On March 4 2023, the Postgraduate Student Society KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM held a Postgraduate Student Gathering (TAKSA) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event started at 08.00 WIB, opened by the MCs Wildan Alfian Fahmi, S.Si and Fanny Sukma Sundari, S.Si. The offline remark was given by the chairman of the Biology KMP, Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si. followed by online remarks by the Head of the Masters Study Program, Dr. ret. Nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si. M.Si and the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. The event was guided by the moderator, Ina Karlina, S.Si.

The TAKSA activity was continued with a Talk Show, which was started by the first speaker, Mukhlish Jamal Holle, S.Sc., M.Env.Sc conveying the need for compatibility between interests and talents with goals to be achieved and the importance of self-contribution in order to be able to spread benefits to the surrounding life. The talk show was continued by the second speaker, Basith Kuncoro Adji, S.Sc., M.Sc, who conveyed the importance of soft skills to expand opportunities when becoming a job seeker.

The activity continued with a game using Quiziz which totaled 15 questions which were won by three participants. They choose members ranging from seven to eight participants to proceed to the next game round, namely the National Insight Test (TWK). The winner of the entire game round ends with the awarding of prizes. The closing of TAKSA ended with a prayer by Rizal Muhammad Rifa’I, S.Pd and photo documentation.

The Faculty of Biology UGM again held a Public Lecture on Thursday 2 February 2023 which was filled in by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Sauer, Dipl. Natw. ETH., Deputy Head of The Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria, with the title “Role of Microorganisms in Bioprocess #2”. The public lecture was held in the Auditorium Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM and was attended by lecturers and students as a continuation of last week’s public lecture with a similar title. In the previous lecture, he encouraged the need for more intensive research on native Indonesian microorganisms as a source of biorefinery-based bioplastics.

On this occasion, Prof. Michael returned to continue delivering material on the topic of bioprocess. Prof. Michael explained about the use of alternative carbon sources as a medium in the production of fine chemicals using microbes. The public lecture by him at the Faculty of Biology ended with the enthusiasm of the students during the question and answer session and closed with the presentation of souvenirs from the Faculty of Biology UGM, represented by Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, M.Sc. The implementation of this public lecture is one of a series of activities from BOKU University’s visit to the UGM Faculty of Biology.

Bimo Rizki Abdusshamad, a 2020 IUP Biology UGM program student, has succeeded in becoming a NIGINTERN 2023 intern at the National Institute of Genetics (NIG)/Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Japan, based on an announcement made on the NIGINTERN official website last March 1. After returning from the USA through the IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Award) program and becoming an exchange student at UC Davis, Bimo’s curiosity about programs and opportunities for international exposure continues to increase. Bimo’s interest in and passion for coffee is very high. He feels that the potential for Indonesian coffee in the industrial world and exports have proven to be enormous. Therefore, he will also study coffee not only in the business field but also in the research sector, namely in the field of plant biotechnology which has a well-known laboratory at the Faculty of Biology UGM where Bimo is currently studying.

In early January, with the recommendation letter from Prof. Dr Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. and Nur Indah Septriani S.Sc., M.Sc., PhD, Bimo persistently enrolled as an intern at NIG (National Institute of Genetics). At the institution, he will undergo the intern program for one and a half months in the Plant Cytogenetics laboratory. The selection rate for this internship acceptance is very tight. Every year, only nine people from all over the world get accepted and will work at NIG. This year, more than 1,000 people, both undergraduate and master programs from many universities around the globe have registered, and Bimo is the only Indonesian chosen in 2023. Bimo will leave for Japan on June 15, 2023, fully funded by NIG company. Bimo thought this was a great opportunity to explore Japan for the first time, and also to meet fellow exchange program friends from Japan while he was attending the IISMA program at the University of California, Davis, USA.

The batch of the 2022 Student Team from the Faculty of Biology UGM chaired by Birrul Qisty Mutmainnah Nazara with her two colleagues Firchamy Vuqi Aulia and Anisah Qurrotu’Ainii won 3rd place in the National Scientific Writing Competition under the guidance of Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo S.Si. This competition was organized by the Porseni of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara from January 5th to February 25th, 2023 with the theme “Implementation of the Smart Farming Concept in Realizing Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia after the Covid-19 Pandemic”. The activity took place in three stages, abstract submission, full paper submission, and the final event which was the presentation of works for the 10 teams that passed in front of the jury.

