North Maluku is one of the regions in Indonesia with quite high gold-mining potential. Several small-scale gold mines (ASGM) are spread across several islands in the province, one of which is Obi Island. The gold mining process that involves mercury via the amalgamation of gold ore makes the area polluted by mercury emissions from the water to the soil. Through these problems, the Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation’s lecturer, Siti Nurleily Marliana, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with a research team from the Microbiology Research Center and the Ecology and Ethnobiology Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), SEAMEO-BIOTROP, Hasanuddin University, Hein Namatemo University, and the Forest Plant Seed Center of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, carried out research focused on restoring environmental damage and reducing the impact of mercury contamination through rhizoremediation technology from September 16 to 29, 2023.

ASGM is the second-largest source of mercury contamination in the world after fossil fuels. This pollution contributes to a long-term decline in water and soil quality in the form of neurological damage, including decreased body coordination, the ability to speak, and even birth defects. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), restoring this pollution is an urgency not only in conserving land and water ecosystems (SDG 14 and 15) but also in improving the quality of life and health of local communities (SDG 3).

Leily and the research team used a bioremediative approach by highlighting the potential of the microbiome in suppressing high metal contamination while being environmentally friendly, efficient, and cheap, utilizing abscular mycorrhizal fungi, which can increase plant resistance and absorption of heavy metal contamination. The combination of phytoremediation and rhizoremediation is possible to reduce mercury contamination more quickly in ASGM areas.

Another impact of gold mining also reaches marine ecosystem with increased ocean acidification. This certainly threatens the ecosystem and lives of local communities from a health to socio-economic perspective. The economic disparities seen in the island area also have an impact on the community’s ability to mitigate the impacts of environmental damage and change. Environmental problems, health and community welfare must of course be given special attention.

During the research trip, Leily also revealed the limited access to Obi Island. The long route and limited transportation have an impact on researchers’ challenges in bringing samples from the island, making it a challenge in the ongoing research process. With those challenges, the research, which is planned to take place in several stages, is expected to provide a solution to the complex problem of pollution in Obi as well as benefit the local communities affected.

On Saturday, November 11, 2023, the Social Department of the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM) UGM collaborated with the Social Department of the Geography Student Executive Board (BEM) UGM organized a Social Activity in the form of a Blood Donation event. The Social Activity is one of the work programs of the Social Department of the Biology Student Executive Board at UGM, involving positive activities that can benefit both the community within and outside the Biology Student Family (KMFB), and one of them is the Blood Donation program.

The Blood Donation 2023 took the theme “You Live Because You Give,” which signifies that one continues their life by sharing and realizing that humans are inherently social beings who need each other. By participating in Blood Donation, individuals have implemented the concept of mutual need and giving back. This Blood Donation initiative collaborates with PMI Sleman. Participation is open to all students of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the general public. Registration for Blood Donors was conducted by filling out the provided Google Form by the committee.

The Blood Donation 2023 was divided into three sessions: Session 1 starts from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, followed by Session 2 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and the final session from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This session division aimed to avoid crowds and maintain a conducive environment. Participants were directed to register and complete a health form upon arrival. Subsequently, participants undergo health screening and blood type determination. If they meet the criteria, participants proceed to the blood donation area. After the blood extraction process, participants receive refreshments from the committee and PMI, along with merchandise as souvenirs. Participants who don’t meet the criteria are directed to collect merchandise from the committee. After receiving the merchandise, participants were guided to a photo booth for group photos.Blood Donation aims to serve the community by donating blood to those in need. The Blood Donation 2023 event successfully collected 25 bags of blood from 70 registered participants. Through this activity, the goal is to inspire kindness, encourage others to do good, and assist those in need.

The Senior Consolidation Training is a program for the advancement of Junior Members of MATALABIOGAMA to become Senior Members, individuals considered capable of guiding Junior Members in field activities due to their expertise, skills, and deeper understanding of environmental science and data collection in nature. In 2023, the Senior Consolidation Training of MATALABIOGAMA was conducted through the creation of mini-research projects focusing on mountains, forests, and caves. This initiative began with orientation sessions in July 2023 and concluded with the presentation of final reports in December 2023.

