Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, 30 July 2026 – A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field survey and strategic discussion with the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) to support the development of MAHAR Chickens as an innovative superior local poultry breed aimed at strengthening animal-protein food self-sufficiency in the Nusantara Capital Region. This activity forms part of the implementation of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, which focuses on strengthening the downstream application of research outcomes, increasing superior chicken populations, and establishing a national breeding and egg-production ecosystem.

The UGM Faculty of Biology team comprised Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., Head of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., inventor of Gama Ayam and Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology. The activity was also attended by Drs. Fauzhul Idhi, Director of CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, a strategic partner in the development of MAHAR Chickens. The company collaborates with the Nusantara Capital Authority in field-level technical management and the expansion of the MAHAR Chicken population in East Kalimantan. Representing the Nusantara Capital Authority were Dr. P. Setia Lenggono, S.Sos., M.Si., Director of Food Security; Listian Nova; and staff members of the Directorate of Food Security.

The activity began with a field visit to the MAHAR Chicken final-stock facility, which serves as a centre for developing a population of superior laying hens in the Nusantara Capital Region. During the visit, the team assessed housing conditions, husbandry management, population performance, production systems, and readiness for larger-scale development as part of the roadmap for strengthening animal-protein food security in Nusantara.

The programme continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Nusantara Capital Authority office. The discussion opened with a presentation by Listian Nova on the progress of the MAHAR Bahagia Chicken Programme, including programme achievements, population growth, and plans to develop MAHAR Chickens as a strategic commodity for supporting the supply of animal-protein food in the Nusantara Capital Region.

The UGM Faculty of Biology team provided recommendations based on research findings and its experience in developing superior chicken lines. The discussion covered the evaluation of egg-production performance, strategies to increase productivity through the provision of healthy feed made from locally sourced ingredients, the strengthening of breeding systems, and the development of partnership models involving universities, government institutions, and the business sector. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the establishment of an independent and sustainable laying-hen production ecosystem in the Nusantara Capital Region.

One of the primary shared objectives is to build national laying-hen production capacity that can sustainably meet the demand for eggs. In the long term, this effort is expected to reduce dependence on supplies from outside the region by strengthening local production through innovation and partnerships. In this context, MAHAR Chickens are considered a promising superior line developed through university research that can support animal-protein food security in Nusantara.

Through the synergy among the UGM Faculty of Biology, the Nusantara Capital Authority, and CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, the development of MAHAR Chickens is expected not only to increase the population of superior poultry but also to serve as a collaborative model integrating research, innovation, technology downstreaming, and partner empowerment in support of a resilient and sustainable food system.

This activity also contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through strengthened animal-protein food production; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the development of efficient and sustainable poultry-production systems; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, government institutions, and industry partners in building national food self-sufficiency.

Surakarta, 26 July 2026 – The Museum of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in the “Abhinawa Bhumi #2: Wijaya Jaladri Nusantara” Travelling Museum Exhibition, held from 23–26 July 2026 at Rumah Kabudayan Ndalem Djojokoesoeman, Surakarta. The event brought together dozens of museums from across Indonesia as an initiative to bring museums closer to the public through education, conservation, and the promotion of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and natural wealth.

Throughout the four-day exhibition, the event received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the public. Visitor numbers increased each day, with 2,277 visitors on 23 July, 4,949 visitors on 24 July, 6,338 visitors on 25 July, and reaching 9,550 visitors on the closing day, 26 July 2026.

The UGM Museum of Biology occupied Booth No. 26, which became one of the exhibition booths with the highest level of visitor interaction. Even after the official closing of the exhibition, many visitors continued to stop by to ask questions, engage in discussions, and learn more about the museum’s collections and activities. This enthusiasm reflected the public’s growing interest in biological sciences and museums as enjoyable learning spaces.

The entire UGM Museum of Biology team actively participated in the exhibition, from preparation and visitor services to educational activities and interactive programmes. The team consisted of Head of the Museum Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng., Deputy Head Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Museum Educators F.X. Sugiyo Pranoto, S.Si., Ida Suryani, S. Ark., and Candra Apriliandi, as well as museum staff member Ryan, who worked together to provide an engaging learning experience for visitors.

At the UGM Museum of Biology booth, visitors enjoyed a variety of featured collections, including a shark taxidermy specimen, a giant clam (Tridacna sp.), red coral, and sea urchins, representing the richness of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity. Through an interactive approach, the UGM Museum of Biology sought to bring Indonesia’s marine natural heritage closer to the public, enabling people not only to recognise the nation’s extraordinary biodiversity but also to develop a sense of ownership toward these natural treasures. This sense of ownership is expected to become the foundation for increasing public awareness and participation in conserving Indonesia’s biodiversity, particularly its marine ecosystems, which are currently facing numerous threats from human activities and environmental change.

