A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has investigated metabolite profiles in the leaves, callus tissues, and culture medium exudates of red okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench var. ‘Zahira IPB’). The study was led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with Achmad Nadhmi Arfa, Elisabeth Kurniawati, and Ferdinan Florian. Conducted from August 2025 to May 2026, the research was funded by the 2026 Lecturer–Student Collaborative Research Grant. Experimental work was carried out at Biodiversity Research Station II, the Biotechnology Laboratory and Biochemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Corpora Science.

Red okra was selected because it is recognized as a functional food rich in bioactive compounds, including quercetin, mucilage polysaccharides, and amino acids associated with health-promoting properties. In addition, its anthocyanin content may contribute to stronger antioxidant activity than that of conventional green okra. Despite its potential, comprehensive information on the metabolite profile of the Zahira IPB red okra variety remains limited. Moreover, metabolite composition in conventionally cultivated plants can vary in response to environmental factors such as temperature, light intensity, and nutrient availability. To minimize these sources of variation, the researchers employed in vitro tissue culture, which provides a more controlled growth environment. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, the study characterized the detected compounds in leaves, callus tissues, and culture medium exudates to compare metabolite distribution among the different sample types.

The research began with the cultivation of okra plants to obtain explants, followed by callus induction through tissue culture, metabolite extraction, and metabolite profiling. Chemical analysis was performed using Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC–HRMS) with an untargeted metabolomics workflow. Unlike targeted analyses that focus on predefined compounds, this approach enables the comprehensive detection of a broad range of metabolites, providing an overview of the metabolite profiles present in each sample.

The findings expand current knowledge of the metabolite profile of the Zahira IPB red okra variety and provide a valuable resource for future studies in plant biotechnology and metabolomics. Beyond their scientific contribution, the results also support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by generating scientific evidence that can facilitate the development of plant-derived pharmaceutical ingredients and health products, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by demonstrating how biotechnology can promote the sustainable use of biological resources.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirms its commitment to supporting collaborative community empowerment through the 2026 Waste Management Community Service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat / PkM) Team, chaired by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., alongside the Wedomartani Partner Village. The program commenced with a waste management survey in Wedomartani Village through questionnaires distributed on June 25, 2026. This activity aimed to provide an initial overview of the waste management practices currently implemented within households and the surrounding environment. A total of 50 respondents from the hamlets (Padukuhan) of Pokoh, Wonosari, Saren, Pucanganom, and Tegalrejo participated in this activity.

Subsequently, as a follow-up, the PkM Team—comprising several lecturers and active students from the Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Master’s, and Doctoral programs of the Faculty of Biology UGM—collaborated with the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2, 2026 Adhinata Ngemplak Team under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D. organized an educational extension on organic waste management through the cultivation of maggots or Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to support Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) on July 19, 2026. This activity was attended by community representatives from each hamlet. The educational material on maggot cultivation was delivered by Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, UGM with expertise in entomology and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) cultivation. This initiative is expected to serve as an initial step in reducing organic waste while simultaneously increasing its economic value.

The event commenced with an opening, joint prayer, and welcoming remarks from the Wedomartani Village Secretary (Carik), R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd., and the Director of the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMKal), Mr. Iskandar, S.E., M.E. They stated that the Wedomartani Village highly appreciates this program as it is considered a viable solution to address the waste management issues faced by the residents. Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of building public awareness that both organic and inorganic waste possess economic value when managed properly. Meanwhile, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., explained that the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Wedomartani Village has been established for more than 5 years through various community empowerment programs, such as utilizing vacant land, poultry farming, physical and mental health education, and waste management. This year’s theme was selected as an effort to support a healthier environment while creating economic opportunities for the community through waste management, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

During the main session, Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., presented material regarding BSF characteristics, maggot cultivation techniques, the benefits of the resulting products, and business opportunities that the community can develop. He also introduced the stacked bucket (ember tumpuk) method as a household-scale maggot cultivation technique that is easy to implement, affordable, and highly manageable. Furthermore, maggot cultivation can yield by-products in the form of maggot residue (kasgot) and liquid organic fertilizer, which hold economic value. The presentation lasted for 1.5 hours and was enthusiastically received by the residents through discussions and a Q&A session. In addition to the maggot cultivation extension, this activity also provided education on recycling plastic waste and tarpaulins to increase the added value of inorganic waste. This session was delivered by the KKN-PPM Unit YO-040 Team. The residents were introduced to various utilization opportunities for plastic bottles, food packaging, and used tarpaulins, which can be processed through the recycling industry network to generate economic value.

