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Building Bridges in Science: Professor from Mie University Visits Faculty of Biology UGM during ICBS 2025

Community ServiceNews Release Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Yogyakarta, October 18, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a visit from Prof. Chiharu Nakashima, Ph.D., a distinguished scholar in plant pathology and fungal taxonomy from the Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Japan.


The visit took place in a warm and informal atmosphere amid the series of events at The 9th International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) 2025, organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM. Prof. Nakashima’s visit aimed to gain deeper insight into the academic environment of Universitas Gadjah Mada, particularly the Faculty of Biology, which is well known for its strong commitment to advancing tropical biodiversity and biotechnology research.

During the visit, Prof. Nakashima was received by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Head of the Faculty Administration Office, Amin Susiantmojo, S.Pt., M.Sc., as well as several doctoral students. The meeting featured an engaging discussion on recent developments in plant pathology research, especially related to systematics, molecular phylogeny, and diagnostics of plant pathogenic fungi.

In addition to sharing his research experiences, Prof. Nakashima explored potential collaborations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mie University, such as joint supervision for doctoral students and student exchange programs. Both parties agreed that international collaboration plays a crucial role in strengthening research and education in biology, particularly in addressing global challenges in plant health and environmental sustainability.

Prof. Nakashima also visited the Next Generation Sequencing – Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) of the Faculty of Biology UGM, accompanied by Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. The facility is equipped with Oxford Nanopore Technology and PacBio platforms, supporting advanced genomic research within the Faculty. The visit continued to the Biodiversity Research and Development Station in Sawitsari, where Prof. Nakashima observed field research activities and the rich biological collections that represent one of the Faculty’s key strengths.

This visit also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) through educational collaboration and international academic exchange, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened international cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mie University. In the future, this collaboration is expected to also contribute to Goal 1 (No Poverty) through biodiversity-based research that supports community welfare, and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by advancing plant pathology research to enhance sustainable food security.

Prof. Nakashima’s visit marks an important milestone in strengthening academic relations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mie University, while expanding international networks that foster research and education in tropical biology.

Monitoring the Development of KUB Local Superior Chicken Breeds in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Thursday, 16 October 2025

As a follow-up to the outreach activity entitled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chicken Breeds Based on the Wedomartani Community, Ngemplak, Sleman” held on July 28, 2025, the Community Partner Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, represented by Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P. and Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., in collaboration with the Government of Wedomartani Village, conducted a monitoring activity on the development of the superior local chicken breed KUB (Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan). In the previous activity, a total of 48 KUB chickens were distributed to 16 representatives of farmer groups from several hamlets in Wedomartani, with each group receiving one male and two female chickens. This initiative represents a tangible implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening community capacity based on scientific knowledge and appropriate technology.
The monitoring was conducted to assess the growth, health, and performance of the KUB chickens, which are now approximately five months old. Field observations showed that all distributed chickens are healthy, well-nourished, and highly adaptable to their rearing environment. The monitoring process was carried out participatively, involving representatives of farmer groups, the community partner team, and Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd., the Carik (Village Secretary) of Wedomartani. Mr. Rohmad actively supervised and provided guidance to the beneficiaries. This effort supports the achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring the availability of sustainable and high-quality animal protein sources at the household level.
In addition to ensuring the success of the breeding program, this activity also serves as a continuous educational platform for the community in aspects such as feed management, biosecurity, and maintenance of superior local chicken breeds. By enhancing farmers’ skills and understanding, the program is expected to improve productivity and the sustainability of small-scale poultry enterprises in Wedomartani. Through its participatory and educational approach, this initiative contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating new economic opportunities and increasing rural household income through independent and competitive poultry farming.
The development program of KUB chickens also has a significant social and public health impact. With the availability of affordable and nutritious animal protein sources, this initiative is expected to help improve family nutrition and support healthy and prosperous living, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). In the coming months, the chickens are expected to enter the egg-laying and breeding phase, producing offspring that can be further developed as new superior local breeds to strengthen local food security. Overall, this activity serves as a model of community empowerment that integrates scientific knowledge, local wisdom, and the principles of sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Hendry Saragih, and R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono.

