[MBKM]- The MBKM team, under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., collaborated with the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of West Kalimantan to conduct forensic DNA analysis on evidence in the case of monkey abuse by a public servant in Singkawang with the initials RS.
The examination process was conducted at the Animal Systematics Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The samples received on Friday, March 1, 2024. The team conducted forensic DNA examination on the hair and palm of the hands of long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) infants, involving a number of students who collectively handled the samples from isolation, amplification to visualization of the results. DNA examination is one of the foundations for identifying the evidence found.
RS, a public servant in Singkawang Regency, was arrested by the police on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after one of the video contents of his abuse went viral and caught the attention of international animal lovers’ activists. Based on the issued video, long-tailed monkeys were tortured by being boiled, fried, mutilated, and hammered. For his actions, RS charged under Article 91 of the Livestock and Animal Health Law and or Article 302 of the Criminal Code concerning Cruelty to Animals, with a maximum penalty of nine months in prison. Assuming that the DNA forensic identification process succeeds, it will be contributed as evidence to enforce the Quarantine Law.
Forensic DNA analysis in animal abuse is a crucial step to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in Life on Land (SDGs 15) and SDGs 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. With DNA forensic technology, we can contribute to testifying the violations against animals, ensure impartial law enforcement, and raise awareness of the need to protect animal life to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Thus, the collaboration between forensic science and animal protection can positively contribute to various aspects of SDGs, including justice, peace, and environmental sustainability.
On Saturday, February 17, 2024, The Grand Launching of the Tumbuh Kelana Cabinet of the Herpetology Study Group (KSH) took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium from 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM, served as an introduction of the new cabinet for the 2024 term to KSH partners and the faculty advisor, Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc.. A total of 17 partners attended the Grand Launching, including 4K.Yogyakarta, KSHK FKH UGM, JMMB, KSB UAJY, GAMA Cendikia, Matalabiogama, BEM Biologi, KP3H, PMK, KMT, SEMA Biologi, UPII, Formasigen, KSE, KSAT, BIOSC, and FSC.
The event included the introduction of the new KSH cabinet for the year 2024 and a presentation of the work program planned for the term, followed by a question and answer session for all participants. The Grand Launching proceeded smoothly and concluded with a documentation session. It is hoped that the KSH work programs will be successful throughout the year and the relationship with partners will strengthen further.
On Monday, February 26, 2024, the Grand Launching of the Student Senate 2024 took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event was attended by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., as the advisor of the Student Senate, along with members of the Student Senate, representatives from Study Groups and Institutions.
The event was opened by Manika Rosalia Lysander and Salma Farah, followed by the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Biology March. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc. delivered the opening remarks, followed by a speech from Marfuah, the Chairperson of the Faculty of Biology UGM Student Senate. The event proceeded with presentations by the Student Executive Board (SEMA) regarding their planned work programs. The presentation began with an overview of SEMA’s work program for the upcoming year by Marfuah and Jovika Syifa Ananmaimuna, followed by presentations from each division. The Secretary, Irenna Sheva Zahrani, continued the presentation, followed by Naufal Irba Sahril presenting the budgetary work program. Denianto Agung Wicaksono then present the work program of Commission 1, followed by Muhammad Rafi Fairuza presenting the work program of Commission 2, and Asitya Fitri delivered the work program of Commission 3. The last two presentations were from the SEMA’s Honor Board and the Media and Networking Bureau, presented by Yunia Farkhamni and Huriyah Winda Nabillah, respectively. It hoped that the SEMA work programs will be successful throughout the 2024/2025 tenure. The event concluded at 17:30 with a closing session involving reflections, messages, and a group photo session.
On Thursday, 27 February 2024, The Ministry of Environment and Forestry with SINTAS Indonesia conducted a kickoff meeting marked as the start of the Java Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) survey, known as the Java-Wide Leopard Survey (JWLS). The design and activity plans of JWLS are all developed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in collaboration with conservation enthusiasts for Indonesia’s large carnivores. The JWLS will be carried out by UPT Direktorat KSDAE-KLHK with its local partners for about two years. The JWLS is fully funded by The Ministry of Environment and Forestry and private partners. The JWLS marked the first wild animals survey based on a community in Indonesia with the most camera traps, locations, funding, and involved parties.
