Team of Working Package (WP) 1 INUCoST (Indonesia-Netherlands Universities Consortium for Sustainable Futures) which is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc. has successfully conducted field survey for High Conservation Value Areas in Muara Jawa Subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Province of East Kalimantan. The survey was conducted in July 14 – 18, 2025. The team was consisted of lecturers and students from Universitas Gadjah Mada and Universitas Mulawarman (Unmul). Team members from UGM were lecturers and students from Faculty of Biology, Center for Land Resource Management Studies, and Faculty of Forestry, while team members from Unmul were the lecturers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Field activity was consisted by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and biodiversity survey around mangrove forest of Mahakam River Delta, Subdistrict of Muara Jawa.

FGD was conducted with university partner (Unmul) and stakeholders. Representatives of Unmul were lecturers from Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and staffs from The Governing Body for Research and Community Services of Unmul (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat). Stakeholders invited were all stakeholders responsible for HCV valuation in East Kalimantan Province, e.g. Natural Resources Conservation Agency (Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam), Office of Environmental Services (Dinas Lingkungan Hidup), Office of Forestry Services (Dinas Kehutanan), Office of Food Security, Crops, and Horticulture (Dinas Pangan, Tanaman Pangan, dan Hortikultura), and Office of Marine and Fishery (Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan). The FGD was done to collect baseline data for biodiversity and its conservation in East Kalimantan Province, especially in Muara Jawa Subdistrict.

Field survey was done around Mahakam River Delta and the settlements surrounding. The exploration of mangrove forest was done in Muara Kembang Village (kelurahan) administrative region to understand the flora and fauna diversity in the region. Biodiversity survey was done to assess the HCV points, i.e. HCV 1 (Species Diversity), HCV 2 (Ecosystem, Landscape Level Mosaic, and Intact Forest Landscape), and HCV 3 (Ecosystem and Habitat) in Muara Jawa Subdistrict. The next field activity done was visitation to Agroforestry Community Counselor (Penyuluh Swadaya Kelompok Tani Hutan) of Mahakam Delta to gain information regarding the community empowerment done by the Agroforestry Community. The visit was done to assess the HCV 5 point (Community Needs) of Muara Jawa Subdistrict.

Another visit was done in Office of Handil II Port, Muara Jawa Pesisir Village. In the visitation, the team was conducting discussions with staffs of the Department of Transportations (Dinas Perhubungan) to collect informations regarding survey locations and informant contacts to be interviewed for HCV assessment. Visit to the Leader of the Farmer and Agricultural Affairs Community (Gabungan Kelompok Tani/Gapoktan) of the Muara Jawa Ulu Village was done to assess information regarding agricultural products and welfare of the farmers in the region. Mangrove forest exploration was conducted in administrative regions of Muara Jawa Pesisir Village and Muara Pegah Hamlet, Muara Jawa Tengah Village. Two activities were done in Muara Pegah Hamlet, i.e. flora and fauna exploration and visitation to the Community Chief (Ketua RT) to collect baseline data regarding social and economic conditions of the people of Muara Pegah Hamlet. The visits to the Leader of Gapoktan and Ketua RT was done to assess information for HCV 5 point.

The series of activities done were successfully collected important data regarding the HCV points. From the flora and fauna survey, it can be concluded that Muara Jawa Subdistrict is a highly important area for conservation. In that subdistrict, a protected species of primate could be found, i.e. proboscis monkey (bekantan/Nasalis larvatus) inhabits a specific mangrove forest found in Mahakam River Delta. Besides becoming home for the primates, mangrove forests also useful as a source of livelihood for local people around the delta. Interviews with stakeholders of Muara Jawa Subdistrict resulted in important data that represented socio-economic condition of the people in the area. (BK)

Yogyakarta, July 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly hosted a training program entitled “Microbiological Testing of Water and Wastewater” held from July 21–24, 2025 at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity was organized in collaboration with the Center for Standardization and Industrial Services of Leather, Rubber, and Plastics (BBSPJIKKP), Yogyakarta.

The training was attended by technical staff and laboratory analysts from BBSPJIKKP, aiming to enhance their capacity in microbiological testing for clean water and industrial wastewater in accordance with environmental quality and public health standards. The training materials covered sampling methods, culturing techniques of microbial indicators, coliform, such as Escherichia coli, and interpretation of results based on national and international regulations.

Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech., as Head of Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, warmly welcomed this activity as part of the university’s commitment to academic contribution and community service in strengthening human resource capacity within the industrial sector. “We hope this training will have a real impact on improving water testing quality in Indonesia, and become the first step toward sustainable collaboration between academia and industry,” he stated.

