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Faculty of Biology UGM Participates in Public Consultation on the Proposal for the Reinstatement of Protected Status for Aquatic Biota in Permen LHK No. P.106 of 2018

News Release Thursday, 24 October 2024

Bogor, October 23, 2024, A public consultation was held to discuss the Proposal for the Reinstatement of Protected Status for Aquatic Biota listed in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation (Permen LHK) No. P.106 of 2018. The event was organized by the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) at the Luminor Hotel in Bogor, and attended by various stakeholders, experts, and representatives from relevant institutions. The consultation addressed the transition of authority over protected wildlife management from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).


In this meeting, Dr. Amir Hamidy, M.Sc., Director of the Secretariat for Animal Conservation and Innovation (SKIKH), and Ir. Pingkan Katharina Roeroe, M.Si., Head of the Fish Species Protection and Conservation Team at the Directorate of Marine Conservation and Biodiversity, PRL Directorate General of KKP, served as the primary presenter. They emphasized the importance of re-evaluating Indonesia’s aquatic biota protection status. The presentation included policies aligned with legal developments and current conservation needs, particularly following Law No. 32 of 2024, an amendment to Law No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

A key topic discussed was the shift in management authority over protected wildlife from KLHK to KKP. Participants offered insights and recommendations to support a smooth and effective transition process. Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, representing the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), contributed significant input, emphasizing the need for clear species identification in state documents and effective management during inter-ministerial authority transfer. He highlighted that accurate identification and sustainable management are critical in protecting aquatic mammals and reptiles categorized as protected species.

The meeting concluded with a signed statement of agreement, which included critical points to guide further discussions regarding the transfer of authority and the management of protected species.

This event underscored the commitment of various parties to ensuring the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine and aquatic ecosystems, safeguarding protected aquatic species in compliance with current regulations.

The public consultation on the proposed revision of aquatic biota protection status also addressed several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Through this event, Indonesia demonstrated its commitment to achieving the SDGs, focusing on environmental conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

UGM Faculty of Biology MBKM Research Team Actively Participates in ICOBIOS X OBC 2024 International Conference at Brawijaya University to Support the Development of Environmentally Friendly Bioinsecticides

News ReleaseStudent Activities Thursday, 24 October 2024

The MBKM Research Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), consisting of Fanny Najmi Faza and Syafa Erista Hidayah, actively participated in the ICOBIOS X OBC 2024 international conference, organized by the Indonesian Biology Generation (INBIO-Indonesia) at Brawijaya University, Malang, on September 28-29, 2024.

ICOBIOS is an international forum that brings together researchers, academics, and practitioners from various countries to exchange ideas and the latest discoveries in biological sciences. This year, ICOBIOS X OBC 2024 adopted the theme “Recent Updates in Bioinformatics, Synthetic Biology, and Nanobio Science for a Better Future,” aiming to explore innovations in bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and nanobio science. Through seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive scientific competitions, participants are able to deepen their knowledge and expand their professional networks, fostering future collaborations.

At this event, the MBKM Team presented their research under the guidance of Dr. Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung from UGM’s Faculty of Biology and Dr. Didik Huswo Utomo from INBIO-Indonesia. Their research focused on screening 10 species of Citrus plants in Indonesia, including Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata), Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), Pomelo (Citrus maxima), and Lemon (Citrus limon), known to contain volatile compounds capable of disrupting the olfactory system of mosquitoes and even causing their death.

This research aims to identify the most effective citrus species in controlling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the vector of Dengue Fever, using an in silico approach. The results indicate that among the 10 species, four citrus plants—C. hystrix, C. aurantifolia, C. reticulata, and C. limon—show the greatest potential as bioinsecticide agents due to their high levels of the volatile compound Terpinen-4-ol, which strongly interacts with the mosquito odor receptor protein (Ace-1).

These findings are expected to support the development of environmentally friendly bioinsecticide products that can be applied by the public, reducing the use of conventional chemical insecticides that contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, this research contributes to several targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This research strengthens collaboration between academics, researchers, and practitioners to develop sustainable, nature-based solutions for public health challenges.

