Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – Discussing small-scale shark fisheries in Indonesia is a never-ending topic. Sharks play a crucial role in the ecosystem from an ecological perspective and become a source of livelihood for many coastal communities. Unfortunately, generalization of negative stigma has become a challenge for fishermen whose alternative livelihoods are limited. This situation exacerbated by the lack of scientific data related to biological and ecological aspects of sharks or socio-economic factors, which are crucial in determining policy direction. These conditions form the foundation for YAPEKA’s initiative to organize a workshop titled “Small-scale shark fisheries in Indonesia, will it be sustainable?” in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries (KKP), the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB, and the Faculty of Biology at UGM, with full support from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Coastal and Marine Resource Management Agency (BPSPL) Makassar, WWF Indonesia, Thresher Shark Indonesia, Mobula Project Indonesia, Elasmobranch Project Indonesia, and the Rekam Nusantara Foundation.

This workshop is part of a series of discussions and dissemination activities related to small-scale shark fisheries research in Batuwingkung Village, Sangihe Regency, conducted by YAPEKA over the past year, funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), the Conservation Strategy Fund Indonesia (CSF), and supported by prototype team of the bekal pemimpin tiga from United in Diversity (UID). The research was led by Citra Septiani, M.Res (YAPEKA), Elisabeth Astari, S.Si (YAPEKA), and Akbar Reza, M.Sc, an expert in Ecology and staff at the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. This research and workshop also represent a form of collaboration between YAPEKA and the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Additionally, the research was assisted by YAPEKA Research Assistants, Abiomi Ciptoning Bentali, S.Pi (UNPAD), and Mega Senja Bramh, S.Pi (UB).

The main session, moderated by Heri (Independent Fisheries Consultant/Leader Preparation), featured Prof. Dr. Ir. Fredinan Yulianda (FPIK IPB University) emphasizing the importance of adaptive management in his presentation on “Conservation challenges and management status”. Similarly, Dr. Fahmi (BRIN) discussed the “Global conservation status of shark species ” highlighting the need for effective use of energy to regulate shark fisheries, for example, by strictly monitoring businesses. Representing BPSPL Makassar, Permana Yudiarso, S.T., M.T. stressed ongoing regulations such as quotas, size regulations, reporting, and licensing updates related to species included in Appendix II in his presentation on “Conservation implementation of shark resources in Sangihe Islands Regency”, including hopes for collaboration among various parties. Citra Septiani, M.Res (YAPEKA) then presented data related to the ecological and socio-economic aspects of shark fisheries in Batuwingkung, Sangihe, including potential future development alternatives to other business models. Dr. Alin Halimatussadiah (Head of the Environmental Economic Research Study Group FEB UI) responded to the data by discussing the process of livelihood switching for fishermen in an economic context involving a long and collaborative process.

On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) Biogama of the Faculty of Biology at UGM organized a Brainstorming session in Rooms 1 & 2 of Building B, Faculty of Biology, UGM, from 12:00 to 17:00 WIB. The event was attended by Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., KSK Biogama advisory lecturer, each Scientific class Coordinator, and KSK Biogama active members. The Brainstorming session guided by Zahwa Khoirun Nisa as the MC. The event began with an opening ceremony, followed by the singing of the KSK Biogama march, then proceeded with speeches from the advisory lecturer and the chairperson of KSK Biogama, Muhammad Ariq Alfito. The primary session of brainstorming started with an explanation of the mechanism for submitting questions through the Slido website, followed by evaluation presentations and research plans from each Scientific class, presented by the Class Coordinators and two expert members for 7 minutes each, followed by a comparative session on research from other Scientific Classes. Scientific Classes, including Algae, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Mollusca, and Pisces, actively participated in this session.

The brainstorming session continued with a Q&A session on the Slido website at 15:30 WIB after a 30-minute break. Through the Slido website the audience could anonymously submit questions to the Scientific Classes. All questions then answered by the Class Coordinators and two expert members. Numerous questions emerged from the audience, and the Scientific Classes provided comprehensive answers, with some questions that could not be addressed during the session to be answered online through WhatsApp group.