This training also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through the strengthening of microbiological testing as part of environmental health surveillance; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by improving the quality of testing for both industrial and domestic wastewater; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through institutional collaboration to build capacity and share knowledge.

This initiative is a clear demonstration that synergy between higher education institutions and government agencies can drive innovation, quality improvement, and sustainability in environmental management in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta, July 21, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially launched the 2025 International Summer Course (ISC) under the theme “Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation.” This annual event is part of the series for the 14th Lustrum of the Faculty of Biology. This year, the ISC is held in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) through funding from the New Colombo Plan, the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, and UGM’s Directorate of Community Service.

Following the Indonesian Language and Culture Program held on July 1–11, 2025, and the Community Service Program (KKN) in Margoagung Village, Seyegan District, Sleman Regency on July 14–18, 2025 in collaboration with UTS, the regular ISC officially opened on Monday morning (July 21) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The ISC is attended by 34 participants from 6 countries and 10 universities, including the University of Technology Sydney (Australia), Chiba University (Japan), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (Malaysia), Kasetsart University (Thailand), University of the Philippines Los Baños, UGM, UIN Walisongo, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., expressed his gratitude to all participants and partner universities for their involvement. As Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, he hoped the course would become a valuable experience for participants to contribute on a global scale.

Prof. Ir. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM, Head of the KKN Sub-directorate under the Directorate of Community Service at UGM, highlighted that this program creates opportunities for interdisciplinary study, allowing participants to approach issues from various perspectives.

Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Program Coordinator of INCULS, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, expressed special thanks to the participants from the University of Technology Sydney for taking part in the Indonesian language learning program. “We hope the knowledge you have gained will be useful and applicable whenever needed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of the UGM Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, emphasized that the program serves as an immersion opportunity that connects universities with local communities. She underlined the importance of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia, which still faces serious challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution.

Through this program, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a young generation that is environmentally conscious and actively contributes to global conservation efforts. This initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by aiming to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to quality international education through collaborative learning across nations, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering meaningful international cooperation.

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held the 9th Seminar Nasional Biologi Tropika (SNBT), which this year was integrated with the Jogja MultiOmics Update (JMU), an initiative by the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF). Taking place at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM, the seminar carried the theme: “Genomic Innovation for Health and Environmental Sustainability”.

This event became a strategic event to strengthen research collaboration across institutions and sectors, along with the rapid development of multi-omics technology and the urgency of its utilization in the tropical context.

In his speech, Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized that as a megabiodiversity country, Indonesia has a great responsibility in the development of genomic technology. “We hope this seminar can create strategic synergy, research network formation, as well as policies and curricula that support the advancement of Indonesian tropical science,” he said.

Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, said that science-based transformation requires integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. “Genomics is the entrance to answer health, environment, and bioindustry issues scientifically and collaboratively. This forum is a realization of UGM’s spirit to develop solutions from local roots with global standards,” he said.

Director of Kemendikbudristek Resources, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Suning Kusumawardani, S.T., M.T., highlighted the importance of human resource capacity building in genomics and bioinformatics. “We must be the main actors, not just users of technology. Academic and industrial collaboration such as with the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) is the right step towards sustainable innovation,” she emphasized.

SNBTxJMU 2025 presented 15 national speakers in Lightning Talk and Topic Island sessions, and was attended by more than 200 participants from various backgrounds of students, lecturers, researchers, practitioners, and students from various institutions in Indonesia.

The speakers came from various institutions, including: BB Biomedicine and Health Genomics (BGSi) of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Faculty of Medicine UGM, SITH ITB, BRIN, IPB University, to biotechnology companies such as Nalagenetics and Nusantics. The three main topics discussed in the parallel sessions were Clinical Omics, Plant & Animal Omics, and Environmental & Microbial Omics.

The event also featured a showcase of UGM’s multi-omics technology platform and industry partners, as well as introducing NGS services from IGF. Also supported by PacBio-DKSH Scientific Indonesia, Oxford Nanopore Technology- CV Dynata Creative Image, Shimadzu – PT Ditek Jaya, Sciex-Cytiva PT Laborindo Sarana, Panin Bank and Yayasan Satriabudi Dharma Setia (YSDS), as well as media partners such as Biou.id, Synbio.id, INBIO, Genbinesia, and Block71 Indonesia.

