The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada in collaboration with the Graduate Student Family (KMP) successfully conducted an Open House event: Introduction to the Master’s and Doctoral Programs at the Faculty of Biology, UGM 2024. This event was held online through Zoom Meeting and live streaming Youtube on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event aimed to provide information about the Master’s and Doctoral programs at the Faculty of Biology through Reguler/by course pathway, by research and Double-degree to prospective students. The session included an overview of the Faculty of Biology UGM and its history, description of study program and subjects interest, admission pathway and requirements, as well as International collaboration between Faculty of Biology UGM and international university.

The event began at 09:45 WIB, hosted by Wiwin Arieati, S.Si., commenced with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the March of Faculty of Biology. Followed by a welcoming speech from Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs. Subsequently, there was a presentation session guided by Emi Suhaemi, S.Si., a postgraduate student from the Faculty of Biology. In the first session, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., provided a concise overview of the profile,study program at the faculty of Biology UGM, research, publications, community service, collaboration, and alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Following that, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng, as the head of doctor in biology study program delivered the second session on introduction of the Doctoral program including the vision, mission, graduate profile, number of graduates, degrees, facilities, admission pathways (regular and by research), curriculum structure and courses distribution for the Doctor in Biology Study Program. The third session was delivered by the head of master in biology study program, Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., on the vision, mission, graduate profile, number of graduates, degrees, facilities, admission pathways (regular and by research), registration stages (information access, document preparation, admission, selection process and announcement), curriculum structure and courses distribution.

The next session continued with a sharing session with alumni from the Graduate Program of the Faculty of Biology. The first session was presented by Ariel Hananya, S.Si., M.Sc., a Master’s program alumnus, who shared his experiences during his studies, his initial motivation to enroll in the Graduate Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM, the job prospects for Biology graduates, particularly those from the Faculty of Biology UGM through KAGAMA and FABIOGAMA, and his pride as an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The sharing session for the Doctoral program alumni was delivered by Dr. Junaidi, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., who shared his experiences as a graduate of the first Double-Degree Doctoral Program at UGM and L’institut agro Montpellier in France.

After the presentation and alumni sharing sessions concluded, there was a question-and-answer session for both the Master’s and Doctoral programs in Biology at UGM.. Participants were highly enthusiastic in asking questions, and all queries were well addressed by the speakers. The participants’ questions generally revolved around the Double-Degree program, the admission requirements for the Master’s and Doctoral programs, proposal plans for prospective new students on the by Research track, and the selection of promotor according to the prospective students’ fields of interest. The final activity was motivational speeches from lecturers and alumni to prospective new students of the Faculty of Biology, followed by the closing remarks by the MC.

The routine Open House Biology event is one of the important activities conducted by the Faculty of Biology UGM every semester as part of the Graduate Program outreach. This event provides a great opportunity for prospective new students of the Graduate Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM to interact directly with lecturers and alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Questions about registration information, Faculty profiles, fields of interest, and offered courses, as well as job prospects for alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, are expected to provide more detailed information and assist prospective new students in making decisions to continue their Master’s and Doctoral education at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the Faculty of Biology UGM Partner Village team conducted an educational session on homemade fever remedies for toddlers. This event took place at the Kledokan Hamlet Hall in Caturtunggal Village, alongside the POSYANDU (Integrated Health Post) activities. The session was attended by around 50 toddlers and their parents, as well as Mrs. Galina Tri Yohani, Head of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) and Coordinator of POSYANDU activities; Mrs. Marthin Sumarahayu, Head of the Rejosari Women Farmers Group (KWT), and other committee members.

The session featured Dra. Mulyati, M.Si as speaker, supported by the Faculty of Biology UGM Partner Village team, Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W. Astuti, Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D., and students from the Faculty of Biology: Nur Farah Susilowati, Kotimah, Ahmad Aris Budi Rohman, along with Irfan Putra Ramadhan from the Faculty of Agriculture. Dra. Mulyati discussed the benefits of nutmeg and shallots as first aid remedies for calming fussy toddlers and treating fever. She also explained how to prepare, mix, and apply these remedies to toddlers. The participants were enthusiastic about learning these new, simple, and practical techniques. The ingredients are easily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and usually available in the kitchen. The discussion was interactive, with numerous questions from participants.

This activity supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to improve community well-being sustainably, specifically supporting goal number 3, “Good Health and Well-being.”

On Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted training for the 2024 Buddy Counselors. These Buddy Counselors are students selected through a screening process by the Faculty of Biology’s Mental Health Team during the recruitment, held from February 12-16, 2024. They are tasked with providing emotional support and adequate counseling to fellow students in need. The Buddy Counselor program aims to help UGM become a Health Promoting University (HPU) with a focus on Mental Health and a Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment, which are the priorities of the UGM HPU activities. For 2024, Buddy Counselors are also assigned to mentor ten new students each during the PPSMB (Student Orientation).