As one of the academic stakeholders, the Faculty of Biology at UGM has given the opportunity to attend this event, represented by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono. The Faculty of Biology UGM consider this survey as an opportunity to obtain more credible scientific data on the population and distribution of leopards throughout Indonesia. The idea of genetic analysis to understand population structure, prey, and inbreeding has proposed, aiming to achieve genetic conservation in line with CBD points. Dr. Sendi, who has previously worked on a similar survey, the Sumatra Wide Tiger Survey, has provided input and is ready to contribute alongside various parties to ensure the success of this national survey. This data expected to serve as a basis for the development of more effective and sustainable conservation strategies. The kickoff event for this leopard survey hoped to be a significant initial step in conservation efforts for this species. The Faculty of Biology at UGM welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the government and non-governmental organizations, to create a better biodiversity for wildlife on the island of Java.
Yogyakarta, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the Seminar Room of the Library and Archives of UGM on the 2nd floor, was conducted a training on press release writing and online media content creation. The event was held online and offline, with approximately 75 participants from various faculties, departments, and study centers within UGM attending in person. Three librarians from the Faculty of Biology Library, Ekowati, Rusna, and Suharsono, participated in the training organized by the UGM Librarian Forum. The event began with a presentation of the activities report of the UGM Librarian Forum over the past year, delivered by the forum’s chairperson, Maryatun SIP, MA.
Subsequently, the event was officially opened by the Head of UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, SIP., MBA. In his remarks, he expressed the aim of the training to equip librarians with knowledge, additional insights, and skills, particularly in utilizing online media and news writing, and enabling them to make tangible contributions to support of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) program. The training featured two speakers: Megaputra Zulfikar Whana Aji Kesdu (Chief Streaming Officer, Support IT) and Teguh Supriyadi, S.Sos. (Field Producer, CNN Indonesia TV), moderated by Maniso Mustar (Librarian, Faculty of Medicine UGM), and hosted by Wasilatul Baroroh, S.S.I. (Librarian, UGM).
The first session, presented by Megaputra Zulfikar Whana Aji Kesdu, focused on utilizing online media content. He emphasized that not all online media platforms should be followed and discussed how to manage online media effectively to enhance institutional visibility, expand information reach limitlessly, compete with other institutions, and support university performance, particularly in implementing SDGs, building communities, and promoting education. According to him, the fundamental principles in creating online media were quality content that engages the audience, consistency, SEO, and user-friendliness for easy access when users browse for needed information.
The second session was delivered by Teguh Supriyanto, S.Sos. According to Teguh, the principle of writing news should include the 5W+1H elements. He advised creating catchy and unique titles and composing articles with at least five paragraphs and five photos to elicit positive responses from readers. The discussion during the training was engaging, with some participants asking questions about strategies to penetrate national media. Hopefully, training sessions like this will continue to be organized by the UGM Librarian Forum, providing librarians with opportunities to enhance their competencies and writing skills as a tangible contribution to support UGM’s SDGs program. At the end of the session, participants were assigned to writing a press release and uploaded via the link ugm.id/presensiprkm. Cheers to literacy and appreciation for the UGM Librarian Forum!
The Faculty of Biology UGM students, part of iGEM UGM team, Adhelia Intan Sabhira, Sofyan Maulana, and Ulfah Nur Azizah, once again made another achievement by winning a Gold Medal, Best Computational Project, and Best Human Centered Design, at the Global Open Genetic Engineering Competition (GOGEC) 2024, held online from February 23rd to 25th, 2024. Marks the first time a team from UGM has participated in the competition since its inception in 2021. The iGEM UGM team is a multidisciplinary group comprising 16 members from various faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada In this competition, the iGEM UGM team was represented by nine out of sixteen students, including Adhelia Intan Sabhira, Sofyan Maulana, Ulfah Nur Azizah (Faculty of Biology); Farrel Alfaza Marsetyo, Nayaka Bagus Wahyu Agung Hertanto (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing); Afra Majida Hariono, Kayla Queenazima Santoso (Faculty of Engineering); Melodia Rezadhini (Faculty of Agriculture Alumni); and Muhammad Bagus Sajiwo (Faculty of Agricultural Technology).
The Global Open Genetic Engineering Competition (GOGEC) 2024 is a prestigious international competition in Genetic Engineering, with 15 teams from 11 countries participating, comprising undergraduate students. GOGEC aims to create an easily accessible and affordable competition platform, allowing competing teams to focus on their projects. GOGEC also hosts a series of lectures on genetic engineering and synthetic biology, inviting experts.
