Yogyakarta, April 6 2024 – Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada is expanding their network in international collaboration and recognition through the initiation of collaboration with Durham University, especially the Faculty of Science. Together with the Faculty of Geography and the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, collaborative discussions took place online and were attended by Prof. Olive Roberts as Executive Dean Faculty of Science, Prof. Jun Jie Wu as Deputy Executive Dean Faculty of Science as well as several other colleagues from Durham University.

Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, Ph.D. as Head of Office of International Office UGM guided the discussion on Friday (6/4) afternoon which began with a presentation on collaboration from the Faculty of Biology UGM, represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs at the Faculty of Biology.

Dr. Eko explained the various collaborations that could be established and had previously been established by the Faculty of Biology with various international partners. He conveyed that international classes (International Undergraduate Program) in the biology study program where all classes are delivered in English is an additional opportunity to collaborate on student exchanges from various countries. Dr. Eko also adds opportunities for students and lecturers, especially from Durham University, to participate in the International Summer Course for the Faculty of Biology which will take place next June.

The discussion continued with presentations from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, as well as the Faculty of Geography. Each faculty also delivers international programs that can be collaborated on, including student exchange, mobility programs and summer courses. Alfatika also adds the potential for 1+1 double degree collaboration through the LPDP funding scheme which can be collaborated with each faculty. It is hoped that this initiation can be followed by other, more comprehensive discussions.

This discussion is a great bridge to increase the collaboration network between Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology and Durham University. It is hoped that this collaboration can support the improvement of education and research at the Faculty of Biology UGM and increase student learning opportunities at the international level, in line with support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding collaboration in international level (SDG 4 and 17).

Based on the results of the Faculty Level Achievement Student Selection (Pilmapres) at Universitas Gadjah Mada which was held on 19 March 2024 and taking into account the results of the meeting to determine the winner by the university jury team and the faculty jury team, the Director of Student Affairs appointed Eva Yuniar Reza Permana Putri (Biology 2021) as the winner of the 2024 Faculty-Level Pilmapres at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The Pilmapres was held from 29 February – 8 March 2024 as an initial stage of selection, namely registration and collection of committee files. These files include Outstanding Achievements (CU) which contain participant achievements, Creative Idea Papers (GK) for undergraduate category participants with the theme “Sustainable Development Goals” according to the participants’ fields of study, and English Language Certificates (TOEFL/ITP/IELTS/ ACEPT/TOEP/TOEIC). The files were then selected by the UGM Outstanding Student Community (Kommapres) on 12 March 2024, followed by Faculty Level selection on 16 – 17 March 2024. The Faculty level selection stage included interviews for Outstanding Achievements ( CU) and Creative Idea presentations (GK) based on the scripts made by each participant.The announcement of The Faculty level was made on 19 March 2024.

Eva Yuniar Reza Permana Putri (Biology 2021) has been known as an active student both in academic and non-academic fields. Eva actively participated in various activities and competitions including the winner of Nutrifood Leadership Award 2023; chosen for ASEAN+ Youth Summit 2023 and SDGs Annual Conference 2023; delegation of the The 27th National Congress IAAS Indonesia; 2nd place on Student Scientific Festival Essay Competition; and 3rd Place on Business Competition ENVROTECH 4.0 organized by PERTAMINA Hulu Indonesia. Eva is also active in organizations, namely the internal head of the ormada Ikatan Mahasiswa Magelang (IMAGE), Advocacy and Student Welfare by the Biology Student Executive Board, and the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association. Eva has been awarded the BSI Scholarship for Achievement, recognized as the Outstanding Non-Academic Student at UGM in the Category of Humanitarian Activity, received a Fully Funded Volunteering opportunity by Indonesian Youth Action in Banda Neira, and also a Fully Funded Sakura Science Program at Yamagata University, Japan, to further her interest in Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering.

Eva’s creative idea focuses on the bioprospecting of the local food plant Jali-Jali as a means to explore biodiversity for achieving Indonesia’s food sovereignty. This topic is inspired by her activities with Climate Reality Indonesia in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, which align with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On March 30, 2024, thirty members of BiOSC participated in the BiOSC Cultivation Training x Labskill at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This event was a collaboration between the Research and Cultivation Divisions of BiOSC. The BiOSC Cultivation Training x Labskill focuses on subculture techniques and seed sowing training, The event included three sessions: a lecture by a postgraduate student in Biotechnology, Febri Yuda Kurniawan; a training on subculture techniques; and a final session on seed sowing techniques. This series of activities begins with a pretest for participants followed by a lecture on sterilization, in vitro culture techniques, contaminants, and culture media.

