Singapore, 23 October 2023 – The Faculty of Biology is expanding its collaboration network at the international level by initiating research and academic collaboration with the best institutions in the world, one of which is James Cook University (JCU) Singapore. The Faculty of Biology delegation included Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Faculty of Biology Undergraduate Study Program visited JCU Singapore, following a collaborative visit to JCU Australia previously last Thursday (19/10).

The James Cook University campus in Singapore is wholly owned by Australia’s James Cook University, which is ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world. JCU Singapore was founded in 2003 as an effort by JCU Australia to internationalize its activities and offer a series of programs at the Singapore Campus covering the fields of business, Information Technology, Psychology, Science Education, Commerce, Accounting, aquaculture, Environmental Science, Game Design, Tourism and Hospitality. JCU Singapore also provides courses at pre-university level specifically designed to provide a pathway for students who cannot immediately meet university entry standards. Located on Sims Drive, JCU Singapore provides students with access to various learning support facilities and services, including lecture and seminar halls, libraries and related learning facilities, computer laboratories, aquaculture research and teaching facilities, financial laboratories and access to various sports facilities.

The collaborative discussion was also attended by Professor May Tan-Mullins as Dean International and Chief Sustainability Officer, Assoc. Prof. Roberto Dillon as Academic Head of Science and Technology, Cassandra Lee as Director, Recruitment & Partnerships, Dr Susan Gibson-Kueh, as Senior Research Fellow of Aquaculture, Dr Shen Xueyan as Senior Lecturer of Aquaculture, Shelley Wang as Senior Manager, International Management and Senior Regional Manager, Recruitment & Partnerships and Ben Ng as Assistant Manager, International Management JCU Singapore. The meeting was a follow-up to discussions on cooperation initiation that had previously been held online. The cooperation discussion component includes the initiation of collaboration in the field of Aquaculture, including double degree program collaboration as well as joint supervision and joint research. Apart from that, JCU Singapore is also interested in student mobility & exchange opportunities, and plans to develop the Faculty of Biology UGM Jakarta campus in a double degree master program on MBA on bioentrepreneurship and biobusiness.

This discussion is a great bridge to increase the collaboration network between Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology and James Cook University, Singapore. In addition, this collaboration is in line with the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to increasing cooperation for international recognition in accordance with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 17 as well as improving the quality of inclusive and high-quality education (SDG 4) and competing with the best institutions in the world.

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Graduate Student Family (KMP) of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, under the Natha Abhipraya Cabinet, held the Circle II Discussion Session 2 event. This event followed the previous Session 1 on September 28, 2023, and was one of the working programs conceptualized as a discussion forum by the Strategic and Scientific Studies Division (Kastrak) of the KMP Faculty of Biology at UGM. The activity focused on the theme “Boost Your Writing Skill,” with the aim of enhancing the writing proficiency of graduate students, enabling them to produce high-quality manuscripts eligible for publication in reputable journals.

The event took place in the Teaching Laboratory on the 2nd floor of the Sinar Mas Building, Faculty of Biology at UGM, the Circle II Discussion Session 2 was attended by 20 participants, including master’s and doctoral students from the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The second day’s activities commenced at 08:30 AM local time, led by Faradilla, S.Si., as the MC, and began with a collective prayer followed with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Biology UGM March, conducted by Tamalia, S.Pd. Subsequently, the event transitioned into a workshop. Participants were divided into two large groups, with the first group guided by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., and the second group led by Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. Both discussion leaders were faculty members and editors of journals at the Faculty of Biology at UGM, namely the Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (JTBB) and the Berkala Ilmiah Biologi (BIB).

After the first session of The Circle II Discussion, 11 articles were collected and reviewed by the editors. The initial phase of the workshop commenced with introductions and brief profile stories from the discussion leaders and participants. In the first group, the discussion began by selecting one scientific article to discuss each section, starting with a title.The article titles were required to be intriguing while accurately representing the content, and must be a maximum of 14 words. The discussion then progressed to address the abstract and its most crucial component, the keywords, to make it easier for readers to find suitable journals. The abstract should also encompass objectives, results, and even conclusions, without including references. Among the submitted articles, there were inconsistencies in the abstract content, such as vague methodology and the absence of conclusions.

