Through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Research Grant, a team of students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is conducting research on lichen diversity within the Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM). The team comprises Ananda Briliana Romadhona, Christabel Reviana Septianingtyas, Intan Luthfianawati, Irfan Agus Nugroho, Irfan Ari Prasetyo, and Laila Nurul Ilma, under the guidance of Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si., and field supervisor Dr. Pairah, S.Si., M.Si. The research project is titled “Diversity of Lichen Flora in the Musuk-Cepogo Resort Area of Mount Merapi National Park.”

Lichens are symbiotic organisms resulting from mutualism between fungi and algae. They play a role in biogeochemical cycles and hold significant potential for bioprospecting applications. Despite their ecological and biotechnological importance, lichen research remains scarce in Indonesia, including within the Mount Merapi National Park, which likely harbors high lichen biodiversity.

The study, conducted between August and November 2024, focused on three specific sites within the Musuk-Cepogo Resort Management Area (RPTN) of Mount Merapi National Park: Gunung Bibi Forest Block, Gobumi, and Sudimoro. Specimen identification was carried out in the Plant Systematics Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, using morphological, anatomical, and secondary metabolite tests, including spot tests.
The research identified 65 lichen species across 26 genera from the three study sites, indicating a relatively high diversity in the area. These findings contribute to the understanding of Indonesia’s floral biodiversity and underline the ecological significance of lichens in tropical forest ecosystems.

This study aims to enhance knowledge of Indonesia’s flora and provide a valuable contribution to society. The expected outcome from this research is a Monograph of Lichen Flora in Mount Merapi National Park, which will serve as a resource for conservation efforts and further scientific inquiry.

The Microbiology Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully conducted a Training on Microbial Isolation and Molecular Analysis from Environmental Samples from November 11–13, 2024. The program aimed to enhance participants’ understanding and skills in microbial isolation techniques and molecular analysis, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The training attracted 20 enthusiastic participants from various backgrounds, ranging from students to professionals, eager to deepen their expertise in molecular microbial analysis.

Yogyakarta, 11 November 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from Dr. Richard Kraince from Antioch College, Ohio, United States. The visit was welcomed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D. and Tyas Iksan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. as Head of the International Affairs Office of the Faculty of Biology and lecturer from the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, M.Eng.Env., D.Phil.

Dr. Eko welcomed Dr. Richard to the Faculty of Biology UGM. He also introduced Dr. Richard at the Faculty of Biology, profile and potential for research and other collaborations.

To initiate the implementation of cooperation with universities and institutes in Singapore, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) sent Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program to participate in The 3^rd Republic of Indonesia – Singapore University Network Meeting (RI-SING) at Singapore Management University on 11-13 November 2024. In this meeting, the UGM Delegation: Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. as Director of the Directorate of Partnership, Alumni, and International Affairs, Prof. Suadi, S.Pi., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D as Director of the Directorate of Human Resources, drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MD.Sc., Ph.D. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service and Cooperation, and drg. Anrizandy Narwidina, MD.Sc, Sp.KGA, Ph.D. from Faculty of Dentistry. This meeting was also attended by delegates from ITB, IPB, ITS, and UI. Meanwhile, from Singapore, it was attended by National University Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technology University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The event was opened by Prof. Lily Kong as President of SMU, and Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Faiz Syuaib, M.Agr. Director of the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service, DIKTI.

On this occasion, UGM, ITB, and ITS signed an MoU with SIT. For UGM, the signing was represented by Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. and Prof. Chua Kee Chaing as President of SIT. The programs planned and agreed upon with partners include the initiation of a double degree program and student mobility in summer course activities with SMU, a mobility program for 2 to 3 months in the form of a summer course or community engagement and training activities for staff and lecturers with SIT. Meanwhile, with NTU, the programs that can be implemented are the Summer Course program, student mobility, joint research, and the initiation of a double degree program in biodiversity, especially in the field of bioengineering.