Next, participants were divided into four groups. The first two groups practiced seed-sowing techniques using a Laminar Air Flow (LAF) cabinet with Eulophia javanica and Coelogyne trinervis. Meanwhile, the other two groups carried out subculture techniques in incubators. Throughout the training, participants were guided by students mentored by Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., Shiddharta Arya Anggoro Cen, and Nurul Istiqomah. The aseptic technique was emphasized as a critical component for the success of this activity.
“As I’m only in my second semester, I didn’t know much about orchid cultivation. This training on cultivation techniques has expanded my knowledge and feels like I’m cosplaying as a researcher,” said Golda, an active member of AD 18 who participated in the BiOSC Cultivation Training x Labskill. The event aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of basic in vitro orchid cultivation techniques and expected to be able to apply this knowledge in the future.

On Saturday, 23 April 2024, the BIORAMA or BiOSC Sharing activity was carried out at an orphanage in Yogyakarta, the Al-Afiyah Yogyakarta Orphanage on Jl. Kopral Samiyo I, Kemasan, Sendangtirto, Kecamatan Berkah, Sleman. This activity is one of the annual work programs under the Public Relations and BiOSC Network field carried out at the time of Ramadhan. This year, BIORAMA’s agenda is distributing food aid and donations. The funds used came from opening donations on March 12 – March 20, 2024, so the total funds received were Rp. 4.700.000,-. The event started with an opening by MC, Jovika Syifa Ananmaimuna, then continued with remarks from the Head of BiOSC, Bela Marcha. This was followed by remarks by the Chairperson of the Al-Afiyah Yogyakarta Orphanage, Mr. Herli Hartanto. He was grateful for the donation provided and gave a brief explanation of the orphanage. The BIORAMA event was closed with a joint documentation session.

Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Student Senate (SEMA) Workshop was held with the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This workshop is a meeting between SEMA and BEM, consisting of a presentation of the entire work program of each commission or department for one year of management period, namely the 2024 service period. SEMA Biology carries the parliamentary name ‘Naya Askara’ and BEM Biology carries the cabinet name ‘Padma Birawa’ in this year’s management period. This Workshop is an open activity, where representatives of Study Groups/Institutions attend the workshop.

This Workshop activity was held in Biodas Atas Timur’s room with Talitha Daris Nirwasita as the Master of Ceremony. The activity started at 08.00 WIB with the agenda including the opening and prayer, singing Indonesia Raya, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymne, and Faculty of Biology March. The activity continued with remarks by Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha as chairman of the 2024 Biology BEM and continued by remarks from the chairman of the 2023 Biology SEMA namely Marfuah, then proceeded with a presentation of Biology BEM’s work programs, then a presentation by SEMA, and finally closing.

From the presentations that have been delivered, there are good suggestions from BEM to SEMA and from SEMA to BEM. These proposals can later be studied further and used as a basis if there are additions or changes to each work program that has been submitted. The workshop activity was then closed at 11.30 WIB and ended with documentation.

On 25 March 2024, in the Computer Room of the Faculty of Biology Library at UGM, four 11th-grade students from SMA N 2 Yogyakarta carried out the social workers activity. The students directly engaged and interacted with the library activities from 25 – 28 March 2024. They learned independently under the guidance of Rusna Nur Aini, Faculty of Biology UGM library staff. This activity aimed to realize the school program and to develop students’ character through the independent learning program in which students participate in activities outside of school.

The students were provided with guidance and direction to enhance their ability to learn, socialize, gain experiences, and develop soft skills. The Faculty of Biology UGM Library served as a learning medium to express student’s ideas and thoughts, as stated by the library supervisor, Drs. Ignatius Sudaryadi, M.Kes. Rusna provided an overview of the library services and regulations. Furthermore, the students were taken on a tour to see the collection rooms utilized for print books and old journal storage, the circulation area for book borrowing and reading, the ETD room and computers for reading online journals and soft file manuscripts of final assignments, and the computer laboratory for learning and training.

On the second day, the students trained to produce and refine videos using Canva.com. The trainer was Veny Wulansari, the Faculty of Biology UGM Library’s part-time student. The students also trained in capturing videos for their school promotion videos, which will be posted on their social media platforms on the last day of the Social Worker activity.

