The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the inauguration ceremony for the first cohort of Biodiversity Curators for the 2026/2027 Academic Year on Tuesday, August 26, 2026. During the ceremony, five graduates of the Professional Program in Biodiversity Curation were officially inaugurated after completing 11 months and 10 days of professional education. In her report, the Head of the Professional Program in Biodiversity Curation, Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., stated that the graduates came from diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, and from various regions across Indonesia. All graduates received honors, with an average GPA of 3.96. Henta Ria Anisa was recognized as the best graduate, achieving a perfect GPA of 4.00. In addition, one of the graduates, Dewantari Mega Sekti Alam Sari, has been recruited as a curator at PT Sanjaya Reptile Indonesia, where she previously completed her internship and final project.

The inauguration ceremony included the presentation of Professional Certificates by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, followed by the presentation of Competency Certificates by Dr. Drs. KRT. Ario S. Setiadi, MM., PhD., CPM., CHRM, Chairman of the Indonesia Biologist Association (IBA), as well as the administration of the professional oath and the recitation of the Panca Prasetia Alumni by the graduates. These proceedings reflect the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM and IBA to developing professionals with the competence, skills, and integrity required to serve as Biodiversity Curators. With the inauguration of five curators in this cohort, the Professional Program in Biodiversity Curation has now produced a total of 22 alumni, who are expected to make meaningful contributions to the management and conservation of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.

The presence of qualified professionals in the field of biodiversity curation is an important component in strengthening sustainable biodiversity conservation and management efforts. The program also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through the development of professional education; SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land through strengthened capacity for biodiversity conservation and management; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between higher education institutions and professional organizations. The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that the newly inaugurated curators will become professional agents who make meaningful contributions to society, the nation, and the preservation of Indonesia’s biodiversity.

On Wednesday, 25 August 2026, the Village Partnership Community Service Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held the second session of its community service program titled “Golden Kamper Chicken Farming Technology through the Application of a Dual-Input Incubator as an Effort to Develop an Independent Core Plasma System to Support Zero Hunger (SDG 2).” The activity took place in Hargowilis Village, Kokap Subdistrict, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, involving members of the Reka Amartani Livestock Group as the target community. The event opened with welcoming remarks from the service team and a representative of the Amartani Livestock Group, followed by presentations covering poultry health, feed, and reproduction and hatching key aspects supporting the productivity of Golden Kamper chicken farming.

The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, S.Si., M.Si., who introduced the “Sapu Jagad” Prebiotic Herbal Tonic, an innovation that combines herbal ingredients with beneficial bacteria to support poultry health, immunity, and feed efficiency. The second presentation was given by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., who explained the approximately 21 day egg incubation process, covering temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning factors essential for optimal embryo development. The session was highly interactive, with active discussion from participants on poultry care, including disease issues and feed requirements.

The activity continued with a hands-on demonstration and training session on operating the dual-input incubator, which has a capacity of up to 650 eggs. Participants were introduced to the machine’s operation, including its dual-input system that allows it to keep running during power outages by automatically switching to an LPG based energy source, the automatic egg-turning mechanism, which stops around the 18th day of incubation, temperature settings, egg fertility checks, and the transfer of eggs to the hatcher section as hatching approaches. The machine’s large capacity allows the hatching process to be carried out in stages across each tray, enabling day-old chick (DOC) production to be scheduled more systematically and supporting the Reka Amartani Livestock Group in developing a more organized and sustainable Golden Kamper chick-rearing system. As a form of support for the program’s sustainability, the event concluded with the handover of chicks to community representatives based on the results of the activity’s evaluation, further encouraging sustainable farming practices and the growth of the Golden Kamper chicken population within the livestock group.

This second session marks an important step in developing an independent core-plasma-based Golden Kamper chicken farming system in Hargowilis Village. The integration of improved farmer knowledge, health and feed supporting innovation through the “Sapu Jagad” Prebiotic Herbal Tonic, and the application of the dual-input incubator is expected to boost productivity and community self-reliance in chick breeding. The initiative contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, by raising farmers’ income through more productive farming; SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by strengthening food security through animal-protein production; and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by supporting a more productive and sustainable livestock business in Hargowilis Village.

