The batch of the 2022 Student Team from the Faculty of Biology UGM chaired by Birrul Qisty Mutmainnah Nazara with her two colleagues Firchamy Vuqi Aulia and Anisah Qurrotu’Ainii won 3rd place in the National Scientific Writing Competition under the guidance of Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo S.Si. This competition was organized by the Porseni of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara from January 5th to February 25th, 2023 with the theme “Implementation of the Smart Farming Concept in Realizing Sustainable Agriculture in Indonesia after the Covid-19 Pandemic”. The activity took place in three stages, abstract submission, full paper submission, and the final event which was the presentation of works for the 10 teams that passed in front of the jury.

This time, Qisty and her team chose the agro-complex subtheme, with the working title “Implementation of the Grafting-Digital Gene Expression Method on Cacao Plants (Theobroma cacao) as a Leading Commodity in the IKN Region (Capital of the Archipelago)“. The background for writing this scientific paper is the problem of flooding that occurred in one of the IKN sub-districts and the threat of decreasing cocoa production in the region. Based on the problems that have been described in the area, Qisty and the team plan to find a solution by initiating a breakthrough of a grafting method based on the Digital Gene Expression Profile which shows the compatibility of the two plants to be grafted.

Through this method, two types of cacao plant varieties are combined to produce high-quality plants that are resistant to pests and diseases caused by flooding which are expected to become the leading commodity of IKN. Through this work, Qisty and her team also hope to provide benefits of the application of Digital Gene Expression Profile-based grafting technology to the public. They also hope, through this competition, they can encourage and motivate other students.

Yogyakarta, Friday, March 10, 2023 – The Entomology Study Group (KSE) of the Faculty of Biology UGM collaborated with the Play Group Committee and RA Baiturrohmah Drono held a study assistance themed “Get to Know Insects Closer.” This event held at the Baiturrohmah Drono School Mosque, Tridadi, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Through this event, as many as 50 children from the playgroup level enthusiastically participated in learning assistance activities like singing, introducing insects, and making simple handicrafts. The program was hosted by Mami Dian Sartika, the Head of Baiturrohmah Drono Play Group, and KSE activists from the Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity aims to hold a branding festival by introducing KSE and the field of entomology to external parties or the public. This time it would be learning assistance for early childhood.

The activity, which started at 09.00 am, contained presentations on insects by active members of KSE on the characteristics and examples of insects, the benefits and roles of insects for the surrounding environment, as well as the metamorphosis process of insects, especially butterflies. In addition, two active KSE members wore a ladybug (Epilachna admirabilis) and a bee (Apis cerana) costume to increase children’s interest in the material presented. After delivering the material, the activity continued with making butterfly handicrafts from Yakult packaging bottles, colorful paper, and skewers guided by KSE members. The activity ended at 10.30 am.

On Saturday, March 4 2023, a Seedling KSAT scientific material activities were carried out, namely Small Group Discussion 1 (SGD1). This Small Group Discussion was a garden style presentation by Seedling in accordance with the Landscape Architecture Pre-Aclimatization task previously assigned. The purpose of holding this Landscape Architecture Small Group Discussion is to increase Seedling’s knowledge about garden style and Seedling’s communication skills.

The SGD 1 began with the opening by the MC, Allya Heni (KSAT 2021) continued with an opening prayer and presentation. Presentations were made alternately by Seedling regarding the garden style obtained, which included the meaning and history of the garden style, the characteristics of the garden style, and the types of plants in the garden style. After finishing the presentation, it was followed by a discussion and question and answer session. Then, the SGD 1 was closed with a closing prayer and documentation.

The SGD 1 2023 went smoothly and on time. It is hoped that by holding this activity, the Seedling KSAT can improve basic understanding of landscape architecture, especially garden style. In addition, we hope that the KSAT can become more firmly rooted in penetrating civilization so that it can become a study group that has benefits for the academic and the wider community.

The Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) on March 4 2023 officially launched the Paphiopedilum javanicum Cabinet for the 2023 management period which is meaningful as a forum for scientific development related to orchids accompanied by synergy in harmony between BiOSC members, which will then be disseminated to the wider community. This is in accordance with the BiOSC strategic plan for 2023, namely the BiOSC publication. Publication can be publication of scientific articles or publication of popular articles as a result of scientific dissemination by BiOSC.

The BiOSC 2023 Work Meeting began with the Grand Launching of the Paphiopedilum javanicum Cabinet and a presentation of the BiOSC 2023 daily management structure. The activity was then continued with the presentation of the work program of each daily administrator. This activity is divided into two sessions. The first session is the presentation of work programs from the chairman, treasurer, secretary, scientific coordinator, research division coordinator, cultivation division coordinator, and conservation division coordinator. The next session was a question and answer session.

The activity continued with the presentation of the work program from the entrepreneurial coordinator, organizational coordinator, head of HRM, head of Public Relations and Networking, and head of Publication Media. The BiOSC 2023 work meeting is expected to be the start of a new enthusiasm for the Paphiopedilum javanicum cabinet in carrying out work programs for the next period.

Yogyakarta, Thursday, March 9, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in collaboration with the Belantara Foundation held a General Lecture with the theme “Conservation of Biodiversity in Indonesia and Career Opportunities in the Conservation Field”. The event was held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM, and was opened by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, guided by Akbar Reza, S.Sc., M.Sc. as a lecturer in the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The speaker in this general lecture is Dr. Dolly Priatna, Executive Director of the Belantara Foundation. He spoke about the importance of conserving biodiversity in Indonesia because it is currently facing various threats, such as climate change, deforestation, and other environmental damage. Dr. Dolly Priatna also explained that the field of conservation has very promising career potential in Indonesia. Currently, many organizations and institutions focus on biodiversity conservation, such as environmental foundations, conservation companies, and government agencies. In the conservation field, there are various career opportunities such as conservation biologist, conservation project manager, conservation policy expert, and so on.

The event was attended by 70 students from the Faculty of Biology UGM who are interested in conservation. They were also allowed to ask questions directly. This general lecture was successfully held and is expected to have a positive impact on increasing public awareness and understanding of diversity conservation.

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.