In the introduction section, the discussion leaders emphasized the importance of writing coherently and cohesively to ensure readers grasp the intended flow of information. Some participant-written articles tended to lack coherent and cohesive information, necessitating revisions. Additionally, the method points should be detailed, include subsections, and if software is utilized, it must be mentioned. In the results section, an introduction is presented before entering the tables, and after the tables, table descriptions are provided prior to the discussion. However, adherence to the target journal’s writing format is essential. The final point, the conclusion, should encompass research findings’ summaries and highlight the study’s significant outcomes. It is also crucial to indicate whether the hypothesis was accepted or rejected, with appropriate references provided. The discussion proceeded smoothly, driven by the participants’ enthusiasm. Some participants expressed gratitude, feeling motivated to write as a result of participating in the Circle II Discussion.

The activity concluded with the presentation of mementos from the Committee to the Workshop Discussion Leaders of Circle II. Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. and Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. The event ended at 10:30 AM and was followed by a group photo. The Circle II Discussion event is anticipated to become a regularly held activity, addressing the needs of graduate students in Biology at UGM for writing, research, and publication in reputable scientific articles.

On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Community Engagement Activity Team of the Independent Learning Program (MBKM-PkM) at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, led by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, along with Aisya Syam Mahanani, Lathifa Haya Nuraziza, and Oktaviani Setiati, conducted the event “Socialization and Training for the Cultivation of “Living Pharmacy” and Functional Foods for Women Farmer Groups in the Malangrejo Hamlet.” This activity took place at the Malangrejo Population Data Center, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region. The event was attended by the Head of Malangrejo Hamlet (Mr. Sarbini) along with the Chairwoman of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Malangrejo (Mrs. Isti Maryati), as well as the members of the Women Farmers Group.

This event was a continuation of the PkM-MBKM program in the second semester of 2023. The aim of this activity is to expand the collection of plants with medicinal properties for both treatment and daily bodily needs supply. Additionally, another objective of this activity is to provide alternative, healthier, and more practical methods of plant cultivation, as well as alternative methods of watering plants suitable for the recent dry season. In the cultivation of Living Pharmacy (TOGA), white ginger, red ginger, turmeric, mango turmeric, white turmeric, lesser galangal, lemongrass, and galangal seeds were used and planted in polybags with soil as the medium and a drip irrigation method. This irrigation method uses plant infusions and plastic bottles to optimize water usage during the dry season. Unlike TOGA, functional food plants such as lettuce, water spinach, chili, bok choy, as well as tomatoes were used and planted using hydroponic methods with rockwool as the medium.

The socialization and training activities began with opening remarks from the Activity Chair, the Head of Malangrejo Hamlet, and the Chairwoman of KWT Malangrejo. Prior to the socialization on TOGA and functional food plants, a pre-test questionnaire was conducted, and booklets titled “Types and Cultivation Methods of TOGA and Functional Plants” were distributed. This socialization activity covered the characteristics, benefits, planting methods, maintenance, and harvesting methods for each plant, as well as the methods of hydroponic cultivation and infusion watering. Additionally, information was provided about the types of TOGA and functional food plants to be cultivated, as well as a layout sketch according to the plant type and yard conditions. The socialization activities were followed by a discussion on technical aspects of cultivation, especially hydroponic planting, and the application of infusion watering methods with plastic infusion bottles. The socialization and training activities concluded with the completion of a post-test questionnaire to measure the increase in knowledge among the KWT women regarding the cultivation of TOGA and functional food plants. The results showed that the participants’ (in this case, KWT women) knowledge about the cultivation of TOGA and functional food plants increased by 23.5%.

The activities continued with the accompanied planting of TOGA and functional food plants. This planting activity is one of the implementations of the PkM-MBKM activities that took place over two semesters in 2023. The rainless weather supported the joint planting activities carried out in the courtyard of the Hamlet Hall. The training activities began with the hydroponic planting of functional food plants. In practice, the KWT women planted lettuce seeds in rockwool for germination. Subsequently, the cultivation of TOGA plants took place in the land adjacent to the Malangrejo Population Data Center, starting with the preparation of the soil medium in polybags. The activity concluded with the planting of ginger, turmeric, lesser galangal, lemongrass, and galangal seeds in polybags, as well as the watering of plants in the courtyard land. Monitoring will be conducted every three days during the planting to ensure the growth of the planted plants is successful.