In GOGEC 2024, the iGEM UGM team participated and presented a computational project titled “Novel Biodevice for Colorectal Cancer Screening using Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) with miRNAs as Biomarker.” The team further developed their previous project from the iGEM 2023 competition, where they engineered EcN bacteria to detect miR-92a and miR-21 as biomarkers for colorectal cancer cells and improved the sensitivity of Loop-Initiated RNA Activator (LIRA) through mathematical modeling and computer simulation. In developing their research project, the iGEM team engaged in discussions with researchers, stakeholders, and government agencies, as well as with rural communities and colorectal cancer patients. The team developed the LIRA sequence using available online datasets and implemented a kill switch as a biocontainment measure. Thus, through this research and community empowerment efforts, the team achieved the Gold Medal, the Best Computational Project and Best Human Centered Design awards. Information about the iGEM UGM team’s project can be access at: https://www.gogecconference.org/projects2024.
The achievements of the UGM-Indonesia team could not have accomplished without the support of Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the guidance provided by Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri (Faculty of Biology) as the lead supervisor, along with Widhi Dyah Sawitri, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture) and M. Saifur Rohman, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture) as assistant supervisors, Setyowati Triastuti Utami, Ph.D. (Faculty of Pharmacy) as an instructor, and supported by faculty members from the Faculty of Biology: Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech, Lisna Hidayati, M.Biotech, Indra Lesmana, M.Sc., and Matin Nuhamunada, M.Sc; Faculty of Medicine: Dr. Mohamad Saifudin Hakim, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Dewi Kartikawati Paramita, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.; Faculty of Engineering: Ir. Agus Prasetya, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D and Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, ST., M.E., D.Eng; Faculty of Agricultural Technology: Imam Bagus Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc.; Biotechnology Study Program: Afif Pranaya Jati, S.P., M.Sc.; and alumni: Dr. Azzahra Asysyifa, Farhan Wali Bachtier, S.Si., Waffiq Maaroja, S.Kom, and Yustika Sari, S.Si., M.Res.; as well as various donors and sponsors who supported the team’s needs.
On Sunday, 25 February 2024 was held the Grand Launching of KSAT 2024, aimed to introduce the management of KSAT of the Faculty of Biology, also the current cabinet period. This event was held at Auditorium Biologi Tropika, invited 12 study groups in the Faculty of Biology as well as 5 organizations from various faculties, including IHMT (Association of Plant Protection Student), KMIT (Soil Science Students Family), ASC (Agritech Study Club), KMTA ( Association of Architecture Technique Students) and Forestation (Family of Forest Resource Conservation).
The activity commenced with an opening by MC, Laras Ati (KSAT 2023) and Farah Adina (KSAT 2023). Following the opening, the activities proceeded with an opening prayer and the singing of the Indonesia Raya, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymne, and Biology March. Next, there was KSAT profile video viewing. The event continued with remarks from Anggi Nada (KSAT 2021) the chairperson of KSAT and Dyah Ekawati (KSAT 2021) the chief organizer of the event.
Subsequently, the event proceeded with the introduction of the Magnolia Cabinet by Anggi Nada (KSAT 2021), followed by an explanation from the KSAT chairperson. Next, there was an explanation of the work program starting with the vice-chairperson by Dyah Ekawati (KSAT 2021), general secretary by Kotimah (KSAT 2022), general treasurer by Mashanda Zahrah (KSAT 2022), scientific division by Laksita Chesarina (KSAT 2021), media and communication division by Dewi Nindya (KSAT 2022), creative division by Nabil Putra (KSAT 2022), entrepreneurship division by Johs Carlo (KSAT 2022), Human Resources Development division by Kamilia Hana (KSAT 2022), and household division by Mirmastu Lintu (KSAT 2022), this was followed by a Q&A session. Additionally, the Grand Launching event included an Ice Breaking session through games from the quizizz platform. This was followed by the delivery of messages and impressions by the invited guests. The event concluded with a closing prayer and documentation.
The Grand Launching of KSAT in 2024 proceeded smoothly and punctually. With the successful implementation of the Grand Launching of KSAT Biology UGM, it is hoped that external parties can deepen their understanding of KSAT Biology UGM. Furthermore, it is hoped that KSAT can take root firmly and penetrate civilization, becoming a study group that is beneficial both within the academic community and to the wider society.
The Faculty of Biology UGM held a gathering on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, at Auditorium Biologi Tropika from 11.00-13.00 WIB, aimed to strengthen the companionship and a sense of family among civitas Faculty of Biology UGM, especially staff and lecturers.
