Yogyakarta, May 2, 2025 — Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, a lecturer and researcher from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated as a speaker in the Regional Research Catalyst Webinar of 2025 Webinar #4 themed “Sustainable Development and Education”, organized by the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia. The webinar was held virtually on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and was moderated by Eisuke Saito from Monash University.

In the webinar, Dr. Eko presented a talk entitled “The Environment, Sustainability, and Universities in Indonesia: An Examination of the Nexus”, which is part of a book chapter co-authored with Ko Nomura of Nagoya University, Japan. In addition to Dr. Eko, Professor Alex Lechner, an expert in urban design from Monash University Indonesia, also contributed perspectives to the discussion on the interconnection between education and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Indonesia.

Dr. Eko’s presentation highlighted the historical dynamics and challenges of environmental education and sustainable development in Indonesia. He explained that such programs have existed since the 1970s, and even earlier through the scout movement. Universitas Gadjah Mada was a pioneer in sustainable development programs through a collaborative approach involving faculty, students, and local communities—namely, the Community Service Program (KKN) that began in 1951 as the Student Deployment Program (PTM) to assist the government in providing educators outside Java. This program continues today, having evolved from a development-centered approach to one focused on empowerment, and is now known as KKN-PPM (Community Empowerment Learning-Based Community Service Program).

Furthermore, Dr. Eko emphasized the crucial role of higher education institutions in structurally integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions. He also noted that strategic funding and institutional support are essential to strengthening the bridge between education, research, and community service in concrete actions addressing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) issues.

The topic presented by Dr. Eko reflects a strong commitment to the global goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education (SDG 4), developing sustainable communities (SDG 11), taking climate action (SDG 13), and fostering cross-sector and institutional collaboration (SDG 17). By reinforcing the role of universities as agents of change, his presentation affirms Indonesia’s important contribution to the success of the global sustainable development agenda through the integration of science, policy, and community empowerment.

Yogyakarta, 28 April 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a guest lecture titled “Managing Biodiversity at PT Freeport Indonesia”, featuring speaker Kukuh Indra Kusuma, S.Si., from the Biodiversity Section, Environmental Division of PT Freeport Indonesia. Kukuh, a 2006 graduate of the Faculty of Biology UGM, is currently active in environmental management at one of Indonesia’s largest mining companies.

Held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, the event was attended by students, lecturers, and members of the Faculty of Biology UGM academic community. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, officially opened the lecture. In his remarks, Dr. Eko expressed appreciation for Mr. Kukuh’s return and emphasized the importance of such moments in inspiring students and alumni to explore career opportunities in the mining sector.

Moderated by Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, the session began with an introduction to Mr. Kukuh’s active involvement during his student years and his achievements in various international research competitions.

In his presentation, Mr. Kukuh outlined the history and operational scope of PT Freeport Indonesia, which spans across Grasberg, Underground Mine, Tembagapura, to Amamapare Port. He highlighted the environmental management challenges posed by such an extensive and complex mining area, as well as the various initiatives undertaken by the company to safeguard biodiversity.

A range of environmental rehabilitation and conservation programs have been implemented, including land reclamation and revegetation using native species such as matoa and angsana, tailings (SIRSAT) management, and mangrove restoration efforts targeting up to 500 hectares of replanting annually. PT Freeport has also developed integrated post-mining research facilities such as cattle farming, agricultural land, hydroponics, aquaculture, and integrated farming systems.

In terms of biodiversity conservation, the company conducts species monitoring, ecosystem succession assessments, and has established conservation facilities such as botanical gardens and ecosystem dioramas. These initiatives are carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) through the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).

The lecture concluded with an interactive discussion session that was met with great enthusiasm from the students. The event is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation and academic engagement in ecosystem conservation research (SDG 4 and 15), while also promoting cross-sectoral collaboration toward sustainable development (SDG 17).

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, through the Animal Developmental Structure Laboratory (SPH), successfully held its first batch of animal microtechnique training on April 22–24, 2025. The training was attended by five participants, comprising three doctoral students and two undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

Head of the SPH Laboratory, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., emphasized the importance of this training as a platform to strengthen laboratory skills and foster cross-level academic knowledge sharing.

“This training represents a concrete contribution from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in equipping students with applicable and relevant microtechnique skills for biological research. Insyaa Allah, we plan to organize this training in 2 to 3 batches each year,” said Dr. Ardaning.

The training included both theoretical sessions and hands-on practicals, focusing on the preparation of histological slides using the paraffin method—one of the fundamental techniques in microtechnique. Participants were guided by a teaching team consisting of seven lecturers and two laboratory technicians from the SPH Laboratory. All participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm, actively engaged in discussions, and showed great interest in each session.