Yogyakarta, 11 October 2023 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a students visit from the Faculty of Biotechnology, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW), Yogyakarta. The visit is part of the Practicum activities for the DNA Technology Course. The visit was received at the Tropical Biology Auditorium as well as the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM, by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. as Public Relations Officer for the Faculty of Biology and Lecturer in the Animal Systematics Laboratory.

Dr. Sendi presented material related to the phenomenon of violence and illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia. He revealed the contribution of forensic DNA analysis in uncovering crimes against wildlife through DNA analysis of protected wild animals as well as various collaborations that have been carried out with related parties – police, BKSDA, prosecutors and so on – in handling evidence.

Located in the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UKDW students then learn how to collect and analyze data from forensic DNA. Together with laboratory assistants, they tried to collect samples of original evidence such as tiger skin, tiger bones, sea cow bones and elephant tusks. Apart from that, students also practice collecting samples. They also learn the process of DNA extraction and learn to handle cases. Students were divided into 5 groups and each group was asked to complete each case and present the results.

The UKDW students who participated showed extraordinary enthusiasm during the case study presentation. It is hoped that this visit will provide more understanding and awareness among students regarding the urgency of handling wildlife crime and how the role of biology through forensic DNA analysis contributes to it, in line with the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve education in the campus environment inclusiveness (SDG 4) and conservation support in accordance with the values ​​of SDG 15.

Townsville, 19 October 2023 – The Faculty of Biology is expanding its collaboration network at the international level by initiating research and academic collaboration with the best institutions in the world, one of which is James Cook University (JCU). Founded in 1961, JCU is the second oldest university in Queensland and offers education also research focused on development in Australia’s tropical areas. JCU also has affordable access to various world heritage sites including The Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s tropical rainforests and the savannah at Cape York, Pennisula so it is not surprising that JCU is known for its excellence in the field of Marine Biology and Tropical Biodiversity Management. JCU is ranked first in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology and second for Biodiversity Conservation according to The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), as well as ranking in the top 100 according to the QS World Ranking for Earth and Marine Science, Environmental Science, and Hospitality and Leisure Management.

Based on JCU’s excellence in the field of Marine Science, the Faculty of Biology through Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, initiated collaboration in the academic and research fields together with the School of Marine and Tropical Biology, College of Science and Engineering JCU. The collaborative visit of the Faculty of Biology delegation to JCU was welcomed by Prof. Dean Jerry as Dean of Research, Prof. Jan Strugnell as Director of the Center for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Prof. Alana Grech as Academic Head for Earth and Environmental Science, Peter Robertson as Manager of College Operations, and was also attended by two JCU students from Indonesia, Shafira Septriani, and Adityo Setiawan.

Discussions related to Marine and Conservation Biology research and the synergy of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and the College of Science and Engineering were held together with Prof. Mia Hoogenboom as Academic Head for Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Dr. Naomi Gardiner, Dr. Mark Cyrus, and Dr. Reniel Cabral. Discussions related to student mobility and joint degree cooperation carried out together with Kali Small as Manager of Global Experience JCU, Prof. Shaun Belward as CSE Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Dr. Allison Paley, Prof. Mia Hoogenboom, Prof. Kyall Zenger as Discipline Head of Aquaculture, Prof. Mark Hamann as Course Coordinator for Master of Marine Biology, Dr. Martijn van de Pol as Course Coordinator for Bachelor Advanced Science.

The Faculty of Biology plans to send one IUP undergraduate student to carry out mobility at JCU’s School of Marine and Tropical Biology for one semester in 2024. JCU appreciates the initiation of collaboration from the Biology Faculty and also invites Faculty of Biology students to take part in student mobility/exchange to JCU either through IISMA and independent schemes. The School of Marine and Tropical Biology also plans to send its students to take part in the International Summer Course (ISC) in 2024 as well as sending its staff as visiting professors and keynote/invited speakers at the General Lecture, ISC in 2024, and the 9th International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS) in 2025, organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The development of research collaboration will be carried out through the KONEKSI (Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia-Indonesia) research grant scheme with several universities and other research institutions in Australia and Indonesia. This development is in line with the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to increasing cooperation for international recognition in accordance with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 17, as well as improving the quality of inclusive and high-quality education (SDG 4) and competing with the world’s best institutions.

