Yogyakarta, 11 and 12 January 2024 – Researchers from PT SMART Tbk (Sinarmas Agribusiness and Food) visited the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada regarding the development of microalgae at the company. The visit was received by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs as well as Lecturer from the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. and attended by PT SMART Tbk researchers including Aprilia Nur Fitriani, Ph.D., Rika Fithri Nurani Buana, M.Si., and Sigit Dwi Maryanto, M.Sc. as Microbiome Technology Specialist.

Dr. Eko explained the research and development activities of microalgae as alternative energy and functional food. He highlighted the large potential for developing microalgae in Indonesia so that they are starting to be widely cultivated for various purposes. On this occasion, Dr. Eko explained the cultivation process from laboratory scale to mass scale and the microalgae harvesting process as well as the use of information technology to monitor water quality in microalgae cultivation. On this occasion, Sigit Dwi Maryanto, M.Sc as a representative from PT SMART Tbk expressed his desire to initiate the establishment of a microalgae business unit at PT SMART Tbk.

The purpose of PT SMART Tbk Researchers’ visit to the Biology Faculty was to see the microalgae research facilities and processes owned by the Faculty of Biology. The first visit was carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM to see the facilities and processes for cultivating microalgae on a laboratory scale owned by the Faculty of Biology. The activity continued with a visit to the Biodiversity Research Station II, Faculty of Biology in Karanggayam to see the mass-scale microalgae research facilities. The next visit was carried out at Minggir Algae Park as the Microalgae Biorefinery Science and Technology Center of Excellence to see the process of developing microalgae into multi-products.

It is hoped that the visit will be the initiation of research collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and PT SMART Tbk through various schemes. It is also hoped that this visit will open up opportunities for students to gain experience outside campus through various schemes such as research, internships and MBKM at PT SMART Tbk. In addition, the initiation of this collaboration is part of the Faculty of Biology’s contribution to sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Program; SDGs) especially in the development of inclusive education (SDG 4), renewable energy research (SDG 7) through ongoing collaboration and cooperation (SDG 17).

Yogyakarta, January 12, 2024 – The Laboratory of Animal Structure and Developmen at the Faculty of Biology UGM conducted an Otolith Training (Morphometrics and Age Determination) on January 11-12, 2024. The event aimed to enhance understanding and skills in otolith analysis, a crucial aspect in determining the age and growth rate of fish.

Metachul Kusna, S. Pi., M. Pi., a Ph.D. student from Diponegoro University, Semarang, gained profound insights from the keynote speaker, Nur Indah Septriani, S. Si., M.Sc. Ph.D., who shared her knowledge and practical experiences.

This activity is part of the Faculty of Biology’s efforts to support sustainable education (SDG’s 4). It is hoped that participants can apply the knowledge acquired in future research and development. [Septriani]

Matalabiogama is an organization in the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, founded as a nature enthusiastic group on October 5, 1974, and has remained active ever since. Matalabiogama aims to foster the interests and talents of students in advancing biological knowledge in nature. This goal is achieved through various activities that encompass physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership. The General Assembly of Matalabiogama 2023 was conducted on December 18 to 20, 2023, at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The primary purpose of this event was to select and establish leaders and organizational structures for the 2024 period and also the Organizational Consideration Board of Matalabiogama.

The General Assembly of Matalabiogama was hosted by Geraldine Yara Amritarashmi and Husna Nadia. The event commenced with a speech by Irfan Ari Prasetyo, serving as the Chairman of Matalabiogama, followed by a speech from the Organizational Consideration Board (OCB), presented by Lisna Nur Aini on behalf of Muhammad Helmi. Furthermore, there were speeches from Dr. Biol.Hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, S.Si., M.Si., represented by Irfan Ari Prasetyo, and Daru Perwita, an alumnus. Subsequently, Nur Baehaki Romadhon, as the Session Leader, delivered a speech and obtained approval for the session to proceed. Under the guidance of the Session Leader, discussions were held regarding the Accountability Report and Matalabiogama’s Articles of Association and Bylaws(AD/ART). Finally, the Accountability Report and the revision of AD/ART were accepted with some conditions, including additional evaluations covering challenges, solutions, and recommendations. On the third day, the election of the Matalabiogama Chairman for the 2024 period took place with five candidates. After the selection process, Nur Baehaki Romadhon was elected as the Chairman of Matalabiogama. Congratulations and best wishes to all of us for the next year. Vivat et Floreat!

Yogyakarta, 10 January 2024- The International Undergraduate Program (IUP) at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly presents the IUP Bioexpo 2024. The event, graced by 31 participants, by online via zoom meeting, comprising high school students, parents, and teachers, offers a comprehensive insight into the IUP’s innovative initiatives.

