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.

On Saturday, March 11 2023, the KSAT 2023 Grand Launching event was held which aimed to introduce the management members of the KSAT Biology UGM, as well as the cabinet during the ongoing period. Cabinet introductions in 2023 will be held offline at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. For this year’s Grand Launching, the KSAT invited 12 study groups or institutions from the Faculty of Biology as well as 9 external organizations from several faculties. After the opening, the activities continued with an opening prayer and singing Indonesia Raya, Hymn Gadjah Mada, and Mars of The Faculty of Biology. It was followed by showing the KSAT profile video. Then the activity continued with remarks by the coach, Mr. Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Sc., but he was unable to attend, then remarks by the chairman of the KSAT 2023 by Zildan Basara (KSAT 2020), and remarks by the chairman of the Grand Launching committee by Aufa Amila Nawafila (KSAT 2021).

After that, the activity continued with the introduction of the Acer Cabinet by Zildan Basara (KSAT 2020), followed by a presentation on the management of the chairman. Then, proceed with management presentations. The activity was followed by a question and answer session. Apart from that, the Grand Launching activity was also equipped with an Ice Breaking session through game activities from the quizizz platform. The Grand Launching of KSAT in 2023 went smoothly and on time.

The Parasitology Section of the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM and Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Ehime University have collaborated for collaborative research since September 2019 with the research theme “Bionomic and Ecological Important of Mosquito Vectors in the Diseases Transmission and Control in Yogyakarta ”. This collaborative research involved Dr.Dra.Rr.Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, DAP&E, M.Biomed. as Head of the Animal Systematics laboratory as well as Assistant Advisor, and one of the new staff from the Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, namely Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Sc., M.Eng. who is also a doctoral student under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe from Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory Faculty of Engineering Ehime University, Japan.

In early 2020, this research was under way but hampered in its implementation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After about 2 years of delay, finally this research could be carried out again on 2 January 2023 to 10 February 2023 at Kapanewon Ngestiharjo and Kapanewon Banguntapan, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region.

Mosquito-borne diseases are still one of the neglected tropical diseases that need to be studied and studied in depth, especially in vectors/disease carriers. Mosquito bionomics such as preferential behavior of mosquito biting and mosquito breeding sites that are associated with the environment are important to study in order to determine the potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases in these places. Information about the bionomics of mosquitoes in a particular place can be used in mosquito control.

This research also involved 6 students from the UGM Faculty of Biology as research assistants, namely Wanda Aulia Pamungkas (Biology 2019), Cornelius Devito Deva Pramana Atmaja (Biology 2020), Erna Indahwati (Biology 2020), Haris Dwi Nugroho (Biology 2021), Kaifa Salwa Arrahma (Biology 2021), and Wa Ode Stevi (Biology 2021) whose task is to assist in collecting mosquito data in the field. In this activity the research assistants also had the opportunity to learn and practice directly how to identify mosquitoes from the genus level to the species level. In addition, students can also learn to communicate with the community directly in the field for its implementation.

Saturday, 25 February 2023, at 08.00 a.m. to 02.40 p.m.,the Biology Student Family Grand Launching of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University was held. The Grand Launching was held offline at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Building, Faculty of Biology UGM. The Grand Launching was attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc. as Biology Student Executive Board Advisory Lecturer, several Advisory Lecturers of Study Groups and Organizations, as well as 31 students from representatives of Study Groups and Organization of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Grand Launching activity was guided by Aditya Latiful Azis and Rima Arvisya Natania Putri as the Master of Ceremony. This activity began with an opening and prayer, then continued with singing Indonesia Raya, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology Mars. The activity was followed by a series of remarks beginning with remarks from Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and Fathur Syahrian Ramadhani as Head of the 2023 UGM Biology Student Executive Board. Then proceed to the main event of Grand Launching with presentations by each Study Groups and Organizations. The event was attended by representatives of 13 study groups and organization, including the Biology Orchid Study Club, Biology Student Executive Board, Genetic Research Student Forum, Garden Architecture Study Group, Entomology Study Group, Herpetology Study Group, Marine Study Group, Student Senate, Congregation of Biology Muslim Group, Catholic Student Association, Matalabiogama, Graduate Student Association, and Christian Student Fellowship.

The study groups and organizations presentation was divided into 3 sessions. The first session consists of Biology Orchid Study Club, Garden Architecture Study Group, Entomology Study Group, Herpetology Study Group, Marine Study Group,and Genetic Research Student Forum. Next, the second session consists of the Congregation of Biology Muslim Group, Catholic Student Association, and Christian Student Fellowship. The last session was filled by the Graduate Student Association, Matalabiogama, Student Senate, and Biology Student Executive Board. The Grand Launching activity also featured several performances from Biotimbre and Syrinx as well as a game hosted by the MC. The Grand Launching activity ended at 02.40 p.m. and ended with conveying the message from the forum, documentation and closing from the MC.