Yogyakarta, August 20, 2026 — A total of 30 Biology teachers from various senior high schools (SMA/SMU) in Sleman Regency participated in a Molecular Genetics Practical Training held at the Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The activity was part of a Community Service Program (PkM) entitled “Intensive Workshop for the Biology Teachers’ Association (MGMP) of Senior High Schools: Deepening Essential Topics, Strategies for Teaching Complex Topics, and Integrated Practical Activities for Quality Education (SDG 4).”

The practical training was opened with a welcoming address by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Biology, UGM. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of strengthening teachers’ competencies in molecular biology through direct laboratory experience. Hands-on practical activities are expected to help teachers develop a deeper understanding of molecular genetics and subsequently deliver these concepts in a more contextual and engaging way to high school students.

The activity was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., Ph.D., who also guided the implementation of the practical session. Through this activity, the participating teachers had the opportunity to learn and practice fundamental molecular genetics techniques that can potentially be adapted into practical-based learning activities in their respective schools.

The practical session focused on DNA extraction, amplification of the AMEL (amelogenin) gene using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, followed by analysis of PCR products using agarose gel electrophoresis. This topic was selected to provide participants with hands-on experience in the basic stages of DNA analysis, from DNA amplification to visualization and interpretation of PCR products.

In addition to performing the laboratory procedures, participants were introduced to the principles of PCR, the functions of PCR reaction components, DNA amplification, the principles of agarose gel electrophoresis, and the interpretation of DNA banding patterns. Therefore, the practical training was designed not only to develop technical laboratory skills but also to strengthen participants’ ability to connect molecular genetics concepts with experimental results.

The practical activity represents an important component of the broader effort to strengthen contextual, innovative, and science- and technology-based Biology education. The laboratory experience gained during the workshop is expected to support teachers in developing and adapting practical activities for classroom learning, enabling students to gain not only theoretical knowledge of genetics but also a better understanding of how molecular genetics and biotechnology are applied in real-world settings.

Through this integrated workshop and practical training, the Faculty of Biology, UGM contributes to strengthening the professional competencies of Biology teachers while fostering collaboration between higher education institutions and schools. Such collaboration is expected to promote continuous improvement in Biology education, particularly in response to the rapid development of genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology.

This initiative is also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4): Quality Education, which promotes inclusive and quality education through, among other efforts, strengthening educators’ capacity, encouraging innovative teaching approaches, and integrating advances in science and technology into educational practices.

Through this program, the Biology Teachers of MGMP Sleman Regency are expected to gain greater confidence and competence in introducing and developing molecular genetics concepts and practical activities in their schools. Ultimately, strengthening teachers’ competencies is expected to contribute to improving the quality of biology education and enriching students’ learning experiences at the senior high school level.

SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Leipzig, 8 August 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen its academic and research collaboration with Leipzig University, Germany, through the participation of seven undergraduate students in the One Health Summer Camp, held at Leipzig University from 8–22 August 2026. The program marks a continuation of the longstanding collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University in education, student mobility, research, and the advancement of the One Health approach.

This year, seven students from the Faculty of Biology UGM are participating in the One Health Summer Camp alongside students from Badr University, Egypt. The UGM delegation also includes Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. as a faculty member and academic supervisor. The delegation is further accompanied by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs.

The One Health Summer Camp builds upon a similar program conducted in the previous year. In the 2025 International Summer Camp on One Health, the Faculty of Biology UGM sent 10 students to Leipzig University, where they participated alongside students from Leipzig University and Badr University. The program provided an interdisciplinary learning environment focused on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, while also fostering knowledge exchange and international academic networks.

The continuity of the program demonstrates that the collaboration between UGM and Leipzig University extends beyond student exchange and international exposure, and continues to develop into a broader academic and research partnership. The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, has been strengthened through research activities, visiting professorships, training programs, and academic initiatives focusing on the One Health approach.