Distinguished speakers, including Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M. Sc., Vice Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, shed light on the IUP’s journey since its establishment in 2019. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M. App. Sc., Vice Dean of Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, discusses the international exposure opportunities available for IUP students.

This event’s committee also invites Nur Indah Septriani, M. Sc., Ph. D., IUP Coordinator, guiding participants through the IUP application process via the official website um.ugm.ac.id. Additionally, Sabut Kharisona, an IUP student pursuing a Double Degree at the Australian National University (ANU) in Australia, shares his experiences as a student bridging the academic realms of Fakultas Biologi UGM and ANU. The event was closed with discussion guided by Dr. Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan as moderator in this event and secretary of IUP, Faculty of Biology UGM.

IUP Bioexpo 2024 serves as a promotional platform for the upcoming IUP admissions opening in January. Beyond promotion, it reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, to elevate education quality in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4. Written by Septriani

On Tuesday and Wednesday, December 19-20, 2023, the Deliberation Meeting of KSAT Members 2023 was conducted at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. This meeting was aimed to present the accountability report of the ACER Cabinet, discuss the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD-ART), and determine the Chairman for the 2023-2024 period.

The accountability report and AD-ART discussion took place on the first day, December 19, 2023, commenced with the opening and prayer led by the MC, Salsabila Nayla (KSAT 2023) followed by a speech from the KSAT 2023 chairman, Zildan Basara (KSAT 2020), and the KSAT supervisor, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. The presentation of the Accountability Report was conducted by the Daily Board of the ACER Cabinet, followed by discussions. After a short break the discussion session regarding the Articles and Bylaws was conducted. Based on the AD-ART discussion, several changes to articles and paragraphs in the AD-ART were proposed and agreed upon by the session leader and the forum. The first day of the meeting ran smoothly and on schedule.

On the second day, December 20, 2023, the Meeting was held to determine and select the new KSAT Chairman. There were 3 candidates for the KSAT chairmanship: Anggi Nada Khoirul U. (KSAT 2021), Aufa Amila Nawafila (KSAT 2021), and Laksita Chesarina (KSAT 2021). The candidates presented their visions and missions and engaged in a Q&A session with the forum. After deliberation by the forum, Anggi Nada Khoirul U. (KSAT 2021) was confirmed as the 2023-2024 Chairman.After officially being elected, Anggi Nada delivered a brief speech to the forum. Subsequently, she selected several colleagues to form the new KSAT cabinet. The Deliberation Meeting of KSAT Members 2023 concluded with a documentation session, including a group photo for all attendees. With the successful completion of this event, it is hoped that it will enhance the spirit and commitment of the KSAT chairman for the 2023-2024 period and all KSAT members. Additionally, it is hoped that KSAT will continue to strengthen its roots to penetrate civilization, becoming a study group that is beneficial to both the academic environment and the broader community.

On Friday, 29 December 2023 the Deliberation Meeting of the Genetics Research Student Forum (FORMASIGEN) was conducted through the zoom meeting platform, marking the conclusion of the term for one year management. The event commenced with speeches from Muhammad Sultan Hakim Negoro as Vice Chairman of FORMASIGEN. The event was followed by the accountability report of the FORMASIGEN Chairman, Muhamad Helmi Fauzan. Throughout 2023, FORMASIGEN was successfully held a Training of trainer and GenTalk.

The agenda proceeded with a presentation of the grand design by the candidate for chairmanship, Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki (Biology 2021). The candidate outlined their vision and mission, elaborating on the three main missions in their prospective cabinet: “Organize, Active, Exist.” The presentation concluded with their action plan for the one-year leadership tenure. Subsequently, a deliberation took place, and it was determined that Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki was approved by the forum to serve as the Chairman of FORMASIGEN 2024. The 2023 Deliberation Meeting was then concluded with closing remarks from the Vice Chairman of FORMASIGEN 2023, followed by a group photo.

On Wednesday, 3 January 2023 the seminar proposal for master in biology Students of the faculty Biology, even-year intake of 2022 was conducted, serving as a platform for master students to present their thesis proposal in front of their supervisors and fellow students. This event was participated by 46 students and 24 supervisors.

The event commenced at 08:00 AM WIB, the agenda proceeded with speeches delivered by the Head of the Master in Biology Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si. In his address, he emphasized that after the seminar, students were urged to promptly undertake the comprehensive examination to ensure timely graduation. The subsequent speech was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. He expressed that the students present in the room were the result of a selection process meeting the standards, thus expecting that the 4-semester program duration was sufficient for completion. Furthermore, students were encouraged to enhance their English language proficiency as it would be used during presentations. He stressed the importance of eligible students promptly taking the comprehensive examination to begin their research promptly. Additionally, he advised students to maintain regular communication with their supervisors to ensure better research implementation. He concluded by stating that the thesis seminar is obligatory for all levels within the biology faculty, serving as a commendable academic tradition to uphold. Moreover, he highlighted the necessity of conducting a progress seminar in August following the proposal seminar and comprehensive exams for monitoring purposes, facilitating timely graduation.