To further enhance visitor engagement, the UGM Museum of Biology also organised a Marine Biology Quiz with attractive museum merchandise as prizes, which was enthusiastically welcomed by both children and adults. In addition, visitors were invited to leave their impressions and messages on a creative Post-it guest board, creating two-way communication between the museum and the public.

As part of the exhibition programme, the UGM Museum of Biology presented an EduTalk session on Friday, 24 July 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The EduTalk focused on the Museum of Biology as a centre for education, the concept of biological evolution, and various science fun facts, all delivered in a light, engaging, and interactive manner.

The session was presented by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng., Head of the UGM Museum of Biology, together with Ida Suryani, S. Ark., Museum Educator. During the session, participants learned that museums serve not only as repositories of collections but also as learning centres that connect research, conservation, and public education. The concept of evolution was explained using authentic museum collections, accompanied by fascinating scientific facts that encouraged participants to view biology from a perspective closely connected to everyday life.

The participation of the UGM Museum of Biology in the “Abhinawa Bhumi #2” Travelling Museum Exhibition reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to expanding public access to science education while strengthening the role of museums as centres for lifelong learning. The programme also supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive and accessible science education, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting literacy and awareness of marine biodiversity conservation, SDG 15 (Life on Land) by educating the public about the importance of biodiversity conservation as a whole, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among museums and various stakeholders to expand the reach of education and conservation initiatives.

When applying for admission to the Program Doctor in Biological Sciences, prospective students are required to submit a range of essential documents to ensure their eligibility. These documents are crucial for the evaluation of the applicant’s academic background, language proficiency, and research potential. Below is a list of the required documents that must be carefully prepared and submitted as part of the application process.

• Previous education level diploma
• Academic transcripts of previous education levels (all pages, including GPA)
• Certificate/proof of accreditation of previous education level study program (current accreditation)
• Certificate of Basic Academic Potential Test (TPDA PLTI), Postgraduate Academic Potential Test (PAPs) UGM or Academic Potential Test (TPA) BAPPENAS
• Certificate of English proficiency test results (Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) from UGM, Test of English Proficiency (TOEP) from Pusat Layanan Tes Indonesia (PLTI), International English Testing System (IELTS) from institutions recognized by the British Council/IALF/IDP, Internet-Based (iBT) TOEFL from institutions recognized by IIEF, or Institutional Testing Program (ITP) TOEFL from institutions recognized by IIEF)
• Letter of study permit or study assignment from the agency for those who are already working
• Certificate of health, free from drugs, and certificate of freedom from color blindness
• Valid MoU or Letter of Determination as a scholarship recipient
• Projection of the candidate’s desire to follow the postgraduate program containing reasons, hopes, research topic plans, plans after completing college, and prospective promoters who have been contacted
• Draft of Dissertation Research Proposal/essay writing/other special requirements required by the study program
• Statement of Document Authenticity

For further information you can visit https://um.ugm.ac.id (Indonesian) or https://admission.ugm.ac.id (International students)

General Requirements for Dotoral Candidate Admission

Academic Requirements for Prospective Students for Program Doctor in Biological Sciences UGM as follow:

1. Graduates of a Master’s program in Biology or related fields, with the following conditions:
   • GPA ≥ 3.00 for a program from an accredited A institution.
   • GPA ≥ 3.25 for a program from an accredited B institution.
   • Applicants with foreign degrees must submit an equivalency decision from the Ministry of Education and Culture (KEMDIKBUD) as a substitute for the accreditation certificate.
2. Certificate of valid Academic Potential test results (maximum 2 years from the issuance date). The committee only accepts results from the following potential tests: PAPs UGM (≥500) or TPDA PLTI (≥500) or BAPPENAS Academic Potential Test (≥500).
3. Valid English language proficiency test result certificate* (maximum 2 years from the date of issuance of the certificate). The committee only accepts English language proficiency test results: AcEPT UGM (≥209) or TOEP PLTI (≥40) or International English Testing System (IELTS) (≥5.0) or Internet-Based (iBT) TOEFL (≥45)

*If these requirements are not met, the person concerned, if accepted, must:

• Improve English language skills through a special test at UGM within a maximum of 3 months starting from being registered as a doctoral student.
• If the time in point (1) is not met, students are required to attend the Academic English Course organized by the University or other recognized institutions.

Special Requirements for By-Research Students admission

According to the Rector’s Decree for Doctoral by Research no. 18 year 2019, there are addition of requirements for admission of By Research Program as follows:

• Proof of Publication of 2 manuscripts in international journals
• Dissertation research proposal*/essay writing/other special requirements required by the study program.

