On Saturday, November 4th, 2023, the team of Community Service Program – Independent Learning Independent Campus (PKM-MBKM) 2023 Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, carried out activities regarding processing, marketing strategies, and product branding called “Tiramanda” as the series of activities of cultivation and processing of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) for the Women Farmer Group or Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Amanda in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten village, Yogyakarta. The product name “Tiramanda” comes from a combination of the words “jamur tiram” (bahasa of oyster mushroom) and KWT Amanda.
On this occasion, the team leader Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. explained that the cultivation of oyster mushrooms and their processed products is very prospective to be developed and it can strengthen entrepreneurial independence and contribute to increase the community’s economy (SDG 8). Team members, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. along with the students of Faculty Biology UGM, namely Ika Izma Putri, Kusnadianta Yudha Pratama, Dana Abruri, and Airlangga Wibisono, delivered on how to make processed products from oyster mushrooms, how to become an entrepreneur based on SWOT analysis and economic analysis, product packaging, marketing strategies, and branding. Introduction and sharing of product logos were also discussed during this presentation.
Practical activities were conducted for processing oyster mushrooms into several processed products, including dimsum, nuggets and oyster mushroom satay. These products are selected based on the processing potential, convinience and marketing prospects. The team of PKM-MBKM and KWT Amanda made the products together using the recipe that has been prepared. The processing then continued with packaging by placing the processed products into containers that have been affixed with “Tiramanda” brand stickers. The brand sticker on each product has a different color, making it more attractive and easier for buyers to differentiate the processed products. During the practice of making processed oyster mushrooms, participants from KWT Amanda were very enthusiastic and actively discussed recipe modification to suit target consumers. At the end, a video regarding testimonials on oyster mushroom processed recipe was made together by the team PKM-MBKM together with KWT Amanda and then was closed with a group photo.
On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Community Engagement Activity Team of the Independent Learning Program (MBKM-PkM) at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, led by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, along with Aisya Syam Mahanani, Lathifa Haya Nuraziza, and Oktaviani Setiati, conducted the event “Socialization and Training for the Cultivation of “Living Pharmacy” and Functional Foods for Women Farmer Groups in the Malangrejo Hamlet.” This activity took place at the Malangrejo Population Data Center, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region. The event was attended by the Head of Malangrejo Hamlet (Mr. Sarbini) along with the Chairwoman of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Malangrejo (Mrs. Isti Maryati), as well as the members of the Women Farmers Group.
This event was a continuation of the PkM-MBKM program in the second semester of 2023. The aim of this activity is to expand the collection of plants with medicinal properties for both treatment and daily bodily needs supply. Additionally, another objective of this activity is to provide alternative, healthier, and more practical methods of plant cultivation, as well as alternative methods of watering plants suitable for the recent dry season. In the cultivation of Living Pharmacy (TOGA), white ginger, red ginger, turmeric, mango turmeric, white turmeric, lesser galangal, lemongrass, and galangal seeds were used and planted in polybags with soil as the medium and a drip irrigation method. This irrigation method uses plant infusions and plastic bottles to optimize water usage during the dry season. Unlike TOGA, functional food plants such as lettuce, water spinach, chili, bok choy, as well as tomatoes were used and planted using hydroponic methods with rockwool as the medium.
The socialization and training activities began with opening remarks from the Activity Chair, the Head of Malangrejo Hamlet, and the Chairwoman of KWT Malangrejo. Prior to the socialization on TOGA and functional food plants, a pre-test questionnaire was conducted, and booklets titled “Types and Cultivation Methods of TOGA and Functional Plants” were distributed. This socialization activity covered the characteristics, benefits, planting methods, maintenance, and harvesting methods for each plant, as well as the methods of hydroponic cultivation and infusion watering. Additionally, information was provided about the types of TOGA and functional food plants to be cultivated, as well as a layout sketch according to the plant type and yard conditions. The socialization activities were followed by a discussion on technical aspects of cultivation, especially hydroponic planting, and the application of infusion watering methods with plastic infusion bottles. The socialization and training activities concluded with the completion of a post-test questionnaire to measure the increase in knowledge among the KWT women regarding the cultivation of TOGA and functional food plants. The results showed that the participants’ (in this case, KWT women) knowledge about the cultivation of TOGA and functional food plants increased by 23.5%.
The activities continued with the accompanied planting of TOGA and functional food plants. This planting activity is one of the implementations of the PkM-MBKM activities that took place over two semesters in 2023. The rainless weather supported the joint planting activities carried out in the courtyard of the Hamlet Hall. The training activities began with the hydroponic planting of functional food plants. In practice, the KWT women planted lettuce seeds in rockwool for germination. Subsequently, the cultivation of TOGA plants took place in the land adjacent to the Malangrejo Population Data Center, starting with the preparation of the soil medium in polybags. The activity concluded with the planting of ginger, turmeric, lesser galangal, lemongrass, and galangal seeds in polybags, as well as the watering of plants in the courtyard land. Monitoring will be conducted every three days during the planting to ensure the growth of the planted plants is successful.
