The National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) is an annual event organized by the Faculty of Biology. The 4^th SNBT this year was held on Saturday, July 25, 2020, and conducted online via the Cisco Webex application. The seminar focuses on discussing: “Big Data Utilization in the management of Indonesia Biodiversity in the Digital Era.” It was attended by 70 oral presenters, 17 poster presenters, and 63 participants from various Indonesia regions. The invited speakers were Dr. Thomas Barano, an expert conservation scientist from WWF Indonesia who presented: “Using Big Data to Strengthen Indonesia’s Biodiversity Policy”; Prof. Dr. Roshicon Ubaidillah, M. Phill, from the Biology Research Center of LIPI, who presented: “Integrity and Accessibility of Big Data on Indonesian Biodiversity: Challenges and Opportunities”; and Prof. Dr. Purnomo, M.S., Professor of the Faculty of Biology discussing about: “The Big Data of Plant Diversity from Taxonomic Perspectives.” There were six sub-topics, including: Exploration of Tropical Biodiversity, Bioinformatics, Bio-prospection, Tropical Bio-functionality, The Use of Big Data, and Digital Applications for Biodiversity Research and Education. All selected manuscripts will be published in national journals and international journals accredited by Sinta 2, including JTBB, Al Kauniyah Journal, Biogenesis Journal, Biodiversity Journal, and LIPI Biology News Journal. In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, hopes that this event can help participants to study, utilize and develop, and preserve biodiversity in Indonesia.

The Faculty of Biology UGM organized the second Biotalk, a talk show discussing biology-related issues from a multi-sector perspective. The second Biotalk was held on Thursday, June 25, 2020 inviting distinguished speakers: Prof. Dr. Suharsono (LIPI Coral Reef Expert / UGM Biology Alumni 1974), Prof. Dr. E.K.S Harini Muntasib M.S. (Faculty of Forestry IPB / UGM Biology Alumni 1973), and Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto (Faculty of Biology UGM / Alumni of Biology UGM 1975).

Prof. Dr. Suharsono discussed the strategy of managing biodiversity and marine ecosystems. On a positive note, in his opinion, the Covid19 pandemic reduces the exploitation of natural resources, allowing the ecosystem to recover. The second speaker, Prof. Dr. EX. Harini Muntasid, M.S., presented about forest management, proposing that the Covid19 pandemic might occur due to the increased interaction between humans and wildlife, thus facilitating the spread of the unknown virus. Prof. Harini also suggested the importance of a balanced approach between economy and socio-culture, so that the community can feel the benefit and responsibility in preserving the environment. Lastly, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto talked about “Lake: multi-sectoral aspects and risk analysis from the biological perspective.” In his presentation, he elaborated about the development of the lake’s function as a reservoir to prevent flooding, irrigation, fisheries, aquaculture, hydropower, and tourism. The next biotalk will discuss about bio-forensic, which is expected to be a source of information that help to enlighten and educate the public.

The National Police’s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team has identified 29 victims of the Sriwijaya Air SJ 182 tragedy. Until now, the DVI Team has received approximately 351 DNA samples from the victims to be identified. In response, the Faculty of Biology organized the 12th Biotalks discussing: Application of Molecular Genetics in the Identification of Airplane Accident Victims. It was held on Monday, January 18, 2021, inviting two speakers; Kombes. (Pur) Drs. Putut Tjahjo Widodo, DFM, M.Si. (Ex. Head of DNA Lab. PUSDOKKES POLRI; Biology Alumni 1981), Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. (Genetics Researcher; Biology Alumni 1984) and moderated by Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, M.Si. (Immunobiologist; Biology Alumni 1988).

The first speaker, Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., explained the history of DNA discovery. DNA is the genetic material that can be used to identify victims of airplane crashes. DNA analysis of plane crash victims can use DNA samples from muscle tissue, bone tissue, or molars. The second speaker, Kombes. (Pur) Drs. Putut Tjahjo Widodo, DFM, M.Si., explained that samples used in the forensic field are fingerprints, odontology, DNA, and medical data. The identification process of accident victims is a collaborative effort of various agencies: police, medicine, researchers, and TNI.

