On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Marine Studies Group (KSK) organized “KSK Mengajar” program at Mafaza Orphanage in Warungboto, Bantul, Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (KMP). The event took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB and was attended by 63 participants and 17 committee members.

The event began with an introduction to marine life and the Marine Studies Group (KSK), followed by an interactive game session. In the second session, participants received inspirational material on motivation for achieving their dreams. The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photo session.

The success of this event was supported by donations, which were collected from August 27 to 31, 2024, Rp1,430,000 was raised and directly handed over to the orphanage on the day of the event.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the donors, Mafaza Orphanage, KMP, and everyone who contributed to the success of the “KSK Teaching #2” program in 2024.
[Writer: KSK]

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Marine Studies Group (KSK) organized “KSK Mengajar” program at Mafaza Orphanage in Warungboto, Bantul, Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (KMP). The event took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB and was attended by 63 participants and 17 committee members.

The event began with an introduction to marine life and the Marine Studies Group (KSK), followed by an interactive game session. In the second session, participants received inspirational material on motivation for achieving their dreams. The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photo session.
The success of this event was supported by donations, which were collected from August 27 to 31, 2024, Rp1,430,000 was raised and directly handed over to the orphanage on the day of the event.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all the donors, Mafaza Orphanage, KMP, and everyone who contributed to the success of the “KSK Teaching #2” program in 2024.
[Writer: KSK]

To mark its 69th Anniversary, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has launched the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), a facility designed for advanced multi-omics research. The launch occurred during the Open Senate Meeting, themed “Biology in Action, Biology Goes Global,” on September 19, 2024, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. The IGF was inaugurated by UGM Rector, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., symbolized to begin DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT).

The IGF is equipped with the ONT PromethION 24, capable of sequencing up to 720 Gb of DNA per day, supported by a Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) with powerful quad Nvidia A100 GPUs and a 160-core CPU for efficient data processing. The facility also features automated systems like the Opentrons Flex and automated DNA extraction, which streamline high-precision library preparation for large-scale research.

This facility was established with funding from Panin Bank, managed by the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS), and through support from the Inter-University Center for Excellence (IUCfE) program of the Directorate General of Higher Education (DIKTI). IGF aims to position UGM as a leader in ONT sequencing and multi-omics research in Indonesia. It is also supported as a biotech start-up by UGM’s Innovative Academy, allowing further development and expansion.

The Faculty of Biology UGM is committed to utilizing and conserving biodiversity for food security, renewable energy, medicine, and ecosystem health. The Dean of the Faculty noted that the IGF will enhance research capabilities in genomics and multi-omics, especially in biodiversity, food, and health sciences, contributing to Indonesia’s competitiveness. The IGF supports SDG goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Yogyakarta, September 19, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology UGM held the Open Senate Meeting in 2024 at the Auditorium of Tropical Biology with the theme “Biologi Berkarya, Biologi Mendunia” (Biology Create, Biology Goes Global). The Open Senate Meeting was also the peak event of the series of celebrations for the 69th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The meeting was attended by the senate, deans, lecturers, education staff and student representatives of Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as invited guests, alumni, partners, and Dharma Wanita of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as the Chairperson of the Senate of the Faculty of Biology UGM opened the Senate Meeting and continued with singing the songs “Indonesia Raya”, “Hymne Gadjah Mada”, and “Mars Biologi” as well as a joint prayer led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, Ph.D.

Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D., Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada also attended the Senate Open Meeting and then delivered her remarks. “Since its inception, the Faculty of Biology has had a mandate to preserve biodiversity in Indonesia, including promoting work and innovation in sustainable development,” said Prof. Ova in her remarks (19/9). The Rector also expressed her appreciation to the Faculty of Biology in initiating the strengthening of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index, Biodiversity Credit and the pioneering of the Biodiversity Curator Profession.

Next, the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) service was launched by the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, accompanied by the Dean and Chair of the Senate of the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mrs. Erlina Vera Ratu from the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation. Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) is an integrated DNA/RNA sequencing service unit at the Faculty of Biology UGM. With support from Panin Bank and the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, IGF uses the long-read sequencing platform from Nanopore Technology to provide the largest sequencing service in Indonesia. The presence of IGF is expected to make UGM a pioneer university in the application of nanopore technology and open up new opportunities for research development in various fields.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology then delivered his remarks and the Annual Report of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He explained that the Faculty of Biology has shown its position in the international arena and has succeeded in maintaining its position at 501-550 in the world for Biological Science, and is the best in Indonesia based on the QS World Ranking. Prof. Budi further explained the role of Biology that continues to develop from the fields of Evolution, Biotechnology, to Ecology, and it’s very large role in efforts to preserve biodiversity, especially in Indonesia. The Faculty of Biology also supports these efforts through the initiation of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index and the establishment of the Biodiversity Curator Professional Program. The implementation of Biodiversity Credit is also carried out together with partners of the Faculty of Biology. This is in line with support for the achievements of the Sustainable Development Program (SDGs), especially in improving the quality of inclusive education (SDG 4), handling climate change (SDG 13), preserving ecosystems on land and sea (SDG 14 and SDG 15).