Pada hari Senin, 2 Oktober 2023 sampai dengan Sabtu, 7 Oktober 2023 Tim MBKM Penelitian mahasiswa Program Sarjana Fakultas Biologi UGM Angkatan 2020, yaitu: Nellis Nadinda, Syariva Habiba, dan Erna Indahwati, melakukan penelitian ke PT. Gizi Indonesia, yaitu salah satu mitra MBKM Fakultas Biologi UGM, yang terletak di Jl. Veteran II No.1, Tlk. Pinang, Kecamatan Ciawi, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat, 16720. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memproses ekstrak kering Gama Melon Parfum dalam pelaksanaan Program Penelitian Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Medreka (Lit-MBKM) Tahun 2023. Ketiga mahasiswa tersebut dibimbing oleh Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. dan Ayi Indah Utami sebagai pembimbing mitra MBKM selama di PT. Gizi Indonesia.
Gizi Indonesia is a pioneer in the production of cosmetics and natural traditional Indonesian products, established since 1972, and adheres to the Halal Assurance System and follows the CPKB (Good Cosmetic Manufacturing Practice) BPOM Certificate. PT. Gizi Indonesia envisions becoming a leading company that provides natural-based skin care and innovative products. They continue to develop facial care products such as skin brightening, anti-aging, and acne care products. PT. Gizi Indonesia promises to consistently deliver safe and free-from-harm products by implementing the Halal Assurance System (HAS) certified by the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) and registered with BPOM.
During the MBKM activity at PT. Gizi Indonesia, the three students engaged in various activities, including learning about the basic ingredients used in formulating a cosmetic product and their respective functions. They also learned about the process flow and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for creating new products at PT. Gizi Indonesia. On the third day, they conducted a trial on Melon GMP powder extract using 96% alcohol and distilled water. In the 96% alcohol solution, the Melon GMP powder extract was poorly soluble and had a cloudy appearance, whereas in the distilled water mixture, it dissolved easily and had a clearer color. Finally, on the last day, they collaborated on researching and formulating a sheet mask using Melon GMP powder extract as the base material. After formulating, they immediately conducted a sheet mask production experiment in the laboratory.
According to Dr. Wiko, this activity marks the initial step towards further research on the utilization of Gamma Melon Parfum (Cucumis melo L. ‘GMP’), which is a result of research at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, but is not suitable for consumption. Therefore, the GMP melon is directed as a raw material in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other health-related industries. “I hope this process can be a consistent initial stage in uncovering various other potentials of secondary metabolites in this GMP melon,” Dr. Wiko stated. With this research, it is hoped that it will lead to the creation of new products as an innovation in the field of beauty and skin care.
On Sunday, October 15th, 2023, the team of Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka-Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (MBKM-PkM) 2023 Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted another socialization activity for the residents in Pajangan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta, regarding the production of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and eco-enzyme. This socialization was organized to encourage the community to manage organic waste into something beneficial, such as liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and eco-enzyme. The speakers for this socialization were the MBKM-PkM 2023 team, consisting of five undergraduate students of Faculty of Biology, Unviersitas Gadjah Mada, class of 2020, they were Arba’ Ramadhani Artik, Arneta Yuvita, Ester Dewanti Yovita Wardani, Fadiah Sri Rahayu, and Zidni Meirizka Utami, under supervision Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. and the partner mentor Ms. Nurini Aru Sudarsi. The MBKM-PkM 2023 team conducted the socialization with the theme “Caring for the Earth Starts from Our Kitchen.” This theme included two main topics: liquid organic fertilizer and eco-enzyme. The first topic covered the importance of macro and micro nutrients for plants, the definition of organic and inorganic fertilizers, the differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers (chemical), the advantages and disadvantages of organic and inorganic fertilizers, the production process of liquid organic fertilizer, as well as its application. The second topic explained the concept of eco-enzyme, its advantages and disadvantages, its benefits, the production process of Eco-enzyme, as well as its application.
Effective management of organic waste is crucial at present, given the issues related to the limited space for waste disposal at the Piyungan Final Disposal Site in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Producing liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and eco-enzyme is one way to manage organic waste such as food scraps, vegetable waste, fruit waste, and leaves, turning them into something beneficial for the environment. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) can be used to nurture plants without worrying about chemical effects on them. Meanwhile, eco-enzyme can serve not only as a fertilizer component but also as a detergent or cleanser and pest control for plants. The production of LOF and Eco-enzyme doesn’t require significant costs; it mainly relies on organic waste from the kitchen, water, molasses solution (brown sugar, palm sugar, coconut sugar), and EM4 solution.
