Yogyakarta, September 18, 2023 – In commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), a special edition public lecture was held with an inspiring theme: “The Role of Kabiogama Alumni in Advancing Community Empowerment in East Kalimantan.” This event successfully attracted more than 200 enthusiastic participants who engaged in a discussion rich with experiences and insights.
The event began with a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono expressed his gratitude to Drs. Lalu Fauzul Idhi, M.Si., an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology at UGM from the class of ’80 and the founder of Woody Park Borneo, who also serves as the Chairman of KAGAMA East Kalimantan. Prof. Budi mentioned, “This is a special guest lecture because tomorrow morning we will be celebrating the anniversary of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, and if it weren’t for his love for his alma mater, it would have been difficult to invite Mr. Fauzul Idhi due to his busy schedule.”
In this inspiring guest lecture, Drs. Lalu Fauzul Idhi, M.Si., explained the crucial role of Kabiogama alumni in developing community empowerment in East Kalimantan. He elaborated on various initiatives and projects undertaken by alumni of the Faculty of Biology at UGM in the region. One of the primary efforts is to support the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from addressing poverty to creating partnerships for sustainable development.
UGM alumni in East Kalimantan have been actively involved in various activities, including Inclusive Villages, the EcoPrint Academy, the Indonesian Water Harvesting Movement, grape cultivation, bamboo cultivation for ecotourism, coffee cultivation, and much more. All of these activities are carried out with the goal of developing villages and local communities, including the establishment of a Tempat Uji Kompetensi (TUK) for agriculture.
In conclusion, Mr. Fauzul Idhi shared the motto that inspires UGM alumni: “Garda Terdepan Beramal Nyata, Benteng Negara Indonesia.” This reflects their commitment to being active agents of change in advancing society and the nation.
This public lecture served not only as a platform for sharing experiences and inspiration but also as a moment to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The enthusiasm and increased participation of alumni in community development and environmental conservation further solidify the Faculty of Biology at UGM as an institution that supports sustainable development and environmental preservation. Happy 68th Anniversary, Faculty of Biology at UGM! May this spirit of change continue to burn brightly in the hearts of alumni and students.
Yogyakarta, September 16, 2023 – Sarasehan Kabiogama, an event aimed at strengthening the connections among the extended family of alumni from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), was successfully held on September 16, 2023. The event was attended by 30 participants representing students and alumni from various regions.
The Chairman of the Senate of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, and other faculty leaders, including the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dr. Slamet Wijayanto, M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni), and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Head of the Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Biology), were present at the event. They provided significant support in building networks between alumni and students.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni. It was followed by remarks from Drs. Heri Susanto, S.Si., MM., the Secretary-General of the Central Executive Board (PP) of Kabiogama, guided by Dra. Hj. Yundaru Nurantini.
The core of the event consisted of a discussion led by Drs. Lalu Fauzul Idhi, M.Si., Chairman of KAGAMA East Kalimantan, Drs. Ario Setra Setiadi, MM., Ph.D., CPM., ACIM., Chairman of the PP of Kabiogama, Drs. M. Husain Kassim, M.P., Head of the Organization Division of the PP of Kabiogama, and Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si., Chairman of the Graduate Student Family of the Faculty of Biology at UGM.
The discussion addressed the crucial issue of building relationships between Kabiogama and actively enrolled students who are also future potential Kabiogama members. This effort is not only aimed at strengthening the alumni network (SDGs 17) but also at enhancing the potential of students in managing and improving their capabilities during their academic journey and after graduation.
Kabiogama emphasized the importance of Background Checking in the job application process. The involvement of alumni in programs organized by students, and vice versa, will support students in their future job searches. This is a vital step in bridging the gap between the world of education and the job market, which often presents its own set of challenges.
Furthermore, this event also encouraged current students to start developing relations and networks outside of the Faculty. This will assist them in broadening their horizons, gaining valuable experiences, and preparing for post-graduation employment and economic growth in line with SDGs 8.
This year’s Sarasehan Kabiogama serves as tangible evidence that the alumni community of the Faculty of Biology at UGM is deeply concerned about education and the development of students. With a collaborative spirit between alumni and students, every career development activity for students in the future will always be guided and supported by Kabiogama.
