Bantul, June 13, 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting sustainable environmental development through a community service program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) entitled “Organic Waste Processing into Compost Fertilizer and the Utilization of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Maggots.” The program was conducted on Saturday, June 13, 2026, for members of the “Lestari” Women Farmers Group (Kelompok Wanita Tani/KWT) located in Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, Potorono Village, Banguntapan District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. Through this activity, community members were introduced to simple, practical technologies for converting household organic waste into valuable, economically beneficial products.

The program commenced with welcoming remarks from the Head of the Community Service Team of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who emphasized the importance of organic waste management as part of efforts to maintain environmental quality and support sustainable development. In her remarks, Prof. Diah highlighted that organic waste constitutes the largest component of household waste and, when not properly managed, can lead to various environmental problems, including unpleasant odors, increased risks of disease transmission, and greater volumes of waste being disposed of at temporary waste collection sites. Following her remarks, the chairperson of the Lestari Women Farmers Group delivered an address expressing appreciation for the assistance and guidance provided by the Faculty of Biology UGM. It is expected that this program will enhance the members’ skills and motivation to manage household organic waste sustainably while supporting the agricultural and horticultural activities already undertaken by the group.

During the first session, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., delivered training on compost production to the participants. The presentation began with an introduction to various types of organic waste that can be utilized as composting materials, including fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, coffee and tea residues, and plant-based food waste. Dr. Nurbaiti explained that compost is the product of the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms and is rich in nutrients, making it a natural fertilizer that can improve soil fertility. Participants were also introduced to the importance of balancing “green” and “brown” materials, a key factor in producing high-quality compost.

Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., presented the following session, in which he discussed organic waste processing using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) maggots. He explained that BSF maggots are the larvae of the black soldier fly and can convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass in a relatively short time. This technology helps reduce organic waste generation and produces valuable products for the agricultural and livestock sectors. According to Dr. Wiko, BSF maggots can reduce the mass of organic waste by approximately 35–45% while generating several useful products, including maggots or prepupae as a protein source for fish and poultry feed, frass (kasgot) as a solid organic fertilizer, and liquid organic fertilizer derived from the process, which can support plant growth.

Throughout the presentations, members of the Lestari Women Farmers Group actively participated by asking questions and sharing their experiences in managing organic waste. Their contributions enriched discussions about the challenges of maintaining consistency in organic waste management practices. Following the theoretical sessions, Dr. Nurbaiti and Dr. Wiko alternated in guiding hands-on demonstrations on compost production using compost bags and BSF maggot cultivation using two methods: the stacked-bucket system and the maggot box system (Si Komat). Participants were shown each stage of the process, including the preparation of tools and materials, layering of organic waste, application of microbial activators, and maintenance techniques during composting. They were also informed about materials that should not be composted, such as plastics, metals, glass, diapers, cooking oil, bones, cigarette butts, and household chemicals, as these can inhibit decomposition.

In the stacked-bucket BSF system, participants were introduced to an organic waste-processing method that enables simultaneous harvesting of three products: maggots, frass, and liquid organic fertilizer produced from fermented leachate. Meanwhile, the maggot box method focused on producing maggots and frass through optimal moisture management of the growth medium. Participants also received practical guidance on selecting suitable feedstock materials, regulating moisture and temperature conditions, and avoiding materials that may hinder decomposition or generate unpleasant odors.

The program also incorporated an academic perspective on waste management and the implementation of circular economy principles, presented by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho. He emphasized that community-based organic waste management is a strategic approach to reducing environmental pressures while enhancing community self-reliance in utilizing resources that are often regarded as waste. Through this approach, organic waste can be transformed into valuable products, thereby supporting the development of a more sustainable resource management system.

The implementation of the program was supported by members of the UGM Faculty of Biology Community Service Team, including Winda Fionita Nur Safitri, Layly Salsabila, Alfonsus Fidel Pandu Ekanto, and Miftahurrozi (undergraduates); Noor Laila Safitri (master’s student); and Fatimatuzzahra (doctoral student). The team actively assisted in organizing the activities, mentoring participants during practical sessions, and facilitating discussions and question-and-answer sessions.

Through this program, the Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that members of the Lestari Women Farmers Group will be able to implement the organic waste management technologies introduced during the training. Such implementation is expected to reduce household waste accumulation, improve environmental quality, and generate useful products that support agricultural activities and local economic development. In this way, waste can no longer be viewed merely as a problem but rather as a valuable resource that can be transformed into beneficial products, contributing to community welfare and environmental sustainability, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

#SDG 4: Quality Education #SDG 14: Life Below Water

#SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Magelang, Indonesia – Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. together with a research team from the Smart Genetics Research Group, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and international collaborators from Universiti Malaya consisting of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Dr. Chua Kah Ooi, and Dr. Lau Su Ee implemented genetics-based agricultural innovations and sustainable cultivation through Community Service Program Community Development Based on Applied Research and Community Empowerment with International Collaborators supported by the Equity Program of Gadjah Mada University. This program aims to improve the quality and productivity of Indonesian strawberries through the application of research technology and strengthening the capacity of farmers through international collaboration. This activity is a form of downstream research carried out by universities in order to provide direct benefits to the community while supporting sustainable agricultural development.