As a form of support for the implementation of the organic waste management program, the Waste Management PkM Team handed over 12 sets of maggot cultivation buckets to five hamlets—Pokoh, Wonosari, Saren, Pucanganom, and Tegalrejo—and one sub-village (dusun), Pajangan. Each hamlet and sub-village received two bucket sets, which are expected to serve as the initial step toward independent organic waste management by the residents. In addition, pamphlets containing information on maggot cultivation were distributed to serve as a reference for the community. This program also serves as a tangible manifestation of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s support in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Contributors: The 2026 Waste Management PkM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM, chaired by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., and the KKN-PPM YO-040 Adhinata Ngemplak Team, supervised by Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

The Plant Structure and Development Laboratory (SPT), Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), held a Plant Microtechnics Training for lecturers and staff at the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University. The eight-day training (July 6-15, 2026) was part of an inter-institutional academic collaboration to improve human resource competency in plant anatomy, particularly microscopic slide preparation techniques.

Three participants from the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University, participated in the training: Dian Palupi, S.Si., M.Sc., Riska Desi Aryani, S.Si., M.Sc., and Indrariningrum, A.Md. During the training, participants attended a series of lessons that combined theory with intensive laboratory experiments, providing hands-on experience applying various plant microtechnics commonly used in educational and research activities.

The training was officially opened by Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Head of the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University. In her remarks, she stated that mastery of plant microtechniques is a crucial basic competency for lecturers, researchers, and laboratory assistants in supporting learning and research activities in plant biology. Good preparation techniques will produce high-quality microscopic slides capable of providing accurate, scientifically reliable data on plant anatomy and development. She also hoped that this training would serve as a platform for sharing experiences, strengthening academic networks, and strengthening collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University (UNS).

The training material was delivered through lectures and practical sessions by the teaching team from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), consisting of Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Prof. Dr. L. Hartanto Nugroho, M.Agr., Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., and Novita Yustinadiar, M.Si. During the practicum, in addition to the presenters, the participants were also accompanied by PLP Mrs. Prapti. Drawing on their respective experiences and expertise, the speakers guided them from understanding basic concepts to directly applying preparation techniques in the laboratory.

During the training, participants learned various plant microtechnique methods widely used in teaching and research activities, including whole-mount techniques, squash techniques, pollen preparation, non-embedding and embedding techniques, maceration techniques, micrometric techniques, and the use of Optilab for documenting and analyzing microscopic slides. In addition to understanding the principles and procedures of each method, participants also gained skills in selecting preparation techniques appropriate to sample characteristics and research objectives, thus producing optimal microscopic slides.

The training series was concluded by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.Sc., in his remarks, expressed his appreciation to all speakers, participants, and the committee for the successful implementation of the training. He emphasized that developing human resource competencies through laboratory training is a crucial strategy for improving the quality of higher education and research. It is hoped that activities like this will serve as the initial step towards broader collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University (UNS).

Through this training, participants are expected to implement various plant microtechniques at their respective institutions to support practicums, research, and laboratory development. In addition to enhancing technical competency, this activity also strengthens academic networks and encourages sustainable research collaboration between the two universities.

The implementation of this Plant Microtechniques Training also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) through improving the quality of higher education and strengthening the competency of lecturers and education staff, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through strengthening research capacity and mastery of laboratory technology, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening partnerships between universities in improving the quality of human resources, encouraging innovation, and developing research that benefits society.