The event proceeded with a discussion session on the evaluation and future research expectations for KSK Biogama. Representatives from three generations, Junior, Intermediate, and Expert, each presented their group’s evaluation results and expectations to the audience. They each appreciated the presented evaluations and expectations.

The ultimate brainstorming activity was the announcement of internship placements for Junior D24 members by the Scientific Coordinator, Renisha Windy Puspita Sari. The Brainstorming session concluded with a group photo. Subsequently, after the Brainstorming session, the iftar gathering event began at 17:00 with bonding among KSK members. While enjoying their iftar meal, members asked to fill out a menti meter to vote for the Best dress code. Afterward, members were given time for the Maghrib prayer until 18:45. The event concluded with the announcement and awarding of the Best Dresscode, followed by a closing ceremony.

On Friday-Saturday, 15-16 March 2024, the graduate student association (KMP) organized an upgrading and work meeting at Auditorium Biologi Tropika Faculty of Biology UGM, with the theme “ Strengthening Professionalism and Solidarity of Management in Realizing Collaborative KMP “ aimed to strengthen the solidarity of the executives and provide tangible work programs for KMP. This activity also provides insights and an understanding of professionalism in the organizational world.

The upgrading activity held on 15 March 2024 began at 15.30 WIB. The activity was opened by the Master of Ceremony, Aryan Mustamin, S.Si, and continued with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the UGM Biology March. The event continued with remarks by the chairman of KMP, Wahyulfatwatul Umam AS, S.Si, followed by a discussion session. The discussion topics revolved around the KMP organization with three speakers, namely Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si as the 2022-2023 KMP chairman, Aji Sukma Iqbal Najibulloh, S.Si as the 2022-2023 KMP vice chairman, Giano Excelsis Pangemanan, S.Si as the 2022-2023 KMP secretary, and Ria Vinola Septhya Sari, S.Pd as the 2022-2023 KMP treasurer. The discussion sessions are followed by a Q&A session, and KMP members present questions and responses regarding the topics discussed. It is hoped all KMP members can become one professional and solid within the organization. The activity concluded at 6:00 PM with a photo session, closing prayer, and breaking of the fast together.

The work meeting was held on 16 March 2026 and started at 07.00 WIB. The event opened by MC, Angelina Yubiliani Ila Tha, S.Si. and Oktafina Mone, S.Pd, continued with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the UGM Biology March. The event continued with a remark from Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si, KMP advisory lecture and a prayer. The subsequent activities of the KMP Work Meeting included Plenary Sessions I through III. The Plenary Session I was led by temporary presidium, namely Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc as Presidium 1, Ni Kadek Dewi Permatasari, S.Pd as Presidium 2 and Puji Lestari, S.Pd. as Presidium 3. Plenary session 1 discussed the meeting agenda, regulations during the work meeting, presentation and approval of KMP’s work programs, and the election of the Permanent Session Presidium.

The Plenary Session II was led by the permanent presidium, namely Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc as Presidium 1, Ni Kadek Dewi Permatasari, S.Pd as Presidium 2 and Mita Anggraini, S.Si as Presidium 3. The plenary session II focused on the presentation of work programs by the Internal division (Human resource and Ekstrakurikuler Activity), Spiritual, and External Division (Media and Information, Social Media, and Public Relations), followed by a Q&A session. The subsequent activity consisted of viewpoints from the BPH (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer).

Plenary Session III involved presentations on BPH materials (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer) and the budget alignment of the KMP Work Program by the treasurer, followed by a Q&A session. With this Work Meeting, it is hoped that KMP can become an organization that synergizes well and the work programs can proceed in a structured manner for one period.

