On February 7, 2024, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a promotional event for its International Undergraduate Program at Ignatius Global School, Palembang. The event was warmly received by over 200 attending 12th-grade students, marking a strategic step in providing information about quality higher education opportunities to the younger generation.

As the host, Ignatius Global School, Palembang, expressed their excitement about this collaboration. The school’s foundation leadership, led by Ignatius Djony, appreciated this promotion as a form of commitment to quality higher education. The collaboration between the school and UGM’s Faculty of Biology becomes a significant milestone in inspiring students to pursue higher education in the field of biology.

In the main presentation, Dr. Slamet Widianto, S.Si., M.Sc., and Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., provided a detailed exposition of the International Undergraduate Program offered by UGM’s Faculty of Biology. They discussed the comprehensive curriculum, adequate facilities, research opportunities, and academic support that will be provided to students.

The students’ enthusiasm was clearly evident during the Q&A session, where they actively asked about admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and activities available during the program. The ongoing discussion showed a high level of interest among students in this program, as well as their desire to obtain more in-depth information.

The promotional event concluded with a friendly atmosphere as delegates from UGM mingled with the attending students. This demonstrates the importance of collaboration between universities and schools in guiding and motivating the younger generation to pursue quality higher education.
The leadership of Ignatius Global School, Palembang, expressed their hope that this collaboration would open doors for their students to pursue higher education at one of Indonesia’s leading universities, especially in the field of biology. Thus, this promotion event serves not only as a momentum to introduce higher education programs but also as an initial step in realizing students’ dreams of pursuing careers in the field of biological sciences.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), directly represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof.Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., and accompanied by Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech., visited various schools in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) Province in an effort to introduce the International Undergraduate Program on Wednesday, February 7 2024.

This program is designed to expand an access to higher education, partucularly in Biology for all the Indonesian children and increase the academic collaboration at the global level, which is the implementation of one of SGDs, especially number 4 regarding quality education. Initially the schools to be visited were Syiah Kuala University Labschool and Fatih Bilingual Boarding School, however, because of the enthusiasm and good communication support from Dr. Wira Dharma, S.Si, MP. M.Si, who is also the Head of the Biology Postgraduate Study Program at Syiah Kuala University and is also a member of KOBI (Indonesian Biology Consortium), the Faculty of Biology delegation can also visit SMA Negeri 3 and SMA Negeri 10 Fajar Harapan, which are the leading schools in Banda Aceh.

In this series of visits, representatives of the Faculty of Biology UGM conveyed information about program advantages, international curriculum, facilities, and career opportunities that can be accessed through this international undergraduate program.

In December 2023, a Terrestrial Ecology Fieldtrip was held at Peat Swamp Ayer Hutan Utara, Johor and Taman Botanical, Melaka respectively on December 9 and December 16 2023. This activity was supervised by Dr. Nor Atiqah Binti Norazlimi as lecturer in Terrestrial Ecology and attended by UGM students (Haiqa Khizaya Baskoro, Laila Nurul Ilma, Putri Fredicia Marzuqoh, and Feny Nur Nucifera) along with 2BWW UTHM students.

The first fieldtrip was conducted on December 9 at Peat Swamp Ayer North Forest. Departure from the UTHM campus in the morning using the campus bus then arrive at 09.00. The journey continues using a local duty officer’s car to facilitate road access into the narrow Ayer forest. This activity aims to introduce one of the land ecosystems, namely the peat swamp ecosystem. Observations were carried out by observing all existing species and abiotic factors as well as the characteristics of the ecosystem guided by Dr. Atiqah. Then proceed with breaktima to eat together. After the activity was finished, students were picked up by a bus to stop first at one of the iconic food product shops in that place, namely ‘Pau’. The next journey home takes about 1 hour to arrive at Pagoh’s residence.