Through this visit, Prof. Budi as Dean hopes that the quantity and quality of international collaboration at the Faculty of Biology UGM will continue to increase, especially in the fields of Marine Biology and Tropical Biodiversity through collaboration with the School of Marine and Tropical Biology, College of Science and Engineering, JCU, Australia.

Tokyo, 11-14 October 2023. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at UGM, attended the Symposium of Human Genetics Asia 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. The symposium took place at the Toshi Center Hotel, Zenkoku Toshi Kaikan, and Sabo Kaikan. In addition to the Presidential Lecture delivered by Prof. Kenjiro Kosaki from the Center for Medical Genetics at Keio University School of Medicine, Japan, there were five plenary lectures, one of which was presented by Prof. Dr. Svante Pääbo, a Nobel Prize Laureate from the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, and currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. He delivered a lecture titled “About Neandertals, Denisovans, and Modern Humans.”

This event provided scientists with the opportunity to exchange the latest information in the field of human genetics, through presentations, posters, or interactive discussions in 16 parallel symposium sessions, and to stay updated on the recent advancements in the discipline. Furthermore, scientists at the event could receive valuable feedback on their research from peers and experts in the same field, which aids in the development and enhancement of research methodologies.

During the symposium, Dr. Niken also had the chance to engage in a brief discussion about thalassemia research at the Faculty of Biology UGM with Prof. Zilfalil bin Alwi, MBBS, M.Sc., M.Med., Ph.D., FAMM., from Universiti Sains Malaysia. He holds the titles of UNESCO Chair on Human Genetics of Thalassemia, member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Genomics, and Senior Consultant of Pediatrician & Clinical Genetics.

This symposium also provided insights into current trends in research within the field of human genetics, namely genomics, genetic variations, and precision medicine, as well as a deeper understanding of more complex topics.

Sydney, 17 October 2023 – Faculty of Biology UGM through its Dean and Vice Dean visited the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in order to increase recognition and collaboration to expand its network on the international stage. UTS is one of the world’s best universities, ranked 90th according to the QS World Ranking. Founded in 1988, this relatively young university has entered the ranks of the world’s best universities in contributing to sustainable development. UTS has grown very rapidly in the last decade considering that UTS was ranked 284th in 2013 according to the QS World Ranking, a significant increase than its ranking this year. UTS also offers the best on-campus learning programs with leading facilities, located in the city-center of Sydney, Australia which is known as one of the best cities for students in the world.

The visit of the Faculty of Biology Dean’s Team is a follow-up to the collaboration that has been initiated with UTS since November 2022 by the Chancellor of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Dean of the Faculty of Biology. The collaboration discussion with UTS was attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs at the Faculty of Biology together with Prof. Ian Menz as Head of School of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science UTS, Dr. Leigh Martin as Program Director for Environmental Science Undergraduate Program, Prof. Shauna Murray as Program Director for Marine Biology Undergraduate Program, Prof. Alaina Ammit as Associate Dean for Faculty of Science UTS, and Prof. Hui Chen as Associate Head of School for School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, UTS.

The initiation of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and UTS, especially with the Faculty of Science, is planned to be established within the scope of student and staff mobility, including student exchange, both through the IISMA and independent program schemes, visiting professors and keynote speakers/invited speakers for general lectures, including contribution to the International Summer Course (ISC) agenda of the Faculty of Biology in 2024.

School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, UTS also plans to delegate lecturers and students to the Faculty of Biology UGM through the New Colombo Plan (NCP) collaboration which will be initiated in 2024. In addition, research collaboration will be carried out through the KONEKSI research grant (Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia-Indonesia). This collaboration plan is certainly in line with the Faculty of Biology’s commitment in their support on Sustainable Development Program (SDGs) to improving inclusive education and increasing research (SDG 4 and 17).