Beyond serving as a competency-enhancing activity, this training also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 on quality education. Through this initiative, the Faculty of Biology UGM hopes to continuously support the advancement of education quality, particularly in mastering specific technical skills in the field of biology.

Moreover, this microtechnique training is expected to become an inspiring example for other educational institutions in developing practice- and research-based learning, in pursuit of producing excellent and globally competitive graduates.

Yogyakarta, April 24, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenhan RI) to discuss collaboration on biodiversity management and the strengthening of biodefense. The event, held in the KPTU Meeting Room at the Faculty of Biology UGM, aimed to explore the potential development of Indonesia’s biodiversity in efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of vaccines, and the production of explosive materials from nitrocellulose.

The Kemenhan RI delegation included Afson Riswandi Sirait, S.E., M.Pd. (Head of Research and Development Center for Defense Technology, Balitbang Kemhan), Tri Ambodo, S.T., M.Han. (Head of SDAB Division, Research and Development Center for Defense Technology, Balitbang Kemhan), Drs. Alim Bahri (Research and Development Center for Defense Technology, Balitbang Kemhan), and Suhardi Aji Sriwijayanto, S.E., M.Han. (Research and Development Center for Defense Technology, Balitbang Kemhan).

The delegation was welcomed by several UGM representatives, including Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. (Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM), Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs), Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs), Ely Susanto, S.IP., MBA., Ph.D. (Director of Planning and Development UGM), Prof. Sang Kompiang Wirawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. (Head of the Intellectual Property Management Office UGM), Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. (Head of the Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM), Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc. (Head of the Plant Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si., M.Sc. (Head of the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech. (Head of the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. (Manager of the Tropical Biodiversity Study Center, Faculty of Biology UGM), Almira (Directorate of Business Development UGM), and Dian Astuti (Directorate of Business Development UGM).

The discussion focused on the development of research concerning the utilization of Indonesia’s biodiversity for strengthening biodefense. Afson Riswandi Sirait, S.E., M.Pd. emphasized that the program’s goal is to focus on the prevention and handling of viral pandemics, drawing from the experience of the previous COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the potential development of explosive material precursors from nitrocellulose. This is a critical concern due to Indonesia’s reliance on imports of explosive materials, while domestic production capacity remains limited.

Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, welcomed the collaboration. He explained that the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) has collected more than 13,000 genomic data entries, which are recorded in the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI). The Faculty of Biology UGM has also developed various bioprospecting and biotechnology research, including vaccines and phytopharmaca, and has previously collaborated with the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Siregar, Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology UGM, revealed that vaccine research at UGM is continuously advancing, with a focus on multivalent mRNA-based vaccines for handling DBD virus, as well as Tuberculosis (TBC) vaccines. Meanwhile, Prof. Ratna Susandarini, Head of the Plant Systematics Laboratory, added that her team had conducted studies on cellulose sources and participated in the National Science Expedition (NKRI) between 2015-2017 to explore various plant species with high potential in Indonesia.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs at the Faculty of Biology UGM, emphasized that the Faculty of Biology is now one of the leading genome sequencing centers in Indonesia. This strengthens UGM’s strategic role in supporting the national genomic research ecosystem, with sequencing facilities at the Integrated Genome Factory.

Prof. Kompiang Wirawan further added that it is essential to consider intellectual property (IP) protection aspects and collaboration agreements to safeguard the results of defense technology research and the researchers involved. He hopes that in the future, a cross-faculty team at UGM, with the Faculty of Biology as the coordinator, can be formed to support the implementation of joint research with Kemenhan on this topic.

This collaboration is also aligned with UGM’s, particularly the Faculty of Biology’s, commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Faculty of Biology UGM is committed to contributing to the SDGs, particularly in areas related to quality health (SDG 3), life on land (SDG 15), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Through innovative research and cross-sector collaboration, the Faculty of Biology UGM continues to support science-based solutions to global challenges, such as pandemics and food security, in order to create a more sustainable future for Indonesia and the world.

Yogyakarta, 21 April 2025, The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is pleased to announce that the Professional Study Program of Biodiversity Curator (Program Studi Profesi Kurator Keanekaragaman Hayati, PKKH) has been officially granted Accreditation status by the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT) with BAN-PT Decree’s No. 6161/SK/BAN-PT/Ak.P/PP/III/2025 and last for 5 years. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of PKKH, which stands as the first professional program of Biodiversity Curator in Asia and the second globally to focus specifically on the education and preparation of highly competent and professional Biodiversity Curators.