The next Terrestrial Ecology Fieldtrip activity will be held on December 16 2023 at Taman Botanikal, Melaka. The journey takes around 2 hours using the campus bus to reach this park. Upon arrival at the Botanical Garden, students prepared equipment for practical work on the density of flora and fauna in the ecosystem. This activity aims to introduce one of the land ecosystems, namely the Lowland Ecosystem. Observations are carried out by making plots and observing all types of vegetation and animal species in them. After the observation is complete, continue to enjoy the paid facilities available at the place such as pedal bicycles, train rental and many other facilities. The activity ended with a visit to a honey production house. In this place, students are allowed to taste many varieties of honey and get information about the properties of each honey. Then go home to Pagoh residence using the campus bus. This field trip was carried out in order to make the 4th SDG a success, namely improving quality education.

The Biological and Environmental Change Fieldtrip was held on December 10 at the Ayer Hutan Utara Forest Reserve, Johor. This activity was supervised by Dr. Aqilah Binti Awg Abdul Rahman and attended by 3BWW UTHM students and UGM students (Haiqa Khizaya Baskoro, Laila Nurul Ilma, Putri Fredicia Marzuqoh, and Feny Nur Nucifera). The activity consists of calculating Carbon Stock using plots.

At 06.00 WIB, departure from UTHM Student Residence College to Hutan Simpan Ayer Hutan Utara, Johor using buses and private cars. Participants get off at the gate of the North Forest Ayer Forest Reserve and the journey continues using a pick-up. After arriving at the North Forest Reserve Ayer Forest pavilion, participants put their luggage and continued with giving directions regarding Fieldtrip activities. Participants enter the North Forest Ayer Forest Reserve guided by the local person in charge.

After finding a strategic place to make a plot, participants immediately carried out practical work to calculate the Carbon Stock for each tree in the plot. This calculation includes the diameter and height of each tree. The event continued with lunch in the pavilion and preparations for going home. The field trip activity finished at around 16.00 WIB. This field trip was carried out in order to make the 4th SDG a success, namely improving quality education.

On October 30 2023, two Aquatic Ecology Fieldtrips were held. This field trip is a field practicum activity for the aquatic ecology course. This activity was supervised by Ts. Gs. Dr. Kamarul Rahim Bin Kamarudin as UTHM Aquatic Ecology lecturer and attended by UGM students (Haiqa Khizaya Baskoro, Laila Nurul Ilma, Putri Fredicia Marzuqoh, and Feny Nur Nucifera) along with UTHM 2BWW students.

The first field trip will be held on November 6 2023 on Pulau Besar, Malacca. The activity began with gathering in front of the Pagoh residence canteen at 07.30 AM, then boarding a bus for approximately an hour’s journey to Pulau Besar. Upon arrival at the bus parking lot, you need to take a boat for 15 minutes first to get to Pulau Besar. The activity then continued with ice breaking and games in the form of a knowledge quiz on aquatic ecology courses guided by several student representatives from the aquatic ecology class. After the games session, students headed to the beach for a swimming training session. Dr. Kamarul is a lecturer who teaches aquatic ecology courses. The activity ended with a pilgrimage to the grave of the figure on the Big Island. Then the journey home, upon arrival at the Pagoh residence in the afternoon at 15.30 PM.

The second Aquatic Ecology Field Trip will be on 19 December 2023 at the Sedili Kechil Belangkas Livestock and Hatchery Center, Kota Tinggi, Johor. On this field trip, the departure was early because it was quite a long journey to arrive in Johor. After approximately three hours of traveling by campus bus, the students headed straight to the belangkas farm. Each student was given the opportunity to hold a species of horseshoe crab (leangkas), lobster and was given education about these two species by the owner of the leangkas farm. Next, observations were made in the mangrove forest to determine the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the mangrove ecosystem. The activity continued with a trip to the beach in Kota Tinggi to relieve fatigue from lecture activities for a moment. This field trip ended with a trip to one of the bus stopover centers for Ishoma, this activity was filled with eating together and continued on the journey home. This event is in the context of making the 4th SDG a success, namely improving quality education.