Institutions present included national and international universities such as UI, ITB, IPB, UIN, Khon Kaen University, as well as leading biotechnology institutions and companies in Indonesia such as PT Genetika Science Indonesia, PT Moosa Genetika Farmindo, PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia, PT Bio Farma (Persero), PT Widya Genomic Nusantara, and PT Widya Teknologi Hayati, PT Saraswanti Indonesia Genetech, PT. PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi, and also representative from Indonesian Genomic Association.

SNBTxJMU 2025 activities support the achievement of SDGs, especially SDGs 3 (healthy life) through Clinical Omics innovation, SDGs 4 (quality education) through strengthening academic capacity and curriculum, SDGs 9 (industry and innovation) through collaboration with the biotechnology sector, as well as SDGs 13 and SDGs 15 through Environmental & Microbial Omics sessions that focus on biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring.

SNBTxJMU 2025 is expected to be an important supporting system in building a sustainable Indonesian genomics and also multiomics research and innovation ecosystem that has a real impact on society and the tropical environment.

Before the closing of the event, the best presenters were announced from the SNBT presenter participants, namely Kinasih Prayuni, M.Si. from Universitas YARSI, and Imam Bagus Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. from Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM. In addition, the best pitching winner from the SNBTxJMU pre-event held by IGF was also announced, namely Assyfa Atha from IGEM UGM and Alim El Hakim from The Master of Medical Science program UGM. In order to enliven the event, appreciation was also given to participants who had participated in uploading stories through the Instagram platform.

The activity was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., who also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants and the collaborative spirit that was built during the event. He also invited all participants to return to participate in the upcoming SNBTxJMU in 2026.

The Wedomartani Village Partnership Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an socialization on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Kalurahan Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, focusing on the development of superior local chicken breeds. This activity was a follow-up initiative from the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Kalurahan Wedomartani, supported by the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2 of 2025, Unit YO019 (SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).

The socialization opened with remarks from Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., representing the Wedomartani Village Partnership Team, Faculty of Biology, UGM. On this occasion, as a speaker Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., delivered a presentation titled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chickens Based on Community Empowerment in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman.” The socialization emphasized the importance of developing superior local chicken breeds by paying attention to various key aspects such as feed quality, animal health, cage management, and maintenance practices.

During the session, the speaker provided updated and relevant information on the proper techniques for local chicken farming, beginning with the selection of high-quality breeding stock. The event, held at Kalurahan Wedomartani, was attended by the Head of Wedomartani Village (Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto), the Village Secretary (Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd.), the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani (Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E.), representative from Faculty of Biology, UGM (Prof. Dra. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.) and representatives from farmer groups across several hamlets in Wedomartani. Participants showed strong enthusiasm for the program and actively engaged in discussions and raised questions, especially regarding chicken maintenance practices.

The speaker highlighted that raising chickens offers two key benefits. First, it helps reduce household waste through the use of organic waste as chicken feed. Second, the eggs produced can improve household nutrition and help address stunting—supporting SDGs No. 2 (Zero Hunger), No. 3 (Good Health and Well Being), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, to fully achieve these benefits, the chickens must be kept healthy. The speaker emphasized three main factors for raising healthy local chickens: the use of varied feed sources such as maggots and kitchen waste, proper cage management, and an appropriate vaccination program.

This outreach activity is expected to serve as an initial step toward empowering the community to independently cultivate local chicken breeds. With the knowledge gained, residents can begin applying more effective breeding and production techniques in their environment. Going forward, similar programs should continue to be implemented sustainably in order to expand their impact. It is hoped that this initiative will contribute to improving community welfare while also supporting local food security. (Contributors: Lintang Gitacahyani and Ardaning Nuriliani)

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a community service activity in Wukirsari Partner Village, Cangkringan, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The activity carried the theme “Vertical Farming Techniques: A Sustainable Urban Farming Solution” and aimed to introduce environmental education to young students.

A total of 24 fourth-grade students from SDN Pusmalang, Sruni Hamlet, enthusiastically participated in the event. The activity began with an introduction to vertical farming techniques by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who explained the importance of innovative farming methods in limited spaces as a solution for modern urban agriculture.

The session continued with a hands-on workshop led by Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., who guided the students in repurposing used plastic bottles as planting containers for ornamental plants. The students joyfully painted and decorated the bottles based on their own creativity, which were then installed on the school wall as both functional and decorative vertical gardens.

The event was also supported by other lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, including Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., Dr. Dra. Maryani, M.Sc., Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., who actively assisted the students throughout the program.

