The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University, together with the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), attended the preparation of Vocational and Academic Supplements initiated by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Natural Sciences and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA). The event, held on November 24-26, 2023, aims to develop Accreditation Supplements in line with the implementation of Regulation No. 53 of 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. These Accreditation Supplements, proposed by LAMSAMA, will become part of an Automated Accreditation system based on the Higher Education Database. Article 81 of Regulation No. 53 of 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia explains that the automation mechanism involves reaccreditation without assessment by assessors, by monitoring and evaluating the quality of study programs and higher education institutions based on data and information in the Higher Education Database.

For the event of drafting Vocational and Academic Supplements, LAMSAMA invited various associations in the academic and vocational fields, including KOBI, the Indonesian Chemical Society, MIPANet, AMLI, Bandung State Polytechnic, University of Indonesia, Padang State University, and Malang State University. Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., as the Chairman of KOBI, delegated Dr. Annawaty, S.Si., M.Si. (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tadulako University) and Zuliyati Rohmah, S. Si., M. Si., Ph.D. Eng. (Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University) for this task. This activity aligns with the commitment of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing inclusive education quality (SDGs 4) and fostering good partnerships (SDGs 17) to improve the quality of education in Indonesia. The event will be followed by the finalization of instruments scheduled for November 27, 2023.

Yogyakarta, 23 November 2023. Singaperbangsa Karawang University is one of the State Higher Education Institutions structured as a Public Service Agency established according to the Minister of Finance’s Decision in 2021. In the pursuit of enhancing the laboratory management system, the Basic Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit (UPT Lab Dasar) team from Singaperbangsa University visited the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada on Thursday, November 23, 2023, for a discussion on laboratory management practices implemented at Faculty of Biology UGM. The UPT Lab Dasar team, led by Mr. Muhammad Syafi’i, Head of the Integrated Laboratory Support Unit, along with nine Laboratory Coordinators and two Laboratory Technicians, visited the Animal Physiology Laboratory, Falitma (Shared Research Facility), and the Biotechnology Laboratory and was received by Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, S.Si., M.Si., the manager of Falitma, and Alifah Mubarokah AM.d., the Falitma laboratory technician. In addition, the meeting also addressed plans for internships for laboratory technicians at the Faculty of Biology UGM, collaborative research, and faculty publication partnerships. This activity supports SDGs 4, 10, and 17, which aim for Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships to achieve goals.

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, coinciding with the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, the Department of Social Affairs of the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM Biologi UGM) alongside the Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) held a Youth Pledge Day commemoration through the ‘Project Kindness’ activity. The Project Kindness initiative is a social affairs program aimed at sharing kindness with those in need. The event included food distribution, a sharing session about Youth Pledge Day, and concluded with affixing stickers on distributed posters. Project Kindness took place at several locations around UGM, namely at the Biology Forest Roundabout, Selokan Mataram, Sekolah Vokasi, and Gejayan.

The event was organized by a team of 21 individuals, comprising 14 members from BEM Biologi and 10 from BiOSC. Additionally, there were 40 participants of various ages, ranging from adults to seniors. Project Kindness 2023 was conducted from 5:20 PM to 8:00 PM WIB. The opening commenced at 6:00 PM WIB, led by Aulia Robiatul as the Field Coordinator. The event began with greetings, introductions, and an opening prayer. It proceeded with groups moving from the faculty to their respective target locations, dividing into 3 groups, each accompanied by representatives from BEM Biologi and BiOSC, distributing food to those in need around UGM. Following this, there was a sharing session commemorating Youth Pledge Day, discussing aspirations for the young generation of Indonesia. The event concluded with a group documentation session involving both participants and organizers. The conclusion of this event aims to provide kindness to those in need and stands as a social initiative by BEM Biologi and BiOSC in commemorating Youth Pledge Day. [Author: BEM]

The Faculty of Biology’s is initiating and establishing collaboration with Pukyong National University (PKNU) at South Korea, as one of commitment to increasing international cooperation, as outlined in its support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17) and the enhancement of inclusive and high-quality education (SDG 4). The aim is also to compete with the world’s best institutions world wide.

Pukyong National University (PKNU) is a national university located in Busan, South Korea, with two campuses in Daeyeon-dong and Yongdang-dong, near the coastal district of Nam-gu. PKNU focuses on fisheries science and other marine-related fields, boasting extensive facilities for Marine and Technology studies. The College of Fisheries has long been a driving force in advancing fisheries science and aquaculture since its establishment in 1941. The Faculty of Fisheries Science has globally contributed to the progress of fisheries science through research and theoretical and technological studies covering all aspects of the field. This potential has motivated the Faculty of Biology at UGM to collaborate with PKNU.