The improvement of education quality in accordance with SDG 4 is also demonstrated by the Faculty of Biology which has successfully maintained ASIIN international accreditation for its Bachelor and Master programs. This year, the Faculty of Biology UGM has also successfully launched the Biodiversity Curator Profession Program with 17 students with Bachelor to Doctoral educational backgrounds. In 2024, the Faculty of Biology will send 7 students for a Double Degree program with Leeds University UK, as well as dozens of other students participating in exchange programs with the Sakura Science scheme, Student Mobility, Student Exchange JASSO, or student exchange programs organized by UGM. A total of 3 students are participating in the fast-track bachelor-master program. Student achievements also continue to increase in the international and national arenas. The Faculty of Biology continues to improve the quality of research through the support of adequate facilities, including through the procurement of assets and the PUAPT (Inter-University Center of Excellence) grant scheme for various laboratory facilities that support biological research. The support of the Faculty of Biology’s human resources is also demonstrated by the increase in the number of lecturers and professors, as well as various routine programs to improve the quality of human resources.

Furthermore, the achievements of the number of research, achievements of international publications of lecturers of the Faculty of Biology, and the development of journals published by the Faculty of Biology, including the Journal of Tropical Biotechnology and Biodiversity (JTBB) indexed by Scopus Q3 and Berkala Ilmiah Biologi which has ISSN. Data on the increase in community service and cooperation both at the international and national levels were also presented. International publications of lecturers of the Faculty of Biology have continued to increase, especially in Q1 journals in the last 3 years. In improving the quality of education, the Faculty of Biology has collaborated with various world institutions to present 33 visiting professors and 7 adjunct professors during this period. Double degree collaboration has also continued to be improved, and so far, has succeeded in sending students for double undergraduate degrees at the Australian National University, and Leeds University, as well as double doctoral degrees at Montpellier France, University of Greifswald Germany, and Boku University Austria. Various programs that support research and cooperation are implemented, including the 8th National Seminar on Tropical Biology and the 7th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development which were attended by hundreds of participants from various institutions and countries, Research Day, BIOENTRI (Biology Open House and Introduction to Research Topics), as well as the first Business Gathering in collaboration with Prasetiya Mulya University and attended by dozens of partners.

The next Scientific Speech was delivered by Prof. dr. Erik H. J. Danen, Dean of Graduate School, Faculty of Science, Leiden University. He presented his latest research entitled “Advanced 3D co-culture models for mechanistic studies an

Furthermore, the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Joint Doctoral Degree with the Faculty of Science, Leiden University was carried out by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. accompanied by the Chair of the Senate, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadi Susanto. On that occasion, Prof. Budi said that the collaboration was one of the efforts of the Faculty of Biology in increasing recognition in the international arena.

The Senate Open Meeting ended with a closing by the Chair of the Senate of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. It is hoped that the Open Meeting agenda as part of the celebration of the 69th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology can spark the enthusiasm of the academic community so that the Faculty of Biology can continue to develop and provide benefits to the nation and state.

Yogyakarta, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 69th anniversary with a lively Tasyakuran event held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the Auditorium Biologi Tropika. The event took place following an Open Senate Meeting earlier that morning, which was part of the official anniversary celebration before transitioning to the Tasyakuran festivities in the afternoon.

The Tasyakuran was filled with warmth and attended by faculty leaders, lecturers, educational staff, students, the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Faculty of Biology, and invited guests. The event was opened by Asrindon, S.I.Kom., and Annisa Mawarni, S.Si., who enlivened the atmosphere with humor.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., delivered a speech focusing on gratitude towards all administrators and members of the Faculty of Biology. “Not all educational institutions reach 69 years, so we should be grateful that our beloved Faculty continues to exist and thrive,” said Prof. Budi.