On Saturday, 6 March 2024, the Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT) organized a small group discussion (SGD) 1: Plant Diversity (Ketam) as a series of academic activities for Seedling KSAT in the form of teaching by the Sub-Division of science of plant diversity aimed to enhance the seedling KSAT knowledge. The SGD began with an opening by Mirmastu Lintu, followed by prayer and discussion. The material presented was about the basics of plant systematics delivered by Rafli Nur Muhammad Fahrezi and herbarium-making by Safina Suci Samara. The activity proceeds with a herbarium-making session guided by Johs Carlo, Muhammad Meshal, and Awanda Nurvi Adifa to deepen understanding of the Seedling about the herbarium-making process. The Seedling was assigned to create herbariums to implement the knowledge they acquired. The SDG concluded with prayer and documentation. The SGD 1 Plant Diversity KSAT in 2024 went smoothly and on time. The hope is that this activity can provide a fundamental understanding of plant systematics and herbarium making to Seedling KSAT. Additionally, it is hoped that KSAT will further establish itself as strongly rooted in penetrating civilization and thus can be a study group that is beneficial to the academic environment and the wider community.

On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) Faculty of Biology UGM organized socialization on work programs of the new cabinet at the Biologi Tropika Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was attended by Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. as KSK advisory lecturer, representatives from study groups/institutions in the Faculty of Biology, representatives from Universitas Gadjah Mada Diving Society, and KSK members.

The event commenced at 16.15 WIB, guided by Asy Syifa Paras Ceria and Jagad Wenang Suryoaji. The event began with opening and prayer, followed by singing Indonesia Raya, Universitas Gadjah Mada hymn, and KSK March, and continued with remarks from Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D., KSK advisory lecturer.

The series of main events started with the reading pledge and inauguration of 2024 KSK daily management by Ariq Alfito as 2024 KSK chairperson, continued with a presentation of accountability report and resignation requirements of 2023 KSK cabinet by A. Najib Dhiaurahman as 2023 KSK chairperson. The event proceeds with the introduction of the new cabinet, namely the Vimudha Darshaka cabinet, and its work programs to be implemented for one-year management. The event was closed by MC at 17.30 and concluded with documentation.

On Sunday, 3 March 2024, the Grand Launching of Biology Student Executive Board, Universitas Gadjah Mada was held from 12.00-17.00 WIB at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity was attended by two representatives of each study group and organization of the Faculty of Biology UGM, 61 student representatives from various student executive boards, student associations, or institutions of Universitas Gadjah Mada. This activity was also attended by representatives from the biology student association of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, the biology student association of Universitas Islam Sunan Kalijaga, and the biology student association of Yogyakarta State University.

The Grand Launching was guided by the MCs, namely Syarifathunnisa Iryanti and Muhammad Haidar Ali. This activity began with an opening and prayer, then continued with singing Indonesia Raya, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology March. The activity continued with a series of remarks from Thasya Arini Salsabila as field coordinator of the Grand Launching, and Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha as chairperson of the 2024 Biology Student executive board UGM. The activity proceeded to the main event, which was the symbolic representation of BEM Biologi UGM, led by the chairperson of BEM Biologi UGM 2024, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, followed by a presentation from each department in BEM Biologi. These presentations introduced the objectives of each department, its organizational structure, and its work programs. The Department presentations were divided into three sessions: Session 1 was General Administration, Session 2 was Household Affairs and Student Potential Development (KP2M), and Session 3 was External Affairs Movement and Community Service (EP2M).

Starting with Session 1, General Administration included the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Treasurer, followed by Session 2, Household Affairs and Student Potential Development (KP2M), which consisted of the Department of Human Resources Development, Department of Organizational Development, Department of Interests and Talents, Department of Scientific Development, and Department of Creative Economy. This was followed by Session 3, External Affairs Movement and Community Service (EP2M), which included the Department of Public Relations and Networking, Department of Media and Information, Department of Social and Community, Department of Public Opinion Management, and finally, the Department of Advocacy and Student Welfare.