The potential for DD with SMU for S1 is 3 years at the home university + 1 year abroad, and 1 year for the master’s program and student exchange. The potential for collaboration with SUSS that has the potential to be implemented is joint collaboration on community service and health development based on social prescription to be implemented in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN). SUSS also offers DD with a 3.5 + 0.5 + 1 scheme for a master’s degree. The program initiation agreed upon with SUTD is student exchange and 1 + 1 master’s program. As a further stage of this initiation, for the implementation of the Cooperation, curriculum matching and exploration of schemes that can be taken for funding and student recruitment between policy holders of each Faculty with partners from Universities/Institutes in Singapore will be carried out. This activity is one of the real steps of the Faculty of Biology UGM in implementing SDG’s 4 in Quality Education, SDG’s 17 Partnership in achieving goals.

Batam, November 10, 2024 — The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) actively participated in the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of MIPAnet 2024, held from November 7 to 10 at the Batam Polytechnic. The UGM delegation was led by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., accompanied by the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc. This participation reflects UGM’s commitment to strengthening collaborative networks among faculties of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM) across Indonesia.

This year’s MIPAnet Rakernas focused on evaluating past programs and planning future initiatives for 2024. The event was attended by deans from various universities in Indonesia who are part of the MIPAnet network, along with its management team. The forum served as a platform for discussion and coordination to enhance synergy in higher education, particularly in the fields of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The Rakernas activities kicked off with a campus visit and discussions at Batam Polytechnic, followed by a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on developing flagship programs. The next day, the agenda continued with a review of activities and program planning led by the Secretary-General of MIPAnet, Prof. Dr. Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si.

Key topics discussed during this Rakernas included strategic issues such as the development of start-ups and collaboration in business incubators, as well as university governance before and after attaining PTNBH (State University with Legal Entity) status. The discussions also covered strategies to increase student interest in the MIPA fields and optimize funding from endowment funds. These sharing sessions and discussions culminated in the formulation of recommendations, guided by the Executive Secretary of MIPAnet, Prof. Drs. Budi Pratikno, M.Stat.Sci., Ph.D.

The 2024 MIPAnet Rakernas concluded with a gala dinner that strengthened the bonds between member institutions. The UGM Faculty of Biology delegation appreciated this event as a vital opportunity to expand collaborative networks and foster inter-institutional partnerships. It is hoped that the outcomes of this Rakernas will enhance MIPAnet’s role in advancing education and research in the MIPA fields, supporting a shared vision towards the progress of science and technology in Indonesia.

Department of Biology FMIPA Syiah Kuala University and The Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) in collaboration with the Biology Study Program, FKIP, Syiah Kuala University, and the Biology Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, has successfully held a National Meeting (Rakernas) on November 5-6, 2024 at the FMIPA Hall, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh. This Rakernas was attended by 31 delegates who were representatives of Biology study programs throughout Indonesia. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM itself was attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and also the Chairman of KOBI. In addition, along with the group, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as the Advisory Board of KOBI, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., as Secretary of KOBI and Head of the Master of Biology Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., as Head of the Biology Doctoral Study Program, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D., as Head of the Biodiversity Curator Professional Program, and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in his remarks said that KOBI celebrated its 13th anniversary on September 22, 2024. KOBI has made important contributions to the development and sustainability of biodiversity in Indonesia, especially in recording biodiversity indexes. The National Meeting was opened by the Chancellor of Syiah Kuala University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan. He emphasized the importance of biodiversity and sustainable management and encouraged collaboration and synergy of research cooperation between universities. Mayor of Banda Aceh Mr. Ade Surya, S.T., M.E. in his speech said that the Banda Aceh City Government hopes that the KOBI meeting will be a forum for friendship in every national working meeting and congress activity, especially in the application of the biodiversity index to support the achievement of Indonesia Emas 2045.

This national working meeting also held a workshop on the Initiation and Strengthening of the Biology Professional Program from the National Professional Certification Agency, Socialization of the 2024 Permendikbudristek No.44/2024 from KOBI, Living Planet Report 2024 from WWF Indonesia, the Indonesian Biodiversity Atlas Compilation Plan from the Geospatial Information Agency and the Postgraduate Curriculum Based on Academic Manuscripts based on OBE from KOBI.