The orientation for the Senior Consolidation Training took place on July 9, 2023, conducted online through Zoom meeting. It was followed by the development of the proposal until August 5, 2023. After the proposal submissions, a research concept presentation occurred on August 6, 2023, for review by the existing Senior Members. Data collection commenced upon approval of the proposals and continued until November 2023, guided by capable Senior Members during the orientation period. The final report generated from the collected data was submitted and presented on December 17, 2023, witnessed by Senior Members and alumni.

From the Senior Consolidation Training of MATALABIOGAMA 2023, four Junior Members were successfully promoted to Senior Members. These members include Tan Rendy, Hanan Zharifah Zahra, Nur Baehaki Romadhon, and Achmad Naufal Yogastrio. With the appointment of these four members as Senior Members of MATALABIOGAMA, it is hoped that they will steer the organization toward greater success. Vivat et Floreat!

The 12th General Assembly of the Postgraduate Student Family of the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada was held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The event was chaired by Safril, S.Si., with the theme “Fostering Consistent Organizational Spirit in Developing a Collaborative and Communicative Biology Postgraduate Student Family.” The event was conducted in a hybrid format, taking place in Lecture Rooms 1 and 2 of the Sinarmas Building, Faculty of Biology, UGM, and through the Zoom Meeting platform. The opening session was attended by supervisor of the Postgraduate Student Family, Dr. rer. Nat Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. also as the Head of the Master in Biology Study Program and, and Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng also as the Head of the Doctor in Biology Study Program. Additionally, the General Assembly of the Postgraduate Student Family (KMP) was also attended by the KMP resigning executive board , the KMP committee for the 2022/2023 period, as well as student representatives from the 2021-2023 period who were present both physically and virtually.

The event was opened by Emi Suhaemi,S.Si. at 08:00 AM WIB. It commenced with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada hymn, and the Biology March accompanied with the VOB (Voice of Biology). The event continued with speeches from the organizing chairperson, Safril, S.Si., who expressed gratitude to those who supported the realization of the 12th General Assembly of the Postgraduate Student Family. Subsequently, Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si., the Chairperson of the 2022/2023 KMP period, conveyed appreciation and gratitude to all KMP committees for their contributions to activities that enriched knowledge, community service, and fostered personal development. He also encouraged an evaluation of past activities for future improvements. Next, the KMP Supervisor, Dr. rer. nat Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc., expressed full appreciation for the KMP’s work program. Particularly, he highly praised the Voice of Biology’s involvement in the International Conference of Biological Science (ICBS). He also advised the upcoming committee to maintain the ongoing programs optimally. The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., who emphasized the importance of innovation without disregarding established practices. The opening of the 12th General Assembly of the Postgraduate Student Family concluded with a prayer led by Rashif Naufal Andika, S.Si., and a group photo. The subsequent activities of the 12th General Assembly of the Postgraduate Student Family included Plenary Sessions I through V.

The Plenary Session I discussed the regulations to be used during the General Assembly and the election of the Permanent Session Presidium. The outcome of Plenary Session I determined that Susanti, S.Pd., Zakaria, S.Pd., and Syeprianto Permana, S.Si, were elected as the Permanent Session Presidium. Plenary Session II focused on the accountability report of the KMP committee for the 2022/2023 period. The report was presented by the KMP chairman and each division within the 2022/2023 KMP committee. Plenary Session III deliberated on the article of association (AD), Bylaws (ART), Organizational Guidelines (GBHO), and Recommendations. Discussions revolved around modifying aspects deemed necessary for revision, in line with developments, through mutual agreement within the forum. Plenary Session IV dealt with regulations and the mechanism for selecting the KMP chairman for the 2023/2024 period. Revisions were made to the content or wording of the regulations and mechanisms considered irrelevant in determining the new KMP chairman. Plenary Session IV ratified Alexander Tage, S.Si., Wahyul Fatwatul Umam, S.Si., Rashif Naufal Andika, S.Si., and Puji Lestari, S.Pd, as candidates for the KMP Chairman for the 2023/2024 period. Plenary Session V involved the election of the KMP chairman for the 2023/2024 period. The selected candidates presented their vision and mission, engaging in discussions with the General Assembly audience. After deliberation by the forum, Wahyul Fatwatul Umam, S.Si., was confirmed as the KMP Chairman for the 2023/2024 period. The conclusion of the General Assembly was marked by the handover of duties from Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si, the Chairman of the 2022/2023 KMP period, to Wahyul Fatwatul Umam, S.Si, the elected Chairman for the 2023/2024 period.