As a form of appreciation and to promote sustainable habits, all participants received door prizes in the form of reusable tumblers, encouraging the students to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles in their daily lives.

Through this initiative, the Faculty of Biology UGM reinforces its commitment to community empowerment while instilling environmental awareness in the younger generation. Practical education like this is expected to be the first step toward a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. This activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a visit from academics of the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany. The delegation, consisting of Dr. Ahmed Abd El Wahed and Prof. Uwe Truyen, was warmly received by the leadership of the Faculty of Biology UGM during a meeting held at a local restaurant in Yogyakarta.

The visit was officially hosted by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, accompanied by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni), Dr. Matin Nuhamunada, M.Sc. (Secretary of the Office of International Affairs), and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. (Head of the Microbiology Laboratory).

In his remarks, Prof. Budi expressed appreciation for the strong relationship that has developed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University, especially through collaborations in research, training, and the organization of the International Summer Course. The visit also served as an opportunity to personally greet ten biology students from UGM who will participate in the International One Health Workshop at Leipzig University this August.

Prof. Uwe and Dr. Ahmed conveyed their enthusiasm for returning to Yogyakarta. During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for further collaboration, including an initiative to develop a dual degree program. They also explored plans for an international research collaboration involving Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., from the Microbiology Laboratory, focusing on microbiome analysis in Komodo dragons and capacity building at the Komodo Island National Park Office, supported by a research grant from the European Union. This discussion was a follow-up to a previous field visit by the German delegation to Labuan Bajo.

Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the potential for collaborative research in bioinformatics to support the development of dry-lab-based research, aligning with the expertise of researchers at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This meeting is expected to further strengthen sustainable international academic networks and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 2025 Scheduled Internship activity which took place on 20–22 June 2025 in the Cilacap Payau Forest area, Central Java. This activity was attended by 44 students and 17 lecturers with the main focus on introducing mangrove ecosystems, implementing collaborative research, and developing student skills in the field.

The Cilacap Payau Forest area was chosen because it is a unique transition zone between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with an area of ​​around 10 hectares. This mangrove forest plays a crucial role as an ecological buffer zone for the Segara Anakan area and is an ecotourism destination with collaborative management between Perum Perhutani KPH Banyumas Barat and the local Forestry and Plantation Service.

During the three-day activity, students explored the diversity of mangrove flora and fauna, collected vegetation data, surveyed wild epiphytic orchids, studied plant morphological adaptation, and analyzed the diversity of fish, crustaceans, and insects. Other activities include making herbarium, insect collection, sediment and litter sampling, and observation of lichen and honey bees. Students are also trained in the use of practical methods such as fish morphometric analysis and anatomical adaptation of mangrove leaves. In supporting field activities, the committee also provides various facilities, including a basecamp for briefings and rest, three boats that can be used for the sampling process up to the young sea, and local guides who assist in collecting field data.

“This practical work is very important as a means of real learning for students in understanding the complexity of the mangrove ecosystem and developing applicable field research skills. We also hope that this activity can encourage increased awareness of the importance of brackish water ecosystem conservation for environmental balance and the lives of the surrounding community,” said Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., one of the supervising lecturers.

In addition to supporting the process of education and academic research, this activity is also in line with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of aquatic ecosystem conservation (SDG 14: Life Below Water), terrestrial ecosystem preservation (SDG 15: Life on Land), and strengthening partnerships to achieve global goals (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals). Through active collaboration between UGM academics and local communities, this activity is expected to be able to provide a positive contribution to environmental sustainability and the socio-economic welfare of the local community. With the ongoing activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM is committed to continuing to be at the forefront in encouraging integrative education, useful research, and sustainable community service.

The Plant Physiology Laboratory organized a three-day training on plant physiological responses to environmental stresses, held from Monday (June 23, 2025) to Wednesday (June 25, 2025). This activity was conducted in collaboration with the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC) of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM. The training utilized various facilities available at UGM as part of the university’s commitment to fulfilling the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the areas of education and community service. The event began with an opening speech by the Head of the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who emphasized that current environmental changes pose a real challenge to the sustainability of plant life, particularly in the agricultural sector and food security. “Understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses is becoming increasingly essential,” she added. The formal opening of the event was delivered by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. He highlighted that this training represents an excellent example of inter-laboratory collaboration, and emphasized that despite the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), “human talk” and hands-on training to enrich personal skills will never be fully replaced. “Through this training, participants are not only expected to gain scientific knowledge, but also to use this opportunity as a platform to build collaborative networks,” he remarked. He also added that the facilities available at the Faculty of Biology are open and accessible for broader utilization.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory, Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as well as representatives from sponsoring organizations, including Yayasan Satriabudi Dharma Setia (YSDS) and Panin Bank, PT Widya Life Science, PT Kairos Jaya Sejahtera, PT ITS Science Indonesia, and PT Ditek Jaya. The training was joined by both academics and professionals from various institutions, including Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, UKWMS Kampus Madiun, Universitas Kristen Artha Wacana, the Faculty of Animal Science UGM, Global Prestasi School Bandung, and PT. IMP 168.