The conferment of this accreditation represents formal recognition of PKKH’s dedication and preparedness in delivering high-quality professional education. It also reflects the program’s commitment to its vision of developing Biodiversity Curators who embody the principles of Pancasila and demonstrate excellence, self-assurance, professionalism, cultural rootedness, creativity, innovation, and a strong capacity for collaboration in national and international.

Through an adaptive and integrated curriculum aligned with the evolving demands of the professional landscape, as well as strategic collaborations with partner institutions nationaly and internationally, PKKH continues to enhance the quality of its academic implementation. The program places a strong emphasis on integrity, competence, and leadership in the conservation and management of biodiversity.

This accomplishment reinforces PKKH’s optimism in advancing as a reference professional program in biodiversity curation, while also promoting the spirit of Pancasila and the cultural values of Indonesia on the global stage. Moreover, this achievement aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education. By ensuring the delivery of high-standard professional education in biodiversity curation, PKKH contributes to the development of inclusive, equitable, and high-quality learning opportunities. Furthermore, through its focus on biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management, the program also supports SDGs No 14 on Life Bellow Water and SDGs No 15 on Life on Land, reinforcing the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., a genomics researcher from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, together with the Satria Budi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS), and  genomics researchers from IPB University, Universitas Mataram, and Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati (UGJ), participated in an event organized by Pacific Biosciences held on April 14–16, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, Da Nang, Vietnam. Participation in PrIMS 2025 is not only about sharing research findings, but also about learning from the global scientific community and establishing international partnerships to accelerate the adoption of genomic sequencing technologies in Indonesia in response to increasingly complex research challenges.

PacBio PrIMS 2025 brought together experts, scientists, and professionals in the field of genome sequencing from various countries across the Asia-Pacific region, covering key topics such as Plant, Animal & Microbial Genomics, Human Genomics, Iso-Seq & Single Cell Iso-Seq, Bioinformatics, and Emerging Applications & Technologies. Participation in PrIMS 2025 is part of a continuous effort to foster global collaboration and strengthen national genomics research capacity, which is vital for accelerating the use of next-generation sequencing technologies to address major challenges in public health and environmental sciences. This forum also provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration between Indonesian researchers and international partners in developing laboratory infrastructure, technology transfer, and cross-border scientific training. With a spirit of collaboration, Indonesia’s participation is expected to serve as a bridge toward strengthening an inclusive and globally competitive genomics research ecosystem.

Suriname, April 2025 — The delegation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada continued the series of international engagement visits in Suriname by visiting Anton de Kom University (Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname). The delegation consisted of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto as Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs.

This visit was received directly by Kartika Doerdjan, M.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Math and Natural Sciences, together with Dr. Irwin Hidalgo (Dean Secretary), and Dr. Irwan Molgo (Head of Biology Program). In the meeting, both parties discussed the initiation of strategic cooperation covering various fields, such as: summer course program, international conference International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS), further study for lecturers, visiting professors, joint lectures and research, collaborative publications, training for lecturers and students, development of shared laboratories and facilities, sandwich program, and development of greenhouse and herbarium.

In addition, the delegation also visited the International Academy Suriname (IAS) and was received by the director of IAS, Mrs. Haidy Lie A Ling. The discussion with IAS focused on further study opportunities for students at the Faculty of Biology UGM as well as scholarship opportunities that can be given to prospective international students.

The series of activities in Suriname ended with a dinner with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Paramaribo. On this occasion, the delegation of the Faculty of Biology UGM said goodbye to the representatives of the KBRI and expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and support during the activities in Suriname.

This activity also became a real manifestation of the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) by increasing access and quality of higher education across countries, and SDG 17 (Partnerships to Achieve the Goals) by strengthening global cooperation in the fields of education, research, and innovation.

Paramaribo, April 15, 2025 – The delegation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continued the second day of their official visit to Suriname with a number of strategic agendas to expand the international cooperation network and establish friendship with the Javanese diaspora in the country. The delegation was led by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, accompanied by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto (Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs), and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs).

The agenda of the second day of the visit began with a meeting with Dr. Marciano Dasai, Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment of Suriname who is also a UGM alumnus. This meeting discussed the potential for cooperation in sending Surinamese staff for further studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM. In addition, both parties also explored research and development collaboration in various strategic areas such as food security, biodiversity database management, carbon credit, bioprospecting, renewable energy, agriculture, and climate resilience. In the afternoon, the delegation met with Surinamese parliamentarian Evert Legiran Kerto, as well as the management of the Pertjaja Luhur Party, the largest Javanese-based party in Suriname. The discussion focused on opportunities for cooperation in human resource development and technology transfer, as a form of synergy between Indonesian higher education institutions and elements of the Javanese community in Suriname.