YOGYAKARTA, September 15, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) received a visitation from assessors of the Independent Accreditation Agency for Natural Sciences and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA) to conduct the accreditation field assessment process for the undergraduate program. The visitation and assessment took place over two days, commencing on Thursday and concluding on Friday, September 14-15, 2023.
This accreditation process signifies the Faculty of Biology’s ongoing effort to enhance the quality of higher education provided to students. The success of this process is inseparable from the outstanding support provided by all elements of the Faculty of Biology, including faculty members, educational staff, students, as well as external parties such as alumni, graduate users, and partners. Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., stated, “We want to express our utmost gratitude to all elements of the Faculty of Biology, who have provided full support during the preparation and implementation of this visitation. This is a crucial moment in our journey towards improving the quality of education, and we are proud of the cooperation and dedication of all parties involved.”
This visitation encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of the undergraduate program at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, including the curriculum, academic atmosphere, teaching methods, laboratory facilities and infrastructure, research, as well as various support services provided to students. LAMSAMA, as a leading institution in the field of accreditation for natural and formal sciences, will play a crucial role in ensuring that high-quality standards are maintained.
On Saturday, September 9th, 2023, the Semifinal Round of the Biology Brainiac Competition was held by the Biosphere#6 Committee via Zoom Meeting, with a total of 20 teams participating. This semifinal round is part of the Biology Brainiac Competition event that will lead participants to the Final Round. During this semifinal round, participants tackled a set of 100 questions, comprising multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and cause-and-effect analysis questions. The questions were answered online through a link provided by the committee via each team’s email. The duration for completing the questions was capped at a maximum of 180 minutes per session. The activity commenced at 9:00 AM (WIB) for Zoom access and participant attendance. Before starting, the committee briefed participants on the question-solving process to prevent any hitches. The question-solving phase then ran from 9:00 AM to 12:50 PM (WIB).

Throughout the question-solving period, all participants were required to keep their cameras active from start to finish. The committee maintained vigilance over the participants to ensure there was no foul play. The preliminary round of the Biology Brainiac Competition concluded with a documentation session and closing remarks.From this preliminary round, the top-performing teams will advance to the final round. Ten teams with the highest scores will be selected to compete in the final and grand final rounds, which will be conducted online on September 23rd, 2023.
The aspiration behind organizing the Biology Brainiac Competition is to provide a pathway for all students in Indonesia to learn and strive towards achieving their dreams and aspirations in furthering their education. It aims to empower them to continually optimize their potential through active participation and excellence.
Mukhlish Jamal, a lecturer at the Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, was recently chosen to represent his institution at an international event. He participated in a week-long summer school organized by the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), a leading institution in Leipzig, Germany, from September 4th to 8th, 2023.
This iDiv summer school was attended by seven selected participants from various parts of the world, including countries like Mexico, Brazil, Ukraine, the Republic of Congo, India, Germany, and of course, Indonesia. These participants came from different stages in their academic and professional careers, ranging from advanced doctoral students to assistant professors. This diversity added a unique value to the learning environment, encouraging cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. The main focus of this intensive summer school was to equip participants with advanced strategies in modeling complex ecological networks and provide a profound understanding of the economic dimensions in natural resource management. Through intensive sessions, participants delved into the intricacies of modeling how human behavior influences resource extraction. These models were designed to synthesize data, yielding a comprehensive understanding of the integrated dynamics between ecological stability (including factors such as species sustainability, community biomass, and ecosystem functions) and sustainable economic outcomes (such as biomass harvest yields, generated income, and employment opportunities).
The curriculum of this course consisted of a combination of lectures, seminars, and collaborative group work, ensuring a holistic learning experience. Leading this academic journey were two renowned professors in their respective fields: Prof. Ulrich Brose, Head of the iDiv Research Group, Theory in Biodiversity Science, bringing his extensive expertise in ecological network modeling, and Prof. Martin Quaas, Head of the iDiv Research Group Biodiversity Economics, sharing valuable insights on the economic aspects of biodiversity. Guided by these leading professors, Mukhlish Jamal and fellow participants also had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from their respective research groups, providing a practical dimension to their theoretical knowledge.
