Vietnam is considered successful in farming lobster for commercial needs. Therefore, recently, rumors of re-opening the lobster seed exports to Vietnam were circulating. In response, the Faculty of Biology organized the 10th biotalks discussing: The Role of Biology in the Conservation of Lobster Biodiversity. It was held on Thursday, December 10, 2020, with speakers: Drs. Trijoko, M.Si. (Expert on Animal Systematics and Carcinology, Faculty of Biology UGM), Effendy Wong (Chair of the Indonesian Marine Fish Cultivators Association), Prof. Dr. Haryanti, M.S. (Main Expert Researcher of the Center for Marine Cultivation Research and Fisheries Extension; UGM Alumni F.Biology 1976) and moderated by Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si, M.Sc.

The first speaker, Drs. Trijoko, M.Si., presented on the Role of Biology in the Conservation of Lobster Cultivation in Indonesia. Lobster exports have been steadily increasing in recent years; however, it results in side effects of environmental damage. Efforts should be made to prevent environmental damage, for example, the development of sea farming. Also, it is necessary to conduct a study on natural larvae feed and nurseries. In addition, Prof. Dr. Haryanti, M.S., as the second speaker, discussed the preservation of lobster populations in nature. She mentioned that, to prevent overexploitation, it is necessary to restore lobster resources. For example, it can be done by producing adults with mature gonads and release them into the wild. The last speaker, Effendy Wong, discussed the conditions of lobsters in the wild and the potential of lobster seeds in Indonesia. He believed that Indonesia, with its abundant seed availability, should develop lobster cultivation on its own.

From the first case of Covid-19, one year has passed. The pandemic is still not over, but it is starting to see a bright spot with vaccines being developed by researchers worldwide. Vaccine distribution was ongoing, and suddenly there was news that the Sars-Cov-2 virus was mutating and causing concern around the world. Vaccines are the main hope for ending the pandemic, so what is the role of the biologist? In response, the Faculty of Biology organized the 11th Biotalks, with the theme: Mutation of SARS-CoV-2 and the Role of Biology in Vaccine Development in Indonesia. It was held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, inviting three speakers: Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, M.Si. (Immunobiologist; Biology Alumni 1988), Tedjo Sasmono, Ph.D. (Eijkman Institute Molecular Biology Researcher; Biology Alumni 1989), Ririn Ramadhany, Ph.D. (Virology researcher; Biology Alumni 2002) and moderated by Fajar Sofyantoro, Ph.D.

The first speaker, Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, M.Si. presenting a lecture on Biological Sciences in Vaccine Development. Vaccines can be developed from various platforms: synthetic peptides, RNA, DNA, recombinants, virus-like particles, etc. He explained that the manufacture and development of this vaccine is a work that takes a long time and involves many people; therefore, it needs synergy from all parties. Ririn Ramadhany, Ph.D., as the second speaker, discussed virus mutations and the role of biology in vaccine development. The Sars Cov-2 virus is rapidly undergoing genetic mutations, but it is still unknown what impact this will have on the vaccine being developed. The last speaker, Tedjo Sasmono, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of understanding basic science when studying S1 at the Faculty of Biology. Also, because of the high level of urgency, development of Covid-19 vaccine can be accelerated to around six months. It is proof that science is always developing and useful in anticipating the emergence of a pandemic.

The Faculty of Biology UGM held a series of discussion programs (BioTalk), a talk show discussing biology issues from a multi-sector perspective. The first series of BioTalk was held on Thursday 11 June 2020 and raised the theme of “The strategy of creative industry and tourism in facing the new normal.” The BioTalk invited several speakers, including Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. (Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. Agus Rochiyardi, M.M. (Marketing Director of the Borobudur Authority Agency), and Drs. Ario S. Setiadi, MM, Ph.D., CPM, DipM, CHRM (Commissioner of PT. Widatra Bhakti (Otsuka Group).

Budi Setiadi Daryono talked about the history and genetics of the SARS Cov 2 virus and emphasized the critical role of biology scientists in dealing with pandemics.

Meanwhile, Agus Rochiyardi presented the strategy of the tourism industry in facing the new normal. In his presentation, Agus concluded that a survival strategy could be carried out through reinventing the business model, focusing on the domestic market, utilizing online marketing strategies, and mapping the priority scale of financing.

The next speaker was Ario Setiadi, who discussed the creative economy industry in the new normal era. In his presentation, he conveyed that the opportunity to develop a creative economy in Indonesia is enormous. The development of a digital lifestyle has made it easier for communication media to reach most of the community, thus facilitating the marketing process. Ario hopes that the university can play an active role in supporting students’ business. For the next talk, the Biotalks series will discuss tropical biodiversity and strive to be a talk program providing information that enlightens and educates the public.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Peter van Bodegom, a professor of environmental biology from Leiden University, gave a guest lecture entitled “Biodiversity from Space.” The lecture was opened by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service and Cooperation, Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App. In his presentation, Prof. Peter explained that biodiversity does not occur randomly; biodiversity is neatly arranged in order. The highest biodiversity could be found at the equator and decreasing gradually towards the poles.

The lecture was held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Class 1, Building B of the Faculty of Biology, and was attended by students from undergraduates until the doctoral program whose research interests are in the field of ecology. This lecture is part of the follow-up program to the MoU between UGM and Leiden University.

During the promotion of Erasmus plus scholarship in UGM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jūratė Žaltauskaitė (senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania), pleased to attend and gave lectures at the Faculty of Biology. The guest lecture was held from March 9 to 10, 2020, and focused on managing the environment. The lecture on the first day was held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, entitled “Introduction to VMU and Environment Research.” It was attended by students from undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. In his lecture, Jūratė shared his experiences on how to get an Erasmus plus scholarship and study at VMU Lithuania.