Following this, a traditional “cutting of the tumpeng” ceremony was conducted by the Senate Chair, accompanied by the Dean and Vice Dean. The first portion of the tumpeng was given to the youngest lecturer, Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc., and the second portion was awarded to the Chairman of the 69th Anniversary Committee, Mr. Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

In addition to the tumpeng ceremony, the Tasyakuran featured various performances by lecturers, educational staff, and students. The mascot Mefi performed, followed by a Bio Line Dance to the song “Kupu-Kupu,” poetry reading by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., titled “3K+69,” song performances by Fani Sukria and Kalleb William, and a flash mob titled “Gugur Gunung” added to the festive atmosphere.

After the entertainment session, the event continued with the presentation of mementos to retiring lecturers and educational staff for the year 2024: Dr. Siti Sumarmi, Slamet Riyadi, Haryanto, and Harjana.

The Faculty of Biology also recognized the best educational staff of 2024, including Siti Nur Haidah, S.E. (Administration), Yuni Hartati (Laboratory), Maria (Cleaning and Environment), and Dwi Ristanto (K5L). Awards for outstanding students from both undergraduate and graduate programs were announced, including Ridho Nur Alam (Undergraduate Academic Category), Maidira Marsa (Undergraduate Sports Category), Kheysa Alvina Handayani (Undergraduate Arts Category), and Aryan Mustamin (Graduate Academic Category).

In the next session, as a commitment to environmental responsibility, the Faculty of Biology symbolically handed out tumblers that will be distributed to all new students in the 2024 cohort as part of a campaign to reduce plastic waste on campus. Educational assistance was also provided by the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Faculty of Biology UGM to eight students selected by the Academic team with the Dean’s approval.

The event concluded with a door prize draw, further enlivening the Tasyakuran atmosphere. Prizes were donated not only by the Faculty of Biology but also by CV. Tri Mitra Jaya, CV. Asih Manunggal, PT. Diastika Biotekindo, BPR Bank Bantul (Perseroda), and WK Group. The 69th Anniversary Tasyakuran of the Faculty of Biology UGM ended with hopes for continued achievement, innovation, and global recognition.

Happy 69th Anniversary to the Faculty of Biology UGM!

Yogyakarta, September 21, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again held a cross-generation alumni gathering as part of the 69th Anniversary celebrations. The event, which took place at the B Building of the Faculty of Biology, was attended by more than 120 alumni from various generations who are part of the Keluarga Alumni Biologi Gadjah Mada (Kabiogama).

The event began with an Obah Gumregah exercise session led by an instructor, inviting participants to join in a lively workout in an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie. Following the exercise, a welcoming speech was delivered by Dr. Drs. Ario S. Setiadi, MM, PhD, CPM, CHRM, President of the Kabiogama Central Board (PP Kabiogama). In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of maintaining resilience and synergy among alumni to strengthen the network and support the future development of the Faculty of Biology at UGM.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., then conveyed his gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by the alumni. He emphasized that the contributions of alumni play a vital role in advancing the faculty, not only in academic development but also in expanding collaborative networks.

The core part of the event featured a presentation by Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., with the theme “Weaving Synergy, Towards Alumni Independence and Resilience.” In his presentation, he encouraged alumni to continue contributing to national development through independence, resilience, and collaboration, both academically and professionally. The session also included the symbolic launch of the new Kabiogama membership card by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni at the Faculty of Biology, along with the President of PP Kabiogama.

After the presentation, the event became even more lively with various fun games. Laughter, sing-alongs, and nostalgic stories filled the air, strengthening the bonds among alumni. The event concluded with the distribution of door prizes, generously donated by alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, adding to the joy of the participants.

This alumni gathering served as a crucial moment to strengthen the relationships between cross-generation alumni and enhance synergy in the collective effort to build a stronger and more resilient Faculty of Biology UGM for the future.

Yogyakarta, September 12, 2024,  The Biology UGM Halmahera Walking Shark Research Team has been awarded a distinguished research grant under the Indonesian Youth Elasmobranch Scholarship (IYES) program, which is facilitated by Conservation Indonesia and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Their study, titled “Diet Analyses and Population Genetic Structure of Hemiscyllium halmahera,” will explore the dietary patterns and genetic structure of the Halmahera Walking Shark, an endemic species that was granted full protection by the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs in 2023.

The team is led by Calvin Muliawan (Biology 2021), with Andari Sekarningrum (Biology 2020) and Raihan Widarianto Putra (Biology 2020) as team members. They are under the supervision of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si., M.Sc., from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, as well as Akbar Reza, M.Sc., from the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory.

The study is design to achieve two objectives: