Biology students Universitas Gadjah Mada (S1) made another achievement at the 2nd International Conference of Biology for Students (ICOBIOS) X Open Bioproject Competition (OBC) 2023 held at Brawijaya University on November 12-14, 2023. This remarkable achievement was achieved by Denova Team composed of Darren Nicholas Rahmanto (Biologi 2021) and Muhammad Naufal Dzakwan Luzen (Biologi 2021) under guidance of Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si.

The 2nd International Conference of Biology for Students (ICOBIOS) x Open Bioproject Competition (OBC) 2023 has the theme ”Inovative Approach in Investigating Biological Problem through Multidisciplinary Research and Startup” aimed to accelerate collaboration and enhance understanding of various biological aspect for young researchers. The competition was held from July to November 2023 and had several stages, including abstract submission, abstract announcement, proposal submission, presentation and ceremonial event.

The Denova team addresses the widespread occurrence of potato diseases caused by Streptomyces scabies, significantly reducing potato production productivity. Therefore, the team proposes a solution to expedite and enhance the sensitivity of detecting Streptomyces scabies in potatoes. It is hoped that with this innovation, farmers can implement this improved detection method, optimizing potato productivity.

UGM students have successfully discovered the neuroprotective benefits of Javanese chili kombucha as a functional beverage for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This research was led by Eri Dwi Suyanti along with Salma Mutiara Tsani, Fithratun Nastiti, Wafiq Hanifah, and Marcellino Maatita. The researchers, from various disciplines at UGM including medicine, biology, and pharmacy, collaborated to unveil the potential of Javanese chili kombucha in the medical field. This study was conducted under the guidance of dr. Arta Farmawati, Ph.D. The research focusing on Javanese chili was submitted under the Student Creativity Program for Exact Sciences (PKM-RE) and received funding support for the entire research process, from obtaining ethical clearance to experiment financing. The support was provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek).

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and AD are diseases with increasing prevalence as age advances. It’s predicted that by 2050, AD patients in Indonesia will reach 3,999,285. Unfortunately, current therapies for T2DM patients cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Javanese chili contains the bioactive compound piperine, which has anti-diabetic effects and can be developed into a functional kombucha beverage. Kombucha is a fermented drink known for its anti-hyperglycemic effects. The research revealed that the bioactive compounds in Javanese chili kombucha exhibit significant benefits. Javanese chili kombucha could provide neuroprotective benefits by inhibiting an enzyme activity linked to AD in T2DM patients. Moreover, animal trials demonstrated that Javanese chili kombucha could maintain spatial memory in test mice. This study brings new hope in AD treatment through the natural wealth of Indonesia. The researchers aim to further this knowledge into clinical trials, envisioning a future where this research actively protects T2DM patients at risk of AD complications.[Author: Marcellino Maatita]

Two students from the Faculty of Biology, University of Gadjah Mada, Novia Noor Rachmawati and Rachmawati Dwi Hasanah have participated in the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference with the theme “Transforming Healthcare Horizons in Indonesia”. This conference was held on November 18 2023 at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, Depok City, West Java.

The international conference started at 09.00 with a keynote speech by Dr. Prasandhya Astagiri Yusuf, Head of the Medical Technology Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI). The event continued with panelist session 1 which was presented by Mr. Kazuo Miyazaki, CEO of MICAN Technologist as an opening presentation. The speakers for this panelist discussion session 1 presented Dr. Siti Fauziyah Rahman, Dr. Hasballah Zakaria, S.T., M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Bachti Alisjahbana and Dr. Shuhei Tanami as the moderator. Discussion in panelist session 1 raised the topic “Advancing Healthtech towards Medial Inclusivity”.

The Research Splash presentation session was held in the middle of the event, after Panelist Session 1. In the Research Splash session, 9 researchers were selected to present their research for 3 minutes. Out of the 9 presenters, two of them were undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada. Novia Noor Rachmawati, the second presenter, presented her paper titled “A Preliminary Study: The Effect of Colchicine on the Ploidy of Local Strain Euglena sp. Isolated from Indonesia”. This presentation is a thesis topic under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc. and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc. Rachmawati Dwi Hasanah the fifth presenter presented her presentation entitled “Polyploidization of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Using Colchicine and Biocatharantine”. The presentation was a thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc. The poster session, which concluded the series of Research Splash events, was held for 1 hour and was attended by visitors from Indonesia and Japan. In this session, a question and answer session was held between the researchers and the visitors on the research posters displayed. This sesion was followed by photo documentation with all speakers, presenters, committee members, and visitors. The event ended at 17.00 WIB.