The program with the theme “Development of Modern Integrated Farming through Smart Genetics Breeding Program Technology to Improve the Quality and Production of Indonesian Strawberries” was held at  the Inggit Strawberry Garden, Banyuroto Village, Sawangan District, Magelang Regency, Central Java. Banyuroto Village, which is located on the slopes of Mount Merapi and Merbabu, is one of the strawberry-producing areas that has developed as a community-based agrotourism destination. The potential of natural resources makes this area a strategic location for the application of research- and technology-based agricultural innovations. However, farmers still face a number of challenges in strawberry cultivation, including plant productivity that tends to fluctuate, fruit quality that is not uniform and optimal, and limited access to modern cultivation technology. Therefore, this service program is present as an effort to bridge the results of university research with the real needs of the community through the application of plant genetics technology and cultivation systems that are more efficient, productive, and sustainable.

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In response to these various problems, the service team applied  the Smart Genetics Breeding  approach as a genetic-based plant breeding technology developed from the research results of the research team. This technology utilizes the polyploidization method  to produce superior strawberry varieties that have better agronomic characteristics. The crops developed are expected to have larger fruit sizes, better quality, higher productivity, and stronger adaptability to environmental changes.

In addition to the development of superior seeds, this program also integrates the concept  of Modern Integrated Farming through the application of a more measurable and data-based cultivation system. Farmers receive assistance on the use of precision agriculture technology to support more effective land and crop management. This approach is expected to improve cultivation efficiency while helping farmers make more informed decisions based on field conditions.

Collaboration with the University of Malaya is one of the important components in the implementation of this programme. One of the topics introduced by the Universiti Malaya team is the use of hydroponic systems as an alternative cultivation method that is more efficient and adaptive to land limitations. The system is considered to be able to support plant growth in a more controlled manner while increasing the efficiency of water and nutrient use. The Universiti Malaya team also shared experiences related to the management and replacement of planting media in 2-5 harvest cycles to reduce the potential for environmental pollution due to excessive use of fertilizers and support a more environmentally friendly cultivation system.

According to Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, international collaboration provides great added value in the development of community service programs. “Through this collaboration, we not only implement the results of the research that has been developed at UGM, but also gain various new perspectives from the experiences of international partners. The exchange of knowledge is very important to produce solutions that are more innovative and relevant to the needs of farmers,” he said. This program also includes various mentoring activities for farmer groups, ranging from strengthening cultivation capacity, applying agricultural technology, to developing a more sustainable production system. Through these activities, farmers are expected to be able to increase productivity while understanding the importance of efficient resource management in agricultural business. The participatory approach applied also allows the community to be actively involved in the process of developing and applying technology.

This program is also in line with Gadjah Mada University’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the application of Smart Genetics Breeding technology and more sustainable cultivation practices, this activity contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through increasing productivity and the quality of agricultural products that support food security. This program also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through strengthening the capacity of farmers and increasing the productivity of farming businesses which has the potential to improve community welfare. Through the synergy between research-based innovation, community empowerment, and international collaboration, this program is expected to become a model of sustainable agricultural development that provides long-term benefits to the community and supports the development of Indonesia’s more advanced and competitive agriculture.

 

A research team from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Ganies Riza Aristya, Ph.D., has achieved a significant milestone in Indonesian strawberry genomic research by successfully uncovering and characterizing the complete chloroplast genome of the superior local strawberry cultivar, ‘Mencir’. This research, funded by a Fundamental Basic Research Grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, successfully optimized a high-quality DNA extraction method using a modified CTAB buffer, yielding DNA with optimal purity and concentration for next-generation sequencing. Nanopore sequencing technology using the ONT PromethION platform successfully generated comprehensive chloroplast genomic data, with a total length of 155,568 base pairs, which was then assembled and annotated comprehensively.

In-depth analysis of the genome revealed the structure and organization of critical genes involved in photosynthesis and chloroplast gene regulation, namely the ndh, pet, and rpo gene groups. The mapping of exon-intron structures, analysis of conserved motifs, and 3D protein structure predictions successfully provided detailed insights into the complexity and uniqueness of each gene group. Furthermore, the research team, which includes three Faculty of Biology students—Tika Nur Amini, Andreas Wibisono, and Tan Rendy—also conducted a robust phylogenetic analysis, confirming strong kinship relationships among species within the Rosaceae family and strengthening the understanding of the evolutionary history and chloroplast inheritance patterns in the commercial hybrid strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa).

This research activity has not only produced highly valuable foundational data but has also yielded several tangible outputs, including two research publications in reputable international journals, as well as dissemination videos and posters. Synergistic collaboration with local partners—such as Inggit Strawberry Agritourism in Magelang and Sleman—and the genomics industry partner Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), has enriched the research process and ensured the applied relevance of the achieved results.

