Wednesday, 24 January 2024 The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Graduation Ceremony for the Postgraduate Program 2023/2024 period II at 01.00 p.m. and 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. The event was also attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widianto, S.Si., M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., the Head of Master in Biology Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., and the Head of Doctor in Biology Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.. The event proceeded with a traditional dance performance from Banyuwangi, East Java, titled “Tari Sorote Lintang Kemukus,” presented by the Laskar Gebyar KMP Faculty of Biology.

Then, the graduation report was delivered by the head of Doctor in Biology Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.. The II Period of Academic Year 2023/2024 there were 2 graduates for the doctoral program with an average length of study was 5 years and 3 months and an average GPA was 3.99. For the master program there were 11 graduates with the academic title Master of Science (M.Sc.) with 8 graduates with cumlaude predicates. The average length of study was 2 years and 4 months, with an average GPA of 3.88. Up to this period, the Postgraduate program of Biology UGM had graduated 132 doctoral students and 1672 master’s students.

Next, there was a reading of the graduates graduation results. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the graduates Jimmy Al Fa’is, S.Si., M.Sc. He expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Biology for providing excellent facilities and scholarly competence. He extended thanks to the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology for their support, including the supervising professors, mentors, and co-mentors. He dedicated the achievement to the parents, expressing happiness and gratitude for the earned degree. This also serves as a commitment to contribute to the nation in the best possible way. He hoped for a constant infusion of strong integrity and honesty, emphasizing the importance of holding firm to principles Locally Rooted Globally Respected, and not forgetting the local wisdom and national context that has brought many benefits. The program continued with a remark from the representative of the parents, Mr. H. Ali Imron, the father of Mr. Jimmy Al Fa’is, S.Si., M.Sc. He expressed gratitude to the professors who accompanied them throughout the learning process. He encouraged the graduates to remain humble and make the best use of the knowledge they have acquired.

The ceremony continued with pin awarding as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., represented by graduates Dr. Munawir Sazali, M.Si. and Fa’izah Nur Shabrina, S.Si., M.Sc.,. Following that was a speech by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, he congratulated the graduates, highlighting that out of 1000 individuals, only 45 are postgraduate graduates, signifying an opportunity for the graduates to contribute to the country. He also mentioned that the presidential election would take place soon and urged everyone to safeguard our unity, emphasizing that the nation would progress with an enhancement in human resources. On behalf of the faculty, he expressed gratitude to the supervising professors as their mentees have successfully graduated, bringing pride to the faculty and the entire staff who accompanied them throughout the learning process. He expressed hope for the graduates, as Biology alumni, to become successful individuals in the future. Towards the end of the event, graduates presented mementos to the Dean. Before concluding the event, a prayer was recited by Sumarno, S.Si. M.Sc. The ceremony was then closed by the Dean at 01.30 pm.

On January 19, 2024, the Biology Student Congress (KMB) 2023 was conducted as a symbol of the end of the administration of the Laskar Aswattha Cabinet of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and the Cakra Optima Parliament of the Biology Student Senate (SEMA) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. KMB is a general assembly aimed at inaugurating the chairperson of BEM Biology and the chairperson and members of SEMA for the 2024 administration. The event was held virtually through the Zoom Meeting platform and started at 08:30 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), attended by BEM, SEMA, and representatives of Study Groups/Institutions. The activities began with an opening by Jovika Syifa Ananmaimuna, serving as the Master of Ceremony. The event continued with the reading of the session rules by the interim session leader, which was then approved and ratified. This was followed by the election of the permanent session leader. Denianto Agung Wicaksono, as the interim session leader, was approved by the forum as the permanent session leader.

The event continued with the inauguration of the elected BEM 2024 chairperson, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, who took an oath under the holy book of the Quran. After the inauguration of the BEM Biology 2024 chairperson was completed, the event proceeded with the inauguration of the elected SEMA Faculty of Biology 2024 chairperson, Marfuah. The event then continued with the inauguration of SEMA members for the 2024 administration. Next, the outline of the Working Direction (GBHK) for 2024 was presented by the BEM 2024 chairperson, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha. The GBHK included four sections: introduction, basic pattern of the working direction of BEM Biology UGM, general pattern of the working direction of BEM Biology UGM, and conclusion. After the reading of the GBHK, it was hoped that all elements of the Family of Students of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, could work together to strive for a unified, harmonious, synergistic, and integrity-filled Family of Students of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

After the reading of the GBHK, the session was closed by the permanent session leader and taken over again by Jovika Syifa Ananmaimuna, the MC. The KMB 2023 event concluded at 09:40 AM with a virtual closing session and a group photo session.