This two-day training took place at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Kaliurang. The first session, held in the Faculty of Biology UGM Auditorium, began with a welcome speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, Prof. Budi stated that this training activity is a commendable initiative. Being a Buddy is a noble task, and those selected should be grateful as not everyone gets this opportunity. The Buddies are responsible for helping to achieve a balance in mental and physical health. According to the training theme, “Be a Listener, Understand Better,” Buddies must be good listeners. Just like waiting, being a listener requires patience. Those who can wait will achieve success. At the end of his speech, Prof. Budi announced that there would be an award for the best Buddy Counselor during the Dies Natalis ceremony. “There will be an award for the best Buddy, the best of the bestie,” concluded the Dean. Following his speech, the Dean inaugurated the 2024 Buddy Counselors of the Faculty of Biology UGM by presenting jackets to one of the Buddy Counselors.

The first session on Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment delivered by Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR), Ph.D., known as Bu Iyik, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law UGM and serves as the Chair of the POKJA Zero-Tolerance Bullying, Violence, and Harassment HPU UGM, as well as the Head of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) at UGM. Her presentation covered:

Besides delivering the material, participants also learn to resolve violence cases that occur at UGM, which is followed with great enthusiasm by all participants.

The second session on Mental Health was conducted in the meeting room of Wisma Pesanggrahan PU, Kaliurang. This session was delivered by Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., Psychologist from the Faculty of Biology UGM. Mas Yudhis provided insights on how Buddy Counselors should handle counselees, from listening, questioning, to giving advice.

After a break, the evening featured a discussion on the work program to be implemented over a year. Participants were divided into two groups, and each group must present their discussion results, which then summarized by the Mental Health Team consisting of Psychologist Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., and Faculty Counselor Lecturers, Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., as well as PIC HPU Faculty of Biology UGM, Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. To conclude the training, there was a bonding activity involving a bonfire and gift exchange among participants. The next morning, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, all participants went trekking around Kaliurang.

This training is an effort by the Faculty of Biology UGM to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well-being, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“A rose blooms since yesterday, Growing beside the moringa tree. Welcome, dear guests, to the Inauguration and Training of Buddy Counselors.”

Two Students of Faculty of Biology UGM are Selected for Scholarship Nomination for Student Exchange Support Program 2024 at Yamagata University. Miss Maya Nakajima from the International Office, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, is pleased to announce that Roxaline Sih Tanwinilang and Tizania Putri Langithari have been nominated as scholarship recipients for the prestigious Student Exchange Support Program 2024 at Yamagata University under the JASSO scholarship. During the program, Roxaline will be under the supervision of Professor Dr. Tatsuya Ashitani, and Tizania will be under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Satoru Sato.

Roxaline Sih Tanwinilang and Tizania Putri Langithari are dedicated students from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to their fields of study. Additionally, Roxaline was a recipient of the Sakura Science Program from Yamagata University in 2024.

The nomination of Roxaline and Tizania underscores UGM’s commitment to fostering international academic exchange and collaboration. This opportunity will allow them to benefit from the unique academic and cultural experiences offered by Yamagata University. The Student Exchange Support Program 2024 is designed to enhance the academic and professional development of participants while also strengthening the ties between both institutions.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., stated that the Faculty of Biology at UGM is confident that Roxaline and Tizania will represent UGM with excellence and distinction, contributing to the ongoing success of the exchange program. Their nomination is a significant step in fostering future collaboration and sets a precedent for next year’s students to visit Yamagata University.

On May 13 to 16, 2024, the National Mathematics and Natural Sciences Olympiad (ON-MIPA) brought together participants from across the country at Universitas Hasanuddin in Makassar. This prestigious event served as a platform for students to showcase their abilities in mathematics and natural sciences. At this event, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) achieved remarkable success, securing the title of overall third-place, with a total of 12 medals and 3 honorable mentions across the four competing fields. Notably, the Biology field contributed significantly to UGM’s success, earning 4 prestigious awards, including 1 silver medal, 1 bronze medal, and 2 honorable mentions. Of the four awards, two were won by the Faculty of Biology UGM students, namely Tsaqifa Zuhayra Emery Bagus (2023), who won a silver medal, and Syafira Nurul Aisya (2021), received an honorable mention.

This accomplishment proves that the dedication and hard work of the Faculty of Biology UGM students have not been in vain. Their fighting spirit has brought honor to their alma mater at the national level, inspiring other students to continue achieving in the future. It is hoped that this success will serve as a stepping stone to even greater achievements in the years to come.