To appreciate all members of the Nata Abhipraya Cabinet, the resigning executive board organized the KMP Awards. The “Most Collaborative Division/Field” award was bestowed upon the Media and Information Division, the “Most Cooperative Division/Field” award went to the Attraction Division, the “Most Consistent Division/Field” award was given to the Student Welfare Unit (KWU), the “Most Creative Division/Field” award was presented to the Human Resources and Development Division (PSDM), the “Most Administrative-Compliant Division/Field” award was attributed to the Social and Community Division (Sosmas), and the “Most Financially Compliant Division/Field” award was granted to the Finance and Asset Division (Kastrak). Additionally, there were awards for the Best Division Chair, won by Wildan Alfian Fahmi, S.Si. (PSDM), the Best Secretary, achieved by Salsabiela Praha Karima Reza, S.Pd. (Sosmas), and the Best Treasurer, earned by Windy Arensya Omadhika, S.Si. (Kastrak). Lastly, the “Most Active Staff in the Odd Semester 2022” award was given to Tamalia, S. Pd., the “Most Active Staff in the Even Semester 2022” award was bestowed upon Thesia Megi Kurniawati Rettob, S.Si.., and the “Best Intern Staff” award for the most active internship period was presented to Emi Suhaemi, S.Si. With the conclusion of the KMP Awards, the entire series of events for the 12th General Assembly of the Postgraduate Student Family at Universitas Gadjah Mada(UGM) is declared finished.

The Colony Congress, commonly known as ‘KOKON,’ is an annual assembly regularly conducted by the Entomology Study Group (KSE) of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The purpose of KOKON is to collectively evaluate the performance of each cabinet division during a term of period and elect a new cabinet chairman. This year, KOKON was successfully held on December 18-19, 2023, at Room IV B of the Faculty of Biology UGM and was attended by all active members of KSE, both in person and semi-virtually.

On Monday, December 18, 2023, the event commenced at 08:30 AM WIB and was hosted by Ziyan Fareysa Abharani (KSE XXV) and Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa (KSE XXIV). The program began with speeches from the KSE Supervisor, Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D., and the 2023 KSE Chairperson, Cornelius Devito Deva Pramana Atmaja (KSE XXII). The presentation of the Accountability Report (LPJ) to the members’ forum was conducted by the Daily Board of KSE Entomeliora Cabinet, followed by discussions by the Organizational Advisory Council (DPO) to evaluate, assess, and consider the acceptance of the LPJ.The event continued with a congress meeting regarding KOKON’s Rules of Procedure, led by three interim Session Leaders: Chandra Rifana Arifin (KSE XXIV), Faizatun Nisa (KSE XXV), and Puti Emilia (KSE XXV). The session proceeded with deliberations on the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART) by the permanent Session Leaders: Hafista Deas (KSE XXV), Faizatun Nisa (KSE XXV), and Puti Emilia (KSE XXV).

On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 08:30 AM the discussion session regarding the Bylaws (ART) continued with the previous permanent Session Leaders. After approval, the KOKON event sequence moved forward with the election of the 2024 KSE chairman between the candidates Sheva Rimma Dhanty (KSE XXIII) and Regina Nilamsari (KSE XXIV). Both candidates presented their visions and missions for their tenure and engaged in a Q&A session with the forum. After deliberation by the forum, Sheva Rimma Dhanty (KSE XXIII) was confirmed as the 2024 KSE Chairman. Following the handover of responsibilities from the 2023 KSE Chairman, Cornelius Devito Deva Pramana Atmaja (KSE XXII), to the newly elected chairman, Sheva Rimma Dhanty (KSE XXIII), the proceedings continued with discussions for selecting the Organizational Advisory Council (DPO). The entire sequence of the 2023 Colony Congress concluded with a documentation session.