The partnership has also progressed through discussions on long-term academic programs between the two institutions. During the Faculty of Biology UGM’s visit to Leipzig University in August 2025, both institutions initiated discussions on the development of a Doctoral Double Degree Program linking the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University. This initiative represents a strategic step toward expanding international higher education networks while strengthening the integration of education and research.

In the field of research, the UGM–Leipzig collaboration has also continued to expand through research funding support from Leipzig Zoo and Leipzig University in 2025, involving Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. The funding supports collaborative research involving the Faculty of Biology UGM, Leipzig University, and the Komodo National Park, particularly research on the Komodo dragon microbiome and capacity building in conservation areas. The collaboration has also opened opportunities for Master’s students to become involved in joint research activities.

This research collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships can connect academic expertise with practical needs in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Joint research initiatives also provide opportunities for students and researchers to gain experience in cross-institutional research while expanding academic networks and laying the foundation for sustained international collaboration.

Through the 2026 One Health Summer Camp, the Faculty of Biology UGM once again provides its students with opportunities to gain academic experience in an international environment, engage with students from different countries, and explore the One Health approach from a multidisciplinary perspective. The program forms part of the Faculty’s commitment to preparing graduates with strong academic competencies, international exposure, and the ability to collaborate in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of biodiversity, health, and the environment.

Looking ahead, the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University remain committed to further expanding their collaboration through student and faculty mobility, joint degree development, collaborative research, and international academic networking. The partnership is expected to further strengthen the contributions of both institutions to the advancement of science based on the One Health and biodiversity approaches, while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Sleman, August 7, 2026 – The Community Service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) Desa Mitra team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a Waste Sorting and Recycling Training at SD Negeri Kiyaran, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency. The activity is part of the 2026 Desa Mitra Community Service Program entitled “Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Capacity in Environmental Management and Integrated Agriculture.” The training involved 36 students from Grades 4, 5, and 6 and aimed to improve their knowledge and practical skills in sustainable waste management from an early age.

The event was opened by the Master of Ceremony, Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc., followed by an introductory session led by the project leader, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., followed by a presentation entitled Organic and Inorganic Waste Sorting Training delivered by Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc. During the session, students learned about different types of waste, the environmental and health impacts of open waste burning, the importance of waste segregation at the source, and the concept of a waste bank as a sustainable waste management strategy.

To reinforce the theoretical knowledge, the students participated in a hands-on waste sorting activity. They were asked to separate waste into color-coded bins red, yellow, green, and blue, donated by the PkM team to SD Negeri Kiyaran. This practical exercise enabled students to directly apply the concepts they had learned while encouraging the development of environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

In addition to the waste sorting training, the community service program also included a creative recycling workshop. Guided by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., the students transformed used plastic mineral water bottles and discarded fabric scraps into pencil holders. The participants enthusiastically followed each step of the activity and proudly completed their own creations. To conclude the session, an interactive quiz was held to review the training materials, followed by a prize presentation for students who demonstrated excellent understanding of the material and produced the most creative pencil holders.

The activity was supported by other members of the community service team, including Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., as well as doctoral students from the Faculty of Biology, UGM Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., who collectively contributed to the successful implementation of the program.

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices, the PkM Desa Mitra team also donated a set of four color-coded waste bins and composting sacks for organic waste management to the school. The event concluded with a group photo session involving the community service team, the school principal, teachers, and all participating students.

Through this program, the organizers expect to enhance students’ environmental knowledge, practical skills, and awareness. Beyond encouraging proper waste disposal and segregation, the activities also inspire students to recycle waste into useful products by applying the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R). By introducing environmental education at an early age, the program contributes to shaping a generation that is more responsible and committed to environmental sustainability.

This community service initiative also supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, driving the search for safer and more effective anticancer agents. Natural products continue to be an important source of bioactive compounds, with kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C.) attracting growing attention due to its rich content of secondary metabolites, particularly terpenoids and steroids, which have been reported to exhibit anticancer activities.