This hyper-disciplinary conference discussed a lot about the medical and agricultural fields and their developments in improving human welfare through their extraordinary innovations, both those that have been implemented and those still in research and experimentation. This is consistent with SDG #2 on ending hunger, #3 on health and prosperity, and #9 on economy, innovation and infrastructure. For students, such meetings provide an opportunity for gaining new knowledge and understanding which may improve the quality of their thinking and indeed their behavior. This is consistent with SDG #4 (quality education). It will also provide an excellent opportunity for professionals and businesses to forge mutually beneficial links and partnerships with the same overriding aim: to improve the well-being of people. This is consistent with SDG #17 (Partnership for the Goals).

On Saturday, November 8, 2023, the continuation of the Community Service Program (PkM) in the Partner Village of the Faculty of Biology at UGM was carried out under the leadership of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. along with Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. from the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Agriculture. This community service program entitled “Cultivation of Superior Local Longan with Bee Pollinators-Based Integrated Farming to Enhance Community Productivity in Sinduadi Village.” The activities consist of socialization on Zero Waste Life as a manifestation of Circular Economy to bolster the economy of the Sinduadi village in Mlati, Sleman. Additionally, it involved the distribution of 10 longan seedlings and socialization regarding plant pests and diseases affecting chili peppers and longan.

The event commenced with a presentation by the PkM-MBKM team focusing on Zero Waste Life as an embodiment of Circular Economy to strengthen the economy of Sinduadi village in Mlati, Sleman. During this presentation, discussions centered around the understanding of zero waste, its concepts, steps to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, and the correlation between zero waste and circular economy. Zero waste emphasizes policies that reduce the use of single-use products and can be implemented through five zero waste concepts: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. Practical implementation includes shopping with personal containers, avoiding single-use products, segregating organic and inorganic waste, and consuming food according to a pre-planned menu. Implementing zero waste aligns with circular economy principles that emphasize reprocessing used goods.

The program proceeded with the distribution of fertilizer by Dr. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. from the Faculty of Biology at UGM to the head of the Farmer Group in Sinduadi, Mlati, and the handover of 10 longan plant seedlings by Mr. Yusuf Sulaiman, S.I.P., a longan cultivation practitioner from Sawitsari Research Station, Faculty of Biology at UGM. Following this, there was a socialization on plant pests and diseases, specifically those affecting chili peppers and longan, delivered by Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. The discussion covered common diseases found in chili plants such as bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, yellow virus, and leaf spots. Meanwhile, diseases affecting longan trees include gloesporium spots, black roots, Fusarium wilt, and pestalotia spots. The event concluded with the distribution of a booklet on plant pest diseases by Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. to the head of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Sinduadi, Mlati.

This activity received enthusiastic participation from the Farmer Group in Sinduadi Village. This program is expected to enhance knowledge and introduce appropriate cultivation techniques for longan plant production, thereby contributing to the economic strengthening of the community in Sinduadi Village.

On Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 08:00, Field Technique I: Social Project was conducted under the theme ‘Start Your Cation, Make Your Garden.’ The event aimed to provide information regarding the execution of the Social Project as the culmination of the open recruitment process for Prospective New Members of KSAT 2023 (Prospective Seedlings). The objective of Field Technique I: Social Project was to inform participants about the upcoming activities within the social project and assignments related to garden design, which will serve as a reference for creating the garden during the social project implementation.

The event commenced with an opening address and prayer by the MC, Sefilla Musdalifah (KSAT 2021), in Room 2 of Building B, Faculty of Biology, UGM. It was followed by a brief presentation by Johs Carlo Edison Abon (KSAT 2022) providing an overview of the social project’s execution, along with a question-and-answer session between the presenter and the prospective members (caseed). Following the conclusion of the presentation session, a brainstorming session was held to design the garden, merging scientific knowledge with the caseed’s input. The outcomes from this brainstorming session will be presented by the caseed during Field Technique II, scheduled for Saturday, November 26, 2023. Field Technique I proceeded smoothly and concluded on time. The implementation of this event aimed to ensure that prospective members or seedlings of KSAT 2023 have a comprehensive understanding of the preparations and execution required for the Social Project 2023. [Author: Social Project Committee KSAT 2023].”