On the third day, the students were assigned to write press release-like articles as library promotion media. The students were delighted to have been warmly welcomed at the Faculty of Biology UGM Library. David, one of the students, expressed his gratitude for the valuable experience and beneficial insight for the future. They extend their utmost gratitude to all parties in facilitating their independent learning activities. It hoped that in the future, the Faculty of Biology UGM Library will be widely recognized, and escalate the interest to study at the Faculty of Biology, as well as the number of visitors to the library. Regards to literacy!!! (Rusna)

On Saturday, 22 March 2024, the Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT) organized a small group discussion (SGD) 2: Architecture Landscape – Ecology Landscape (Arsikap-Ekoskap) in the form of teaching by the Sub-Division of Science of Ecology Landscape on plot method and ecology landscape tools, for the architecture landscape activity, the Seedling (prospective member of KSAT) presented various garden styles from the Pra-Acclimatization assignment. The SGD aimed to enhance Seedling’s knowledge and skills in determining areas using plot methods and to learn about various types and forms of garden styles.

The SGD began with an opening by Nabil Putra and Samantha Sonya, followed by an opening prayer. The activity continued with presentations from the Sub-Division of the Science of Ecology Landscape on methods of garden plotting and the introduction of ecology landscape tools by Kotimah and Azra Belva. This was followed by a question and answer session. The activity proceeds with the practice of using ecology landscape tools. The seedlings then present their Pra-Acclimatization assignment for the Sub-Division of the science of Architecture Landscape. The SDG concluded with prayer and documentation. The SGD 2 Architecture Landscape – Ecology Landscape KSAT in 2024 went smoothly and on time. The hope is that this activity could enhance seedling’s knowledge and skill, in addition, it is hoped that KSAT will further establish itself as strongly rooted in penetrating civilization and thus can be a study group that is beneficial to the academic environment and the wider community.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – Discussing small-scale shark fisheries in Indonesia is a never-ending topic. Sharks play a crucial role in the ecosystem from an ecological perspective and become a source of livelihood for many coastal communities. Unfortunately, generalization of negative stigma has become a challenge for fishermen whose alternative livelihoods are limited. This situation exacerbated by the lack of scientific data related to biological and ecological aspects of sharks or socio-economic factors, which are crucial in determining policy direction. These conditions form the foundation for YAPEKA’s initiative to organize a workshop titled “Small-scale shark fisheries in Indonesia, will it be sustainable?” in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries (KKP), the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB, and the Faculty of Biology at UGM, with full support from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Coastal and Marine Resource Management Agency (BPSPL) Makassar, WWF Indonesia, Thresher Shark Indonesia, Mobula Project Indonesia, Elasmobranch Project Indonesia, and the Rekam Nusantara Foundation.

This workshop is part of a series of discussions and dissemination activities related to small-scale shark fisheries research in Batuwingkung Village, Sangihe Regency, conducted by YAPEKA over the past year, funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), the Conservation Strategy Fund Indonesia (CSF), and supported by prototype team of the bekal pemimpin tiga from United in Diversity (UID). The research was led by Citra Septiani, M.Res (YAPEKA), Elisabeth Astari, S.Si (YAPEKA), and Akbar Reza, M.Sc, an expert in Ecology and staff at the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. This research and workshop also represent a form of collaboration between YAPEKA and the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Additionally, the research was assisted by YAPEKA Research Assistants, Abiomi Ciptoning Bentali, S.Pi (UNPAD), and Mega Senja Bramh, S.Pi (UB).

The main session, moderated by Heri (Independent Fisheries Consultant/Leader Preparation), featured Prof. Dr. Ir. Fredinan Yulianda (FPIK IPB University) emphasizing the importance of adaptive management in his presentation on “Conservation challenges and management status”. Similarly, Dr. Fahmi (BRIN) discussed the “Global conservation status of shark species ” highlighting the need for effective use of energy to regulate shark fisheries, for example, by strictly monitoring businesses. Representing BPSPL Makassar, Permana Yudiarso, S.T., M.T. stressed ongoing regulations such as quotas, size regulations, reporting, and licensing updates related to species included in Appendix II in his presentation on “Conservation implementation of shark resources in Sangihe Islands Regency”, including hopes for collaboration among various parties. Citra Septiani, M.Res (YAPEKA) then presented data related to the ecological and socio-economic aspects of shark fisheries in Batuwingkung, Sangihe, including potential future development alternatives to other business models. Dr. Alin Halimatussadiah (Head of the Environmental Economic Research Study Group FEB UI) responded to the data by discussing the process of livelihood switching for fishermen in an economic context involving a long and collaborative process.