Biology Student Wins First Place in the National Scientific Writing Competition at the Biology Learning Festival by Universitas Siliwangi

Achivements Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Biology students at Universitas Gadjah Mada (S1) made another achievement by winning first place at the national-level Biology Learning Festival Essay Competition organized by Universitas Siliwangi on October 17, 2024. This achievement was achieved by a team chaired by ASyafira Nurul Aisya (Biology 2021) and its member Fadlilah Rahma Julianty (Biology 2021) under the guidance of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si.

The team presented ”Study on the Potential of Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Sulfolobus, and Alteromonas as Biodegradation Agents for Chlorpyrifos Contamination through a Molecular Docking Approach,” competing against 11 teams from various universities across Indonesia. The research was motivated by the issue of increased pest incidence due to climate change, which increased chlorpyrifos insecticide usage, resulting in environmental contamination. Chlorpyrifos contamination in agricultural and plantation settings poses risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating its degradation into environmentally safe products through bioremediation processes.

“We explored microorganisms capable of degrading chlorpyrifos insecticides and evaluated them in silico to identify potential candidates that could serve as bioremediation agents,” said Syafira.

Through this research, Syafira and Fadlilah hope to lay the groundwork for further studies on developing microorganism-based biodegradation methods, particularly in addressing chlorpyrifos insecticide pollution, which remains a challenge in various agricultural and plantation sectors in Indonesia. The further development of this study is anticipated to provide eco-friendly solutions to address the challenges of hazardous chemical contamination. They also hope this work can be patented as a commercial biodegradation technology applicable across various industrial and agricultural sectors.

This achievement not only brings pride to the team but also motivates other students to continue developing innovative solutions to environmental issues. Additionally, it encourages the UGM Faculty of Biology to persist in supporting sustainable, relevant, and practical research.

Authors: Fadlilah Rahma Julianty and Syafira Nurul Aisya

7 Students from Faculty of Biology UGM Enroll in Double Degree Program at Leeds University

News ReleaseStudent Activities Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Yogyakarta, September 2024 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is proud to announce that 7 students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) class of 2022 have officially enrolled in the double degree program at Leeds University, United Kingdom, starting in the September 2024 academic period. This significant achievement highlights the Faculty’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education with a global perspective./div>



The seven students—Ibar Kairan Massadiah, Nikita Magdalena Tambunan, Felicia Zefania Rumimper, Mohammad Ibrahim Zidni, Eleora Ajeng Haraito Siburian, Kezia Uenike, and Zephaniah Marceila Maelissa—have been selected to participate in this program, which enables them to earn dual degrees from both UGM and Leeds University./div>

The those students embarking on this academic journey have successfully met the rigorous selection criteria, showcasing academic excellence, adaptability, and a deep interest in expanding their global understanding of biological sciences. Their enrollment in the double degree program at Leeds University marks a milestone in their academic careers, allowing them to gain invaluable international exposure and broaden their expertise./div>

Through the double degree program, the students will spend part of their studies at Leeds University, where they will engage with renowned scholars and cutting-edge research in various fields of biology. Upon successful completion, they will earn degrees from both UGM and Leeds University, positioning them as global leaders in the field of biology and better preparing them for future challenges in research, industry, and academia./div>

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments:
“This collaboration with Leeds University not only strengthens the internationalization efforts of the Faculty of Biology but also opens up greater opportunities for our students to experience world-class education. We are confident that our students will excel and bring positive contributions to both universities and the global scientific community.”/div>

The double degree program aligns with the Faculty’s dedication to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By fostering international partnerships and providing students with global academic exposure, the Faculty of Biology continues to play a crucial role in preparing future biologists to tackle global challenges, particularly in the areas of biodiversity and sustainability./div>

Leeds University, one of the top-ranked institutions in the UK, offers state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities that will enrich the academic experience of UGM’s students. The partnership is a testament to UGM’s ongoing efforts to enhance academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between Indonesia and the global academic community./div>

The Faculty of Biology looks forward to witnessing the success stories that will emerge from this collaboration and continues to encourage its students to pursue international opportunities to elevate the quality and impact of biological sciences on a global scale.