Training on Making Natural Hair Oil and Hand Gel by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM in Segoroyoso, Pleret, Bantul

Community ServiceNews Release Wednesday, 15 October 2025

The 2025 Community Service – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Team from the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., held an event themed “Training on Making Natural Hair Oil and Hand Gel for the Community” in RT 1 (Dahromo Indah group) and RT 3 (Cempaka group), Segoroyoso, Pleret, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This activity was presented by a student team consisting of Lusiyana Prihatini, Zahra Karimah Nuha, Kholish Naufal Pamungkas, and Elisabeth Kurniawati, with support from the technical team. The interactive event was attended by 15 members of the GEMI partner forum (Women’s Economic Movement) and two GEMI administrators, who actively supported this community empowerment activity.


The event took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the home of Mrs. Zanimah (RT 1). The session began with socialization about the contents and benefits of lemongrass and aloe vera as natural body care ingredients. Participants learned that lemongrass contains essential oils that can reduce dandruff and itching, cool the scalp, and provide a naturally fresh aroma to their hair. Meanwhile, aloe vera is rich in gel containing vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that moisturize and nourish the skin and hair.

The next session was a hands-on practice of making natural hair oil and hand gel. Three demonstrations were conducted: (1) making hair oil from Aloe vera mixed with olive oil, (2) making hand gel from Aloe vera and lime juice mixed with alcohol as a natural antiseptic, and (3) making hair oil from lemongrass and cloves, heated together with oil, then adding vitamin E, which functions as an antioxidant to extend product shelf life.

The activity was highly interactive, with a Q&A session covering ingredient variations, additional benefits, and product shelf-life. The most active participant received a door prize, which boosted the spirit of the event. As a form of program sustainability, each participant also received aloe vera and lemongrass seedlings to plant at home, so they could immediately put the training material into practice at home.

The PkM-MBKM program is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The activity is designed to run for two semesters, namely the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year and the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, as a continuous effort to educate the community on the independent and sustainable use of natural ingredients.

 

Herbal and Aromatherapy Education: UGM Faculty of Biology PkM-MBKM Team Promotes Health Innovation in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Monday, 13 October 2025

The 2025 Community Service – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully conducted an educational program in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, under the title “Health Innovation through the Making of Aromatherapy Candles and Sharing Healthy Herbal Drink Recipes.” This program aimed to enhance community knowledge and skills in utilizing herbal ingredients for health and well-being—aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being and No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The team consisted of five active Biology students from the class of 2022, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes and partner Mr. Gunardi, S.Si.


The event took place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam, Pajangan Hamlet. The session began with educational talks delivered by Ghefira Nur Fatimah and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, focusing on two main topics: techniques for making aromatherapy candles and healthy herbal drink recipes. During the hands-on session, participants practiced making aromatherapy candles using natural essential oils such as lavender, lemon, peppermint, and lemongrass. The participants enthusiastically created candles of their own preferences. Beyond serving as air fresheners, aromatherapy candles also help promote relaxation, enhance focus, improve sleep quality, and support meditation and emotional balance. In addition, participants were introduced to various easy-to-make herbal drink recipes designed for home preparation. Each recipe was selected based on its health benefits, such as boosting immunity, aiding detoxification, and maintaining metabolic balance. Thus, participants gained not only theoretical understanding but also practical skills that can be directly applied in daily life. Each participant brought home their own handmade aromatherapy candle as a symbol of the new knowledge and skills they had gained—supporting SDG No. 4: Quality Education.

This program is expected to bring direct benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet while serving as an inspiration for sustainable collaboration between academia and local communities. Through such partnerships, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to promoting SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals. With a spirit of sustainability and innovation, the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM demonstrates how scientific knowledge can be applied in real life to improve community well-being.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Syifa Aneira, and Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa.