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) conducted a highly productive visit to Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) on November 17, 2023. The delegation consisted of Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources.

The purpose of this visit was to identify opportunities and to sign MOU for collaboration in the fields of education and research between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the Division of Life Sciences at JBNU. The primary focus of the visit was on student exchange, research cooperation, double degree programs, and other forms of collaboration. The Faculty of Biology delegation toured the advanced research facilities at JBNU, gaining a deep understanding of the potential for collaboration in research.

Dr. Bambang Retnoaji stated, “We are very enthusiastic about the collaboration opportunities that can be found through this visit. Jeonbuk National University has a strong reputation in biological research, and we believe that this collaboration can bring significant benefits to both institutions.”

Dr. Slamet Widiyanto added, “This step is a very important beginning in strengthening the relationship between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Jeonbuk National University. We hope to develop joint initiatives that can enhance the quality of education and research at both.

This collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for students and researchers at both universities, expanding their knowledge through the exchange of information and experiences. With this initial step, the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Jeonbuk National University are committed to building a sustainable and mutually beneficial collaboration.

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) is one of the leading higher education institutions in South Korea, internationally recognized for its research and innovation. The Division of Life Sciences at JBNU has successfully carried out various research projects that have had a significant impact on the development of biological sciences.

This collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to international recognition in accordance with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs 17, namely partnerships in achieving sustainable goals. Apart from that, this collaboration is also in line with the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to improving the quality of inclusive and quality education (SDGs 4) and competing with the world’s best institutions.

The Entomology Study Group (KSE) organized an Entrepreneurship Seminar with the theme “Business Potential of Klanceng Bees in the Digital Era: A Case Study of Local Breeders” on Saturday, November 11, 2023. The Entrepreneurship Seminar took place from 3:00 to 5:00 PM WIB at Wisma Merbabu, Kaliurang, in conjunction with the KSE XXV Hatching Training and Entotalk #2 activities. The event aimed to provide knowledge and skills related to entrepreneurship and identify potential business opportunities in the field of Entomology. The activity was attended by KSE members and guided by Novia Noor (KSE XXII) and Adzkiya Aqmaliza (KSE XXIII).

The Entrepreneurship Seminar featured Mr. Setyo Adi Winarno, S.Si. as a successful breeder and entrepreneur of Klanceng bees with extensive connections as the speaker. The topics covered an introduction to Klanceng bees, explanations of derivative products such as beeswax and propolis, the search for Klanceng bee seeds and breeding, the benefits of Klanceng bee honey, tips and tricks for entrepreneurs, and more. Participants enthusiastically paid attention to the presentation of these topics and posed interesting questions. After the Q&A session, the event concluded with the distribution of souvenirs and group documentation. [Author: KSE]

Entomology Study Group (KSE) organized a series of activities as part of their Open Recruitment initiative, namely the Hatching Training and welcoming party. The Hatching Training aimed to solidify the knowledge of KSE ‘Eggs’ (new members) about entomology through presentations of mini-research projects they had conducted, serving as a requirement to advance to the ‘Larva’ stage. Following the Hatching Training, a welcoming party was held to welcome the ‘Hatched’ Eggs who had progressed to the Larva stage and to strengthen the sense of camaraderie among active KSE members and the newly initiated ones. Both events took place at Wisma Merbabu, Kaliurang, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The series of activities began on the first day, Saturday, November 11, starting at 09:45 AM and concluded on the second day, November 12, with the welcoming party until 11:00 AM. The entire series of activities was attended by the Eggs and active KSE members.