Yogyakarta, 17 May 2024 – Dr. Parvez Alam, A Reader (Professor without a Chair) from the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University delivered a public lecture entitled “Biology-Engineering Interface”. The public lecture took place in the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM and was attended by students and lecturers from the Faculty of Biology.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology was also present to open and moderate the guest lecture.

“Biology has an extreme level of diversity,” said Dr. Parvez started his presentation last Friday (17/5). The Biomaterials and Biomimetics expert from the University of Edinburgh mentioned how scientists try to create imitations of the diversity of existing organisms, which he then called bio-mimetic design.

Dr. Parvez explained an example of an aircraft fin mechanism that is designed to capture air stably, which he then tried to develop into the possibility that the fin would be located at the front: stable but with a speed rate that could be maximized. “But it is not working at the moment because biology is beyond further,” Dr. Parves added.

Bio-mimetic research has been developed by scientists all over the world from the macro level to the molecular level. Development of building structures inspired by human bones: strong, sturdy, but light; the design of gloves that can stick to dry surfaces is inspired by lizards, to how spider webs are 350 times stronger than steel.

Dr. Parvez then explains how the morphological design and structure of organisms is formed according to their way of survival and environment, including how humans try to redesign these morphological structures. Dr. Parvez mentioned several bio-mimetic studies on the claws of arboreal animals to strength research on spider egg casings.
“How can biology help engineers?” Dr. Parvez presented a study by his students who tried to design wings inspired by the mechanism of insect wings. The study focuses on energy efficient flight mechanisms based on insect wing movements with minimal muscle movement.

It is hoped that this synergy between the fields of biology and engineering can explore more deeply how organisms form and work, and implement this in today’s technology.

The public lecture was followed by a question and answer session. Participants, both students and lecturers, were very enthusiastic about attending the lecture and were interested in studying biomimetic engineering in the future.

The public lecture was closed by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology. It is hoped that this public lecture can become a forum for inspiration for collaboration as well as strengthening collaborative relations, especially between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Edinburgh in the future, in line with the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals for improving inclusive education and expanding international cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).

Genoveva Ristining Tyas and Ridho Nur Alam, undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, class of 2022, succeeded in achieving Gold Medal, 2nd Place in Poster, and 2nd Place Overall in an National Essay Competition held by Universitas Jenderal Soedirman under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. Their essay, submitted with the subtheme “Agriculture,” titled “Innovation of Biofertilizer with Halotolerant Bacteria and Eco Enzyme for Bioremediation of Unproductive Coastal Areas”.The innovation of biofertilizer with halotolerant bacteria combined with eco enzymes derived from the utilization of organic household waste and bagasse presents a sustainable solution in managing household organic waste and industrial waste.

By integrating biofertilizer, utilizing coastal land for shallot cultivation, and optimizing eco enzyme products, innovative, sustainable, productive, and environmentally friendly agriculture can be realized. This innovation plays a significant role in optimizing land productivity and increasing shallot commodity yields in Indonesia. It can impact the fulfillment of shallot consumption for the Indonesian population and potentially increase the national per capita income. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in No Poverty (SDGs 1), Zero Hunger (SDGs 2),Good Health and Well-being (SDGs 3) Affordable and Clean Energy (SDGs 7), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDGs 12), thereby supporting Indonesia’s vision for Golden Indonesia 2045. [Author: Genoveva Ristining Tyas]

On Sunday, April 28, 2024, the Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT) organized an educational field trip for seedling members. The purpose of this field trip was to enhance their knowledge and skills in applying the material from Small Group Discussion 2 (SGD 2) on architecture landscape, which had been presented a few weeks earlier. The field trip included presentations from the Plant Diversity Sub-Division and the Landscape Ecology Sub-Division, as well as practical application sessions from the SGD 2.

The event began with an opening speech by Laksita Chesarina, the Science Coordinator from KSAT 2021. This was followed by an opening prayer and the field class presentations from each Science Sub-Division. During the field class, Seedlings were divided into groups, each accompanied by ‘Tree’ and ‘Sapling’ members from the respective Science Sub-Divisions. The first session, led by the Ecology Landscape Sub-Division, covered the interaction of abiotic factors with the environment and demonstrated the use of tools for creating mini reports, including measuring soil pH, soil moisture, and temperature at UGM’s Wisdom Park. The second session, conducted by the Architecture Landscape Sub-Division, involved the practical implementation of garden design, including site inventory and notation on a base map. The final session, presented by the Plant Diversity Sub-Division, focused on the growth forms, macromorphological characteristics, and aesthetic values of plants.After the field class presentations, representatives from each station presented their findings, followed by an explanation of the assignments. The field trip concluded with a closing prayer and a documentation.