Community Service Program (PkM) Desa Mitra 2025: Introducing Microalgae and Fish Diversity to Strengthen Science Literacy among Students of SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency #3

Community Service Thursday, 9 October 2025

Sleman, 7 October 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the 2025 Desa Mitra Program, carried out a community service activity at SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The event was held on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, from 08.00 to 10.30 AM, with the theme of introducing microalgae and fish diversity to elementary school students.


The program is part of the Desa Mitra initiative in Wukirsari, coordinated by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. The academic team from the Faculty of Biology UGM attending the event included Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, M.Si.; Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc. Ph.D.; Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc.; Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., Bio.Cur., M.Sc.; Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si.; and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. In addition, the event was also attended by doctoral student representative Sidiq Permana Putra, M.Sc. as well as master’s program student representatives Ulil Albab and Putri Syah Astari.

The first session was delivered by Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., Bio.Cur., M.Sc., who introduced microalgae as microscopic organisms that require a microscope for observation. Several types of microalgae were presented, along with their ecological roles, such as producing oxygen through photosynthesis and serving as a natural food source for fish.

This topic was followed by a session on fish diversity, presented by Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. She introduced common ornamental and aquaculture fish species and showed live examples, including catfish (Clarias), tilapia (Oreochromis), and goldfish (Carassius auratus).

At the end of the program, students were asked to draw fish based on their imagination. Three selected drawings were awarded with the opportunity to bring home the fish specimens used in the demonstration.

The event received positive enthusiasm from SDN Pusmalang students and is part of the ongoing community service agenda of the Faculty of Biology UGM in Wukirsari. The program aims to strengthen scientific literacy among young students and foster collaboration between academia and the community. This program contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

The 2025 UGM Biology Community Service Program (PKM-MBKM) Team Holds Outreach on the Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health and Free Health Checks in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Thursday, 2 October 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM 2025, carried out a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, themed “The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health”. These activities aimed to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall health, in line with the implementation of sustainable development towards a healthy and prosperous life (SDGs No. 3). The team involved five active students from the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Class of 2022 supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes.


The activity began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents on September 5th – 7th, 2025 to determine their perceptions and practices regarding mental and physical health. The results indicated that most residents recognize the importance of mental health, but many still lack understanding of how to maintain and improve their mental health. These findings served as the basis for the team to continue with a more in-depth educational program on ways to maintain a balance between mental and physical health. The enthusiasm of the residents further confirmed the effectiveness of a community-based approach in optimizing local potential for health.

A follow-up activity included an interactive outreach and discussion held at the Jami’ Darussalam Mosque in Pajangan Hamlet on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. The outreach material was delivered by Namaskara Tawang Kusuma, S.Psi. (alumnus of Faculty of Psychology UGM), who discussed the concept of mental health, its impact on physical health, and strategies for maintaining a balance between the two. The Q & A session was lively and interactive, marked by active participation from residents, who asked various questions related to their personal experiences and conditions they had experienced. The speaker emphasized that mental health involves stress, which can be both positive and negative, depending on how a person handles it. He also emphasized the importance of parents’ role in sharing experiences and knowledge, thus providing them with the necessary tools to face life’s challenges.

The event concluded with a free health check-up led by Andika Jatra Pratama, an active student at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The health check-up included blood pressure and blood sugar levels, giving residents the opportunity to directly assess and evaluate their health. Residents also received direct guidance on the test results, including suggestions and simple steps they can take to maintain and improve their health. In the future, this activity is also expected to further strengthen the partnership between Dusun Pajangan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman and the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SDGs No.17).