This KOBI National Working Meeting is expected to not only be a forum for the exchange of knowledge and collaboration, but also to affirm KOBI’s commitment to play an active role in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, especially improving inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17). In addition, this activity also encourages the advancement of biological science in Indonesia, especially in biodiversity conservation, including the preservation of marine ecosystems (SDG 14) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15), as well as the application of biological science for environmental sustainability.

Yogyakarta, 5 November 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM initiated a double degree collaboration with the University of Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). This initiation was conveyed in an online meeting with Dr. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz from the Institute of Biological Sciences Director, University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB), and Dr. Mom. Carmin as IBS Graduate Program Committee. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni Affairs and Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D. as Head of the International Affairs Office, Faculty of Biology, UGM.

During the meeting, the initiation of a 2+2 double degree collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and UPLB was discussed. Dr. Ma and Dr. Maria appreciated this initiation. Both of them said that UPLB already has a double degree program running with 13 universities in the United Kingdom and Australia, especially for double degree doctoral programs, but did not rule out the possibility of double degree collaboration for masters. The program covers the fields of genetics, botany, microbiology, and molecular biotechnology.

Dr. Eko and Dr. Bambang added that the initiation of the double degree collaboration could be supported by the SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture) scholarship. It is hoped that this collaboration will attract more students to pursue their education at the two universities.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and UPLB is expected to be part of the Biology Faculty’s commitment to its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), inclusive quality education for all groups (SDG 4), as well as partnerships in achieve sustainable goals (SDG 17).

Yogyakarta, 4 November 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Medical Bioinformatics Expert from National Central University (NCU), Taiwan, Dr. Hui-Yin Chang. The visit took place at the Faculty of Biology UGM, attended by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs. Also present were several lecturers with a focus on biomedical research, including Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti from the Animal Physiology Laboratory, Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech from the Microbiology Laboratory, and Tyas Iksan Hikmawan, Ph.D. from the Biochemistry Laboratory, as well as an NCU alumni and researcher at the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) Faculty of Biology, Raden Aditya Aryandi, M.Sc.

Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs welcomed the visit. He said that the Faculty of Biology had established good communication and initiated cooperation since Prof. Chien-Chia Wang, Dean for College of Health Sciences & Technology, NCU Taiwan some time ago. Dr. Eko also conveyed the profile of the Faculty of Biology, from study program profiles, facilities to international collaborations that are ongoing to date.

Dr. Hui-Yin Chang appreciated the opportunity for discussion and explained information about the Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering. She conveyed the potential for collaboration with experts and professors in the fields of bio-engineering, bio-materials, bio-medicine and bio-informatics. This matter was also discussed with lecturers at the Faculty of Biology who have research related to biomedicine. Dr. Chang expressed her enthusiasm for collaborative projects that could be initiated either with her in the field of bioinformatics, or with other NCU professors.

In this discussion, student exchange collaboration with the potential for double degrees with the College of Health Science and Technology NCU was also initiated. Experts from both institutions can also work together in guiding students through joint supervision, as well as collaborative research and publications through joint publications and joint authorship.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and NCU is expected to be part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), inclusive quality education for all groups (SDG 4), as well as partnerships in achieving sustainable goals (SDG 17).

As a mega biodiversity country, Indonesia possesses extensive biological resources that hold significant potential not only for bioprospecting but also for biodiversity monitoring research. Distribution and biodiversity have become key indicators of environmental quality. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, biodiversity monitoring can now leverage environmental DNA (eDNA), facilitating rapid and comprehensive community assessments. This approach enables the detection of a wide range of taxa, including not only conventionally sampled flora and fauna but also microbial communities that remain unculturable through traditional methods.

As part of its commitment to advancing research capacity, the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) recently hosted the IGF MasterClass, a specialized training in eDNA metabarcoding for researchers from Universitas Sriwijaya. Held from October 28 to 30, 2024, at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, the event commenced with an opening address by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at UGM’s Faculty of Biology. Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., the Master Trainer, initiated the training with an in-depth introduction to eDNA theoretical foundations. The first day included field-based eDNA sampling techniques, led by Assistant Andryan, followed by DNA extraction and PCR sample preparation conducted by Adhisa F. P., S.Si., and Ashfiya Hanif, S.Si.