Four Lecturers from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of Universitas Pattimura Attend Microtechnic Training at the Faculty of Biology, UGM

News Release Monday, 21 October 2024

Currently, science develop rapidly, one of which is related to anatomical characteristics, which are essential parameters in the study of botany and zoology, including systematics, evolution, and ecophysiology related to adaptation. The mega diversity of plants and animals in Indonesia directly proportional to the characteristics of their internal structure. To analyse the anatomical characters of an organism properly, special knowledge related to the sample preparation technique is needed. Therefore, the microtechnique training is required. This event also important for sharing information.


The Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development and the Laboratory of Animal Structure and Development of the Faculty of Biology, UGM collaborate with PT. Miconos Indonesia conducted community service and initiated collaboration with the lecturers from FKIP, Universitas Pattimura Four lecturers from FKIP, Universitas Pattimura were Prof. Dr. Hermalina Sinay, S.Pd., M.Sc., Dr. Sriyanti I.A. Salmanu, M.Pd., Dr. Prelly M.J. Tuapattinaya, M.Pd., and Dr. Syahran Wael, S.Pd., M.BioMed. This training was held for three days, on October 16-18, 2024. The welcome speech was carried out at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, by Dr. Maryani, M.Sc. as the Head of the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development and opened directly by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. They stated that through this training, Faculty of Biology eagerly to share knowledge and experience especially in microtechniques and initiate collaboration between educational institutions.

This training focus on animal and plant microtechniques, especially the paraffin method (embedding). Then continued with the laboratory work. During the training, the participants actively discuss with the mentors and showed high enthusiasm for the material provided.
Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., at the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development, officially closed the activity. She hope that this training can be used to develop their institution. In the future, we hope this training can initiate collaboration between two institutions.

this activity also contributes to support sustainable development goals (SDG) No. 4 on quality education, SDG No. 10 on reducing inequality, especially in education, and SDG No. 17 on partnerships to achieve goals. This training is not only beneficial for the participants but also helps strengthen the quality of education in Indonesia.

Presenting the Potential of DNA Barcoding to Enhance Superior Genetic Screening in Indonesian Sugarcane, UGM Biocane Team Wins Silver-Equivalent Award in Poster Category at PIMNAS 37 Universitas Airlangga

Achivements Sunday, 20 October 2024

The 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS), held from October 14 to 18, 2024, at Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, carried the theme “Competing to Hone the Creativity of Indonesia’s Talented Students into Solution-Oriented, Innovative, and Productive Individuals.” This event serves as the pinnacle of national-scale student scientific activities, providing a platform for scholarly interactions, knowledge exchange, and communication of innovative creations among students.


The UGM Biocane PKM-RE Team, led by Tiara Putria Judith from the Faculty of Biology UGM, along with Salfa Athallah Agtari Nabillah (Biology 2021), Thoriq Abdul Halim (Biology 2021), Fahmi Arsyad (Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering 2021), and Hernita Fika Ardiyati (Food and Agricultural Product Technology 2022). Under the guidance of Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the team presented research titled “Innovation of DNA Barcoding as Molecular Detection for the Enhancement of Superior Genetic Screening in Local Indonesian Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).” Their project earned Second Place, equivalent to a Silver Award, in the Poster category of PKM-RE-4.

The poster served as an optimized medium for information transfer, allowing the Biocane Team to convey their research findings visually. Through a combination of images and concise text, the poster effectively communicated the ideas and research outcomes, engaging the audience in a deeper discussion. This interaction facilitated new insights into the advantages of DNA barcoding as an approach to overcome the limitations of conventional identification methods in selecting potential parental hybrids of sugarcane in Indonesia. In line with the theme of the 37th PIMNAS, which emphasizes innovation and productivity, the Biocane Team aims to provide solution-driven and innovative advancements for the agricultural sector. It is hoped that this achievement will serve as a stepping stone for even more brilliant research explorations in the future.

The Faculty of Biology UGM’s Professor Serves as Keynote Speaker at the 31st International Symposium of Physiology for Health.

News Release Wednesday, 16 October 2024

Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., a professor from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, served as a keynote speaker at the 31st International Symposium of Physiology for Health, held at Swiss-Belhotel, Bandar Lampung, on Thursday and Friday, October 10–11, 2024. The symposium, organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Lampung (Unila), convened experts and delegates from national and international spheres to engage in discussions on the theme of “Integrated Physiology for Global Health Resilience.”