The Grand Launching event also featured performances by Biotimbre and Syrinx, as well as games facilitated by the MCs. The Grand Launching event concluded at 17.00 WIB with conveying the message from the forum, documentation, and closing from the MC.

Saturday, 2 March 2024, from 08.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. the Biology Student Family Grand Launching of the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada was held. The Grand Launching was held offline at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM, and was attended by Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc. as Biology Student Executive Board Advisory Lecturer, several Advisory Lecturers of Study Groups and Organizations namely Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. as advisory lecturer of Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC); Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. as advisory lecturer of Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT; Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc. as advisory lecturer of Herpetology Study Group (KSH), as well as 31 students from representatives of Study Groups and Organization of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Grand Launching was guided by Syarifathunnisa Iryanti dan Muhammad Haidar Alii as the Master of Ceremony. This activity began with an opening and prayer, then continued with singing Indonesia Raya, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology March. The activity was followed by a series of remarks that began with remarks from Thasya Arini Salsabila as field coordinator of the event, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha as the head of the 2024 Biology Student Executive Board, and Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti as advisory lecturer of Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC). Then proceed to the main event of the Grand Launching with presentations by each Study Group and Organizations. The event was attended by representatives of 12 study groups and organizations, including the Biology Orchid Study Club, Garden Architecture Study Group, Matalabiogama, Entomology Study Group, Herpetology Study Group, Marine Study Group, Genetic Research Student Forum, Congregation of Biology Muslim Group, Catholic Student Association, Christian Student Fellowship, Graduate Student Association, Student Senate and Biology Student Executive Board. The presentation covered an introduction to the names and meanings of the new cabinet, its vision, and mission, direction of movement, the new cabinet’s organizational structure, as well as various work programs to be implemented by each Study Group and Institution. The Grand Launching event of KMFB also features several performances by Biotimbre and Syrinx, as well as games facilitated by the MC. The Grand Launching event concluded at 1:00 PM WIB and ended with conveying the message from the forum, documentation, and closing from the MC.

Yogyakarta, March 8, 2024 – PT. Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) held a socialization event for the Call for Proposal Open Innovation 2024 at the Auditorium Biologi Tropika, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Friday. The event, attended by various parties, aimed to introduce the Open Innovation BGA program to lecturers, students, and researchers at UGM, as well as to foster collaboration in addressing challenges and creating innovations in the palm oil sector.

The event began with a welcoming speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., who emphasized the importance of optimizing existing palm oil plantations to increase production without the need for further land expansion.

Moderating the event was Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The main speakers were Dr. Azis Natawijaya, as the Head of Corporate Development at PT.BGA, and Abid Zulfikar, S.Si., serving as Corporate Planning & PDCA at PT. BGA. They discussed information related to Open Innovation BGA, including the scope of innovation, requirements for potential inventors, and the series of activities to be carried out.

Additionally, the speakers provided in-depth explanations about palm oil, including the introduction of the plant, its utilization in daily life, and its position among vegetable oil commodities. They also highlighted the distribution of palm oil land cover and land usage efficiency. They also outlined the challenges faced by PT BGA as a palm oil industry and the importance of collaboration with researchers from UGM in addressing these challenges.

During the event, PT. BGA provided ample opportunities for lecturers, students, and researchers from the Faculty of Biology at UGM to propose their innovations and research findings with funding support of up to hundreds of millions. This initiative is expected to encourage productive collaboration between industry and academia in addressing global challenges in the future.

The socialization event for the Call for Proposal PT. Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) Open Innovation 2024 at Universitas Gadjah Mada is expected to be a good starting point in creating innovative and sustainable solutions in the palm oil industry.