Yogyakarta, 18 July 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully hosted the Biodiversity Summit 2026, themed “From Data to Decisions,” on Saturday (18 July) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. Serving as the culminating event of the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 2026, the summit brought together academics, conservation practitioners, non-governmental organizations, and students to explore how scientific knowledge and biodiversity data can be translated into tangible actions that support sustainable development.

The program was organized through a collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM, the Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering UGM, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia, with funding support from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), the UGM EQUITY Grant for Academic Innovation and Internationalization, and PT Dynata Inovasi Corporalab.

 

The Biodiversity Summit welcomed 45 participants, including 36 participants of the International Summer Course, who had completed the program’s two-week academic journey encompassing lectures, laboratory practicals, field expeditions, and the preparation of scientific essays based on their learning experiences. The summit provided participants with a platform to refine their ideas, exchange perspectives, and expand their professional networks with stakeholders working in biodiversity conservation.

 

Opening the event, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, emphasized that the Biodiversity Summit should serve not only as a forum for knowledge exchange but also as a catalyst for empowering young people to take an active role in biodiversity conservation.

 

“Today’s Biodiversity Summit will inspire each of us not only to generate knowledge but also to become agents of change,” Prof. Eko remarked during his opening address.

 

Following the opening ceremony, participants joined Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) organized around four themes corresponding to the scientific essays they had previously developed: Drone Mapping and GIS for Biodiversity Conservation and Management, Science Communication: Data to Policy in Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Tropical Biodiversity in a Changing Climate, and Sequencing Technology for Biodiversity Conservation and Management.

 

Working in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups, participants exchanged ideas, identified current challenges, and formulated practical recommendations for advancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

 

The outcomes of each discussion were subsequently presented during a plenary session, allowing participants to receive feedback from fellow attendees and invited experts while broadening their perspectives on both scientific and practical approaches to biodiversity management.

 

The summit continued with two inspiring talk show sessions featuring practitioners from diverse sectors.

 

In the first session, Fengky Wiradga from WWF Indonesia presented the organization’s Forest Landscape Connectivity Program in Central Kalimantan, highlighting initiatives focused on peatland ecosystem restoration and the establishment of wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented forest landscapes. Citra Septiani from the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia shared insights into bridging scientific research and public policy through multi-stakeholder collaboration, including the development of the Ocean Calculator, a decision-support tool designed to strengthen coastal and marine ecosystem management.

 

The second session featured Cania Citta, Co-Founder of the Malaka Project, who delivered a presentation entitled “Nurturing Scientific Culture.” She emphasized the importance of cultivating scientific thinking among young people through effective science communication and cross-sector collaboration. Meanwhile, Amelia Nugrahaningrum from the GeNau Indonesia Foundation introduced GeNau’s community empowerment model, which integrates biodiversity conservation with community-based ecotourism, demonstrating how environmental protection can be pursued alongside sustainable local economic development.

 

Participants remained highly engaged throughout the event, actively contributing to group discussions, plenary presentations, and interactive conversations with the invited speakers. The questions, reflections, and ideas shared during the summit demonstrated the strong commitment of young people to biodiversity conservation and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing today’s global environmental challenges.

 

To conclude the event, the organizing committee presented awards to participants whose essays were recognized as the best in each thematic category, acknowledging the quality, originality, and innovation of their work. The summit concluded with all participants reciting the Youth Action Pledge, a collective declaration affirming their commitment to becoming future guardians of biodiversity by contributing to the protection, sustainable management, and responsible utilization of the world’s biological diversity.

 

Through the Biodiversity Summit 2026, the Faculty of Biology UGM once again reaffirmed its role as a collaborative platform connecting academics, practitioners, civil society organizations, and young leaders in advancing science-based solutions for biodiversity conservation. The summit also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting collaborative and experiential learning, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by encouraging science-based dialogue on climate solutions, SDG 15 (Life on Land) by strengthening capacity in biodiversity conservation, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through discussions on sustainable coastal and marine ecosystem management, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among universities, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and international partners in building a more sustainable future for global biodiversity.