As part of the implementation of the collaboration agreement between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Mount Merbabu National Park , one of the activities carried out in 2023 was the bioprospecting of medicinal plants. One of the selected species for potential study was Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., known locally as ‘pegagan.’ This plant is a perennial herb that thrives in various habitats and is commonly found in the Mount Merbabu area. This year, the bioprospecting activities commenced with research on the secondary metabolite profile, particularly focusing on the terpene and terpenoid groups. This research served as an initial step to determine the subsequent stages in the utilization of pegagan, especially as a medicinal plant recognized by the local community for its wound-healing properties. The bioprospecting research contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

The Faculty of Biology UGM team involved in these activities was led by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., who presented the preliminary findings of the pegagan bioprospecting research on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The event, held at the Mount Merbabu National Park Office, was led by the Acting Head of the office, Dr. Nurpana Sulaksono, S.Hut., M.T., with collaboration coordinator Kristina Dewi, S.Si., M.Eng., M.Sc., and all the staff of the Ecosystem Forest Controllers. During the event, the compounds belonging to the terpenoid group, successfully identified using GC-MS methods, were presented. Discussions on the follow-up of the plant bioprospecting program resulted in an agreement to conduct further research next year to delve deeper into the potential and prospects of pegagan products.

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Faculty of Biology Library, along with the volunteer team, organized an event called “Library Welcomes and Online Literacy Class” to welcome the new students of the 2023 Bachelor’s Program in the Faculty of Biology. The event was conducted online from 08:00 to 14:30, with the discussion session ending at 11:00 and followed by an assignment session with a submission deadline at 14:30. This activity included training on Bio-Digilib Application Introduction, accessing e-resources, and Mendeley citation management. The event commenced with an opening by Roxaline Sih Tanwinilang and continued with a welcoming address by the Faculty of Biology Librarian, Mrs. Rusna Nur Aini. Mrs. She hopes that the 2023 students will possess publication skills and digital literacy that will be beneficial in supporting them throughout their studies and future careers.

The activity was divided into two sessions. The first session was conducted by the library volunteer team, Siti Shofa Assyifa’ul Qulbi Barid, introducing the Faculty of Biology UGM Library Unit under the supervision of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. located on the 3rd floor of Building B in the Faculty of Biology, provides both offline and online services. Among the facilities offered are circulation rooms, an ETD (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) room, computer labs, lockers, and more. The Biology Library’s program activities encompass various initiatives such as talk shows, book discussions, open recruitment for new volunteers, literacy guidance, library volunteer training, and participation in community service programs. The subsequent part of the session focused on accessing e-resources, providing guidelines for accessing e-journals, e-book databases, available through the lib.ugm.ac.id website. Additionally, an explanation was given about an integrated catalog allowing users to view collections from all UGM libraries. Databases on lib.ugm.ac.id, such as ScienceDirect and Springerlink, can be accessed in full using UGM email accounts. Moreover, the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) can be directly accessed from both the Main Library and the Faculty of Biology Library. The ETD contains comprehensive research data and final projects from all UGM students.

The second session provided a guide on the installation and use of Mendeley led by Tizania Putri Langithari. Mendeley facilitates easier citation creation and bibliography compiling, offering features for note-taking and document annotations. The first step involves creating a Mendeley account, followed by downloading it through the provided link and signing in with the created account. Integrating Mendeley into Word is achieved by navigating to the “insert get add-ins” section, where the Mendeley cite option will appear. Within Mendeley, citation styles can be adjusted according to individual needs. Upon concluding the discussion, participants were given assignments based on the presented material. Participants were enthusiastic in responding and asking questions. Attendance required submission of assignments, aiming to assess the depth of understanding among the participants in the literacy class. The hope is that this activity will facilitate students’ access to available literacy resources in the library. Warm regards from the Biology Library, promoting literacy!