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Syifa Aneira, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa

PRACTICAL PROCESSING OF HOME GARDEN CROPS INTO MARKETABLE PRODUCTS

Community Service Wednesday, 24 September 2025

In order to increase the economic value of home garden crops, PkM-MBKM 2025 Team, led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. conducted a practical session on processing the home garden crop into marketable products on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Kalurahan Wirokerten, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, consisting of Jovanka, Khansa Fauziah Rachman, Samantha Sonya Putri, and Dhea Amelia, first presented the procedures on how to process the crops, followed by a joint practice session on processing rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf). During this activity, the cultivated products were processed into rosella syrup and jam, rosella tea, butterfly pea tea, ginger tea, lemongrass tea, and butterfly pea noodles.


The activity began with a presentation on the procedures for making rosella syrup and jam, teas made from rosella, butterfly pea, ginger, and lemongrass, as well as butterfly pea noodles–starting from drying the harvested home garden crops, preparing the ingredients, and processing them. The presentation was then followed by a demonstration on making rosella syrup using dried rosella petals which then reused to make rosella jam to minimize waste. The activity continued with the making of tea from rosella, telang, lemongrass, and ginger with combinations according to the KWT Amanda members’ personal preference and creativity. The PkM MBKM team and KWT Amanda members also collaborated to make noodles with butterfly pea flower coloring, starting from making the dough, flattening, and cutting the noodle dough, then cooking them with various seasonings and toppings such as bok choys, meatballs, sausages, and eggs. The noodle dough was processed in two different ways: some were steamed and then dried, and some were boiled for immediate cooking. All processed products were made without preservatives. At the end of this activity, everyone enjoyed the processed products they had made together.

In this home garden crops product processing practice, KWT Amanda members were very enthusiastic about following each step of making the products from rosella, butterfly pea, lemongrass, and ginger, which they will later be able to do independently when the plants are mature enough to be harvested. KWT Amanda members also actively asked questions and participated in making the processed products, resulting in active interaction between both parties. Additionally, they greatly enjoyed the processed products that were made, which could serve as inspiration for processed home garden crops products that appeal to various groups of society. This activity is expected to increase food availability and security (SDG 2) and produce processed products that can improve the nutritional quality and health of the community (SDG 3). The development of value-added products opens up new business opportunities and strengthens the local resource-based economy (SDG 9), while this collaboration strengthens the relationship between the implementing team and the partner community (SDG 17).

Innovation in Mosquito Control: Biological Approaches and Essential Oils for a Healthier Environment in Dusun Belimbing Sari

Community Service Saturday, 19 July 2025

The Community Service program of the UGM Faculty of Biology was held again on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Balai Dusun Belimbing Sari in Caturtunggal Village, Depok, Sleman. Under the banner “Mosquito Vector Control through Biological Approaches and the Use of Essential Oils,” the event welcomed 35 enthusiastic local PKK members to participate in a series of engaging lectures and hands‑on sessions.

The Desa Mitra Caturtunggal teaching team included Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A., B.Sc., DAP&E, M.Biomed (Animal Systematics Laboratory); Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D (Biochemistry Laboratory); Nur Indah Septiani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D (Animal Structure & Development Laboratory); and Sari Darmasiwi, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D (Microbiology Laboratory).

Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A. opened the program with an in‑depth overview of mosquito species and the dangerous vector‑borne diseases they transmit—such as dengue fever and malaria—along with their habitat and life cycle. She detailed biological control strategies using fish and other predators, physical measures via the “3M” method (emptying, covering, burying), and preventive chemical fogging. Her comprehensive presentation gave participants a clear understanding of the need to integrate multiple control methods.

The second session, led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., dove into the use of essential oils as natural mosquito repellents. In a style both lighthearted and informative, Dr. Woro defined what essential oils are, introduced various plant sources—such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, and basil—and outlined two practical approaches: planting repellent species in home gardens and crafting natural room fresheners. Participants were keen to follow her simple distillation steps and discuss how to apply them at home.