On the first day, Saturday, November 11, 2023, the events were led by Sheva Rimma Dhanty (KSE XXIII) and commenced with mini-research presentations by the Eggs at 09:45 AM. During this session, each group of Eggs presented the results of their previously conducted mini-research. Subsequently, the activities continued with an Entotalk seminar and an Entrepreneurship Seminar focusing on entomology and its practical applications. In the evening, there were art performances by each group of Eggs and lively games. The following day began with a morning exercise session, followed by a promotion ceremony overseen by the BPMK (Quality Assurance Board) of KSE. The Eggs ‘hatched’ into Larvae, Larvae progressed to Pupae, and finally, Pupae transformed into Imagos according to their respective fields of interest.

Following the promotion ceremony, the activities continued with the Welcoming Party, aiming to welcome the new KSE members who had completed the Open Recruitment series of events. All KSE members enthusiastically shared their messages and impressions about the conducted events. Additionally, awards were presented to selected nominees and game winners. The entire series of events concluded at 11:00 AM, and after packing up, the group returned to the Faculty of Biology, UGM. [Author: KSE]”

[MBKM] The Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Research Team of the Faculty of Biology, UGM led by Prof. Dra. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, accompanied by Dr. Syahputra Wibowo, and supported by collaborator Dra. Agnes Heratri, M.P. from CV Pradipta Paramita along with six student members: Cintya Angelina, Diani Nur Dzakiyah, Lutfi Maulana, Mutiara Tri Wulandari, Melvira Alifianti Putri Sopyan, and Pratama Atha Nafi conducted the MBKM Research activity for the Odd Semester 2023-2024 (September – November 2023). The research focused on the development of Telang-based beverage products. This topic aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, aiming to promote a healthy and prosperous life.

Through the proposal titled “Development of Telang Plants as Health Beverages and Plant Pesticides in CV Pradipta Paramita,” the MBKM Research activity for the Odd Semester involved creating social media accounts and designing packaging for the most favored variant of Telang-based beverages. During the Even Semester of 2022-2023, organoleptic tests were conducted on six Telang beverage variants, identifying “Lemon-Collagen” as the most favored flavor. Hence, the team proposed an eco-friendly packaging design aligned with the “Lemon-Collagen” flavor.

Additionally, the team initiated the creation of a social media account on TikTok (@tuangtelang). The @tuangtelang TikTok account comprises various content types, including ‘a day in my life’ showcasing the team’s daily activities from harvesting Telang flowers to laboratory processing. There are tutorials on creating refreshing Telang-based drinks and explanations regarding myths or facts related to Telang plants’ health benefits. Through this social media platform, the aim is to capture the attention of the general public, especially the younger generation, regarding the utilization of Telang plants.

Universitas Gadjah Mada organized one of its annual events commemorating its 74th anniversary, the UGM Outstanding Individuals Awards Night 2023. The event took place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Grha Sabha Pramana UGM. Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, S.H., LL.M, the Secretary of UGM, reported that 72 individuals were honored at the UGM Outstanding Individuals Awards Night 2023. The categories of recognition included outstanding alumni, exemplary faculty and researchers, best publications, community service, Outstanding Lecturer UGM-Level, knowledge dissemination through documentary videos, innovative learning via MOOC, MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka) program coordinators, Outstanding staff, and Outstanding students.The Rector of UGM Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., expressed that the purpose of these awards was to motivate and appreciate UGM’s alumni, community, and all units at the university that have demonstrated outstanding contributions and performance, benefiting UGM and impacting the wider society.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM had a moment of pride as one of its lecturers, Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si, M.Sc., Ph.D., was among the recipients. She received the award for Outstanding International Lecturer in the Field of Community Service. This recognition was earned through the “Smart Integrated Education System of Agrotourism Community Services” project, previously awarded as an Outstanding Flagship Project in the RCE (Regional Centre of Expertise) Awards for Innovative Projects on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) 2023. The program highlighted agricultural potential in Sendangsari and Sidomulyo villages in Pengasih, Kulon Progo, involving UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN) team to build agriculture-based sustainable tourism villages. The contribution and participation of stakeholders and residents from both villages were key factors in the success of the program. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si, M.Sc., Ph.D expressed that the UGM Outstanding Individuals Award was an acknowledgment of the team’s efforts, particularly the KKN UGM student team, showcasing strategic issues, dedication, and synergy with the community. Furthermore, she hoped for continuous innovation, growth, and collaborative problem-solving in UGM’s community service activities, aiming to produce solutions collectively for societal challenges.