This time, Qisty and her team chose the agro-complex subtheme, with the working title “Implementation of the Grafting-Digital Gene Expression Method on Cacao Plants (Theobroma cacao) as a Leading Commodity in the IKN Region (Capital of the Archipelago)“. The background for writing this scientific paper is the problem of flooding that occurred in one of the IKN sub-districts and the threat of decreasing cocoa production in the region. Based on the problems that have been described in the area, Qisty and the team plan to find a solution by initiating a breakthrough of a grafting method based on the Digital Gene Expression Profile which shows the compatibility of the two plants to be grafted.

Through this method, two types of cacao plant varieties are combined to produce high-quality plants that are resistant to pests and diseases caused by flooding which are expected to become the leading commodity of IKN. Through this work, Qisty and her team also hope to provide benefits of the application of Digital Gene Expression Profile-based grafting technology to the public. They also hope, through this competition, they can encourage and motivate other students.

Yogyakarta, Friday, March 10, 2023 – The Entomology Study Group (KSE) of the Faculty of Biology UGM collaborated with the Play Group Committee and RA Baiturrohmah Drono held a study assistance themed “Get to Know Insects Closer.” This event held at the Baiturrohmah Drono School Mosque, Tridadi, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Through this event, as many as 50 children from the playgroup level enthusiastically participated in learning assistance activities like singing, introducing insects, and making simple handicrafts. The program was hosted by Mami Dian Sartika, the Head of Baiturrohmah Drono Play Group, and KSE activists from the Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity aims to hold a branding festival by introducing KSE and the field of entomology to external parties or the public. This time it would be learning assistance for early childhood.

The activity, which started at 09.00 am, contained presentations on insects by active members of KSE on the characteristics and examples of insects, the benefits and roles of insects for the surrounding environment, as well as the metamorphosis process of insects, especially butterflies. In addition, two active KSE members wore a ladybug (Epilachna admirabilis) and a bee (Apis cerana) costume to increase children’s interest in the material presented. After delivering the material, the activity continued with making butterfly handicrafts from Yakult packaging bottles, colorful paper, and skewers guided by KSE members. The activity ended at 10.30 am.

On Saturday, March 4 2023, a Seedling KSAT scientific material activities were carried out, namely Small Group Discussion 1 (SGD1). This Small Group Discussion was a garden style presentation by Seedling in accordance with the Landscape Architecture Pre-Aclimatization task previously assigned. The purpose of holding this Landscape Architecture Small Group Discussion is to increase Seedling’s knowledge about garden style and Seedling’s communication skills.

The SGD 1 began with the opening by the MC, Allya Heni (KSAT 2021) continued with an opening prayer and presentation. Presentations were made alternately by Seedling regarding the garden style obtained, which included the meaning and history of the garden style, the characteristics of the garden style, and the types of plants in the garden style. After finishing the presentation, it was followed by a discussion and question and answer session. Then, the SGD 1 was closed with a closing prayer and documentation.

The SGD 1 2023 went smoothly and on time. It is hoped that by holding this activity, the Seedling KSAT can improve basic understanding of landscape architecture, especially garden style. In addition, we hope that the KSAT can become more firmly rooted in penetrating civilization so that it can become a study group that has benefits for the academic and the wider community.

The Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) on March 4 2023 officially launched the Paphiopedilum javanicum Cabinet for the 2023 management period which is meaningful as a forum for scientific development related to orchids accompanied by synergy in harmony between BiOSC members, which will then be disseminated to the wider community. This is in accordance with the BiOSC strategic plan for 2023, namely the BiOSC publication. Publication can be publication of scientific articles or publication of popular articles as a result of scientific dissemination by BiOSC.

The BiOSC 2023 Work Meeting began with the Grand Launching of the Paphiopedilum javanicum Cabinet and a presentation of the BiOSC 2023 daily management structure. The activity was then continued with the presentation of the work program of each daily administrator. This activity is divided into two sessions. The first session is the presentation of work programs from the chairman, treasurer, secretary, scientific coordinator, research division coordinator, cultivation division coordinator, and conservation division coordinator. The next session was a question and answer session.

The activity continued with the presentation of the work program from the entrepreneurial coordinator, organizational coordinator, head of HRM, head of Public Relations and Networking, and head of Publication Media. The BiOSC 2023 work meeting is expected to be the start of a new enthusiasm for the Paphiopedilum javanicum cabinet in carrying out work programs for the next period.