Representatives of the SDGs Campus Ambassadors at Gadjah Mada University with members Anis Rahmatillah S1 Biology class of 2021 and Sulthan Aflahudin S1 Regional Development class of 2020 won 3rd Place in the Innovation Category at the 2022 SDGs Campus Ambassador Selection Competition in December 2022. The awards were given on the second day of the SDGs Annual Conference event , 2 December 2022 which will be held in a hybrid manner.

Assessment of the competition is carried out based on activity proposals that support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the university and community and support the SDGs Center program of each university. The winners of the competition are divided into 5 categories which are the inspiration category, the implementation category, the innovation category, the outreach category, and the participation category. The division of this category is based on the substance of the activity proposal made by the participants.

On this occasion, Anis Rahmatillah brought up the title of the proposal “OPTIMIZATION OF GREEN OPEN SPACE IN A DISABILITY-FRIENDLY CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT AS AN EFFORT FOR THE SUCCESS OF SDGS 2030.” Based on this title, Anis highlighted the green open spaces in the UGM campus environment which are still not very disability-friendly. In addition, in her research during the preparation of the proposal, UGM itself does not yet have written regulations regarding the provision of disability-friendly facilities in every green open space development within the UGM campus. Anis suggests that the preparation of a strategic study (policy brief) regarding standards for the development of disability-friendly green open spaces and also socialization of this strategic study to the entire UGM academic community are necessary. Anis hopes that groups of people with disabilities can more freely use green open spaces on the UGM campus so that there are no gaps like the tenth point of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Asian Waterbird Census, known as AWC, is an annual voluntary activity held at the beginning of each month. The AWC activity was initiated by Wetlands International with the aim of conserving water birds and their habitat. The Yogyakarta Bird Watching Association or known as PPBJ collaborated with several nature and conservation organizations in Yogyakarta in bird watching to fulfill AWC data. The bird watching activity was carried out on 19 February 2023 from 08.00-11.00 a.m. at Balekambang, Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).

This activity was attended by Matalabiogama, the UNY Bionic Bird Watching Group, Silvagama, Mapaperta Sarjana Taman Siswa Yogyakarta, and the UGM Wildlife Study Group. Matalabiogama was represented by 5 members namely Aufa Amila Nawafila, Khalisa Ridha Fadhila Zaini, Fadhila Nurjannah, Hanif Nashrudin, and Shaila Revita Zafira. Matalabigama members gathered at the Secretariat at 05.30 a.m. and left together from the Faculty of Biology UGM at 06.00 a.m. to Yogyakarta International Airport.

Matalabiogama members arrived at YIA at 08.00 a.m., and were given the task to observe bird species and record the number of bird species within the area. Bird watching is done with the help of binoculars and a camera. Identification of bird species is done by looking at the guidebook that has been provided or asking PPBJ members through the documentation that has been taken. After observing for 3 hours, around 11.00 a.m. all observers gathered to collect their observations.

From the observation result, there were 29 types of bird species consisting of Purple Heron, Gray Heron, Little Cormorant, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cerulean Kingfisher, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Javan Pond Heron, Yellow Bittern, Javan Munia, White-Headed Munia, Scaly-Breasted Munia, Zitting Cisticola, Sunda Coucal, Javan Kingfisher, Spotted Dove, Australasian Grebe, White-Breasted Waterhen, Cave Swiftlet, White-Throated Kingfisher, Scarlet-Headed Flowerpecker, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Barred Buttonquail, Striated Swallow, White-Browed Crake, and Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater. The most species found was the Black-Crowned Night Heron with a total of approximately 100 individuals. The collected data will be used to fulfill the AWC 2023 data. After data collections and documentation, these activities were closed at 12.00 a.m. With Matalabiogama’s participation in this AWC activity, it was hoped that they would be able to take part in similar activities or collaborate with other organizations in the context of animal identification and conservation.

On Sunday, 26 February 2023, at 08.00 –12.40 a.m.,the Grand Launching of Biology Student Executive Board, Universitas Gadjah Mada, was held. The Grand Launching was held offline at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Building, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity was attended by Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc. as the BEM Supervisor of the Faculty of Biology UGM and 55 students including representatives from various Faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada, including BEM KM UGM, LEM FKT UGM, BEM KM FKG UGM, BEM KM FMIPA UGM, BEM KMFA UGM, LM Psychology UGM, BEM KM SV, BEM FKH UGM, BEM FKKMK UGM, BEM KMFT, DEMA Justicia UGM, BEM FTP UGM, BEM Geography, DEMA Fisipol, BEM Animal Husbandry UGM, and LMF Philosophy. Not only that, this activity was also attended by representatives from the Study Group and Organization of the Faculty of Biology UGM consisting of the Student Senate (SEMA), Entomology Study Group (KSE), Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT), Matalabiogama, Christian Student Fellowship (PMK) , Graduate Student Association (KMP), and Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC).