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), which included Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, visited Pukyong National University (PKNU) on November 20, 2023. The delegation was hosted by Prof. Wong Gyu Park, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Fisheries, and Prof. Sang Gil Lee, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. The meeting began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and continued with the exchange of souvenirs. The purpose of the visit was to identify opportunities and sign agreements in the fields of education and research between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the College of Fisheries Science at PKNU. The main focus of this collaboration includes student mobility, joint publications, research cooperation, double degrees, and other forms of collaboration. The Faculty of Biology delegation toured PKNU’s advanced research facilities, gaining a deep understanding of the potential for research collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, stated, “We are delighted with the opportunity for collaboration through this visit and believe that this partnership can bring significant benefits to both institutions.” Dr. Bambang Retnoaji added, “The signing of this MoU is a crucial first step in strengthening the relationship between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Pukyong National University. We hope to develop joint initiatives that can enhance the quality of education and research at both universities.” Dr. Slamet Widiyanto also mentioned that this collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for students and researchers at both universities, broadening their knowledge through the exchange of information and experiences.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM received a benchmarking visit from the Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in the context of the ASIIN (Accreditation in Engineering Computer Sciences Natural Sciences Mathematics) accreditation for master program. The visit was conducted in the Senate meeting room at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and was attended by Prof Dr. Ichwana, ST., MP as the head of The Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University and team. From the Faculty of Biology, UGM, there was Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si. as the head of the Master in Biology Study Program and Zuliyati Rohmah, M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. the Head of the Quality Assurance Unit Faculty of Biology, UGM.

The delegation from the Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University visited with the aim of benchmarking ASIIN accreditation at the Faculty of Biology to enhance the quality of education at their institution. The Faculty of Biology at UGM has been accredited by ASIIN since 2023 for the Master in Biology Study Program. Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology has been elevating the quality of education and teaching on an international scale through collaborations with various world institutions for programs such as student exchange, double degree programs, and research cooperation.

Discussions regarding ASIIN accreditation continued with the presence of Zuliyati Rohmah, M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. the Head of the Quality Assurance Unit at the Faculty of Biology to address ASIIN in general, as well as Outcome Based Education (OBE) and assessment, where ASIIN assessment focuses on student-centered learning processes. This visit is expected to support strong collaboration between the Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University and the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in line with the institutions’ commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive quality education (SDG 4) and fostering good collaboration (SDG 17) to enhance the quality of education in Indonesia.

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Graduation Ceremony for the Bachelor Program 2023/2024 period I at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology. This ceremony was held at 01.00 p.m. and was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and continued singing Indonesia Raya, Hymne Gadjah Mada, and Mars Faculty of Biology.

Then, there is a report of graduates by the Head of Undergraduate Study Program by Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. In his report he said that there were 45 graduates in this period with the academic title Sarjana sains or Bachelor of Science with Honours. Then, the highest GPA was obtained by Bunga Finovel Angellya, S.Si. with a value of 3,90. One of graduates who received the Bachelor of Science with Honours title is Faizah Diah Retnowati B.Sc Hons.

Next, there is a reading of the graduates graduation results. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the graduates Bunga Finovel Angellya, S.Si. . She congratulated their fellow graduates and encouraged them to reminisce about their college days.Followed by remarks from the parents’ representatives by Bunga Finovel Angellya, S.Si. Parents. He expressed gratitude to the professors and the entire staff who accompanied them throughout the learning process. He also conveyed to the graduates the importance of not just being spectators in the future but being active participants.

The continued with pin awarding as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., represented by graduates Angga Bintang Narzassi, S.Si., and Faizah Diah Retnowati, S.Si., followed by other graduates. Following that was a speech by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, he conveyed that education is the primary tool to change the world. He also expressed that UGM Biology graduates are equipped to pursue careers, further studies, or other endeavors. The Dean concluded by thanking the committee for the success of the graduation ceremony and shared a message wishing success to the graduates in their future endeavors. Towards the end of the event, graduates presented mementos to the Dean. Before concluding the event, a prayer was recited by Dimas Cahyo, S.Psi. The ceremony was then closed by the Dean at 14:50 WIB. [Author: Della Thasya Liona Safitri]

[PkM- MBKM] Four students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada—Agastyo Pakusadewo Suwardi, Ririn Febrina Putri, Sherlina Oktavian Putri, and Sherlita Oktavian Putri—engaged in the Community Service of the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) from February to November 2023 in Kedungpoh Kulon Hamlet, Kedungpoh Village, Nglipar Subdistrict, Gunung Kidul guided by Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Sc., and Dwi Yono (the head of Kedungpoh Village) as partners in the MBKM Community Service.

Kedungpoh Village comprises 10 sub-villages with a total area of 10,799,830 hectares, located in the northern region of Gunungkidul. Despite being hilly, this area relatively has more abundant water compared to the southern regions of Gunungkidul. In line with the Regional Government of Gunungkidul’s policy to develop the northern region as a new tourist destination, Kedungpoh Village has also aimed to establish itself as a tourist village with a vision of a prosperous, resilient, and prosperous community. One of the development plans for Kedungpoh Village is the establishment of Indonesian Rare Plant Eco-Tourism in Kedungpoh Kulon Hamlet. The development of “Kebun Biologi UGM II” not only serves as an effort in land conservation and disaster mitigation but also aims to develop Eco-Tourism based on a Mini Indonesian Rare Plant Botanical Garden.