Thus, the requirements for prospective new students of the Program Doctor in Biological Sciences would be:

• Minimum GPA of 3.25 for the Masters Program
• Minimum accreditation of the original Masters Study Program with a B
• TPA with a minimum score of 500
• English Proficiency Test of the AcEPT UGM test type (≥209), TOEP PLTI (≥40), IELTS (≥5.0), TOEFL IBT (≥45), TOEFL ITP (≥450)
• Recommendations from 2 people (institutional leaders or lecturers)
• have a study permit or study assignment letter if already working
• have a pre-proposal document of research interest
• submit a memorandum of understanding document or cooperation agreement with UGM or a letter of determination as a scholarship recipient for the cooperation pathway
• submit documents of publications produced

For further information you can visit https://um.ugm.ac.id (Indonesian) or https://admission.ugm.ac.id (International students)

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA — February 19, 2024 — A team of lecturers led by a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an engaging Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with millennial farmers from Kalurahan Karangmojo, Kapanewon Karangmojo, Gunungkidul Regency. This event is part of the Faculty of Biology’s initiative to encourage dialogue and collaboration between the academic world and field practitioners to enhance sustainable agriculture.

The FGD was held on February 18, 2024, in the meeting room of the Agricultural Extension Center of Kapanewon Karangmojo. The participating millennial farmers represented various backgrounds and experiences in agriculture, ranging from organic farmers to advanced technology farmers. They shared ideas, experiences, and challenges they face in running agricultural businesses in the modern era. The team of lecturers facilitating this FGD was an interdisciplinary inter-faculty team, including members from the Faculty of Biology (Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng., and Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si.), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (Umi Mahnuna Hanung, S.Si., M.Si.), and the Faculty of Pharmacy (Dr. Cintya Nurul Apsari, S.T.P., M.Si.).

The discussions held during the FGD and field visits covered various topics, including the use of technology in agriculture, organic farming practices, natural resource management, and marketing strategies for agricultural products. The results of these discussions will form the basis for developing more relevant and responsive educational, research, and community service programs tailored to the needs of millennial farmers.

The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that this FGD will be the beginning of a sustainable partnership between the university and millennial farmers, bringing tangible positive impacts to the advancement of the agricultural sector in Indonesia. This activity is closely related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. The dialogue and collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and millennial farmers can increase farmers’ productivity and income (SDG 1: No Poverty) and support sustainable agriculture that enhances food security and nutrition (SDG 2: Zero Hunger). This initiative also develops more relevant educational programs for millennial farmers (SDG 4: Quality Education), supports economic growth and job creation in the agricultural sector (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), and encourages innovation and modernization of agricultural practices (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The focus on organic farming practices and natural resource management supports sustainable production and consumption (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production), and the sustainable agriculture discussed in the FGD contributes to climate change mitigation (SDG 13: Climate Action). Furthermore, the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and millennial farmers is a concrete example of partnerships that support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

On Thursday, February 15, 2024, Class IV from SD Negeri Deresan Yogyakarta had a special opportunity to

explore the world of science through an inspiring visit to the Animal Structure and Development Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. This visit aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the scientifi

c concepts they learn in class and to inspire their interest in science. A total of 58 fourth-grade students from SDN Deresan, accompanied by 2 homeroom teachers and 4 accompanying teachers, were welcomed at the Faculty of Biology UGM by the Faculty’s Guest Reception Team and greeted by the Head of the Animal Structure and Development Laboratory, Dr. Ardaning Nuruliani, M. Kes. The children were then divided according to their classes and invited to the Histology & Embryology Section and the Animal Anatomy Section of the Animal Structure and Development Laboratory. All the lecturers of the Animal Structure and Development Laboratory, along with Master’s and Bachelor’s students conducting research there, also welcomed the students.

In the Histology & Embryology Section, students were introduced to microscopes and how to use them. They also observed the diffusion process and colorful microscopic preparations. Meanwhile, in the Animal Anatomy Section, students observed skeletal preparations, internal organs, and several anatomical specimens. The children showed remarkable enthusiasm and deep curiosity while learning in the laboratory. The visit also included a question-and-answer session, where the children were given the opportunity to ask questions about interesting science topics to the Master’s and Bachelor’s students conducting research in the laboratory. Intelligent and creative questions flowed, reflecting the growing interest in science among the young generation.

According to Mr. Paino, A. Ma (IVA Class Teacher) and Mr. Danang Nor Wicaksana, S.Pd. (IVB Class Teacher), this visit is part of the school’s efforts to provide diverse and in-depth learning experiences for their students. The students ended their visit with bright smiles on their faces and a deep sense of inspiration. “I want to be a scientist one day!” ; “I want to study here” and “I want to go to UGM” exclaimed the fourth graders with sparkling eyes. Such hopes may seem distant, but with visits like this, those possibilities feel much closer.

This activity of welcoming elementary school students is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal no. 4 Quality Education, goal no. 5 Gender Equality, and goal no. 17 Partnership for the Goals. Additionally, this initiative aligns with SDG goal no. 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by fostering early interest in science and technology, and goal no. 10 Reduced Inequalities by providing equal learning opportunities regardless of background.