Porsenigama, or the Sports and Arts Week of Gadjah Mada University, is an annual competition in the fields of sports and arts for university students. The event aims to provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and interests in sports and arts. It serves as a stepping stone for outstanding athletes or artists from various faculties and schools to bring honor to the alma mater through various achievements. Porsenigama 2023 adopts the theme “Kembara Jagaddhita,” symbolizing that the event will accompany athletes and artists on their journey to express their ambitions. The 2023 Porsenigama was conducted offline from October 14 to November 25, 2023.

This year, the Faculty of Biology participated in 27 branches of competition, consisting of 14 sports disciplines and 13 art categories. The Student Family of the Faculty of Biology achieved victories in the sports categories of Archery, Pencak Silat, Judo, and Taekwondo, as well as in the art categories of Traditional Painting and Photography. In the Archery discipline, in the Men’s Team Compound Archery category, represented by Romualdus Marcel Prima Chrisandy (2022), Rafli Nur Muhammad Fahrezi (2022), and Sulthon Fatih (2023), they successfully secured a bronze medal. In the Women’s Pencak Silat Category D, represented by Maidira Marsa Rabbani (2023), she earned a gold medal. In the Men’s Judo category, represented by Adrian Pradipto Harmawan (2023), he earned a bronze medal. In the Women’s Taekwondo Kyorugi category, represented by Naely Muna Camelia (2021), she also secured a bronze medal. Furthermore, in the Traditional Painting art category, represented by Pradika Cikal Malika (2022), they achieved a bronze medal. Finally, in the Photography art category, represented by Drea Akbar Nurfallah Muslim (2020), he earned a bronze medal.

According to Rizquita Brillianti, the Head of the Talent and Interest Department of the Faculty of Biology’s Student Executive Board for the 2022-2023 term, this year’s Porsenigama was more structured compared to previous years. “Both the central committee and branch committees this year were more open-minded when receiving questions, criticisms, and suggestions. The offline nature of these competitions significantly captured the attention of students, encouraging their participation as athlete representatives, artists, or supporters. The preparations made by the officials and the contingent from the Faculty of Biology were more thorough this year, resulting in a more relaxed execution. With such meticulous preparations, we saw excellent outcomes as many athletes and artists secured medals, ranging from gold, silver, to bronze. On behalf of the Talent and Interest Department and its staff, I want to express gratitude and congratulations to all athletes and artists who successfully earned medals, ensuring that the Faculty of Biology is not underestimated by other faculties. Thanks also to all representatives of the Biology contingent, including athletes, artists, officials, the Double Helix support team, and every student who supported and enlivened Porsenigama 2023. See you at next year’s Porsenigama,” said Rizquita.

Continuing from Rizquita, the Coordinator of the Faculty of Biology’s Contingent, Asy Syifa Paras Ceria, and Chandra Rifana Arifin expressed, “We are extremely delighted and proud of the achievements of our fellow Biology athletes and artists in Porsenigama 2023. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in Porsenigama 2023. Moving forward, we will strive to gather feedback, suggestions, and evaluations regarding the preparation and execution of Porsenigama 2023 to make future editions even better. We also hope for continued participation from our Biology peers so that future Porsenigama events can run smoothly and be more vibrant.”

All the remarkable achievements deserve appreciation and hopefully serve as motivation for all students of the Faculty of Biology to strive for further accomplishments in sports and the arts. These achievements are hoped to not just mark the culmination of a struggle but also ignite greater enthusiasm and sportsmanship to compete again in future editions of Porsenigama.

The ‘KSK Mengajar’ Program is a community service activity carried out by members of the Marine Study Group (KSK) at the Faculty of Biology, UGM. This program is organized under the operational division of KSK in collaboration with a village in Gunungkidul. The event took place on October 22, 2023, at the Pengkol Village Hall, Nglipar, Gunungkidul. The purpose of this activity was to provide education and information to the community, especially children, about marine life, including marine organisms, efforts to preserve and keep the oceans clean, as well as safety guidelines while at the beach. Moreover, this activity served as a platform to introduce the Marine Study Group to the community.