The visit continued to Saramakka District, about 50 km from the capital city of Paramaribo, to meet with Javanese community leaders, namely Mr. H. Subari and his family: Mr. David K. Karso and Mrs. Noer Latifah Laily. This meeting was an important event to introduce the Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as to strengthen relations between UGM and the Javanese diaspora community.

Previously, the delegation was also accompanied by staff from the Indonesian Embassy in Suriname, Mrs. Anissa and Mrs. Risa, during a visit to Mrs. Carla Grossman, Director of the QSI International School of Suriname. This visit aims to promote the International Program (IUP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM to prospective international students.

This visit is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s efforts to encourage the internationalization of higher education and strengthen Indonesia’s role in the global arena through cross-country educational and research cooperation, especially with the Indonesian diaspora community.

Through this initiative, it is hoped that the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Suriname can be strengthened, not only in the context of education, but also in the economic, social, and cultural sectors. This initiative also prioritizes the principles of sustainable development which are part of a shared commitment to the SDGs, especially support for inclusive education for all groups (SDG 4 and 10), as well as support for research that contributes to environmental conservation and handling climate change (SDG 13).

Paramaribo, April 14, 2025 – In an effort to expand international networks and strengthen educational relations between countries, the delegation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) consisting of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, made an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Principal Authorized Representative of the Indonesian Embassy in Suriname, Mr. Sadikin, along with staff, namely Mrs. Anisa and Miss Risa. In the productive discussion, several important agendas were discussed, including the promotion of scholarship programs for students, teachers, lecturers and government staff from Suriname to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Suriname has strong historical ties with Indonesia. More than 135 years ago, the Javanese people first migrated to Suriname as contract workers. Today, their descendants are an important part of the country’s social and political life, although many of them are no longer fluent in Javanese.

Efforts to re-establish cooperation in the fields of education and culture have actually been carried out since the New Order era under the leadership of President Soeharto. Now, this spirit has been renewed by opening up collaboration spaces not only in the fields of education and culture, but also expanded to the economic, industrial, and environmental sectors.

Suriname is also known as a country with zero carbon emissions (zero CO₂ emissions) and as the most forested country in the world. In fact, there is one province whose entire territory is forest so that it does not have its own capital city, and must be represented by the country’s capital. This opens up great potential for cooperation in the fields of biodiversity and conservation as well as climate change, including CO₂ capture which is the main strength of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On this occasion, the UGM delegation also met with a member of parliament of Javanese descent, Mr. Moertabat Wanica Sidik who is the older brother of the Surinamese Ambassador to Indonesia. He expressed his full support for efforts to increase cooperation that can help prepare Suriname’s human resources, especially the young generation of Indonesian descent, to be able to fill strategic positions in government and other sectors. Currently, there are at least three ministers and several directors who are of Javanese descent and some of them are UGM alumni.

Through this initiative, it is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Suriname, not only in the context of education, but also in the economic, social, and cultural sectors. This initiative also prioritizes the principles of sustainable development which are part of a shared commitment to the SDGs, especially support for inclusive education for all groups (SDG 4 and 10), as well as support for research that contributes to environmental conservation and handling climate change (SDG 13).

On Friday, 21st of March 2025 at 1-2.30 PM, Gentalk 4 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. This program is targeted for all Formasigen members and Biology UGM students in general. Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as Formasigen’s supervisor lecturer, also attended this program. Gentalk is an active discussion and sharing session between alumni or senior student and Formasigen’s member about the undergraduate thesis they are working on. In this Gentalk edition, the speaker is Laura Silka Karawina Rokhmat, Faculty of Biology UGM students batch 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D for her undergraduate thesis.

This program started with an opening from the Master of Ceremony, Ghefira Nurrahima Tsuraya, as a part of the Public Relation Division of HomeoGenesis Cabinet, followed by an opening speech by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the supervisor lecturer of Formasigen. The next activity is a presentation about “Genetic Variation Northern Calling Fiddler Crab, Gelasimus Borealis (Crane, 1975), from Kulon Progo, D.I.Yogyakarta Using 16s rRNA Mitochondrial Gene”. In this session, she shares about identification methods and genetic variation analysis of Northern Calling Fiddler Crab, Gelasimus Borealis, using 16s rRNA mitochondrial gene. After that, is the Q&A session followed by closing from the master of ceremony. Through Gentalk, we hoped that this could be a good start to create a vessel for an interesting and beneficial discussion. We also hope that this program can give a better understanding about all the research done by all the lecturers and their students in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biologi UGM. This research also hoped to help actualize the 15^th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is Life On Land.