During the MBKM activities, the students conducted various tasks, including characterizing and identifying various rare endemic plants in the Yogyakarta region and its surroundings, as well as plants with potential. To obtain these plants, the students collaborated with the Forestry Instrument Standard Testing Center (BBPPBPTH) and the personal collection of one of the lecturers from the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely Dr. Ir. Nunuk Supriyatno, M.Sc.forest trop. According to Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Sc., the supervising lecturer, this initiative marks the initial step toward preserving the diversity of rare plant species in “Kebun Biologi UGM II” located in Kedungpoh Kulon Hamlet. The ex-situ conservation of these rare plants can support the government’s program in conserving natural resources for sustainable development (EfSD) and, as a result, enhance the welfare of the local community through locally potential-based eco-tourism, namely the mini botanical garden (UGM Biological Garden II). It can also enhance the capacity of the local community in cultivating plants in Kedungpoh Kulon. It is hoped that this MBKM activity can contribute to the conservation of rare plants and establish Kedungpoh Village as a tourist destination with a vision of a prosperous, resilient, and prosperous community.

Colon cancer originates from the longest part of the large intestine. Its incidence ranks third worldwide, and it is projected to increase by 63% by 2040. However, current treatments for colon cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, tend to cause high toxicity and yield unsatisfactory results. Developing a safer treatment for colon cancer with minimal side effects remains a challenge. This issue motivated five UGM students, part of the PKM-RE Team that qualified for PIMNAS 2023—Atikah Nurunnissa’, Anisa Dewi Rahayu, Lathief Al Umami, Ilma Tazkiya, and Dwi Ardyan Syah Mustofa from the Faculty of Biology, along with their supervising lecturer, Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., to explore natural substances as a safer alternative for colon cancer treatment.

Anisa explained that pineapples are abundant in Indonesia, ranking fourth among the world’s largest pineapple producers. The core, skin, and crown of pineapples contribute 50% of the total weight of the fruit. Surprisingly, these parts contain phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and bromelain enzymes with potential anti-cancer properties. The application of pineapple core, skin, and crown for anti-cancer purposes involves a fermentation process to break down complex compounds into derivative compounds. Rhizopus.oryzae is used as a fermentation starter to enhance the value and content of anti-cancer compounds, specifically targeting colon cancer. Successful fermentation processes have demonstrated the production of more specific derivative anti-cancer compounds. [Author: Anisa Dewi Rahayu]

Biology students Universitas Gadjah Mada (S1) made another achievement at the 2nd International Conference of Biology for Students (ICOBIOS) X Open Bioproject Competition (OBC) 2023 held at Brawijaya University on November 12-14, 2023. This remarkable achievement was achieved by Denova Team composed of Darren Nicholas Rahmanto (Biologi 2021) and Muhammad Naufal Dzakwan Luzen (Biologi 2021) under guidance of Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si.

The 2nd International Conference of Biology for Students (ICOBIOS) x Open Bioproject Competition (OBC) 2023 has the theme ”Inovative Approach in Investigating Biological Problem through Multidisciplinary Research and Startup” aimed to accelerate collaboration and enhance understanding of various biological aspect for young researchers. The competition was held from July to November 2023 and had several stages, including abstract submission, abstract announcement, proposal submission, presentation and ceremonial event.

The Denova team addresses the widespread occurrence of potato diseases caused by Streptomyces scabies, significantly reducing potato production productivity. Therefore, the team proposes a solution to expedite and enhance the sensitivity of detecting Streptomyces scabies in potatoes. It is hoped that with this innovation, farmers can implement this improved detection method, optimizing potato productivity.

UGM students have successfully discovered the neuroprotective benefits of Javanese chili kombucha as a functional beverage for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This research was led by Eri Dwi Suyanti along with Salma Mutiara Tsani, Fithratun Nastiti, Wafiq Hanifah, and Marcellino Maatita. The researchers, from various disciplines at UGM including medicine, biology, and pharmacy, collaborated to unveil the potential of Javanese chili kombucha in the medical field. This study was conducted under the guidance of dr. Arta Farmawati, Ph.D. The research focusing on Javanese chili was submitted under the Student Creativity Program for Exact Sciences (PKM-RE) and received funding support for the entire research process, from obtaining ethical clearance to experiment financing. The support was provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek).

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and AD are diseases with increasing prevalence as age advances. It’s predicted that by 2050, AD patients in Indonesia will reach 3,999,285. Unfortunately, current therapies for T2DM patients cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Javanese chili contains the bioactive compound piperine, which has anti-diabetic effects and can be developed into a functional kombucha beverage. Kombucha is a fermented drink known for its anti-hyperglycemic effects. The research revealed that the bioactive compounds in Javanese chili kombucha exhibit significant benefits. Javanese chili kombucha could provide neuroprotective benefits by inhibiting an enzyme activity linked to AD in T2DM patients. Moreover, animal trials demonstrated that Javanese chili kombucha could maintain spatial memory in test mice. This study brings new hope in AD treatment through the natural wealth of Indonesia. The researchers aim to further this knowledge into clinical trials, envisioning a future where this research actively protects T2DM patients at risk of AD complications.[Author: Marcellino Maatita]