Through initiatives like the iDiv summer school, institutions such as Universitas Gadjah Mada and researchers like Mukhlish Jamal continue to contribute to the global effort to address crucial issues related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
On September 12, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory hosted a Hybrid Seminar titled “Nature-Based Solutions for Managing Tropical Coastal Ecosystems for Human Well-being” at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. The event commenced with opening remarks from the committee chair, Dr.rer.nat Andhika Puspito Nugroho, and was inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. This seminar was organized to commemorate the retirement of Prof. Tjut Sugandawaty Djohan, who has made invaluable scientific contributions over nearly 40 years of work at the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Furthermore, this seminar coincided with Prof. Tjut’s birthday, serving as a testament to the immense appreciation for her countless contributions to the development of ecology and conservation science.
The theme was chosen in response to the ecosystem degradation occurring in various regions worldwide. Ecosystems within landscapes and coastal areas provide essential services supporting human life, including the supply of clean water, food, clean air, as well as aspects of culture and sustainable spirituality. The unprecedented level of ecosystem degradation prompted the United Nations to declare 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, advocating for global-scale ecosystem restoration programs. Additionally, the reciprocal relationship between human well-being and ecosystem health continues to be fostered, one such avenue being Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). NBS is an approach integrating ecosystem-based management principles as solutions to human challenges in the Anthropocene era. Moreover, it is expected that NBS-related topics will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The hybrid seminar, attended by nearly 220 participants both physically and virtually, comprised two main sessions: keynote speakers and invited speakers. In the keynote session, Prof. Tjut Sugandawaty Djohan from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, addressed the theme “Ecosystem Degradation in Tropical Landscape-Coastal Areas and Climate Emergency,” while Prof. Jatna Supriatna from the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (Research Center for Climate Change) discussed “Ecosystem Services Potential for Carbon Trading.” Following this, Dr. Barano Siswa Sulistyawan from the Global Environment Facility-RIMBA, Ministry of ATR/BPN, spoke on “Realizing the RIMBA Landscape Corridor through Green Economy.”
In the invited speakers session, individuals mentored by Prof. Tjut shared their experiences. These included Dr.Ir.Aji Ali Akbar, S. Hut, M. Si (Tanjungpura University), Gemasakti Adzan, M.Sc. (World Resources Institute Indonesia), Dr. Rossie Wiedya Nusantara (Tanjungpura University), Dr. Karyadi Baskoro, M.Si. (Diponegoro University), Achmad Ariefiandy, M.Phil. (Komodo Survival Program), Sugotowikan (Ateliers Francois S.A.), Dr. Sudaryanto (Udayana University), Willem Amu Blegur, M.Sc (Timor University), Arief Rachman, M.Sc. (National Research and Innovation Agency), Ryannika Dwi Astuti, S.Si. (LINI Foundation).
This event is envisioned as a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, networking, and inspiring the younger generation to venture into the field of ecology and conservation. Given that the younger generation is instrumental in addressing current and future environmental challenges, the committee and Prof. Tjut express gratitude to all the speakers and participants who attended from various regions in Indonesia, encompassing diverse professional backgrounds including academia, scientists, students, and conservation practitioners. “The spirit and enthusiasm displayed in this event motivate us to continue our efforts in preserving nature and supporting sustainability,” concluded the Committee Chair.
Yogyakarta, Saturday, September 9, 2023 – The Entomology Study Group (ESG) held the third event in its Open Recruitment series, known as the First Gathering. The purpose of this gathering was to welcome the new members of ESG XXV and facilitate introductions among ESG members. The event took place at the BioGeo cafeteria on the second floor, from 07:30 to 11:00 AM, and was attended by active ESG members and the new members of ESG XXV. The First Gathering event was led by Regina Nilamsari (ESG XXIV).
It commenced with a welcome address from the ESG chairman, Cornelius Devito Deva (ESG XXII), followed by introductions from the new ESG members and the active ESG members. Additionally, there was an introduction to the eight divisions within the Entomology Study Group: secretary, treasurer, entrepreneurship, HR development, research, networking, media information, and curriculum-research. The activities proceeded with poster presentations on insects liked and disliked by the new members, showcasing their creativity.
The new members showed great enthusiasm in creating and presenting their posters, evident in the captivating results. Following the presentations, there were group activities and quizzes about insects, enthusiastically participated in by all the new members who actively answered the questions posed by the MC. The event concluded with the announcement of the best poster and quiz winners, closing remarks by the ESG chairman, and a documentation session.