On the first day, the topic of plant physiological responses to environmental stress was presented by Prof. Diah followed by practical analysis of Membrane Stability Index (ISM), Reactive Oxygen Species (H2O2), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and enzymatic antioxidants (Superoxide Dismutase/SOD and Catalase/CAT). The preliminary presentation related to the analysis practice was delivered by Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. and Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc. In addition to conventional methods, analysis was also carried out using a kit with a microplate reader which is supported by PT. Kairos Jaya Sejahtera.

The second day of the training featured a session by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., focusing on photosynthesis. Utilizing the LICOR instrument provided by the AGLC, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participants were able to obtain comprehensive analyses of photosynthetic parameters. Additionally, chlorophyll measurements were conducted using a SPAD meter and through acetone extraction methods. Proline content was also measured during the second day of training. On the final day, content related to phytoremediation was delivered by Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. Participants were introduced to heavy metal analysis, particularly mercury, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) available at the Biotechnology Laboratory. The analysis process was also supported by PT Ditek Jaya. Each day’s practical session was followed by a discussion and analysis of the results obtained, allowing participants to develop a more in-depth understanding. In addition to laboratory staff members Martono, S.T. and Asri Fajar Milasari, S.Si., the training was also supported by students (Ph.D. and undergraduate), namely Hana Widiawati, Hanif Fauzan Saputra, Maharani Pratiwi Salsabila A., Muhammad Reza Hendriansah, Rima Vegi Santika, and Adzkiya Aqmaliza Rahmatillah.

Moving forward, similar training programs are expected to be held regularly and sustainably, with increasingly diverse topics and strengthened cross-sector collaborations. This initiative also aligns with efforts to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (Goal 4), Climate Action (Goal 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).

Front yard utilization for the cultivation of functional plants with market value could contribute to improve entrepreneurial independence.  In a series of 2025 PKM-MBKM activities with the Amanda Women Farmers Group as partners, training and mentoring of outdoor plants cultivation were carried out on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The UGM PKM-MBKM team led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. accompanied by students from the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2022: Jovanka, Khansa Fauziah Rachman, Samantha Sonya Putri, and Dhea Amelia, delivered the materials and practices on how to germinate, transplant, and nurture rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf).

Rosella, butterfly pea, ginger, and lemongrass are grown in several stages. In rosella and butterfly pea, good seeds are selected by soaking them in water and taking the sinking seeds. Seeds that sink are put into in a seedling tray with planting media and watered daily.  After the seeds germinate for approximately 1-2 weeks and the main stem is strong enough, the plants are transferred to a 25×25 poly bag containing planting media. Watering is done every day and fertilizing every 2 weeks with NPK fertilizer dissolved in water. The process of ginger cultivation is carried out by selecting ginger rhizomes that have good quality and cleaning them from the remaining soil. Gingers are put into a container containing wet cloth covered with another wet cloth. This process is carried out until the shoots appear on rhizome (approximately 2 weeks) and continued with the planting process in a 35×35 polybag containing planting media. As for lemongrass, the initial process carried out is pruning the upper leaves and soaking lemongrass in water until they grow roots. This process lasts approximately 1 week and is followed by planting lemongrass in a 35×35 polybag with planting media. Lemongrass and ginger were watered daily and fertilized once a week with NPK dissolved in water.

The activity received a very positive response from the members of the Amanda Women Farmers Group who enthusiastically followed the entire series of events, from the material delivery to hands-on practice. This enthusiasm can be seen from the many questions asked during the discussion session, as well as the liveliness of the participants when trying to perform germination and transplanting techniques independently. In addition, this activity also became a space for interaction that strengthened the relationship between the implementation team and partner communities, creating a collaborative and mutually supportive atmosphere (SDG 17). Through a participatory and applicable approach, it is hoped that this activity will not only provide new knowledge and skills, but also be able to build community independence in utilizing front yard productively by cultivating plants with high market value to improve family food security and community welfare in a sustainable manner (SDG 8).