On November 28 2023, the Green Scientist event was held as the final project for the ecological dynamics course in the UTHM student exchange program. This event was hosted by Dr. Nor Atiqah Binti Norazlimi as lecturer in Ecological Dynamics with management from 3BWW UTHM students and UGM students (Haiqa Khizaya Baskoro, Laila Nurul Ilma, Putri Fredicia Marzuqoh, and Feny Nur Nucifera). This event was attended by several invited guests, UTHM lecturers and attended by 2 senior high schools in Johor who were accompanied by their respective homeroom teachers. At this event, UGM students acted as LOs who picked up and welcomed invited guests.

This event applies the concept of learning while playing where participants must complete each question and game at each stand. Each group gets a score and later, the group with the highest score will get an award. The event began with an opening by the committee followed by random group division to complete the game. 3BWW UTHM students and UGM students played a role in explaining different material at each stand according to their respective divisions. This material is the essence of the knowledge gained from the ecological dynamics course. After the material is explained, participants are asked to answer the questions and complete the game at each stand and then accumulate their scores.

After the game session was finished, the event continued with the main event in the form of the inauguration of the Green Scientist event by invited guests. As a symbol, a small experiment was carried out on stage in the form of lighting a fire using washing bubbles. The event continued with giving prizes to the group with the highest score and giving mementos from UTHM to the two high schools. This event is in the context of making the 4th SDG a success, namely improving quality education.

UGM Biology students (namely Haiqa Khizaya Baskoro, Laila Nurul Ilma, Putri Fredicia Marzuqoh, and Feny Nur Nucifera) received a valuable farewell party that held by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) to celebrate the end of the student exchange program. This student exchange supports the 4th SDG, namely improving quality education. The event was held on January 18 2024 ending the student exchange program held in October-February. The event included visits, dinners and giving mementos at Nasuha Herbs & Spice Farm, Muar, Johor. This event was also attended by Dr. Furzani Binti Pa’ee as head of the UTHM FAST study program and Dr. Nor Atiqah Binti Norazlimi as the person in charge of the student exchange program from UTHM, the deans and friends of UTHM-UGM.

The event began with a visit to Nasuha Herbs & Spice Farm Park. This visit provides new knowledge by introducing various types of plants in the park. The event continued with remarks by Dr. Furzani Binti Pa’ee and UTHM-UGM buddy representatives. Not to forget, giving gifts to each UGM student as a memento and appreciation for completing the student exchange program. The event continued with group photos and ended with a banquet.

Batam, February 7, 2024 – SMA Kartini Batam warmly welcomed a team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), to conduct a socialization session regarding the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) of UGM’s Faculty of Biology. This event aims to introduce the IUP programs, including international exposure programs and registration procedures, to the students of SMA Kartini Batam.

The socialization session was led by Mr. Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D., as the Head of the Biology Program Study (Kaprodi) and Ms. Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D., as the coordinator of the IUP Faculty of Biology. Also present were several alumni of UGM’s Faculty of Biology who have successfully pursued their careers, including Nurlita Putri Bela Nasution, S.Si. (Bio 2019), Rita Rachma Resinta, S.Si. (Bio 2019), and Sylvia, S.Si. (Bio 2018).

The Headmaster of SMA Kartini Batam, Mr. Akmal, S.Pd., and the Vice Principal for Curriculum, Ms. Ani Mislimah, S.S., warmly welcomed the team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. He expressed his hope that this socialization event could provide new insights and opportunities for students to continue their education to a higher level, especially at UGM’s Faculty of Biology. “We strongly support efforts to provide quality education to the younger generation, and hopefully some of our students can continue their studies at UGM’s Faculty of Biology,” said Mr. Akmal.

This socialization is also considered a concrete step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4, which is quality education. By introducing the opportunity to study at UGM’s Faculty of Biology to students of SMA Kartini Batam, it is hoped that it can open up opportunities for them to receive quality education and contribute to sustainable development.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the orientation of New Graduate Students (PMB) for the Academic Year 2023/2024 Even Semester intake was conducted online through a Zoom meeting, guided by Faradilla. The event was held to welcome new graduate students in biology (Master’s/Ph.D.). The event began with the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and Faculty of Biology March. The first agenda was a briefing by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc. He stated, “Master’s students are not allowed to study for more than 4 semesters, doctoral students are not allowed to study for more than 8 semesters.” This was said as the motivation for students to focus on their studies and graduate on time.