The symposium was opened by the Rector of Unila, Prof. Dr. Ir. Lusmeilia Afriani, D.E.A., IPM., ASEAN Eng., who expressed her appreciation to all participants and distinguished speakers. She underscored the imperative of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health challenges. In her remarks, Prof. Lusmeilia articulated that the symposium’s theme resonates strongly with recent developments in global health. She accentuated the necessity for heightened awareness and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including academics, healthcare practitioners, and the broader community, to build an integrated framework for health resilience. The Rector further highlighted the pivotal role of physiology in the comprehension and management of various pathologies, including autoimmune disorders, as well as the indispensable support provided by families and communities in the recovery of patients.

The opening ceremony was graced by several notable figures, including the Director and Deputy Director of RSUDAM (Regional General Hospital), the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Partnerships of FK Unila, the President of the Indonesian Association of Physiology Experts (IAIFI), Dr. Ermita I. Ibrahim Ilyas, M.S., AIFO, the chair of the organizing committee, and other faculty members.

The symposium featured keynote speakers from various backgrounds. Prof. Cheng Hwee Ming delivered on Autonomous Integrated Resilient Muscle Physiology; Prof. Dr. Ifrannudin, Sp.KO., M.Pd.Ked., delivered on The Role of Research and Innovation in the Future Development of Physiology; Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc., St., delivered a speech on Plant Physiology for Global Health Resilience. In her discourse, Prof. Kumala emphasized the importance of understanding and applying plant physiology to enhance agricultural productivity, specifically to cultivate crops, particularly vegetables, that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other phytochemicals conducive to health. She further explained that an in-depth knowledge of plant physiology is crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of global climate change, as research in this domain facilitates the development of crops capable of enduring both biotic and abiotic stressors. Moreover, she elucidated the role of plants in promoting environmental health through the absorption of CO2, thereby indirectly contributing to a healthier ecosystem for humanity.

Day two of the symposium featured Dr. Fabian Chin Leong Lim and Prof. Shizue Masuki, Ph.D., who addressed salient issues related to geriatric health and the synergistic benefits of exercise and nutrition. Through this symposium, it is anticipated that the participants’ comprehension of physiology will be substantially deepened, fostering enhanced collaboration between scientists and healthcare professionals, thereby strengthening the foundation for global health resilience. This symposium aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal No. 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal No. 13: Climate Action.

The Faculty of Biology Organized Seminar on Environmentally Friendly Organic Waste Management with Catalytic Microbes and Biostimulant Applications in Agriculture and Horticulture at Condong Catur Village.

Community Service Wednesday, 16 October 2024

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, The Faculty of Biology organized a seminar on Environmentally Friendly Organic Waste Management with Catalytic Microbes and Biostimulant Applications in Agriculture and Horticulture at the Manukan Hamlet Meeting Hall, Condong Catur Village, Sleman. This seminar was part of the 2024 Community Service Program under the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) led by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M. Eng., with three student members: Saffanah, Fadhila Nujannah, and Sekar Alya Maharani. The event was attended by 30 members of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) from Manukan Hamlet.


The event consisted of two presentation sessions and a discussion session. The first presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M. Eng. on Environmentally Friendly Organic Waste Management with Catalytic Microbes. She highlighted organic waste commonly disposed of through landfilling at Final Processing Sites (TPA), which still contributes to water, soil, and air pollution. Nevertheless, organic waste can be effectively processed into a more environmentally sustainable form, utilizing catalytic microbes found in the intestines of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. The organic waste management process involves sorting organic waste, adjusting the waste particle size, and maintaining BSF larvae within the organic waste until complete decomposition is achieved by the catalytic microbes in BSF larvae’s intestines.

The second presentation focused on Biostimulant Applications in Agriculture and Horticulture by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, MSc.St. Biostimulants contain various supplements such as nutrients, amino acids, plant or seaweed extracts, humic acid, chitosan, and beneficial microbes (Azotobacter spp., mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizobium spp., and Azospirillum spp.). These biostimulants benefit agricultural and horticultural practices as they stimulate nutrient absorption by plants, enhance crop quality and yield, boost the activity of rhizosphere microbes and enzymes, increase hormone availability, and promote photosynthesis. Biostimulants can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, lower greenhouse gas emissions, support green agriculture, increase community income, and contribute to the national food security program.