Following the opening activities, the students were divided into three rooms, each guided by a moderator: Auditorium Biologi Tropika with Dr. Fajar Sudyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc., Classroom 6 with Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Classroom 7 with Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc. In these sessions, students presented their thesis proposals, followed by feedback from their supervisors. The presentations were conducted in English, with a duration of 10 minutes for the presentation and an additional 5 minutes for feedback from the supervisors. This activity was expected to assist master’s students in preparing for their thesis research, comprehensives exams, and thesis defense. Furthermore, the input, suggestions, and criticisms provided during the proposal seminar discussion sessions were anticipated to improve the students’ future research plans.

Every year, the Christian Student Fellowship (PMK) of the Faculty of Biology holds a Christmas celebration and worship service for Christian students to commemorate and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ together. This event aimed to strengthen the bond among fellow Christian students and professors through worship, celebration, and understanding the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth. This Christmas celebration carried the theme “Knight in Shining Armor,” derived from Zephaniah 3:17. With this verse, participants were encouraged to understand the significance of Jesus’ birth, where hope comes through His presence as the Savior who brings victory. His presence renews us in love, leading us to joy.

This event took place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, in Room 1-2 of Building B, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The attendees included Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Head of the Biology Tropica Department at the Faculty of Biology, UGM; Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., the supervising lecturer of PMK Biology; Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology; PMK Biology members; and representatives from the Christian Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni. The event commenced with an opening by the MC followed by singing hymns. Then, there were speeches by the Head of the Biology Tropica Department, the Supervising Lecturer of PMK Biology, the Chairperson of PMK Biology 2023, and the Event Coordinator. In this Christmas celebration, there was a solemn candle-lighting session, followed by a sermon by Pastor Indriatmo Adiatmo from GKJ Dagen-Palur, titled “Knight in Shining Armor.” After the worship session, several games were organized involving all participants, further strengthening the bond of brotherhood and adding to the joy of Christmas in 2023. The service concluded with a prayer and a communal love feast. Through the PMK Biology 2023 Christmas celebration, may the hope brought by the birth of Jesus Christ remain firm within us, and may we experience the victory He brings in our lives, expressed through love for one another. May the Lord bless us all.

On December 27, 2023, the Year-End Evaluation (EAT) took place, marking the conclusion of the term for the Aswattha Cabinet of the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM) and the Cakra Optima Parliament of the Biology Student Senate (SEMA) UGM. The EAT involved presentations of the accomplished work programs by both institutions. Alongside the EAT, the Supervision of Planning, Implementation, and Reporting for Biosphere #6 and PPSMB Metamorphoself 2023 occurred. The event was held virtually through the Zoom Meeting platform, commencing at 08:30 AM WIB. The event was preceded by speeches by Fathur Syahrian Ramadhani, the Chairperson of BEM Biology 2023, and Aqil Muhammad Hafiz, the Chairperson of SEMA FB UGM 2023. Subsequently, there were presentations by Biosphere #6, BEM, PPSMB Metamorphoself 2023, and SEMA, delving deeply into the executed work programs. Each presentation concluded with a discussion session to evaluate each work program.

The Biology Student Senate awarded the department of Interests and Talents of BEM as the best department and has identified the “Visiting Village” program from July to December as the best work program within the Social Community Department based on the work program evaluation. It was hoped that the outcomes of this activity could be utilized as evaluation materials for all departments, commissions, bodies, bureaus, Biosphere, and PPSMB Metamorphoself in executing their future work programs.

Yogyakarta, December 30, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), represented by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc, actively participated in the nationwide tree planting initiative initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) across Indonesia. The tree planting took place on Saturday, December 30, 2023, and was led by officials from KLHK at both the central and regional levels. The event was held in the area of plot 58 rph Candi BDH Karangmojo, Yogyakarta Forest Management Unit (KPH Yogyakarta).

The tree planting activity is part of a national program announced by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. The Faculty of Biology at UGM contributed by planting jackfruit trees, with the hope that they would become a commodity for the production of traditional food, gudeg. Additionally, this effort aims to strengthen land use and provide a future source of animal feed.

The participation of the Faculty of Biology UGM in this event aligns with the goals of Sustainable Development, particularly supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDGs Goal 2, Zero Hunger: Through the planting of jackfruit trees, it is expected to contribute to fulfilling food needs, especially as a key component in the production of traditional food such as gudeg.

SDGs Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production: Planting trees as part of the KLHK initiative is a positive step towards sustainable consumption and production. SDGs Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals: Active collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and KLHK demonstrates a shared commitment to achieving sustainable development goals.

By participating in this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its role in supporting environmental conservation efforts and food resilience as an integral part of sustainable development in Indonesia.