Vietnam is considered successful in farming lobster for commercial needs. Therefore, recently, rumors of re-opening the lobster seed exports to Vietnam were circulating. In response, the Faculty of Biology organized the 10th biotalks discussing: The Role of Biology in the Conservation of Lobster Biodiversity. It was held on Thursday, December 10, 2020, with speakers: Drs. Trijoko, M.Si. (Expert on Animal Systematics and Carcinology, Faculty of Biology UGM), Effendy Wong (Chair of the Indonesian Marine Fish Cultivators Association), Prof. Dr. Haryanti, M.S. (Main Expert Researcher of the Center for Marine Cultivation Research and Fisheries Extension; UGM Alumni F.Biology 1976) and moderated by Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si, M.Sc.

The first speaker, Drs. Trijoko, M.Si., presented on the Role of Biology in the Conservation of Lobster Cultivation in Indonesia. Lobster exports have been steadily increasing in recent years; however, it results in side effects of environmental damage. Efforts should be made to prevent environmental damage, for example, the development of sea farming. Also, it is necessary to conduct a study on natural larvae feed and nurseries. In addition, Prof. Dr. Haryanti, M.S., as the second speaker, discussed the preservation of lobster populations in nature. She mentioned that, to prevent overexploitation, it is necessary to restore lobster resources. For example, it can be done by producing adults with mature gonads and release them into the wild. The last speaker, Effendy Wong, discussed the conditions of lobsters in the wild and the potential of lobster seeds in Indonesia. He believed that Indonesia, with its abundant seed availability, should develop lobster cultivation on its own.

From the first case of Covid-19, one year has passed. The pandemic is still not over, but it is starting to see a bright spot with vaccines being developed by researchers worldwide. Vaccine distribution was ongoing, and suddenly there was news that the Sars-Cov-2 virus was mutating and causing concern around the world. Vaccines are the main hope for ending the pandemic, so what is the role of the biologist? In response, the Faculty of Biology organized the 11th Biotalks, with the theme: Mutation of SARS-CoV-2 and the Role of Biology in Vaccine Development in Indonesia. It was held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, inviting three speakers: Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, M.Si. (Immunobiologist; Biology Alumni 1988), Tedjo Sasmono, Ph.D. (Eijkman Institute Molecular Biology Researcher; Biology Alumni 1989), Ririn Ramadhany, Ph.D. (Virology researcher; Biology Alumni 2002) and moderated by Fajar Sofyantoro, Ph.D.

The first speaker, Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, M.Si. presenting a lecture on Biological Sciences in Vaccine Development. Vaccines can be developed from various platforms: synthetic peptides, RNA, DNA, recombinants, virus-like particles, etc. He explained that the manufacture and development of this vaccine is a work that takes a long time and involves many people; therefore, it needs synergy from all parties. Ririn Ramadhany, Ph.D., as the second speaker, discussed virus mutations and the role of biology in vaccine development. The Sars Cov-2 virus is rapidly undergoing genetic mutations, but it is still unknown what impact this will have on the vaccine being developed. The last speaker, Tedjo Sasmono, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of understanding basic science when studying S1 at the Faculty of Biology. Also, because of the high level of urgency, development of Covid-19 vaccine can be accelerated to around six months. It is proof that science is always developing and useful in anticipating the emergence of a pandemic.

The Faculty of Biology UGM held a series of discussion programs (BioTalk), a talk show discussing biology issues from a multi-sector perspective. The first series of BioTalk was held on Thursday 11 June 2020 and raised the theme of “The strategy of creative industry and tourism in facing the new normal.” The BioTalk invited several speakers, including Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. (Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. Agus Rochiyardi, M.M. (Marketing Director of the Borobudur Authority Agency), and Drs. Ario S. Setiadi, MM, Ph.D., CPM, DipM, CHRM (Commissioner of PT. Widatra Bhakti (Otsuka Group).

Budi Setiadi Daryono talked about the history and genetics of the SARS Cov 2 virus and emphasized the critical role of biology scientists in dealing with pandemics.