The event, attended by 19 KSK members and 40 children from Pengkol Village, commenced with an opening speech by the Head of Pengkol Village, Mr. Agus Sunarjo. He expressed that as residents of Gunungkidul living near the coast, they haven’t received much information about marine life, especially for children. Thus, as KSK members, we hope that through this activity, we can enhance children’s understanding and awareness of the importance of preserving and maintaining sea cleanliness, encouraging them to actively engage in sustainable practices continuously.

The activity proceeded with the delivery of educational materials and a guessing game session to assess the children’s understanding of the presented content. Children who correctly answered questions were rewarded as a form of appreciation. Following this, the activities continued with a fun game session, crafting bracelets from beads, aimed at fostering creativity and interactive learning. The crafted items, as successful handiwork, were taken home by the children as keepsakes. The event concluded with presenting a plaque of appreciation to Mrs. Dewi, representing the village officials, and a group documentation session with all participants.

The issue of stunting is considered a longstanding problem that requires a comprehensive solution addressing its root causes, primarily linked to malnutrition in toddlers. According to data from the Bantul Health Office in 2023, stunting cases in Bantul Regency are notably high, with a concentration of cases in the Imogiri District. The data, as of May 2023, reveals a total of 857 children, and 21% of them are in Selopamioro Village.To address this problem, UGM students have innovated Chicken Breast and Sesame Seed Cheese Sticks through the Empowerment of Integrated Health Posts (Posyandu) in Selopamioro Village to Prevent Stunting Based on Sociopreneurship. This innovation was developed by Adam Satria Buana (Faculty of Geography 2020) and Sekar Alya Maharani (Faculty of Biology 2021), under the guidance of Dr. Rika Harini, S.Si., MP.

The innovation was submitted to the NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH PROJECT (PHP) 2023 Scientific Paper Competition, organized by the Student Association of Public Health Sciences at Malang State University with the theme “Driving Change with innovative ideas: Generation Z’s Impact on Global Equality and a Sustainable Future through SDGs.” The Grand Final presentation took place on Saturday, October 14, 2023, conducted through Zoom Meetings and the team secured the 2nd place among a total of 10 Grand Finalist teams representing both public and private universities in Indonesia.

This research was conducted from August to September 2023 in Selopamioro Village and Universitas Gadjah Mada, covering the entire process from planning to report preparation. Following the guidelines outlined in Minister of Health Regulation Number 51 of 2016, the cheese formulation focused on protein and calcium content, specifically aiming to provide supplementary food for stunted children with a protein content of 8-12 grams and calcium content of 225-450mg. Based on test results obtained from the Food and Nutrition Study Center at Universitas Gadjah Mada, in a 100-gram sample, the protein content as a macronutrient was found to be 12.20% of the total nutritional content. Meanwhile, calcium, classified as a micronutrient required in smaller quantities, was found to be 0.45%. The nutritional content of the healthy cheese sticks meets the minimum requirements for supplementary snacks for stunted children, which is 9.38%, and aligns with Minister of Health Regulation Number 51 of 2016, which specifies a protein range of 8-12 grams and calcium range of 225-450mg. The majority of the population, accounting for 80%, is not yet aware of the importance of adding healthy supplementary food to prevent the prevalence of stunting cases in Selopamioro Village. Through the sociopreneurship training and promotion of healthy cheese sticks, 90% of the community became aware of the importance of preventing stunting, particularly by providing nutritious snacks to meet the daily nutritional needs of toddlers.

The research results indicate that out of 91 toddlers and children given cheese sticks, 89.01% (81 children) experienced an increase in height, while 93.41% (85 children) showed weight gain. These findings demonstrate the success rate of providing cheese sticks as supplementary food in fulfilling the daily protein and calcium needs of stunted toddlers and children.