Yogyakarta, 14–15 July 2026 – Participants of the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 2026, themed “From Ecosystems to Repositories: Data-Driven Insights into Tropical Biodiversity,” took part in a two-day field expedition as part of the program’s experiential learning component. The field trip enabled participants to integrate classroom knowledge with hands-on practice through biodiversity exploration, the application of geospatial technologies, and specimen documentation and preservation techniques at several sites in Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

The first day of the field activities followed a pre-departure orientation led by Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. and Dr. Ir. Yan Restu Freski, M.Eng., held on Monday (13 July), before participants departed for the Bayat Geological Station in Klaten and Porok Beach in Gunungkidul. At the Cemoro Sewu area in Bayat, participants attended an introductory session and hands-on training in drone operation, facilitated by Dr. Ir. Yan Restu Freski, M.Eng. and the Aksara Team. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology was introduced as a modern approach for collecting spatial data to support habitat mapping and efficient ecosystem monitoring.

 

In addition to learning about geospatial technologies, participants conducted biodiversity exploration under the guidance of Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, S.Si., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil. and Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si., M.Sc. During the session, participants observed various components of biodiversity in the field, learned scientific observation techniques, and collected ecological data that will serve as the basis for subsequent biodiversity analyses.

 

In the evening, participants gathered for a networking session featuring a barbecue dinner and interactive games. The informal setting provided valuable opportunities for participants and facilitators to exchange experiences, strengthen international connections, and discuss issues related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

 

The second day began with a visit to Porok Beach, Gunungkidul, where participants carried out coastal field sampling. Before entering the field, they received briefings on field preparation, safety procedures, biodiversity sampling methods, and drone-based observations. The activities were complemented by focus group discussions (FGDs) and participant presentations reflecting on previous classroom sessions.

 

Participants then conducted coastal biodiversity sampling under the supervision of Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si., M.Sc. and Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, while drone-based spatial data collection was led by Dr. Ir. Yan Restu Freski, M.Eng. together with the Aksara Team. By combining direct ecological observations with drone technology, participants gained first-hand experience in integrating biological and geospatial data to support comprehensive coastal ecosystem analysis.

 

As part of the program’s commitment to open science and citizen science, all field observations were documented and uploaded to the iNaturalist platform, allowing the collected biodiversity records to contribute to a global database supporting scientific research and conservation initiatives. The field trip concluded with a reflection session before participants returned to the Faculty of Biology UGM to continue the remaining activities of the International Summer Course.

 

Through this field expedition, participants not only gained practical experience in biodiversity exploration and the application of geospatial technologies but also strengthened their interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration skills in addressing contemporary biodiversity conservation challenges.

 

The activity also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting experiential learning, SDG 15 (Life on Land) by strengthening capacity in biodiversity exploration and conservation, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through the application of geospatial technologies for environmental monitoring, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among academics, students, and international partners in advancing science and sustainable development.

Yogyakarta, 13 July 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially launched the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 2026, themed “From Ecosystems to Repositories: Data-Driven Insights into Tropical Biodiversity,” on Monday (13 July). Held on-site at the Faculty of Biology UGM, the program is jointly organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM, the Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering UGM, and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia, with funding support from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), the UGM EQUITY Grant for Academic Innovation and Internationalization, and PT Dynata Inovasi Corporalab. The program brings together students and academics from various countries to explore the application of data-driven technologies in tropical biodiversity research, conservation, and sustainable resource management.

Prior to the on-site program, all participants completed a one-week pre-orientation and hybrid lecture series. This preparatory phase introduced participants to the program’s academic content, fostered interaction among participants, and equipped them for the intensive academic and field activities throughout the International Summer Course.

 

The International Summer Course 2026 features 13 international speakers representing nine universities across six countries: the University of the Philippines Los Baños (Philippines), Leiden University (the Netherlands), Mahidol University (Thailand), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Malaysia), the Australian National University (Australia), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (Malaysia), the University of Twente – Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) (the Netherlands), and the University of Melbourne (Australia). Their expertise offers participants multidisciplinary perspectives on genomics, bioinformatics, geospatial information systems, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable management of biological resources.