Meanwhile, Agus Rochiyardi presented the strategy of the tourism industry in facing the new normal. In his presentation, Agus concluded that a survival strategy could be carried out through reinventing the business model, focusing on the domestic market, utilizing online marketing strategies, and mapping the priority scale of financing.

The next speaker was Ario Setiadi, who discussed the creative economy industry in the new normal era. In his presentation, he conveyed that the opportunity to develop a creative economy in Indonesia is enormous. The development of a digital lifestyle has made it easier for communication media to reach most of the community, thus facilitating the marketing process. Ario hopes that the university can play an active role in supporting students’ business. For the next talk, the Biotalks series will discuss tropical biodiversity and strive to be a talk program providing information that enlightens and educates the public.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Peter van Bodegom, a professor of environmental biology from Leiden University, gave a guest lecture entitled “Biodiversity from Space.” The lecture was opened by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service and Cooperation, Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App. In his presentation, Prof. Peter explained that biodiversity does not occur randomly; biodiversity is neatly arranged in order. The highest biodiversity could be found at the equator and decreasing gradually towards the poles.

The lecture was held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Class 1, Building B of the Faculty of Biology, and was attended by students from undergraduates until the doctoral program whose research interests are in the field of ecology. This lecture is part of the follow-up program to the MoU between UGM and Leiden University.

During the promotion of Erasmus plus scholarship in UGM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jūratė Žaltauskaitė (senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania), pleased to attend and gave lectures at the Faculty of Biology. The guest lecture was held from March 9 to 10, 2020, and focused on managing the environment. The lecture on the first day was held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, entitled “Introduction to VMU and Environment Research.” It was attended by students from undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. In his lecture, Jūratė shared his experiences on how to get an Erasmus plus scholarship and study at VMU Lithuania.

On the second day, the lectures were divided into sessions, the morning and the afternoon session. The morning session was held in the tropical biology auditorium, with the title “Climate change observations in higher latitudes and effects on plants.” In this presentation, Jūratė discussed that human, animal, and plant life is mainly dependent on the climate condition.

The lecture in the afternoon session focused on the “Effect of total cadmium and lead concentrations in soil on the growth, reproduction, and survival of earthworm Eisenia fetida.” In this lecture, Jūratė explained that worms are the only vital species determining soil biomass, so earthworms are vital in the soil food chain.

Thursday, January 30, 2020, Anna Firdhousi Nuzula, a student from the Faculty of Biology, left for Germany to participate in the Youth For Understanding (YFU) scholarship program. This program encourages cross-border collaboration, especially among young people who are pioneers in driving the development of Indonesia’s culture.

In this program, participants get a free tutoring program for one week to learn about Germany’s culture and business. YFU participants representing Indonesia consisted of 6 children from Sumatra and Jakarta. While in Germany, the group was joined by Indonesian students who had studied in Germany for a long time.

This program’s objective is to enable developing countries, including Indonesia, to improve their vocational training systems.

Comment:

I hope that participating in this program could promote global networks that bring together youth, companies, and innovative industries at the local level that develop Indonesian culture’s character.

The Faculty of Biology successfully obtained international accreditation from ASIIN Germany for the Undergraduate Program and AUN (Asian University Network) Accreditation for the Master’s Program. Hence, in the commitment of improving the quality of the learning environment for students, the Faculty of Biology organizes public lectures by speakers from distinguished universities in the world.

On July 23rd, the Faculty of Biology organized a public lecture by Dr. Farid Asif Shaheen from PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, with the title of “Socioecology of Insects.” The public lecture was attended by lecturers, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. In his presentation, Dr. Farid Asif Shaheen revealed that social insects’ biomass, including various types of ants, termites, and bees, is greater than the entire biomass of mammals living on earth. “However, only 1% of social insects have been studied. Therefore, social insects’ topic should be considered one of the critical research fields. For example, leafcutter ants show herbivorous activity exceeding that of herbivorous mammals, “said Dr. Farid Asif Shaheen.

Also, at this event, the Dean proposed collaborations between the Faculty of Biology and PMAS Arid Agriculture University Pakistan in the fields of joint research, student exchange, and summer course programs.