The event continued with the introduction of faculty members and educational staff of the Faculty of Biology UGM, guided by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, S.Si. M.Eng. Next, there was guidance on course registration with simulation using UGM’s SIMASTER account for master’s students guided by Emi Suhaemi, S.Si. and doctoral students guided by Riski Danang Prasetyo, S.Si. The event continued with the library orientation by Mr. Aris Setiawan. Mr. Aris introduced the library staff, the Faculty of Biology UGM library service hours, and the mechanism for borrowing and returning books. Additionally, Mr. Aris presented library activities including: open recruitment for library volunteers, training for library volunteers, literacy management classes for new students, book discussions, community service, collaboration with other units such as book writing, training, grants, article writing, and publication. Furthermore, Mr. Aris invited new students to join as library volunteers.

The next agenda was a video presentation by the Graduate Student Family (KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM, regarding the activities carried out by KMP, followed by an introduction to KMP by the Chairman of KMP, Wahyu Fatwatul Umam, S.Si. Mr. Wahyu invited new students to join the KMP management to expand their network. At the end of the event, the MC announced that there would be a TAKSA (Graduate Student Get-Together), where new students would be taken on a campus tour to visit laboratories and enjoy other activities. The event concluded with a prayer and a group photo.

Timor Leste, February 1, 2024 – As part of the delegation’s journey to Timor Leste, the Faculty of Biology UGM, represented by Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., the Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean, and Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D, the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, continued their visit to several schools in Timor Leste. The purpose of this visit was to introduce Faculty of Biology UGM and explore potential collaboration opportunities in the field of education.

One of the schools visited was Colegio Santo Inacio de Loila in Dili, Timor Leste. The delegation was welcomed by Romo Calisto. Established in 2013, the school currently has 800 students, with 60% of them being female. Colegio Santo Inacio de Loila offers 3 classes for junior high school and 4 classes for senior high school. With outstanding achievements, ranking first in the national exams in 2022 and 2023, the school has produced graduates who continued their studies in Indonesia, particularly at President University.

The delegation then proceeded to Fundacao Canossa, where they met with Suster Maria Esperanca M.F. Soares, leaving a positive impression. Suster Esperanca expressed her joy at the opportunity for teachers and students at Fundacao Canossa to pursue studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Fundacao Canossa is an institute that covers education from kindergarten to university level.

Faculty of Biology UGM provides opportunities for students at Fundacao Canossa to continue their studies through regular program or International Undergraduate Program (IUP). Fundacao Canossa currently has seven biology teachers at the junior and senior high school levels who have the opportunity to pursue master’s studies and contribute to the development of biology education. Therefore, the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fundacao Canossa focuses on advanced studies for teachers.

Pak Pandu, representing Pusat Budaya Indonesia (PBI) in Dili, Timor Leste, also presented the scholarship program, Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship, open from January 22, 2024, to February 23, 2024, available for all students and teachers. Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) in Timor Leste will provide support and recommendations for potential scholarship recipients.

Faculty of Biology UGM boasts numerous alumni who currently reside and pursue their careers in Timor Leste. For instance, Demetrio do Amaral de Carvalho (class of ’90) is an active environmentalist in Timor Leste. Other alumni from the undergraduate program (S1) include Celine Maria Godinho (class of ’92) and Alice Pinto (class of ’96), who are now lecturers at the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL).

Their success in achieving such accomplishments underscores the importance of quality education and international cooperation in the academic field. It is hoped that through collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and educational institutions in Timor Leste, equal opportunities can be provided for alumni from both sides.

This visit reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM to strengthen cooperation (SDG 17) and create opportunities for mutual growth with educational institutions in Timor Leste (SDG 4).