal trade in elephant ivory is a widespread issue that threatens the ecosystem’s viability and decimates the elephant population. It is hoped that this case would establish a significant precedent in attempts to end the unlawful trade in animals that are protected and raise public awareness of the significance of wildlife protection.

SNBT 2022

Laporan Ketua Panitia SNBT 2022

Sambutan Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., DIC, Ph.D., IPU, Asean Eng mewakili Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi

MoU Fakultas Biologi UGM dengan MonsterAR

Narasumber I: Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc

Narasumber II: Wiryanatha Wijaya, (Presdir MonsterAR)

Narasumber II: Stephen Ng, CEO sekaligus Executive Chairman WIR Group

Presenter Paralel

Peserta Daring

Antusias peserta mencoba Virtual Reality

Penyerahan Doorprize

The 6th National Seminar on Tropical Biology which hold in a hybrid version on July 23, 2022 at the Faculty of Biology, UGM is an annual scientific activity held thanks to the support of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This seminar aims to disseminate research results in the field of tropical biology and as a means of exchanging information with various parties, such as researchers, academics, and industry players. The theme of this year’s seminar is “The Future of Indonesia’s Biodiversity in the Metaverse Era “. This theme is motivated by the development of the metaverse era which has had a wide impact on life on earth, and there has been a lot of discussion currently discussing its consequences on technology, social and commercial, and does not rule out aspects of biodiversity.

The theme of this year’s seminar was greeted with great enthusiasm by the participants. The total number of participants in this year’s SNBT reached 259 registrants. There are more than 130 registered presenters who present their work at this seminar. The participants came from various agencies, at least 66 institutions, both from universities, industry, private sector, and government agencies. The topics presented by the presenters were quite diverse, and were divided into 7 topics, namely: Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Exploration and Conservation of Tropical Biodiversity , Bioprospection , Biomedical, Tropical Biofunctionality , Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Biosystematics and Evolution.

The event was opened with a report from the chairman, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si and continued with remarks by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc , as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The next speech was also delivered by Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., DIC, Ph.D., IPU, Asean Eng representing the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology which also opened this seminar. At the moment Today , Faculty of Biology UGM together with MonsterAR signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) as a follow-up to the cooperation plan Among Faculty UGM Biology with MonsterAR in various fields in education, as well as research. This collaboration expected give positive impact for second parties together for explore and maintain Indonesian biodiversity.

After the seminar was officially opened, the next agenda was a plenary session . In the plenary session , there were 3 speakers. The first speaker was Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. On this occasion, Prof. Budi said that biology in the past talked about classical biology and cell biology. Meanwhile, in the present day biology talks about molecular biology, biomimicry and biorobotics , the era of genomics . and post-genomics , exobiology and deep-sea biology. However, in the future biology will develop vertically and horizontally and raise the metaverse . In biology, the metaverse functions as a tool in developing science and knowledge. Therefore , it is hoped that in the future we can explore biodiversity virtually.

The second material was delivered by Stephen Ng , CEO and Executive Chairman of the WIR Group. Mr. Stephen conveyed the development of the metaverse which is increasingly affordable and accessible. Various fields of study now explore the world of the metaverse , from socioeconomics , law and government, to science. In line with this, the metaverse is also increasingly being used by various companies to promote their products. Virtual work and the scientific community are two things that are currently hot and the metaverse is a bridge that facilitates these things.

plenary session was continued by Mr. Wiryanata saying that metaverse offers a new way for users to collaborate virtually. In the metaverse ecosystem, many business opportunities can be run virtually. Various types of industries and scientific fields take advantage of this developing technology. In the world of research and education, the metaverse can have an impact, for example, Indonesia ‘s biodiversity can be visualized virtually.

Participants continued their presentations in parallel sessions . In this session, the participants presented their scientific works both offline and online. At the end of the event, the committee announced the best presenters for each room and also distributed door prizes for participants who actively participated. The smooth and success of this national seminar cannot be separated from the support of sponsors, including: Mangrove printing, Kimia Farma, Bantul Bank, Hista Labora, Earth Literacy. See you again at the next SNBT…