This socialization received a positive response and enthusiasm from the residents of Pajangan Hamlet who actively participated in the discussion sessions with the speakers. It is hoped that the socialization by the MBKM-PkM 2023 team will raise awareness and engagement, particularly among the residents of Pajangan Hamlet, in environmentally friendly practices by managing kitchen and organic waste and turning them into something useful for the environment. (SDGs 3).
The Navy Military Police (Pomal) collaborate with the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada(UGM) to advance forensic DNA technology in efforts to enhance more effective law enforcement in cases of suspected illegal trade of confiscated items believed to originate from dugongs. Dugongs, often referred to as “sea cows,” are endangered sea mammals that live around Indonesia’s Marine territory. One of the primary threats to this species is the illegal trade of products derived from dugongs, including bones, ivory, and meat.
This collaboration aims to identify the sources of dugong products involved in illegal trade through more advanced forensic DNA analysis. Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, a faculty member at the Faculty of Biology UGM with expertise in forensic DNA analysis of wildlife, is working in collaboration with Pomal to implement forensic DNA analysis techniques. “Through forensic DNA analysis, we can determine the species and differentiate individual dugongs, confirming the origin of dugong products. This will assist investigators in tracking the trail of illegal trade and taking more decisive actions.” This collaborative effort is expected to enhance law enforcement and protection of dugongs, as well as support the conservation of this species. The sustainability of Indonesia’s marine ecosystem and the protection of rare wildlife are shared priorities embraced by Pomal and the Faculty of Biology UGM.
On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, a team lead by Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. along with students including Bima Kurniawan, Ima Laidiya Melani, and Zenith Caitra Ardhenareshvari, represented the flora diversity survey team in Bantul Regency to publish their research findings. This representation stood on behalf of other students in the team, namely Reza Raihandhany, Aji Sukma, Annisa Mawarni, Lisna Nur Aini, Puspita Kusuma Astuti, and Zildan Basara. The collaborative research with the Bantul Regency Environmental Agency was conducted from May to June 2023. The research findings were disseminated during an event titled “Exposing Coastal Vegetation Biodiversity in Bantul Regency,” as part of the Bantul regency Kehati expose series, held at Gendal-Gendul Restaurant, Jl. Parangtritis No. 18, Kapanewon Jetis, Bantul Regency. Attending the event were officials and staff from the Bantul Regency Environmental Agency, representatives from Bappeda Bantul Regency, representatives from the Bantul Regency Agriculture Office, as well as representatives from the BKSDA Yogyakarta.
The event commenced with an opening address by the Head of Bantul Regency Environmental Agency, represented by the Sub-coordinator of the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Substance Group, Yuyun Prihatining Rahmah, S.Pt., M.Ec.Dev., followed by the main presentation of research findings by the Team (Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D., and Bima Kurniawan). The team presented a total of 141 recorded species from 47 families, observing various characteristic coastal vegetation formations along the southern coast of Bantul. These formations included the pes-caprae formation along the tide line, the Barringtonia formation in higher areas of the coastal zone, and the dunes formation found in Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo. In addition to these vegetation formations, plants were also found in mangrove and estuarine habitats. Alongside the commonly found coastal vegetation, special plants of note were highlighted, such as Passiflora foetida (rambusa), Coccinia grandis (timun tikus), and Borassus flabellifer (siwalan). The presentation followed by a discussion session moderated by Ms. Yuyun, representatives from the Bantul Regency Environmental Agency and the BKSDA Yogyakarta inquired about the characteristics of specific coastal plants like the Casuarina equisetifolia (cemara udang) and mangrove forest plants like Cerbera manghas (bintaro).
The success of this flora survey is a positive outcome for both organizations. In the near future, the research findings will be published as a monograph to benefit a broader audience. This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the promotion of quality education, the preservation of terrestrial life, and the development of sustainable communities. These results are expected to support the sustainable preservation of distinctive coastal vegetation in preparation for the vision of the Yogyakarta Governor for 2022-2027, the empowerment of the southern region.
In an effort to combat the trade of state-protected animals that threatens the sustainability of wildlife, Lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) have provided assistance to law enforcement agencies in the Java Bali Nusa Tenggara region in unveiling cases of crime using forensic DNA techniques.
On Monday, September 19, 2023, a joint team consisting of law enforcement officers and faculty members from the Faculty of Biology at UGM worked together to identify evidence related to illegal trade. This case has garnered attention because the evidence obtained is highly diverse, ranging from oil, animal skins, bones, wallets, to traditional Indonesian hats (peci), all suspected to be from protected animals such as tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, and elephants. Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology UGM, coordinated the collection of DNA samples from the evidence found during the law enforcement operation. Forensic DNA techniques were then used to analyze these samples and determine the species of the evidence.