Strategically, this research achievement provides a solid scientific foundation for strawberry breeding programs based on molecular markers and gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9. In the second year, the research will focus on the functional validation of candidate genes and the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important agronomic traits, such as disease resistance and photosynthetic efficiency, which can be directly utilized by plant breeders.

Finally, this research activity directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, Achieving Food Security and Improved Nutrition, and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture. By developing superior strawberry varieties that are more productive, stress-tolerant, and adaptive to local conditions, this research promotes a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. Additionally, through enhancing the capacity of local human resources and transferring knowledge to farmers (SDG 4: Quality Education), as well as inclusive multi-stakeholder collaboration (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals), this research serves as a tangible example of how genomic science can be directed to support food sovereignty, community empowerment, and sustainable and equitable agricultural development in Indonesia.

Tegalrejo, 11 December 2025

A community service program titled “Community-Based Production of Superior Local Chicken and Catfish Seedlings” was held on November 29, 2025, at the Baiturrahim Masjid in Tegalrejo Hamlet, Ngesrep Village, Boyolali Regency. The event was officially opened by Ms. Siti Fatonah, a representative of PT. Pertamina Patra Niaga. This program, which has been running for approximately four months, is a collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and PT. Pertamina Patra Niaga, emphasizing community empowerment in the livestock and aquaculture sectors. The activity supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through knowledge transfer, mentoring, and multi-sector collaboration.

During the event, Dr. med.vet.drh. Hendry Saragih, M.P. delivered a presentation on proper management practices for free-range chicken husbandry. He highlighted the importance of maintaining chicken health through effective feed management, sanitation, disease prevention, and proper coop construction. Participants also received guidance on selecting superior local chicken breeds to enhance productivity and strengthen the sustainability of community-based livestock enterprises. The program was facilitated by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. In addition, Ms. Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. distributed educational leaflets on proper catfish farming techniques, including pond preparation, selecting high-quality catfish fry, water quality management, and efficient maintenance practices—knowledge crucial for promoting responsible aquaculture in line with SDG 12.

The activity was attended by eight residents representing the Tegalrejo Hamlet farmer group, who participated enthusiastically and actively discussed challenges and strategies related to effective chicken and fish farming. To conclude the event, participants and speakers conducted a field visit to the model chicken coop and catfish ponds constructed by the local community. Through this program, it is expected that residents will be able to implement productive and sustainable farming practices while strengthening local partnerships as a tangible contribution to SDG 17, ultimately supporting improved economic welfare and village-level food security.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Hendry Saragih, Nur Indah Septriani

The production of natural TOGA soap from lemongrass by the Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) team Faculty of Biology UGM 2025, chaired by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. in the second phase of the PkM-MBKM program in Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Wirokerten, Banguntapan, Bantul through the production of soap using TOGA (Family Medicinal Plants) as raw material. This activity is a continuation of the PkM-MBKM program that was previously implemented from February to June 2025. The team involved five students, namely Swastikhansa Parahita Sulistyaningrum, Afrina Syah Putri, Isna Kuminingrum, Asitya Fitri Miadi, and Amyra Asa Nurhanifa, with the aim of increasing public awareness about the use of TOGA plants through the innovation of TOGA-based soap, especially lemongrass, which is easily available, as an effort to support skin health and can be used by various groups, including children. This event marked the fifth and final activity of the PkM-MBKM program in RT 001 Kepuh Kulon. It was held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the residence of the RT Head, Mr. Zamzuri. The event was enthusiastically attended and carried out by 20 society and Mr. Sunartono, the Head of Kepuh Kulon Hamlet, who opened the event by emphasizing the importance of utilizing TOGA for family health and encouraging residents’ independence in continuing the program of making natural soap from easily available TOGA. Prof. Rina also highlighted the benefits of the innovative soap made from lemongrass and olive oil, which is safe for children and healthy for the skin, while stressing the importance of community solidarity in enhancing creativity and the local economy.

The community service activities included socialization on making lemongrass soap and practicing making natural soap from lemongrass, as well as socialization on digital marketing. The socialization on making lemongrass soap was carried out by providing information on what medicinal plants are, their uses, their contents and benefits when used as ingredients for natural soap (lemongrass), the tools and materials needed, and how to make the soap. The digital marketing socialization was carried out by providing information about the objectives of digital marketing, creating an account on one of the online selling platforms, how to sell online, and tips on how to make products known to the wider community. After the workshop, there will be a quiz for residents and door prizes will be given out. At the end of the activity, participating village partners will be given souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their participation.

The PkM-MBKM team provided a set of soap-making tools that are expected to be used for practice and as souvenirs as a form of appreciation or proof of participation for village partners. The 2025 PkM-MBKM program is expected to provide information on processing TOGA into products that are beneficial to health and can improve the community’s economy. This activity supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.