MBKM Community Service Team (PkM-MBKM) of Class 2024 Faculty of Biology, supervised by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. with the title “Development of a Biorefinery based on Spirulina Microalgae in Sitimulyo Village, Piyungan District, Bantul” has carried out a series of PkM-MBKM activities in the Sitimulyo Village Community. The team consisting of four students; Seisha Salsabila Rosandi, Muhammad Farrel Zharif Zidane, Finka Aulia, and Salma Rohmaniah, has held a “Workshop on Introduction to Spirulina Cultivation and Production Tools”. This workshop is in collaboration with YAPEKA, a non-profit organization working in the field of conservation, nature conservation education and community empowerment. The PkM MBKM program supports SDG 3 Healthy and Prosperous Life and SDG 17 Partnership to Achieve Goals.

This activity aims to introduce Spirulina to the people of Sitimulyo Village. This activity was attended by village officials and Sitimulyo villagers. The series of activities consisted of socialization about Spirulina and its benefits, a Spirulina Farm tour, and trying Spirulina products directly. Socialization was also explained about the MBKM program that will be carried out in the future.

In the process of implementing the activities, the community was enthusiastic about taking part in the entire series, shown by active participation in conveying questions and opinions. In the future, the public can also learn about Spirulina cultivation on a household scale. It is hoped that the enthusiasm of residents in getting to know Spirulina can be a boost for the sustainability of this program. The hope is that people’s familiarity with Spirulina can make people more interested in cultivating and consuming Spirulina to improve the economic development and public health qualities.

MBKM Research Team of Class 2024 as part of the Microalgae Research team in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM, supervised by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc. has carried out research on “Production of Local Strain Microalgae Euglena sp. as a source of antioxidants and immunostimulants at PT. Indoalgae Aquaculture, Pasuruan”. This team consists of five members; Indira Amani Kurniawan, Laila Mei Marwadani, Renisha Windy Puspita Sari, Sri Setyaningrum, and Tizania Putri Langithari.

The MBKM Research team focuses on development and innovation in the cultivation of Euglena sp., especially local strains isolated from the Dieng plateau, Indonesia. Antioxidants produced by Euglena sp. can help protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of degenerative diseases and slowing the aging process. In addition, the immunostimulant properties of Euglena sp. can improve the immune system, help fight infections, and speed recovery from illness.

The research focused on variations in phosphate sources in Euglena sp. cultures, with the aim of optimizing growth conditions for Euglena sp. The treatment provided is expected to increase the antioxidant and immunostimulant content on a semi-mass scale. This research aims to find the most effective combination by varying phosphate sources to support the growth of Euglena sp. optimal and increase the production of antioxidant and immunostimulant content.

MBKM activities begin with equipment preparation, making growth media, and preliminary laboratory scale observations and collecting initial data information before being applied to semi-mass scale culture. Preliminary results show good growth data based on the parameters of cell number, cell density and biomass amount. Currently, research has reached the scale-up stage to a 50-liter capacity culture. Land planning is being prepared to continue increasing the scale of culture capacity up to 200 liters. Next, harvesting of Euglena sp. as well as various metabolites will be tested and characterized. Students also extracted samples to test antioxidant and immunostimulant properties. It is hoped that the experience gained from this MBKM activity can improve students’ skills and knowledge in carrying out their final assignments, as well as provide valuable knowledge to prepare them to become professional microalgae researchers in the future.

On Saturday – Sunday, June 1st – 2nd, 2024, The Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT) conducted the Garden Management 1 in collaboration with the PkM-MBKM program along with Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., the supervisor of KSAT. The activity aimed to enhance Seedling’s ability in gardening and took place in Punthuk Kepuh, Gunung Kidul. The main activities were garden design and creation in three designated areas. On the first day, June 1st, 2024, KSAT surveyed the garden areas and had discussions with Punthuk Kepuh management. The next event was a presentation on garden design and an introduction to the types of plants used and their maintenance methods with the community. The second day, June 2nd, was filled with garden creation, tours, and group photos. Each activity was led by Fika Zulfiana (KSAT 2021) and Dyah Ekawati (KSAT 2021) as the MCs.