The 2024 field trip proceeded smoothly and on schedule. It is hoped that this activity will enhance the Seedlings’ ability to apply the Small Group Discussion 2 material and strengthen the sense of community among KSAT members. Furthermore, it is anticipated that KSAT will continue to grow and thrive, deeply rooted in its mission to benefit the academic community and society at large.[Author: KSAT 2024]

Yogyakarta, May 12, 2024 – On May 10, 2024, the Faculty of Biology at UGM visited a palm oil plantation managed by APKASINDO in Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan. The activity consisted of discussion and a field visit to a palm oil plantation. During the opening remarks of the visit, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M. Agr. Sc., The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, stated the visit was aimed to understand the issues faced by palm oil plantations, including production challenges and the real conditions experienced by the community. He hoped that the Faculty of Biology UGM could grasp the process of palm oil cultivation from growth to its re-utilization as valuable products, especially within local communities, and foster cooperation in research, community service, and education sectors.

Following this, there was a discussion with Mr. La Ode Hitua Hubaisi, a palm oil farmer since 2010, an APKASINDO administrator, and the chairman of a cooperative in his district. He is part of the Setia Kawan Farmers Group, which consists of 98 members with a total plantation area of approximately 317 hectares. He mentioned that the presence of the IKN directly impacts palm oil plantations in Kalimantan, as urban expansion leads to competition with plantations. Mr. La Ode emphasized the importance of cooperatives that bridge the gap between farmers and Palm Oil Mills (PKS).

The cooperative in Penajam is the largest community cooperative partnering with PKS and has been operational for five years, even before the pandemic. This cooperative ensures that PKS fairly purchases palm oil bunches from farmers, valuing their hard work. Currently, cooperatives have been established in each district with funds collected from personal contributions, allowing farmers to collectively benefit from the profits. Mr. La Ode expressed concern over the resistance against cooperatives, although cooperatives actually benefit palm oil farmers by preventing exploitation by middlemen who collect substantial profits. Moreover, with the 2025 ISPO policy, Palm Oil Mills (PKS) are required to partner with cooperatives to facilitate both local and export marketing.”We must not give up. If we do, no one else will fight for it,” he said. Part of the cooperative’s profits is allocated to education funds. Scholarships for college are provided through the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) to 3-4 children of palm oil farmers or laborers and non-palm oil farmers. This visit opens the possibility for selected local youth contributing to the advancement of palm oil to study at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Mr. La Ode also explained the processes of seeding, planting, maintenance, pruning, harvesting, disease management, and the production lifespan of palm oil. One of the cooperative’s programs discusses the use of a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The Faculty of Biology has been using small-scale leaf and litter shredders, hoping that similar methods can be applied by palm oil farmers for pruned leaves and fronds. Next, the Faculty of Biology UGM team visit the palm oil plantation accompanied by Mr. Fauzul ‘Didiek’ Idhi and guided by Mr. La Ode, who explained the planting procedures and regulations implemented by the Penajam Farmers Group, East Kalimantan. The activity concluded with a group photo.

The visit is expected to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this training, we aim to address four crucial points of the 17 SDGs: SDGs 4; quality education, SDGs 8; decent work and economic growth, SDGs 9;industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDGs 17; partnerships for the goals. Additionally, this activity represents an IKU 6 achievement for the Faculty of Biology UGM as it involves exploring cooperation with private companies or the general public. It also contributes to education by recommending potential BPDPKS scholarship recipients and generating research ideas eligible for BPDPKS grants.This visit is expected to provide insights to the Faculty of Biology and palm oil farmers through joint discussions and enhance cooperation with partners, contributing to sustainable development beneficial for all parties involved. [UGM Palm Oil Research Team]

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, the KSH Alumni Sharing Session 2024 was held with the theme “Unlocking Futures: A Journey to LPDP Scholarship.” Organized by the KSH Network Sub-Department, the event aimed to provide insights about scholarships to KSH members. The event took place online via Zoom meeting from 08.00 – 12.00 WIB and was attended by 28 active KSH members.

The session was opened by the MC and moderator, Firchamy Vuqi Aulia. The event began with an opening ceremony, prayer, singing the KSH anthem, reading the KSH Code of Ethics, and a welcome speech from the Head of the Community Service and Public Relations Department, Jessica Desviana. Following this, a sharing session on the details of the LPDP Scholarship was conducted by KSH alumni Nisrina Salsabila, S.Si., and M. Zulfiqar Meizar Pratama, S.Si., both are awardee of the LPDP Scholarship. After the sharing session, there was a Q&A session, followed by the presentation of certificates to the two speakers.

The event concluded with a closing prayer and a group photo. The session was considered to have run smoothly and was met with great enthusiasm. It is hoped that the event provided significant benefits to all participants by deepening their knowledge of the LPDP Scholarship.[Author: KSH]