Through this visit, Prof. Budi as Dean of the Faculty of Biology hopes that the quality of international collaboration at the Faculty of Biology UGM will continue to improve, especially through collaboration with the School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

In order to enhance community service and collaboration with other institutions, the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory recently hosted 122 students from two study programs (Horticultural Agribusiness and Seed Technology) at the Yogyakarta Magelang Agricultural Development Polytechnic for a practical introduction to plant cells and tissues. The practical was held from October 3rd to October 13th, 2023. During this activity, each student participated in two sessions, each lasting 4 hours, from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In the first session, students engaged in practical exercises covering 10 topics, including longitudinal sections of the tips of Sambucus javanicus stems; epidermal sections of maize (Zea mays L.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves; transverse sections of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and carrot (Daucus carota L.) tubers; maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) stems; ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome, turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizome, and betel (Piper betle L.) stem (fresh preparations). In the second session, the materials covered were transverse sections of roots, stems, and leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.).

Throughout the practical, students received instruction from lecturers (Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., M.Sc.) from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory. The aim was to equip the students with an understanding of plant cells and tissues. Students were guided to observe and comprehend each provided sample and to characterize them. At the end of each session, students, along with their supervising lecturers, discussed the observations they made.

The Plant Stucture and Development Laboratory expresses gratitude to the Yogyakarta Magelang Agricultural Development Polytechnic for entrusting 122 of their students to participate in this training program for the introduction to plant cells and tissues. It is hoped that this activity will serve as a platform for expanding collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and the institution. Furthermore, it is anticipated that activities like this will be conducted regularly and inspire other institutions in need of similar collaborative efforts, especially in the field of plant anatomy slide preparation and introduction training. This community service activity is one of the efforts in support of sustainable development, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education (SDG 4).

Pada hari Senin, 2 Oktober 2023 sampai dengan Sabtu, 7 Oktober 2023 Tim MBKM Penelitian mahasiswa Program Sarjana Fakultas Biologi UGM Angkatan 2020, yaitu: Nellis Nadinda, Syariva Habiba, dan Erna Indahwati, melakukan penelitian ke PT. Gizi Indonesia, yaitu salah satu mitra MBKM Fakultas Biologi UGM, yang terletak di Jl. Veteran II No.1, Tlk. Pinang, Kecamatan Ciawi, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat, 16720. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memproses ekstrak kering Gama Melon Parfum dalam pelaksanaan Program Penelitian Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Medreka (Lit-MBKM) Tahun 2023. Ketiga mahasiswa tersebut dibimbing oleh Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. dan Ayi Indah Utami sebagai pembimbing mitra MBKM selama di PT. Gizi Indonesia.

Gizi Indonesia is a pioneer in the production of cosmetics and natural traditional Indonesian products, established since 1972, and adheres to the Halal Assurance System and follows the CPKB (Good Cosmetic Manufacturing Practice) BPOM Certificate. PT. Gizi Indonesia envisions becoming a leading company that provides natural-based skin care and innovative products. They continue to develop facial care products such as skin brightening, anti-aging, and acne care products. PT. Gizi Indonesia promises to consistently deliver safe and free-from-harm products by implementing the Halal Assurance System (HAS) certified by the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) and registered with BPOM.

During the MBKM activity at PT. Gizi Indonesia, the three students engaged in various activities, including learning about the basic ingredients used in formulating a cosmetic product and their respective functions. They also learned about the process flow and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for creating new products at PT. Gizi Indonesia. On the third day, they conducted a trial on Melon GMP powder extract using 96% alcohol and distilled water. In the 96% alcohol solution, the Melon GMP powder extract was poorly soluble and had a cloudy appearance, whereas in the distilled water mixture, it dissolved easily and had a clearer color. Finally, on the last day, they collaborated on researching and formulating a sheet mask using Melon GMP powder extract as the base material. After formulating, they immediately conducted a sheet mask production experiment in the laboratory.

According to Dr. Wiko, this activity marks the initial step towards further research on the utilization of Gamma Melon Parfum (Cucumis melo L. ‘GMP’), which is a result of research at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, but is not suitable for consumption. Therefore, the GMP melon is directed as a raw material in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other health-related industries. “I hope this process can be a consistent initial stage in uncovering various other potentials of secondary metabolites in this GMP melon,” Dr. Wiko stated. With this research, it is hoped that it will lead to the creation of new products as an innovation in the field of beauty and skin care.