On the second day, the lectures were divided into sessions, the morning and the afternoon session. The morning session was held in the tropical biology auditorium, with the title “Climate change observations in higher latitudes and effects on plants.” In this presentation, Jūratė discussed that human, animal, and plant life is mainly dependent on the climate condition.

The lecture in the afternoon session focused on the “Effect of total cadmium and lead concentrations in soil on the growth, reproduction, and survival of earthworm Eisenia fetida.” In this lecture, Jūratė explained that worms are the only vital species determining soil biomass, so earthworms are vital in the soil food chain.

Thursday, January 30, 2020, Anna Firdhousi Nuzula, a student from the Faculty of Biology, left for Germany to participate in the Youth For Understanding (YFU) scholarship program. This program encourages cross-border collaboration, especially among young people who are pioneers in driving the development of Indonesia’s culture.

In this program, participants get a free tutoring program for one week to learn about Germany’s culture and business. YFU participants representing Indonesia consisted of 6 children from Sumatra and Jakarta. While in Germany, the group was joined by Indonesian students who had studied in Germany for a long time.

This program’s objective is to enable developing countries, including Indonesia, to improve their vocational training systems.

Comment:

I hope that participating in this program could promote global networks that bring together youth, companies, and innovative industries at the local level that develop Indonesian culture’s character.

The Faculty of Biology successfully obtained international accreditation from ASIIN Germany for the Undergraduate Program and AUN (Asian University Network) Accreditation for the Master’s Program. Hence, in the commitment of improving the quality of the learning environment for students, the Faculty of Biology organizes public lectures by speakers from distinguished universities in the world.

On July 23rd, the Faculty of Biology organized a public lecture by Dr. Farid Asif Shaheen from PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, with the title of “Socioecology of Insects.” The public lecture was attended by lecturers, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. In his presentation, Dr. Farid Asif Shaheen revealed that social insects’ biomass, including various types of ants, termites, and bees, is greater than the entire biomass of mammals living on earth. “However, only 1% of social insects have been studied. Therefore, social insects’ topic should be considered one of the critical research fields. For example, leafcutter ants show herbivorous activity exceeding that of herbivorous mammals, “said Dr. Farid Asif Shaheen.

Also, at this event, the Dean proposed collaborations between the Faculty of Biology and PMAS Arid Agriculture University Pakistan in the fields of joint research, student exchange, and summer course programs.

The 2019 National Seminar on Tropical Biology was held in the Auditorium Room of the UGM Faculty of Biology, promoting a theme of “Development of Biotourism and Biospeleology for Conservation of Tropical Biodiversity.” The seminar was opened by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., followed by the signing of an MoU between the Faculty of Biology, the Borobudur Authority Agency, and Moyudan Animal Village.

The seminar also invited experts for the plenary session, including Dr. Cahyo Rahmadi (Head of Zoology, LIPI Research Center for Biology and President of the Indonesian Speleological Society) presented the urgency of conserving caves biota. In this seminar, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. (Researcher for Animal Structure and Development, Faculty of Biology UGM), explained the importance of studying behavior and physiological aspects, structure, and development of animals that adapt to natural conditions in caves. Dr. Agus Rochiyardi (Director of Tourism Marketing at the Borobudur Authority Agency) also discusses the concept of bio tourism, emphasizing the harmony between human, cultural assets, and environmental aspects. The plenary session was closed by Ir. Ikram M.Sangadji, M.Si (Head of the Kupang National Marine Conservation Area), who shared his experience in the management of the Savu Sea and its potential for ecotourism.

The discussion presented by the four experts is expected to open new perspectives in ecosystem management in the conservation of tropical biodiversity.

The Higher Education National Olympiad of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (ONMIPA-PT) is a competition held by the Government to promote student competitiveness in the field of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. ONMIPA-PT was held in Makassar on April 26-29, 2019 this year. Around 256 students from all over Indonesia participated in the event, 64 of whom competed in biology. Three Biology Faculty students represent the UGM contingent for Biology: Yustika Sari (Biology 2017), Muhammad Malhan Amin (Biology 2016), and Ahmad Suyoko (Biology 2015).

The test was conducted centrally at the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) for two days (27 and 28 April). The closing ceremony and announcement of the winners were held on Monday, April 29, 2019. Three Biology Faculty students managed to come out as champions, namely Yustika Sari (gold medal), Muhammad Malhan Amin (silver medal), and Ahmad Suyoko (silver medal).

Comment:

UGM students who will take part in ONMIPA-PT should prepare themselves as early and as possible, read more references, and get used to practicing working on questions, both past questions, and similar questions.

The General Lecture was delivered by Dr. rer. silv. Ulrich Pietzarka from the Tharandt Botanic Garden and Arboretum of the Dresden University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences. Discussing the topic of: “Quality Management in Botanic Gardens in Germany”, the lecture took place in the Faculty of Biology UGM and was attended by lecturers and graduate students of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Dresden University is currently managing a botanical garden, named the Tharandt Botanic Garden, under the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Dr. rer. silv. Ulrich Pietzarka as the head manager.

The lecture discussed that the management of a botanical garden requires a cooperative network between the university and its partners.

“Developing interconnected participation of each stakeholder (guests/visitors, funders, members, partners, lobby groups, government, university, and faculty) is essential. Social media and press are also the key players in maintaining public relationships,” said Dr. rer. silv. Ulrich Pietzarka.