Yogyakarta, Thursday, March 9, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in collaboration with the Belantara Foundation held a General Lecture with the theme “Conservation of Biodiversity in Indonesia and Career Opportunities in the Conservation Field”. The event was held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM, and was opened by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, guided by Akbar Reza, S.Sc., M.Sc. as a lecturer in the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The speaker in this general lecture is Dr. Dolly Priatna, Executive Director of the Belantara Foundation. He spoke about the importance of conserving biodiversity in Indonesia because it is currently facing various threats, such as climate change, deforestation, and other environmental damage. Dr. Dolly Priatna also explained that the field of conservation has very promising career potential in Indonesia. Currently, many organizations and institutions focus on biodiversity conservation, such as environmental foundations, conservation companies, and government agencies. In the conservation field, there are various career opportunities such as conservation biologist, conservation project manager, conservation policy expert, and so on.

The event was attended by 70 students from the Faculty of Biology UGM who are interested in conservation. They were also allowed to ask questions directly. This general lecture was successfully held and is expected to have a positive impact on increasing public awareness and understanding of diversity conservation.

Friday (10/03/23), was held the Opening of the 68th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Groundbreaking for the construction of the Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center (MSIBC) Building. This event was attended by all Lecturers, Education Staff, Dharma Wanita, and Student Representatives. The Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, MM., Director of Assets, Head of Procurement and Logistics Center (P2L), and some staff from KPTU UGM were also present.

During the opening ceremony, all participants took part in a line dance led by an instructor. The next event was a speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his remarks, Prof. Budi said regarding the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center (MSIBC) building which was built and designed to resemble an orchid seed. “What has become one of our icons is the orchid because it has been studied for 40 years,” explained Prof. Budi. The naming of the building using the name of Prof. Moeso Suryowinoto is an appreciation from the Faculty of Biology UGM for his dedication to developing the faculty and preserving orchids in Indonesia.

The Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, MM. was representing the UGM Rector delivered his remarks and appreciated the development of the MSIBC building in global biodiversity which continues to experience degradation. During the opening ceremony, eight pigeons were released by the Vice Rector, Head of the Faculty Senate, Dean, and Head of the 68th Anniversary steering committee. Furthermore, the groundbreaking of the MSIBC building by Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, MM., as a member of the university leadership together with Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and witnessed by the extended family of the late Prof. Moeso Suryowinoto. Closing the event, a prayer led by Arief Muammar, S.Sc., M.Sc. After that, all participants enjoyed the breakfast together provided by the committee.

On Sunday, March 12 2023, the inauguration of the Daily Management and the Syuro Council (Supervisory Board) of the Biology Moslem Student Society (JMMB UGM) was held at the Al-Hayat Mosque, Faculty of Biology UGM. The activity was attended by Dr.med.vet.drh. Hendry T.S.S.G.Saragih,M.P. as the Trustee of JMMB UGM and representatives of the Study Clubs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as representatives of the Campus and Faculty Da’wah Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The activity was guided by the MC, namely Salman Ali Nazar as the Staff for the Spread of Islam and Community Services at JMMB UGM, followed by the recitation of the holy verses of the Koran by Zikri Ilham Putranto. Furthermore, reading of the Pledge of the Inauguration of the Daily Management and the Syuro Council (Supervisory Board) of JMMB UGM by Dr.med.vet.drh. Hendry T.S.S.G.Saragih, M.P., After that was remarks from Mahbibul Labib Aqridho, the general chairman of JMMB UGM Period 1444-1445 H, continued with the Grand Launching of the “Lentera Cahaya” Cabinet as the new JMMB UGM cabinet for the 1444-1445 H period.

The Lentera Cahaya Cabinet in this year’s management has the big goal of making JMMB a vessel that can provide the most beautiful and enjoyable light and nuance of Islam for the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology UGM with the tagline “With Light, Life is More Colorful”. The event continued with the Working Meeting or the presentation of the work program of the Daily Management. This presentation describes the design of the one-year management work program, budget, evaluation of the management of the previous period, and new solutions and breakthroughs to achieve the success of the work program and da’wah. After the presentation, a discussion was held as an aspiration forum for all members of JMMB UGM 1444 H.