The highlight of the day was the hands‑on workshop, where attendees created aromatic sachets from dried ingredients—clove buds and stems, star anise, and lemongrass—packaged in rustic burlap bags. These sachets proved easy to make, cost‑effective, and both decorative and functional as mosquito deterrents. Light conversation and sharing of tips on preserving the scent for longer added warmth and camaraderie to the event.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM puts into practice its Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly community service, while also supporting the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‑being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It is hoped that the knowledge and skills gained will foster sustainable mosquito control efforts in Dusun Belimbing Sari and strengthen the community’s environmental health.

Development of Superior Local Chicken Breeds through the Wedomartani Village Partnership Program

Community ServiceNews Release Friday, 18 July 2025

The Wedomartani Village Partnership Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an socialization on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Kalurahan Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, focusing on the development of superior local chicken breeds. This activity was a follow-up initiative from the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Kalurahan Wedomartani, supported by the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2 of 2025, Unit YO019 (SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).


The socialization opened with remarks from Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., representing the Wedomartani Village Partnership Team, Faculty of Biology, UGM. On this occasion, as a speaker Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., delivered a presentation titled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chickens Based on Community Empowerment in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman.” The socialization emphasized the importance of developing superior local chicken breeds by paying attention to various key aspects such as feed quality, animal health, cage management, and maintenance practices.

During the session, the speaker provided updated and relevant information on the proper techniques for local chicken farming, beginning with the selection of high-quality breeding stock. The event, held at Kalurahan Wedomartani, was attended by the Head of Wedomartani Village (Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto), the Village Secretary (Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd.), the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani (Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E.), representative from Faculty of Biology, UGM (Prof. Dra. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.) and representatives from farmer groups across several hamlets in Wedomartani. Participants showed strong enthusiasm for the program and actively engaged in discussions and raised questions, especially regarding chicken maintenance practices.

The speaker highlighted that raising chickens offers two key benefits. First, it helps reduce household waste through the use of organic waste as chicken feed. Second, the eggs produced can improve household nutrition and help address stunting—supporting SDGs No. 2 (Zero Hunger), No. 3 (Good Health and Well Being), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, to fully achieve these benefits, the chickens must be kept healthy. The speaker emphasized three main factors for raising healthy local chickens: the use of varied feed sources such as maggots and kitchen waste, proper cage management, and an appropriate vaccination program.

This outreach activity is expected to serve as an initial step toward empowering the community to independently cultivate local chicken breeds. With the knowledge gained, residents can begin applying more effective breeding and production techniques in their environment. Going forward, similar programs should continue to be implemented sustainably in order to expand their impact. It is hoped that this initiative will contribute to improving community welfare while also supporting local food security. (Contributors: Lintang Gitacahyani and Ardaning Nuriliani)

Community Service Program at Partner Village 2025: Verticulture Cultivation Education for Students of SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Subdistrict, Sleman Regency #2

Community ServiceNews Release Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Wukirsari, Cangkringan – June 19, 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a community service activity in Wukirsari Partner Village, Cangkringan, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The activity carried the theme “Vertical Farming Techniques: A Sustainable Urban Farming Solution” and aimed to introduce environmental education to young students.


A total of 24 fourth-grade students from SDN Pusmalang, Sruni Hamlet, enthusiastically participated in the event. The activity began with an introduction to vertical farming techniques by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who explained the importance of innovative farming methods in limited spaces as a solution for modern urban agriculture.

The session continued with a hands-on workshop led by Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., who guided the students in repurposing used plastic bottles as planting containers for ornamental plants. The students joyfully painted and decorated the bottles based on their own creativity, which were then installed on the school wall as both functional and decorative vertical gardens.

The event was also supported by other lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, including Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., Dr. Dra. Maryani, M.Sc., Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., who actively assisted the students throughout the program.

As a form of appreciation and to promote sustainable habits, all participants received door prizes in the form of reusable tumblers, encouraging the students to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles in their daily lives.

Through this initiative, the Faculty of Biology UGM reinforces its commitment to community empowerment while instilling environmental awareness in the younger generation. Practical education like this is expected to be the first step toward a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. This activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.