 

The program welcomes 57 participants, comprising 36 on-site participants and 21 online participants from universities across Indonesia and abroad. Among the on-site participants are 11 Australian students who joined through the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP). In addition to the academic program, the NCP participants also take part in the Indonesian Culture and Language Learning Services (INCULS) program, as well as the Ramban Rimba community engagement and biodiversity exploration activities in GeNau, Petungkriyono, Central Java.

 

Representing the UGM Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, Prof. Suherman, M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary of the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, highlighted the growing importance of technology in supporting biodiversity conservation during his opening remarks.

 

“Advances in genomics, bioinformatics, geospatial technologies, and data science have transformed the way we study, conserve, and sustainably manage biodiversity,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs at the Faculty of Biology UGM, emphasized that the International Summer Course serves not only as a platform for academic development but also for fostering lasting international collaboration.

 

“This program is not only about acquiring scientific knowledge. It is about building international friendships, exchanging ideas across cultures, and strengthening global collaboration in addressing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development challenges,” he remarked.

 

Through the International Summer Course 2026, the Faculty of Biology UGM once again reaffirms its commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education while strengthening global collaboration in tropical biodiversity and sustainable development. The program provides a valuable platform for students, researchers, and academics to exchange knowledge, expand international networks, and develop science-based innovative solutions to address future biodiversity conservation challenges.

 

The International Summer Course 2026 also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting inclusive and high-quality international education, SDG 15 (Life on Land) by strengthening capacity in tropical biodiversity conservation and management, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through the application of data and technology to enhance ecosystem resilience, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering academic collaboration among universities and experts from around the world.

Yogyakarta, 6–24 July 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen its commitment to the internationalization of higher education through the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 2026, organized in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Australian National University (ANU), with funding support from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), the UGM EQUITY Grant for Academic Innovation and Internationalization, and PT Dynata Inovasi Corporalab.

The program reflects a shared commitment to enhancing students’ global competencies through cross-cultural learning, international academic experiences, and stronger institutional partnerships between Indonesia and Australia. The New Colombo Plan aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the Indo-Pacific region while fostering Asia literacy through immersive and structured educational experiences.

 

This year’s program welcomed 11 Australian students, comprising four students from the Australian National University (ANU) and seven students from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Throughout the four-week program, participants engaged in a wide range of academic and cultural activities, including the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning (INCULS) program, lectures delivered by international experts, bioinformatics and Geographic Information System (GIS) practical sessions, next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample preparation, field excursions, the Biodiversity Summit, and a community-based conservation program with Ramban Rimba in Petungkriyono, Central Java.

 

The participation of New Colombo Plan students forms an integral part of the Faculty’s International Summer Course, which carries the theme “From Ecosystems to Repositories: Data-Driven Insights into Tropical Biodiversity.” Through laboratory work, academic discussions, and field-based learning, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Indonesia’s rich tropical biodiversity while developing competencies in biodiversity data analysis and strengthening their intercultural communication and collaboration skills.

 

During the first week of the program, Prof. Ian Menz, Head of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), accompanied the seven UTS students throughout various academic and field activities. In addition to supporting the students, Prof. Menz’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss the future direction of collaboration between UTS and the Faculty of Biology UGM. The discussions explored several strategic initiatives, including expanding student mobility opportunities, enhancing student exchange programs, exploring the development of a double degree program, and strengthening broader academic and research collaborations. These discussions reflect the strong commitment of both institutions to advancing international partnerships that contribute to excellence in higher education, research, and globally enriching learning experiences for students.

 

The Faculty of Biology UGM’s participation in the New Colombo Plan 2026 further reinforces its position as a strategic partner for leading international universities in delivering high-quality global learning experiences. This collaboration is expected not only to broaden students’ academic perspectives but also to strengthen research networks, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster long-term partnerships between Indonesia and Australia.