The Garden Management KSAT 2024 activity ran successfully and on schedule. This activity was carried out as an implementation of knowledge from the material provided during small group discussions. Additionally, this activity also aims to fulfill KSAT’s vision of community service, thus KSAT can become a study group that is beneficial to the broader community.

The issue of pathogens in rice plants is a focus of agricultural empowerment efforts in Indonesia. These pathogens cause disease outbreaks that lead to a decrease in rice productivity. To address this obstacle, some farmers tend to rely on pesticides without noticing the condition of the rice plants. As a result, their efforts were ineffective and posed a threat to environmental health due to chemical pollution from excessive pesticides.

Addressing this issue, Adzkiya Aqmaliza Rahmattillah and Sheva Rimma Dhanty, biology students from the class of 2021, innovated a smartphone-integrated smart scanning application based on Artificial Intelligence called ORYSMART. This application can detect diseases in rice plants and provide treatment recommendations, under the guidance of Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. ORYSMART was introduced at the FAPERTA FAIR (Futuristic and Prestige Research, Technology, and Art) 5 competition at Dhyana Pura University, Denpasar, Bali, on May 18-19, 2024. In its fifth batch, FAPERTA FAIR carried the theme “The Role of Young Innovators in Facing Global Competition to Welcome Golden Indonesia 2045.” At the event, Adzkiya and Sheva, with ORYSMART, won the Bronze Medal and the Favorite Poster Award in the Technology subtheme as a futuristic innovative solution that can help address diseases in rice plants. With its scanning and recognition capabilities, ORYSMART can detect the type, symptoms, causes, and handling solutions for rice plant diseases. The application offers advanced analysis that combines human and artificial intelligence, providing more accurate disease analysis and effective handling solutions. ORYSMART also facilitates access to consultations with experienced and reliable plant protection experts.

This application aimed to empower rice farmers in Indonesia to manage their fields better and more effectively. Therefore, ORYSMART is designed to be practical and easy to use, especially for users who are not yet familiar with the technology. This innovation is expected to be a significant step in agricultural empowerment in Indonesia, supporting national food security towards Golden Indonesia 2045. This innovation and idea also contribute to achieving SDG 2 (zero hunger) by improving rice productivity, the staple food for most Indonesians. [Author: Sheva Rimma Dhanty]

Oceans Day is an annual event organized by the Marine Study Group (KSK) Faculty of Biology UGM to commemorate World Oceans Day. This year, KSK Biogama had the opportunity to collaborate with Mr. Parvez Alam. Additionally, KSK Biogama invited children from the Al-Khusna Orphanage to join in a beach clean-up, learn about marine life, and recycle trash they collected. During the Oceans Day events, the UGM Marine Study Group held an open donation drive for the Al-Khusna Orphanage. A total of Rp2,015,116.00 was collected.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and supported this cause. On May 18, 2024, following the Oceans Day event at Slili Beach, Gunungkidul, the donations were delivered to the Al-Khusna Orphanage in Gunung Kidul in the form of cash and basic necessities. We believe that this assistance will be very meaningful for the children at the orphanage and will help them in their daily lives. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of others. [Author: KSK]

On Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) organized a series of events for Oceans Day 2024: Caring for the Ocean, Caring for Each Other. On the first day, May 18, 2024, a beach cleanup activity was held at Slili Beach, Gunungkidul. The event started at 11:05 WIB, followed by remarks from Jagad Wenang Suryoaji (DXXIII), the Chairperson of Oceans Day 2024, and Mr. Parvez Alam, the partner and sponsor. The activities included games, participated by the KSK committee, volunteer participants, children from Al Khusna orphanage, and even Mr. Parvez Alam and his daughter, Lilja Alam. The beach cleanup was conducted following the grouping of participants and location assignments as directed by Slili Beach authorities, along with a briefing on waste separation. This activity continued until 12:05 WIB followed by a break.

After the break, there was a session on education and creation of artworks guided by Alisha Syavitri Ramadhani A (DXXIII) and Muhammad Haidar Ali (DXXIV). Participants were divided into groups and given one hour to create artwork from recycled plastic bottles, followed by a presentation session guided by organizers. Next, an enjoyable activity, capoeira was held at Slili Beach with Mr. Parvez and Lilja. After the games, representatives from Al-Khusna orphanage and volunteers shared their impressions of today’s event. The event concluded with a speech from Mr. Parvez and a group photo.