The 2023 UGM Faculty of Biology BEM Grand Launching activity was guided by the MCs, namely Firchamy Vuqi Aulia and Rima Arvisya Natania Putri. This activity began with an opening and prayer, then continued with singing Indonesia Raya, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology Mars together. The next activity was showing a recap video containing remarks by the Head of the Biology BEM 2022 Asa Synergy Cabinet, Ardan Putra Saleh Hutasuhut, and various activities that had taken place in the previous management year. The activity continued with a series of remarks from Aulia Robiatul Adawiyah as Chief Executive of the 2023 Biology BEM Grand Launching, Fathur Syahrian Ramadhani as Head of the 2023 Biology BEM UGM, and Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc.. This activity was continued to the main event, namely the prologue from the Field Coordinator and then continued with presentations from each Head of the Biology BEM Department. The next activity is the presentation of definitions, directions, work matrix, and work programs of each department.

The presentation was opened with an introduction from the Field Coordinator and material delivered by the Head of the Department. Departmental presentation activities were carried out in 5 sessions, the first session starting from the Cabinet Administration Division which oversees the Secretarial Department and the Finance Department. Then the second session was from the Internal Field which oversees the Department of Organizational Development and the Department of Human Resource Development. Then continued the third session, from the Student Potential Development Sector which oversees the Interests and Talents Department, the Scientific Development Department, and the Creative Economy Department. The fourth session is from the External Field which oversees the Public Relations and Networking Department, the Social Community Department, and the Media and Information Department. Then the last session from the Student Movement Division which oversees the Advocacy and Student Welfare Department and the Public Opinion Management Department. The Grand Launching of BEM Biology UGM 2023 also featured several performances from Biotimbre and Syrinx as well as a game hosted by the MC. The Grand Launching activity ended with conveying the message from the forum, documentation and closing from the MC.

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 The Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, held a Graduation Ceremony for the Bachelor Program 2022/2023 period II at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology. This ceremony was held at 01.00 p.m. after the graduates carried out their university graduation at Grha Sabha Pramana. Then, the ceremony was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and continued singing Indonesia Raya, Hymne Gadjah Mada, and Mars Faculty of Biology.

Then, there is a report of graduates by the Head of Undergraduate Study Program by Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. In his report he said that there were 58 graduates in this period. With various kinds of predicates, including 32 honors, 25 very satisfactory, and 1 satisfactory with an average GPA of 3.52 and a length of study of 4 years and 5 months. Then the highest GPA was obtained by Mr. Ikhsan Putra Budiman, S.Si. with a value of 3.82. Then, there are graduates with the shortest length of study, which is 3 years and 5 months, achieved by Ms. Asifa Bella Ilmy Firdaus, S.Sc., Sdri. Fitroh Retno Palupi, S.Sc., Sdri. Nada Tazkia Purba, S.Si., and Ms. Weni Eka Damayanti, S.Si. with honors. During this period, graduates came from 8 provinces in Indonesia.

Next, there is a reading of the graduates graduation results. The graduates came forward to receive graduation results and plaques with their parents. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the graduates by Mr. Ikhsan Putra Budiman, S.Si. He conveyed his impressions and messages during college and thanked the lecturers and parents for all the guidance and encouragement. Followed by remarks from the parents’ representatives by Mrs. Menik Lestari, parents of Mr. Ikhsan Putra Budiman, S.Si. He expressed his gratitude to the Faculty of Biology for facilitating students to study.

The continued with pin awarding as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. to representatives of graduates, Mr. Irenaeus Seno Prasojo, S.Si. and Mrs. Fitroh Retno Palupi, S.Si. followed by all graduates. After that followed by remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. He said that there are three types of graduates which are scholarship fighters, those who want to get married, and those who work. He advised graduates to become successful people and be able to provide benefits to others and the environment.

After the dean’s remarks, the graduation procession was continued with performances from the Faculty of Biology’s vocal group, Biotimbre, who performed the song Flashlight. Furthermore, there was a presentation of gifts from graduates represented by Mr. Adin Fikri Al Farabi, S.Si. to the Faculty of Biology and then accepted by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. As a complement, there is a prayer reading led by Sumarno, S.Sc., M.Sc. The graduation procession went solemnly, then the Dean of the Faculty of Biology officially closed the Graduation Ceremony at 03.00 p.m.

Prof. Michael Sauer, Deputy Head of The Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria gave a Guest Lecture to students, lecturers and researchers at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Topics presented were about bioprocess and biorefinery. The guest lecture was opened by the Vice Dean for Research and Community Service and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono who is also the moderator on the agenda. In the guest lecture, it was conveyed that the world is experiencing a sustainability problem. One of the main causes is environmental pollution, especially from plastic waste.

Indonesia, which is a mega-biodiversity country, has natural wealth potential that can be utilized as a source of raw materials for bioplastic production. Organisms such as bacteria and fungi are sources of bioplastic microorganisms that are widely found in Indonesia. However, the research and development in this matter is hardly enough to get attention.

Guest lectures that invite speakers from outside UGM are routine activities held by the Faculty of Biology UGM. With these activities, students will gain insight and material from experts related to the world of biology. Meanwhile, the partner network of the Faculty of Biology UGM will be accelerated and institutional recognition will also increase.