 

Furthermore, the initiative contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing high-quality international experiential learning opportunities, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening global collaboration among higher education institutions, as well as SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through education and research focused on tropical biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting community empowerment through a collaboration between the Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani 2026 and the Team of Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PkM) Ayam 2026. On Tuesday, July 15, 2026, the two community service teams from the UGM Faculty of Biology implemented a collaborative program focusing on Kitchen Waste-Based Elba Laying Hen Cultivation for Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) in Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This collaboration involved several lecturers and active students from the Undergraduate, Master, and Doctoral programs of the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

This collaboration was carried out to further enhance the positive impact experienced by the community. The Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani activities focused on the development of alternative feed technology based on the fermentation of household food waste as an innovation to support laying hen cultivation. Through this innovation, the community will be taught how to process kitchen waste into safe, highly nutritious, and economical chicken feed, thereby reducing production costs while decreasing the organic waste generated by households. Meanwhile, the Team of PkM Ayam activities focused on improving household food security through family-scale laying hen cultivation while promoting the use of kitchen waste as an eco-friendly alternative feed raw material. Through these two approaches, the community is expected to obtain a sustainable source of animal protein, improve family welfare, and reduce household organic waste through the concept of a circular economy.

During this initial collaborative activity, the Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani provided assistance to 6 residents from several hamlets in Wedomartani as beneficiaries, in the form of one cage package equipped with three pullet-aged (± 4 months) Elba laying hens. The beneficiaries in Wedomartani Village were represented by the Village Secretary (Carik), Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd. Meanwhile, the Team of PkM Ayam distributed assistance to 5 residents of Wonosari Hamlet, Wedomartani, and 5 residents of Karang Bolong Hamlet, Sukoharjo as beneficiaries. Each family received one chicken coop package, three pullet-aged (± 4 months) Elba laying hens that have entered the ready-for-production phase, and 10 kilograms of basal feed as the initial maintenance feed. This assistance is expected to serve as capital for the community to develop household-scale laying hen farming, thereby increasing the availability of animal protein for families while providing additional income opportunities through egg sales, supporting Zero Hunger (SDG 2).

As a form of continuous mentoring, both teams have arranged a monitoring and evaluation agenda to be carried out one month after the handover of the assistance. The activities will include evaluating the development of the laying hens, further counselling on good cultivation techniques, and practical training on making fermented feed from kitchen waste. This mentoring is expected to improve the egg productivity of the Elba hens while strengthening the community’s ability to manage farming businesses independently and sustainably, which plays a role in realizing Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Through this collaboration among lecturers, students, and the community, this community service program is expected to become a science-based community empowerment model capable of improving family nutritional quality, strengthening local food security, and supporting more responsible household waste management. This program also serves as a tangible manifestation of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s contribution to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through increased community consumption of animal protein, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by optimizing the utilization of kitchen waste into valuable resources.

Contributor: The Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani 2026, chaired by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., and the Team of PkM Ayam 2026 Faculty of Biology UGM, chaired by Prof. Dr. med.vet. Hendry T.S.S.G. Saragih, M.P.

Yogyakarta, 16 July 2026 – As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening international collaboration, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an official visit to Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), South Korea, from 13–15 July 2026. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

The visit aimed to establish and expand academic cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Jeonbuk National University, particularly in the areas of student mobility, postgraduate education, and research collaboration. The meeting marked an important step toward developing a long-term partnership that will enhance international learning opportunities and academic excellence for both institutions.

The UGM delegation was warmly welcomed by Cho Hwarim, Vice President of International Affairs, and Lee Sehoon, Team Manager of Global Recruitment and Engagement, Office of International Affairs, Jeonbuk National University. During the discussions, both parties explored several collaborative initiatives that are expected to be implemented in the near future.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was JBNU’s commitment to provide 100 annual student exchange quotas for Universitas Gadjah Mada students, allowing participants to study at JBNU for one semester. Of these, 20 quotas will be specifically allocated to students from the Faculty of Biology UGM, creating greater opportunities for students to gain valuable international academic experience and intercultural exposure.