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) of the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, successfully held the Marine Studies Forum (FKK) titled “Blue Economy as a Response to the Massive Growth of Mass Tourism: Reality or Vision?” The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, and online via Zoom meeting. This forum aimed to discuss marine issues from various perspectives through sharing and discussion methods, featuring Mr. Supriyanta, S.Sos., M.M. from the Gunungkidul Tourism Office and Dr. Imam Musthafa Zainuddin from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as speaker.

The Marine Studies Forum (FKK) hosted by Angga Firza Pratama and Grace River Theofilia Putri Subadi and attended by 65 participants from KSK members, volunteers, and external parties from the Faculty of Biology and beyond UGM. The forum began with opening remarks by the MC, followed by singing the Indonesian national anthem, the Gadjah Mada University hymn, and the KSK anthem. The event was preceded with speeches from Muhammad Ariq Alfito, Chairman of KSK Biogama, and Jagad Wenang Suryoaji, the event chairman. Next, an introductory video on the Blue Economy and Mass Tourism shown, followed by an initial discussion between the MC and the speakers.

Proceeding to the main event, the first interview shown, focusing on tourism in Gunungkidul, followed by a discussion with the speakers and Koor KK. Next, a second interview video on marine biota was shown, leading to a discussion with the speakers, Koor KK, and external parties. Following the discussion, there was a presentation and Q&A session with Mr. Supriyanta, S.Sos., M.M. from the Gunungkidul Tourism Office, and a token of appreciation was given to the first speaker. The event continued with a presentation and Q&A session with Dr. Imam Musthafa Zainuddin from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and tokens of appreciation were given to the speakers at the end of the session. The Marine Study Forum concluded with a session for impressions and messages, followed by closing remarks and a summary. [Author: KSK]

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, The Social Community Division (SOSMAR) of the Graduate Student Association (KMP) conducted the ‘KMP Teaching,’ an annual activity held twice a year at different institutions. The activity took place at YKAKI located at Jl. Timor Tim. No.9, Purwosari, Sinduadi, Mlati District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, with the theme “Build Spirit: Educate and Encourage the Young Generation.” The activity aimed to demonstrate the KMP’s concern for children with cancer. This year, the SOSMAR Division collaborated with the Spiritual Division to implement the “KMP Teaching” program. This activity was attended by 10 KMP members and 15 children from YKAKI.

The activity began with an opening led by Puji Lestari, S.Pd., as the Master of Ceremony (MC), followed by speeches and gratitude from the event organizers to the leaders and mentors of YKAKI. The activity proceeded with coloring sessions, followed by a 30-minute session of educational animation viewing. Before the Quran recitation session, there was singing, applause, and awarding for the best colorings. The Quran recitation was conducted by Safril, S.Si., the head of the Spiritual Division.The event concluded with group photos, certificate presentations, and a donation to the head of Yayasan Kasih Anak Kanker Indonesia as a gesture of concern and support for children with cancer.

It is hoped that such activities will enhance the children’s learning spirit and motivation at YKAKI Yogyakarta. The program aims to continue with more inspiring and engaging activities in the future.

On Saturday, June 2, 2024, the Interest and Talent Development Division of the Graduate Student Association (KMP) Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized the BioLens event. The event aimed to foster graduate student interests and talents in photography, as training in photography for research purposes, and to introduce campus facilities that support research. The event took place at Ledok Sambi Kaliurang, Yogyakarta, with the theme “Capture The Beauty of Nature.”

The event consisted of two sessions: a material session and a photo-hunting session and was opened by Nadhifa Ummulhusna Dyah Wikantyasti, S.Si., and Ananda Putri Gita Natasya, S.Pd., as the MC. The material session was delivered by Rizal Muhammad Rifa’i, S.Pd, covering tools in photography, photography techniques, and photo editing, followed by a Q&A session, where participants asked about general photography challenges and steps on photography for research purposes.