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the Meet and Greet event for prospective KSAT Seedlings took place, as part of the Open Recruitment activities organized by KSAT. This Meet and Greet event serves as an introduction and initial meeting between Active KSAT Members and potential new members. The event was held in person in Room II of Building B. The Meet and Greet aims to introduce KSAT to potential new members and serves as a precursor to the upcoming KSAT spatial training program. The event kicked off with an opening and prayer led by the MCs, Mirmastu Lintu Nirmala W. and Khansa Fauziah Rachman (KSAT 2022).
This was followed by welcoming remarks from the head of the Open Recruitment committee, Anggi Nada Khoirul U. (KSAT 2021), the president of KSAT 2023, Zildan Basara (KSAT 2020), and KSAT advisor, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., who was unable to attend. Next, the KSAT slogan was introduced: “KSAT, Rooted Firmly Penetrating Civilization”. Following this, the main session included an introduction to KSAT, covering its activities, work programs, various disciplines within KSAT, as well as the non-disciplinary divisions within KSAT’s organization. This was followed by introductions from each non-disciplinary division to the Young Biologists or Prospective Seedlings. After the main activities concluded, discussions and introductions of the Prospective Seedlings were carried out in four groups, each led by guides Adelia Adriani, Hanifah Trihastuti (KSAT 2021), Ghefira Nur Fatimah, and Tiara Syifa Wididevani (KSAT 2022). Additionally, there were games held on Taman Biologi Street. The Meet and Greet event concluded with a closing prayer and a collective documentation.
The Meet and Greet event ran smoothly and on schedule. With the successful execution of the Meet and Greet event by KSAT Biologi UGM, it is hoped that the prospective KSAT Seedlings will be excited to join KSAT and engage dynamically through the upcoming spatial training activities. Furthermore, it is anticipated that KSAT will further establish its roots firmly in order to effectively penetrate civilization, thus becoming a study group that benefits not only the surrounding environment, but also academics and the broader community.
The Field Training for Advanced Education of the Seventeenth Diksar Generation BiOSC in 2023 is an annual agenda organized by the Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC). The main focus of this activity is to enhance the skills and knowledge related to the research, cultivation, and conservation of orchids for prospective members of the BiOSC. This activity took place in person at the Faculty of Biology and the Greenhouse in Karanggayam on August 19, 2023, and at the Balelawang Orchid Species located at Tegalsan, Umbulharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman on August 20, 2023.There were 42 participants in the 2023 Field Training activity from the seventeenth Diksar generation.
The activity ran smoothly for two days. On the first day, it began with an opening ceremony followed by a welcome address from the BiOSC supervisor, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. Before starting the practical sessions, an initial briefing was conducted by the Coordinator of the Research and Cultivation Division of the Biology Orchid Study Club. The research practice involved creating a wet herbarium using orchid fruits (Rynchostilis retusa, Arundina graminifolia, and Cymbidium encifolium) as preserved objects at the Faculty of Biology, UGM. The research field practice concluded with a trip to the Greenhouse in Karanggayam. There, the cultivation practice of acclimatizing Dendrobium hybrid orchids took place. The activities of the first day ended with participants returning to their respective homes.
On the second day, the participants and organizers departed for the Balelawang Orchid Species. Mr. Anton, the manager of Balelawang Orchid Species, gave a welcome address. Participants engaged in conservation practices, which included identifying wild orchids and measuring physicochemical parameters. The measured parameters included air temperature, light intensity, air humidity, soil humidity, and soil temperature. The second day of field training concluded with a lunch event and group documentation.
The designation of the seventeenth generation as members of the division did not end there. On Saturday, September 3, 2023, participants presented their research proposal, cultivation practices, and identification along with the measurement of physicochemical parameters. This activity aimed to train communication skills and inform the audience about the orchids they had successfully identified. Orchid species successfully identified included Dendrobium crumenatum, Dendrobium mutabile, Acriopsis, Vanda tricolor, and many more. The event continued with the announcement of graduation and the induction of the seventeenth generation as division members, followed by a division discussion. The series of activities concluded with awards given to the top participants and a collective documentation as a form of appreciation for entering the division in BiOSC.