Once participants mastered rigorous sampling methodologies and acquired high-quality samples, IGF personnel guided them through hands-on library preparation workflows on the second day. This session was designed to prepare participants for metabarcoding sequencing using the Nanopore platform. The participants engaged enthusiastically, actively participating in each step of the training process.

On the third day, the focus shifted to the data interpretation necessary for accurate metabarcoding analysis. Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., led sessions on Nanopore software operation, data refinement, processing, and best practices for achieving publication-standard representation of sequencing data. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni at UGM’s Faculty of Biology, concluded the event, expressing hope that the training outcomes would be directly applied by the researchers in their respective institutions and foster future collaborations with IGF and the Faculty of Biology at UGM.

“This training was exceptional. The materials were presented effectively by the young, experienced trainers, making complex concepts accessible,” commented Dr. Melki, S.Si., M.Si., at the session’s close.

IGF and the Faculty of Biology UGM are committed to enhancing research capacity and collective action to conserve Indonesia’s biological diversity by advancing genomics technology through the Nanopore sequencing platform. The IGF, equipped with ONT PromethION 24 and a Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) capable of processing up to 720 Gb of DNA sequencing daily, is well-positioned to offer high-throughput sequencing services and collaborative opportunities with institutions across Indonesia.

In the midst of heavy rain on Friday 1 November 2024, the Community Service team of Wukirsari Village carried out the final agenda of a series of activities for the Partner Village Program, Faculty of Biologi UGM 2024. This event focused on the utilization of compost and liquid fertilizer for medicinal plants (TOGA). This meeting served as an application of the outcomes from the earlier meeting of the Wukirsari Partner Village Program, specifically related to composting and the production of liquid organic fertilizer. The event was opened by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D., followed by a presentation by Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si.

“Medicinal plants (TOGA) are household remedies that have long been utilized by the community, particularly for cooking purposes,” stated Dr. Wiko at the beginning of his presentation to the 31 members of the Wukirsari PKK who attended. Various herbal roots (such as turmeric, ginger, and aromatic ginger), lemongrass, and bay leaves are examples of TOGA plants that offer numerous health benefits. Recipes can be adjusted according to the desired use by adding other ingredients like lime juice, lemon, and honey—for example, a mixture of lime, ginger, and honey to treat cough and cold; turmeric for fever or diarrhea; and lemongrass with honey for gallstones. TOGA plants can be consumed by drinking the juice directly or by boiling them first.

In rural areas, where there may still be plenty of open land, TOGA plants can be grown directly in the ground rather than in pots or polybags. “Compost can be added to the planting medium in equal proportions. In contrast, liquid organic fertilizer should first be diluted with water to avoid high concentration, for instance, with a 1:10 ratio,” explained Dr. Wiko.

After the presentation on the topic of TOGA, the activity continued with an explanation of the Spirulina microalgae harvesting process, which had been cultivated in a previous session. Assisted by four students—Tia Erfianti, Renata Adaranyssa Egistha Putri, Seisha Salsabila Rosandi, and Abdurrahman Muhammad Fikri Rasdi—the harvesting process was demonstrated, including filtering, drying, grinding (into powder), and packaging. Together, the members of PKK Wukirsari filtered Spirulina from several gallons of culture. The filtered product was then dried, either by sun-drying or using an oven, to obtain dried sheets. These sheets can be consumed directly or ground into powder using a blender. The amount of product obtained depends greatly on the concentration or quantity of microalgae in the culture; the more intense the green-blue color, the greater the yield. Each session of the day included discussions and Q&A with participants. A quiz session with door prizes for correct answers made the atmosphere even more lively and exciting.

In today’s meeting, the Wukirsari Partner Village Program faculty team, represented by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, presented various TOGA plants. Different of plants, including betel, lemongrass, bay leaves, turmeric, pandan, binahong, and various citrus varieties (such as lemon, lime, sour lime, and kaffir lime), totaling 10 types and 68 plants, was given to the members of PKK Wukirsari who attended.

At the closing session, led by Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., the faculty team and the Wukirsari PKK members exchanged thanks for the opportunity to collaborate throughout the Partner Village Program. Today’s event aims to enhance community knowledge and contribute to broader benefits, supporting Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15 – Life on Land.