However, the production of secondary metabolites in plants is often inconsistent. Seasonal changes, climate, and environmental conditions can influence both the quantity and composition of bioactive compounds, making it difficult to obtain uniform plant materials. To address this challenge, a research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is developing a kaffir lime callus culture system as a controlled platform for secondary metabolite production. This approach offers the potential to produce bioactive compounds with greater consistency while reducing dependence on seasonal variation and cultivation conditions.

The research is led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with Ferdinan Florian, Gabriela Arista Phoebe Sutato, and Grace Leilani Tumiwa, in collaboration with Sastia Prama Putri, Ph.D. from Osaka University, Japan. The study also benefits from scientific input provided by Endre Károly Kristóf, Ph.D. and Rini Arianti, Ph.D. from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary. The research takes place at the Biotechnology and Biochemistry Laboratories, Faculty of Biology UGM, using kaffir lime fruits collected from Pekutan Village, Bayan District, Purworejo Regency, Central Java.

The study begins with in vitro seed germination to obtain sterile seedlings as the source of explants. Callus cultures are subsequently induced from three different explant types, followed by evaluations of their growth characteristics and compound profiles. To stimulate secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the calli are subjected to elicitation treatment before extraction. The resulting compound profiles are then analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the secondary metabolites produced by the kaffir lime calli.

Unlike conventionally cultivated plants, callus cultures can be maintained throughout the year under controlled conditions, minimizing the effects of environmental fluctuations on metabolite production. This system provides a more consistent source of plant-derived compounds for research and represents an important step toward the development of natural product-based anticancer candidates. The findings are also expected to expand the application of plant tissue culture technology in plant biotechnology research.

This research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being by advancing plant-based sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in health research. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting a more sustainable approach to producing valuable plant metabolites through controlled callus culture systems, thereby reducing dependence on harvesting plants from natural populations.

A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has successfully characterized the genetic profile of the Golden Kamper chicken through a study funded by the Faculty of Biology Lecturer–Student Collaborative Research Grant (KDM) 2026. Using DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, the study revealed the close genetic relationship between Golden Kamper chickens and several Indonesian local chicken breeds. The findings provide valuable baseline genetic information to support future breeding programs and the conservation of Indonesia’s poultry genetic resources.

Indonesia is home to a rich diversity of local chicken genetic resources, with at least 33 recognized local chicken breeds that hold significant potential for sustainable poultry development. One of these is the Golden Kamper chicken, a dual-purpose breed developed by crossing Pelung Blirik roosters with Brown Layer hens. The breed was developed to combine desirable production traits while preserving the genetic potential of local poultry, making it a promising genetic resource for supporting food security and biodiversity conservation.

Despite its potential, genetic information on the Golden Kamper chicken remains limited. Genetic characterization is therefore essential to understand its genetic diversity and evolutionary relationship with other chicken breeds, providing a scientific foundation for breeding strategies and the long-term conservation of indigenous poultry genetic resources. In this study, researchers analyzed the mitochondrial COI gene to evaluate the genetic variation and phylogenetic relationship of Golden Kamper chickens with other chicken breeds. The results showed that Golden Kamper chickens are closely related to Manokwari, Maluku, and Kedu Jawa chickens, as well as the Red Jungle Fowl, the wild ancestor of modern domestic chickens. Furthermore, the COI gene exhibited relatively low genetic variation, indicating its conserved nature and highlighting its potential as a reliable molecular marker for chicken genetic characterization. The findings provide an important genetic baseline for the future development of Golden Kamper chickens and other Indonesian local chicken breeds. The genetic information generated through this study is expected to support molecular breeding programs, strengthen genetic resource conservation efforts, and serve as a reference for future research on the genetic diversity of Indonesian poultry.

This research was conducted under the Faculty of Biology Lecturer–Student Collaborative Research Grant (KDM) 2026, involving undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. The study also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting sustainable poultry breeding for food security, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the conservation and sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s poultry genetic resources.

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.