On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) Biogama of the Faculty of Biology at UGM organized a Brainstorming session in Rooms 1 & 2 of Building B, Faculty of Biology, UGM, from 12:00 to 17:00 WIB. The event was attended by Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., KSK Biogama advisory lecturer, each Scientific class Coordinator, and KSK Biogama active members. The Brainstorming session guided by Zahwa Khoirun Nisa as the MC. The event began with an opening ceremony, followed by the singing of the KSK Biogama march, then proceeded with speeches from the advisory lecturer and the chairperson of KSK Biogama, Muhammad Ariq Alfito. The primary session of brainstorming started with an explanation of the mechanism for submitting questions through the Slido website, followed by evaluation presentations and research plans from each Scientific class, presented by the Class Coordinators and two expert members for 7 minutes each, followed by a comparative session on research from other Scientific Classes. Scientific Classes, including Algae, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Mollusca, and Pisces, actively participated in this session.

The brainstorming session continued with a Q&A session on the Slido website at 15:30 WIB after a 30-minute break. Through the Slido website the audience could anonymously submit questions to the Scientific Classes. All questions then answered by the Class Coordinators and two expert members. Numerous questions emerged from the audience, and the Scientific Classes provided comprehensive answers, with some questions that could not be addressed during the session to be answered online through WhatsApp group.

The event proceeded with a discussion session on the evaluation and future research expectations for KSK Biogama. Representatives from three generations, Junior, Intermediate, and Expert, each presented their group’s evaluation results and expectations to the audience. They each appreciated the presented evaluations and expectations.

The ultimate brainstorming activity was the announcement of internship placements for Junior D24 members by the Scientific Coordinator, Renisha Windy Puspita Sari. The Brainstorming session concluded with a group photo. Subsequently, after the Brainstorming session, the iftar gathering event began at 17:00 with bonding among KSK members. While enjoying their iftar meal, members asked to fill out a menti meter to vote for the Best dress code. Afterward, members were given time for the Maghrib prayer until 18:45. The event concluded with the announcement and awarding of the Best Dresscode, followed by a closing ceremony.

On Friday-Saturday, 15-16 March 2024, the graduate student association (KMP) organized an upgrading and work meeting at Auditorium Biologi Tropika Faculty of Biology UGM, with the theme “ Strengthening Professionalism and Solidarity of Management in Realizing Collaborative KMP “ aimed to strengthen the solidarity of the executives and provide tangible work programs for KMP. This activity also provides insights and an understanding of professionalism in the organizational world.

The upgrading activity held on 15 March 2024 began at 15.30 WIB. The activity was opened by the Master of Ceremony, Aryan Mustamin, S.Si, and continued with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the UGM Biology March. The event continued with remarks by the chairman of KMP, Wahyulfatwatul Umam AS, S.Si, followed by a discussion session. The discussion topics revolved around the KMP organization with three speakers, namely Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si as the 2022-2023 KMP chairman, Aji Sukma Iqbal Najibulloh, S.Si as the 2022-2023 KMP vice chairman, Giano Excelsis Pangemanan, S.Si as the 2022-2023 KMP secretary, and Ria Vinola Septhya Sari, S.Pd as the 2022-2023 KMP treasurer. The discussion sessions are followed by a Q&A session, and KMP members present questions and responses regarding the topics discussed. It is hoped all KMP members can become one professional and solid within the organization. The activity concluded at 6:00 PM with a photo session, closing prayer, and breaking of the fast together.

The work meeting was held on 16 March 2026 and started at 07.00 WIB. The event opened by MC, Angelina Yubiliani Ila Tha, S.Si. and Oktafina Mone, S.Pd, continued with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the UGM Biology March. The event continued with a remark from Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si, KMP advisory lecture and a prayer. The subsequent activities of the KMP Work Meeting included Plenary Sessions I through III. The Plenary Session I was led by temporary presidium, namely Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc as Presidium 1, Ni Kadek Dewi Permatasari, S.Pd as Presidium 2 and Puji Lestari, S.Pd. as Presidium 3. Plenary session 1 discussed the meeting agenda, regulations during the work meeting, presentation and approval of KMP’s work programs, and the election of the Permanent Session Presidium.

The Plenary Session II was led by the permanent presidium, namely Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc as Presidium 1, Ni Kadek Dewi Permatasari, S.Pd as Presidium 2 and Mita Anggraini, S.Si as Presidium 3. The plenary session II focused on the presentation of work programs by the Internal division (Human resource and Ekstrakurikuler Activity), Spiritual, and External Division (Media and Information, Social Media, and Public Relations), followed by a Q&A session. The subsequent activity consisted of viewpoints from the BPH (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer).

Plenary Session III involved presentations on BPH materials (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer) and the budget alignment of the KMP Work Program by the treasurer, followed by a Q&A session. With this Work Meeting, it is hoped that KMP can become an organization that synergizes well and the work programs can proceed in a structured manner for one period.