This case serves as a prime example of successful collaboration between the academic institution and law enforcement in efforts to protect endangered wildlife. Improved law enforcement and a deep scientific understanding of forensic DNA identification are expected to help reduce the illegal tiger trade in the future. The research team and law enforcement agencies are committed to continuing their cooperation in safeguarding tigers and other endangered wildlife species from the damaging effects of illegal trade. In this regard, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) supports these efforts and will continue to contribute to environmental conservation and wildlife preservation in Indonesia.
The high biodiversity in the Indonesian archipelago holds various potentials to be wisely utilized and managed for human well-being. Appropriate utilization and management must be grounded in accurate knowledge of species identities. This requires fundamental research in the field of Plant Taxonomy. In order to motivate students from the Biology Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Tadulako University, Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., a Professor specializing in Plant Taxonomy at the Faculty of Biology UGM, delivered a guest lecture on the theme of Biosystematics Research for Biodiversity Management,organized by the Biology Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Tadulako University. Prof. Ratna Susandarini’s presence also brought a mission to explore research collaboration, which was discussed in an informal meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Tadulako University, Dr. Lufsyi Mahmudin, S.Si., M.Si.The guest lecture, held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, was attended by students of the Biology Department, students from Mataram University enrolled in the MBKM program, The Head of the Department, Department Secretary, and all the lecturers.
In her opening address, the Head of the Biology Department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Tadulako University, Dr. Asri Pirade Paserang, S.Si., M.Si., expressed hope that through this guest lecture, students would find inspiration and motivation to research the rich biodiversity in the Sulawesi region, widely recognized in the scientific world as part of the Wallacea region. The discussion that followed the guest lecture further heightened motivation for both students and faculty members to study the biodiversity of Sulawesi through research in the field of Biosystematics.”
On Sunday, July 30 2023, a socialization event was held to introduce the potential of milk pumpkin as an anti-stunting food ingredient to the Women Farmers Group (KWT) Melati in Kebondalem Hamlet, Madurejo Village, Prambanan Sub-District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This activity was part of the Community Service Grant based on the Utilization of Research Results and the Application of Appropriate Technology (TTG), titled “Optimizing Milk Pumpkin Flour Production and Online Marketing Strategy as Efforts to Improve Food Security, Economic Welfare, and Anti-Stunting in Madurejo Village, Special Region of Yogyakarta.” The event was attended by 22 members of KWT Melati from Kebondalem Hamlet and was graced by the TTG team, including Prof. Dr. Purnomo, M.S., Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Nurpuji Mumpuni S.Si., M.Kes., Dian Sartika S.Si., M.Sc., as well as several students from the Faculty of Biology.
The activity began with a group exercise session and the distribution of door prizes to boost participant’s spirits and foster camaraderie among the attendees and the organizing team. The introductory material was presented by the research leader, Prof. Dr. Purnomo, M.S., discussed topics related to cultivation science, systematics, and the potential benefits for community agriculture.
On the same day, the presentation continued with a discussion led by Nurpuji Mumpuni, S.Si., M.Kes., regarding stunting prevention. The presentation covered the fundamental understanding and concept of stunting, as well as the dangers it poses. Subsequently, using milk pumpkin as an example, Puji highlighted the potential of milk pumpkin as a nutritious resource, especially for toddlers, in preventing stunting due to its high nutritional content. Through this activity, it is hoped that knowledge about stunting will be enhanced within the community, primarily as a preventative measure.
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the PCM MBKM-2023 team that includes students of Faculty Biology UGM, namely Rahmi Qurrota Aeni, Nala Azkiya, Lena Mardiana, Nurrisma Ika Lestari, and Kanya Nabila Febrirani with supervisor Mrs. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S. Si., M.Sc. has carried out the implementation of Independent Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) activities in the Klayar Tourism Village. This program was carried out to improve the economy of the Klayar Farmer Group in Kedungpoh Village, Nglipar Gunung Kidul, together with Mr. Didik Purnomo as the MBKM partner. This activity continues last year’s community service program on organic chrysanthemum cultivation. However, this year, we use shallots as plants to be cultivated.
This activity began with consolidation with Mr. Didik Purnomo to prepare for needs in organic shallot cultivation. After that, the Pkm MBKM-2023 student planted and trained for planting shallots. During the shallot planting training activities, students were guided by Mr. Didik and the Klayar Farmers Group to grow in the fields and the greenhouse. Students are taught how to plant shallots starting from preparing the seeds to how to produce them. This activity will continue with other programs, such as outreach to the Klayar Farmers Group regarding shallot processing to increase the community’s economic value.