Yogyakarta, 12 September 2023 – The Faculty of Biology in collaboration with the National Center University (NCU) and the National Health and Research Institute (NHRI), Taiwan held a Mini Symposium and Scholarship Interview, at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The arrival of the NCU and NHRI delegation was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM. The delegation are Prof. Chien-Chia Wang, Prof. Shen-Liang Chen, Prof. Yueh-Hsia Luo, Raden Aditya Aryandi, M.Sc. from NCU, as well as Prof. Tsung-Hsien Chuang, Prof. Jyh-Lyh Juang, Prof. Hsiu-Jung Lo, Prof. Ya-Hui Chi, Prof. Hsien-Jen Cheng from NHRI, Taiwan. From the Faculty of Biology attended by, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, and Arief Muammar, S.Si., M.Sc. from the Microbiology Laboratory.
Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs delivered a profile of the Faculty of Biology. The presentation related to the history of the Faculty of Biology, achievements, study programs offered, facilities, and collaborations that have existed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and various institutions, companies and universities throughout the world.
Next, Prof. Chien-Chia Wang, Head of Department of Life Science, National Central University expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the Faculty of Biology. He explained NCU and NHRI focus on biomedicine and developing innovations around bioinformatics to the use of AI in biology.
The Mini Symposium was held in Lecture Rooms 1 and 2, Building B, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was hosted by Indah N Fauziah, Postgraduate student at the UGM Faculty of Biology, as the host.
“Our collaboration with NCU has been established since years. “We’re confident to continue the strength collaboration,” said Prof. Budi as Dean, in his speech (12/9). Prof. Budi also said that many UGM Biology graduates had continued their studies and research at NCU. The speech was continued with the opening of the Mini Symposium by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc.
Prof. Wang as Head of Department of Life Science delivered his remarks along with a presentation on the profile of National Central University, especially the Department of Life Science. He conveyed that his department’s research focus is in the biomedical and there is a Department of Medical Engineering which develops research related to medical equipment and the development of bioinformatics and AI innovations. The speech was continued by Prof. Yes Hui Chi, as Chief of Student Affairs Office, NHRI. He conveyed NHRI’s focus on health issues in collaboration with various universities and the government.
The main session of the mini symposium was guided by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. as moderator. The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. who delivered material entitled “Integration of Biorefinery Concept in Biofuel Production from Microalgae”. The second presentation was delivered by Prof. Tsung-Hsien Chuang of NHRI. Prof. Chuang delivered material regarding his research on Immune Response and TLR (Toll Like Receptor). The next presentation was delivered by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc who delivered material related to his research on ‘Wader’ Fish Cultivation. Prof. Yueh-Hsia Luo from NCU delivered the next presentation. Prof. Luo delivered material on the Interaction of Microbiota and Immunity. Next, a presentation was delivered by Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech. who delivered material entitled “Recombinant Systems and Reporter Viruses for Primate Simplexviruses”, and continued with a presentation by Prof. Hsiu-Jung Lo of NHRI. Prof. Lo explained material related to research centers under NHRI which focus on research in the biomedical field, including Industry Innovation Research, Public Health and Policy Advocacy, and Basic and Translational Medical Research. The mini symposium presentation closed with a material presentation by Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. regarding the detection of the Quasispessies variant of the Hepatitis B Virus in Indonesia.
The next Scholarship Interview will be held at the KPTU Building, Faculty of Biology. The interview was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Faculty of Biology who were interested in continuing their studies and research in Taiwan, especially at NCU-NHRI.
The next collaborative discussion was held in the KPTU Meeting Room. The Faculty of Biology initiated Double Degree collaboration for master and doctoral study programs as well as collaboration between UGM, NCU and NHRI in plans to establish a Biomedical Center at UGM. Prof. Wang welcomed the initiation of this collaboration and hoped that he could participate in increasing the quantity and quality of research at UGM, especially at the Faculty of Biology.
The collaboration of the Faculty of Biology with NCU and NHRI in holding the Mini Symposium and Scholarship Interview shows the commitment of the Faculty of Biology in its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), good quality education (SDG 4), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).>/div>












