Efforts to mitigate climate change within the livestock sector have received little attention in Indonesia. Despite its relatively small contribution compared to the industrial and energy sectors, the livestock sector’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help lower global temperatures and prevent extreme global warming. According to BMKG data (2022), the average concentration of methane emissions worldwide has been steadily increasing since January 1980, reaching 1,909.3 ppb by December 2021, up from 1,620 ppb. The livestock sector ranks as the third-largest contributor of methane, accounting for 20 to 25% of total global methane emissions. Most of the methane emissions from the livestock sector are generated by ruminant animals through the complex fermentation process in their stomachs (rumen), which is later released through feces and belching.

This issue caught the attention of Ahmad Rizal Riswanda Danuartha (Livestock Science and Industry, class of 2022), Akmal Bunyamin (Biology, class of 2021), Anggi Abdillah Surya Amni (Chemistry, class of 2022), Yessa Juliaputri (Aquatic Resource Management, class of 2021), and Siti Komariyah (Livestock Science and Industry, class of 2022), who formed the PKM-RE Team with mentorship from Moh. Sofiul Anam, S.Pt. M.Sc. namely PELLETAN funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Their goal was to utilize seaweed (Macroalgae Sargassum sp. and Gracilaria sp.) from Gunung Kidul Beach, Yogyakarta, as pellets for ruminant livestock feed supplements. These supplements were expected to modify the rumen environment, thereby reducing methane production. Macroalgae, commonly known as seaweed, holds the potential to be a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other bioactive compounds. “We chose macroalgae as the primary ingredient for ruminant livestock feed supplements because of the presence of tannins and saponins, which have the ability to reduce methane production. While seaweed has been widely used in food, feed, and pharmacology, utilizing it as a feed additive in livestock farming presented a challenge for us in terms of exploring and identifying crucial compounds that could be beneficial, especially in creating a ready-to-use, high-quality, and affordable product for farmers,” explained Ahmad Rizal. Yessa added that research on the potential of seaweed for methane mitigation has been conducted, but there hasn’t been an innovation in the form of ready-to-use pellet products for farmers. “We turned our research into pellets to make it easier for farmers to apply, making it more efficient. Additionally, with the pellet form, livestock feed supplements have a longer shelf life,” added Siti.

Gunungkidul Regency boasts extensive coastlines, making it a potential area for seaweed cultivation, one of which is found at Trenggole Beach. “Initially, we collected seaweed samples at Trenggole Beach in Gunung Kidul, then processed the seaweed into pellets. Afterward, we conducted in vitro tests at the TMT Lab using rumen fluid taken from Bali cattle. We then collected the gas from the in vitro test to analyze the production of carbon dioxide and methane gas. The results of the gas test were positive, indicating that this feed supplement is capable of reducing methane emissions resulting from rumen fermentation,” explained Akmal.

By integrating various disciplines of scientific knowledge and skills acquired during their studies, they successfully created pellet-shaped livestock feed supplements from macroalgae, which will be tested for effectiveness in vitro at the Animal Feed Technology Laboratory of the Faculty of Animal Sciences (TMT) and the Organic Chemistry Laboratory at UGM.Based on gas tests conducted at the Agricultural Environmental Instrument Standard Testing Center in Pati on the seaweed supplement pellets developed by Rizal and his team, the supplement successfully reduced methane production by 21.19% for 3% supplementation and 21.38% for 6% supplementation. Additionally, based on data analysis from their in vitro test, the seaweed supplement pellets increased the digestibility of dry feed by 7.11% to 7.29%. This is undoubtedly a positive development for farmers, as previous research indicated that 3 to 12% of digestible energy from feed is not maximally absorbed due to being lost in methane production.

“We hope that with this innovation, we can reduce methane emissions generated by the livestock sector, as this sector has often been unfairly blamed for recent climate issues,” concluded Anggi. This research is not only a commendable achievement but also has the potential to significantly help reduce global methane production. Consequently, this could further drive carbon emission reduction goals, ultimately addressing climate change more effectively. [Author: Akmal Bunyamin]