The event continued with a photo-hunting session around the Ledok Sambi Kaliurang. Then, the photos uploaded to the prepared Google Drive for the judging session. During the judging session, the judges struggled to determine the winners. After intense discussion, the winners of the three best photos were announced: 1) Alfian Surya Fathoni, S. Pd., 2) Wahyul Fatwatul Umam AS, S.Si., and 3) Arfika Racmadianira, S.Si. The BioLens event concluded with awarding certificates and souvenirs to the speakers, prizes for the three best photos, and a group photo. [Writer: KMP]

[MBKM] – Yogyakarta, May 29, 2024 – The Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Research Team Faculty of Biology 2024, led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., titled “Genetic Stability Analysis and Viability Identification of Indonesian Local Melon Seeds,”visited PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama, also known as Rajaseed. The visit was attended by Maximus Jonathan Salim, Rafferty Reyhan, Laksita Chesarina, Haris Dwi Nugroho, and Ihsanti Tsania Fajriati, along with their supervisor, Dian Sartika, M.Sc. The visit aimed to provide the MBKM research team insights into seed production procedures and quality control (QC) at PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama.

The session began with introductions and a welcome from Mr. Warsito Nurtiyasno, Head of Research and Development and representative of PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama. He explained the company profile of PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama. Next, he provided fundamental education on seed production and QC. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between seed producers and farmers to ensure sustainable production. Mr. Warsito explained that viable seeds must undergo a series of processes, such as extraction, cleaning, moisture reduction, sorting, and storage. He highlighted key quality parameters such as seed moisture content, purity percentage, and germination capacity. A lively question and answer session covered seed identification methods and optimal environmental conditions for seed storage. The session concluded with documentation.

This visit is expected to equip the MBKM Research Team with valuable knowledge and enhance collaboration with PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama. Moreover, the MBKM Research activities contribute to achieving IKU 2 (Off-Campus MBKM) for the Faculty of Biology UGM and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including goals such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Partnership for the Goals.

[MBKM] On Thursday, May 23, 2024, The MBKM Research and Community Service Team “BIOFERMED (Biofertilizer and Bioremediation)” conducted a program socialization on the utilization of biofertilizer for controlling anthracnose and remediating fungicide residues in chili plants at Lumbung Mataraman, Kedungpoh, Gunungkidul. The Biofermed team consists of Fharsya Febrildha, Rindha Amarsita, Siti Muyassaroh, Ronald Wihan Pradana, and Tiffa Kusuma Dewi, under the guidance of Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. This program was the continuation of the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) program in 2021, 2022, and 2023 in Kedungpoh Village, Nglipar, Gunungkidul.

The community service program focuses on expanding the use of biofertilizers for controlling anthracnose in chili plants in the paddy fields and greenhouse of Lumbung Mataraman. The program was motivated by the anthracnose disease affecting chili plants at Lumbung Mataraman and the lack of organic control solutions. The MBKM research program emphasizes the use of biofertilizer as a remediation agent for inorganic fungicide residues in chili plants at Lumbung Mataraman. Research on fungicide residue bioremediation is driven by the extensive use of inorganic fungicides from various brands in Lumbung Mataraman, impacting harvest safety.

The socialization began with a program plan presentation by Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., which includes training on producing biofertilizers from cow urine and its application. ‘’Biofertilizers from cow urine containing various microbial species, expected to effectively and efficiently control anthracnose in Lumbung Mataraman and reduce inorganic fungicide residues that have been used,” said Dwi during the presentation. The program partners include ten groups of the Women Farmers Group of Kedungpoh and the managers of Lumbung Mataraman. The partners were enthusiastic about the programs presented by the team. “We have been eagerly awaiting programs from the Faculty of Biology,” said the Kedungpoh village head on behalf of the partners.

Didik Purnomo, Director of Lumbung Mataraman, mentioned that the Biofermed team would support the Women Farmers Group (KWT) from ten hamlets coordinated by Tri Wahyuni. The Women Farmers Group of Kedungpoh eagerly anticipated collaboration with the Biofermed team, the group already prepared for chili cultivation. “We are ready to plant chili using Bu Wawien’s biofertilizer formula and await further guidance,” said Tri Wahyuni, one of the agricultural leaders in Kedungpoh recognized as the Woman Initiator in Agriculture 2024 for Gunungkidul Regency.

This activity aligns with SDGs numbers 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 15 (Life on Land), and partnerships to achieve goal 17.