Yogyakarta, March 6 2024 – The Faculty of Biology in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy, and the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing held a guest lecture in collaboration with Universiteit Leiden, the Netherlands. The guest lecture was held in the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology with guest speaker Prof. Dr. Herman Spaink as Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, Prof. Dr. Erik Danen as Dean of Graduate School of Science and Professor of Cancer Drug Target Discovery, Universiteit Leiden, Dr. Jan de Sonneville and Dr. Yi Ding from Life Science Method BV, the Netherlands. The lecture was attended by students, lecturers and researchers from various faculties of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“This guest lecture did not only present one, but 4 guest lecturer,” said Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology in his speech, Wednesday (6/3). He also gave warm greetings to the four speakers who attended the guest lecture and expressed his appreciation for the long-standing collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Universiteit Leiden, in particular the Faculty of Science.

“We have collaborated with UGM on joint facility, working with robotic injection and CRISPR Cas9,” said Prof. Herman replying Prof. Budi before. He appreciated the research collaboration that existed, especially in the construction of joint facilities for research Zebrafish with UGM.

In the guest lecture, Dr. Yi Ding gave a presentation entitled “Zebrafish: an excellence organism for diabetes” which focuses its research on developing Zebrafish as an animal model for diabetes case studies. Next, Dr. Jan de Sonneville with his presentation “From research Finding to Prototype to Product. Design, Engineering, and Business Development of Life Science Methods BV”. Dr. Jan conveyed the development of the robotic microinjection tool as an efficient and effective alternative to manual injection.

As Dean of Graduate School of Science, Universiteit Leiden, Prof. Erik also gave a presentation regarding Universiteit Leiden, especially the Faculty of Science. On the same occasion, the Professor of Cancer Drug Target Discovery also gave a lecture with the title “Model for cancer drug target discovery”. He also mentioned the development of the zebrafish animal model in his pharmacology research.

Prof. Herman was the closing guest lecture on Wednesday afternoon (6/3). The Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology delivered his presentation entitled “Mycobacterial diseases and the search for new medicines”.

All participants were enthusiastic about attending the lecture from morning to afternoon. It is hoped that this collaboration can contribute to the development of research and education in Indonesia, in line with support for sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially support for inclusive education through sustainable partnerships (SDG 4 and SDG 17).

Yogyakarta, 4 and 5 March 2024 – As part of collaboration in developing Integrated Laboratories and Research of Zebrafish, Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, held a workshop in collaboration with Faculty of Science, Universiteit Leiden, the Netherlands. The workshop was guided by Prof. Dr. Herman Spaink as Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, and Prof. Dr. Erik Danen as Dean of Graduate School of Science and Professor of Cancer Drug Target Discovery, Universiteit Leiden. The workshop was also led by Dr. Jan de Sonneville, and Dr. Yi Ding from Life Science Method BV, the Netherlands who developed the robotic microinjection tool together with Universiteit Leiden. The workshop was attended by lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health also the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, and was held in the Zebrafish Research Laboratory, LPPT (Integrated Research Center Laboratory), UGM.

Prof. Herman started the workshop with a presentation about gene editing and manipulation using CRISPR-Cas, gene sequencing and Zebrafish development which is the focus of research on the development of animal models for studies related to gene function, pharmacology and the study of various diseases. On the occasion of this workshop, CRISPR-Cas injections will be carried out in particular Cas9 and Cas13d targeting TBXTA (no tail gene), and gene sequencing using oxford nanopore MinION.

Dr. Yi and Dr. Jan then guided the microinjection stages. Automated robot microinjection is a tool developed by the Company Life Science Method BV in collaboration with Leiden. Robotic microinjection has previously been researched and provides efficiency that is not much different from manual injection, but is more effective and shortens research time.

Prof. Erik also delivered a presentation at the workshop session regarding his research which focuses on the development of pharmacology and drug discovery using zebrafish as an animal model. He also uses robotic injection technology to inject tumor cells into the collagen gel that creates micro tumours to understand the mechanisms of cell migration and tumor metastasis.

Through this workshop, it is hoped that it can contribute to the development of research and education in Indonesia, in line with support for sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially support for inclusive education through sustainable partnerships (SDG 4 and SDG 17).