Following the presentations, there was an engaging discussion and Q&A session with enthusiastic participants, and the event concluded with a group photo. This seminar aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs No.6 on clean water and sanitation, SDGs No. 11 on sustainable cities and communities, SDGs No. 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDGs No. 15 on life on land.

Training and Brainstorming: Conservation of Rare Insects as a Potential Tourism Village Based on Entomology Edventures Indonesia in Kulon Progo

Community Service Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Kulon Progo, October 10, 2024—The Community Service Program (PkM) Team under DRTM Scheme Partnership of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Faculty of Biology UGM led by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. together with the student team members consisting of R. Hanindyo Adi, S.Si., M.Sc., Aryo Setyo Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc., Puji Lestari S.Pd., Syefrina Rosyada, S.Si., and Kaifa Salwa Arrahma together with Omah JAMTRA partners, namely Mr. Yunianto Hargo Nugroho, S.Hut, Mrs. Nurdiana Setianingsih, Mrs. Suparti, and Mr. Sunu held insect knowledge training and brainstorming activities with the community of Crangah Hamlet, Hargotirto Village, Kokap Sub-district, Kulon Progo Regency to explore the potential as an entomology-based tourist village.


In this activity, the team together with Omah JAMTRA partners visited the house of Mr. Tukino as the Head of RT 47 Crangah Hamlet as a gathering place for the community. This activity was attended by residents of Crangah Hamlet totaling around 35 people, as well as community leaders including the Head of RT, Head of Hamlet, and representatives of the Hargotirto Village.

This activity was guided by Puji Lestari S.Pd as the host and continued with remarks by community leaders. Furthermore, in the core session, material was delivered entitled “Endangered Insect Conservation: Potential of Entomology Eduventure-Based Tourism Village” by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The activity was continued with a discussion and brainstorming session related to the potential of Padukuhan Crangah as a tourism village. In addition, this session also held a sharing session with the manager of Omah JAMTRA, namely Mr. Yunianto Hargo Nugroho, S.Hut who provided his knowledge and insight regarding the cultivation of Samia silkworms which he has been doing for years. The series of activities were closed with lunch with residents and joint documentation.

This introduction and potential exploration activity went smoothly and the team was received with great enthusiasm by the residents. Through the presentation of this material and brainstorming, it is hoped that good cooperation will be established between Padukuhan Crangah as a place for the conservation of rare insects as well as a tourism village based on entomology eduventures.

This community service activity is expected to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, namely No Poverty; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; and Partnership for the Goal.

Lecturer of Faculty of Biology, UGM guides students from SMA Pangudi Luhur in the 2024 Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI)

News Release Tuesday, 15 October 2024

The Indonesian Student Research Olympiad (OPSI) is one of the routine activities organized by the National Achievement Center, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Indonesia. OPSI aims to encourage student innovation and creativity in the field of scientific research. In 2024, one of the teams from Pangudi Luhur High School had the opportunity to participate in this event with team leader Pricillia Nines Wahyu Pramesti and member Alexandria Milan Handara Kurniawati. They carried out a study entitled “Comparative Test of the Effectiveness of Anticoagulant Simargaol-gaol Leaf Extract (Aglonema modestum) with Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) on the Anticoagulant Power of Mice’s (Mus musculus L.) Blood”. This research was conducted in May-August 2024 and the final stage and announcement were on October 10, 2024.


The team works under the guidance of a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology, UGM Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. and is also accompanied by school supervisor Vincensia Prema Kristivani, S.Pd., and student supervisor Tabitha Andrea Putri (student of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UGM). Guidance from UGM’s lecturer is expected to provide Pangudi Luhur High School students with solid guidance in designing and implementing high-quality research. In this guidance, students gain in-depth knowledge of research methods, data analysis, and how to present scientific findings professionally. The presence of academics from leading universities such as UGM is a significant added value, providing a broader scientific perspective while motivating students to be more enthusiastic in developing their creative ideas. This collaboration also reflects the importance of synergy between secondary and higher education in producing a young generation that is highly competitive in the fields of science and technology. This is in line with SDGs no. 4 concerning the development of quality education.