In addition, both institutions initiated discussions on the development of a Double Degree Program between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Department of Life Sciences and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University, at both the Master’s and Doctoral levels. The proposed program is expected to strengthen collaboration in education and research while producing graduates with global competencies and the ability to contribute to advancements in the life sciences.

Through this prospective partnership, the Faculty of Biology UGM continues to reinforce its commitment to the internationalization of higher education, expanding global learning opportunities for students and fostering collaborative research with leading international institutions. This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting access to high-quality international education and academic mobility, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the establishment of strategic global partnerships that support sustainable development in education, research, and innovation.

Yogyakarta, July 7, 2026 – The Biodiversity Curator Professional Program (PKKH), Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held its annual academic workshop on Tuesday (7/7/2026) in a hybrid format at the UGM University Club. The workshop served as a forum to evaluate the existing learning process and formulate strategies for improving educational quality and graduate competencies.

The workshop was attended by lecturers of the PKKH Program from the Faculty of Biology UGM and partner institutions, including the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and WWF Indonesia. Alumni, students, and educational support staff also participated in the event. The involvement of these stakeholders reflects the program’s commitment to developing a participatory, adaptive curriculum that meets the evolving needs of the biodiversity conservation profession.

In his online opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed his appreciation for the continuous commitment of the academic community to evaluating and improving the learning process. He emphasized that educational innovation is a strategic effort to produce graduates who are highly competent, adaptable, and well prepared to address future challenges in biodiversity conservation.

Meanwhile, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., explained that the workshop aimed to formulate and reach a consensus on restructuring the learning system of the PKKH Program. The proposed changes are based on several strategic considerations, including the growing interest in the professional program from stakeholders across Indonesia, particularly from Sulawesi, Sumatra, and various research institutions; the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology’s regulations supporting distance learning; and the need to better align the learning process with the sequential competencies required of professional biodiversity curators.

Under the new curriculum, the PKKH Program will adopt a semi-block learning system, in which all theoretical courses are delivered first through a hybrid format combining face-to-face instruction with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. These courses will then be followed by intensive, face-to-face practical sessions conducted within a designated period. This approach enables students to develop a comprehensive conceptual understanding before engaging in integrated practical training. Furthermore, the new learning model promotes a transdisciplinary approach, allowing graduates not only to acquire knowledge from multiple disciplines but also to synthesize that knowledge into the core competencies required of professional biodiversity curators.

The Head of the Biodiversity Curator Professional Program, Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., stated that the semi-block learning system will be implemented beginning in the First Semester of the 2026/2027 Academic Year. She explained that the curriculum revision is a follow-up to the evaluation of the previous academic year’s learning process and incorporates valuable input from lecturers, alumni, students, and external stakeholders.

Previously, theoretical courses and practical sessions were conducted concurrently and did not fully follow the sequential competency framework of the curator profession. Through the semi-block system, students will first complete all theoretical coursework before applying their knowledge in integrated practical training that follows the professional competency pathway, beginning with curation planning, followed by collection acquisition and documentation, collection analysis, and finally collection preservation and maintenance.

The workshop also featured presentations by the coordinators of the four competency blocks, who introduced the revised learning structure and course content. During the discussion sessions, participants identified several overlapping topics and areas where the sequence of learning materials could be improved. Consequently, adjustments were made to the organization and sequence of course materials to ensure a more systematic, logical, and competency-based learning experience.

Through this workshop, the Biodiversity Curator Professional Program reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improving its educational system in response to advances in science, the evolving demands of the professional workforce, and the dynamic field of biodiversity curation. The implementation of the semi-block learning system is expected to enhance learning effectiveness, strengthen graduate competencies in line with stakeholder expectations, and support the development of more flexible educational pathways, including the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through competency-based curriculum innovation and educational quality enhancement; SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the development of professional expertise in the documentation, management, curation, conservation, and sustainable utilization of aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration among universities, research institutions, conservation organizations, alumni, and other stakeholders in advancing professional education.