The gathering commenced with an opening by MC Faya Nur Annisa Damantya, A.Md.Sek., followed by a welcome address from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, who provided guidance and motivation to all attendees. The activity proceeded with a socialization from Bank Muamalat, delivered by Heni Lestari, S.E., as Branch Manager of Bank Muamalat UGM Branch.
Next on the agenda was the introduction of the new study program at the Faculty of Biology UGM, The Profession of Curator on Biodiversity Study Program (PKKH) by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. The PKKH Study program has been prepared by the team since 2021, with support from various parties, both internal and external UGM and international support. This study program is scheduled to commence enrollment in the odd semesters of the academic year 2024/2025 with a quota of 30 students. It hoped that through this introduction, the civitas of the Faculty of Biology UGM can understand the history, vision, and mission of the program’s establishment and help promote the PKKH study program to the community.
This event was enlivened by a Line dance performance titled “Taman Pung Kisah” presented by Bio Line Dance Group. The gathering concluded with a shared lunch. This event reflects the support of the Faculty of Biology in its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 17, which is Partnership for the Goals, and SDG No. 16, which is Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This is reflected in promotion collaboration among various parties, such as Bank Muammalat, to achieve common goals.
Yogyakarta, on Saturday, 24 February 2024 Entomology Study Group (KSE) held a work meeting of the KSE cabinet entoanantara 2024 as well as launching of the new cabinet, aimed to introduce the new cabinet and discuss the work program of each division for one year administration. The event was held at room IV B, The Faculty of Biology UGM, took place from 08.00 WIB – 11.00 WIB and guided by Muhammad Syahrul Firdaus (KSE XXIV) and Fadhilla Eka Diannova (KSE XXV), and was attended by active members of KSE and representatives of the study groups in the Faculty of Biology UGM.
The event commenced with remarks from Sheva Rimma Dhanty, as KSE chairperson, and Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D. as KSE advisor. Following that, all attendees sang Indonesia Raya, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymne, Faculty of Biology Mars, and KSE Mars. The activity continued with presentation of work program of each division within KSE by each division head, namely research division, knowledge division, curriculum division, media and information division, network division, human resource division, entrepreneurship division, secretary division, treasurer division, and the last was the chairman who also explained the vision and mission, the philosophy of cabinet name and cabinet logo. The presentation of the work program was followed by a question and answer session for each division. The activity concluded with a documentation.
On February 24 2024, the Postgraduate Student Society KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM held a Postgraduate Student Gathering (TAKSA) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event aimed to strengthen the bond between postgraduate students, alumni, and lecturers at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Furthermore, this activity also serves to broaden perspectives and understand the continuity between the Master’s and Doctoral academic realms, and their continuation into the professional world after graduating from the graduate program at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.
The event started at 08.00 WIB, opened by the MCs Zakaria S.Pd. and Ni Kadek Dewi Permata Sari S.Pd. The offline remark was given by Alexander Tage S.Si. representing the chairman of the Biology KMP. Followed by online remarks by the Head of The Master in Biology Study Program, Dr. rer. Nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si. M.Si.
Subsequently, the event continued with a Talk Show guided by the moderator, Puji Lestari, S.Pd. The Talk Show featured inspiring speaker Basith Kuncoro Adji, S.Si., M.Sc., an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology UGM, who conveyed the balancing focus between academic and non-academic activities. He also shared insights into opportunities and challenges as a postgraduate student and his ongoing projects.
Next, there was a sharing session, where new postgraduate students were divided into groups based on their study interests and guided by KMP members. The sharing session provided a platform for new students to inquire about academic and non-academic activities in the postgraduate program. One participant, Nurul Hidayah S.Pd., said that during the discussion, there was a sense of camaraderie among students from different cohorts and study interest groups, gained valuable information about the academic activities, thus getting to know the academic community of the Postgraduate Program of The Faculty of Biology UGM better.
Following that, there was a laboratory tour activity, where participants toured Buildings A and B to get acquainted with the laboratories and the research areas covered in each laboratory. New postgraduate students were divided into groups, each accompanied by KMP members. During the laboratory tour, participants were also introduced to the library facilities in Building B, such as the Book Collection Room, Study Room, and Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Room. After returning from the laboratory tour, participants were directed back to the Auditorium for a Q&A session regarding the tour activities. One participant, Ainun Mardiah S.Pd., asked about the differences between the Seminar Proposal course and the Comprehensive Exam.
The activities continued with intergroup games using the Quizizz ,a spin game, and a biology quiz game. The winner of the entire game round ends with the awarding of prizes. The closing of TAKSA ended with a prayer by Safril S.Si. and photo documentation.