Yogyakarta, January 4, 2024, in the Lobby of Building B, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada – The Doctor in Biology Study Program, Faculty of Biology, UGM, conducted a Seminar on Research Findings for doctoral students from the academic years 2021 (odd and even semester) and 2022 (odd and even semester). The agenda served as a platform for doctoral students to present their research findings to their mentors and fellow students. The event was attended by 24 students under the guidance of 40 mentors.

The seminar commenced at 08:00 AM WIB, led by Angelina Illa Tha, S.Si., and began with the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology UGM March. Following this, there were remarks by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his address, he expressed gratitude to the organizing committee for their hard work in preparing the Seminar. He emphasized the importance of doctoral students being disciplined with their time to ensure the timely completion of their programs. The Dean encouraged students to conduct proposal seminars in their first semester and comprehensive exams in the second semester. He also urged mentors to regularly monitor the progress of their students to avoid delays in completing their studies, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the requirement of scientific publication. The Dean highlighted the expectation that graduates of the Doctor in Biology Study Program in the Faculty of Biology would be ready to work and contribute to the success of government programs. The event then proceeded with presentations of research findings by doctoral students in the form of posters, with each presentation lasting for 5 minutes. Dr. Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., moderated the session. After the presentations, students engaged in discussions with their mentor teams regarding their research findings and future plans.

The closing remarks were delivered by the Head of Doctor in Biology Study Program Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng. She conveyed that after the Research Findings Seminar, students should promptly revise their work with their mentor teams, prepare publications, and consistently provide progress reports. The Seminar was anticipated to serve as a means for collective monitoring of each doctoral student’s research progress by their mentor teams. The event also served as an essential agenda item to ensure that doctoral students complete their research and graduate on time. Additionally, the feedback, suggestions, and critiques during the seminar’s discussion session are expected to contribute to the improvement of publication design and assist students in completing their research.

Matalabiogama is an organization in the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, founded as a nature enthusiastic group on October 5, 1974, and has remained active ever since. Matalabiogama aims to foster the interests and talents of students in advancing biological knowledge in nature. This goal is achieved through various activities that encompass physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership. The General Assembly of Matalabiogama 2023 was conducted on December 18 to 20, 2023, at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The primary purpose of this event was to select and establish leaders and organizational structures for the 2024 period and also the Organizational Consideration Board of Matalabiogama.

The General Assembly of Matalabiogama was hosted by Geraldine Yara Amritarashmi and Husna Nadia. The event commenced with a speech by Irfan Ari Prasetyo, serving as the Chairman of Matalabiogama, followed by a speech from the Organizational Consideration Board (OCB), presented by Lisna Nur Aini on behalf of Muhammad Helmi. Furthermore, there were speeches from Dr. Biol.Hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, S.Si., M.Si., represented by Irfan Ari Prasetyo, and Daru Perwita, an alumnus. Subsequently, Nur Baehaki Romadhon, as the Session Leader, delivered a speech and obtained approval for the session to proceed. Under the guidance of the Session Leader, discussions were held regarding the Accountability Report and Matalabiogama’s Articles of Association and Bylaws(AD/ART). Finally, the Accountability Report and the revision of AD/ART were accepted with some conditions, including additional evaluations covering challenges, solutions, and recommendations. On the third day, the election of the Matalabiogama Chairman for the 2024 period took place with five candidates. After the selection process, Nur Baehaki Romadhon was elected as the Chairman of Matalabiogama. Congratulations and best wishes to all of us for the next year. Vivat et Floreat!

On Tuesday and Wednesday, December 19-20, 2023, the Deliberation Meeting of KSAT Members 2023 was conducted at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. This meeting was aimed to present the accountability report of the ACER Cabinet, discuss the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD-ART), and determine the Chairman for the 2023-2024 period.

The accountability report and AD-ART discussion took place on the first day, December 19, 2023, commenced with the opening and prayer led by the MC, Salsabila Nayla (KSAT 2023) followed by a speech from the KSAT 2023 chairman, Zildan Basara (KSAT 2020), and the KSAT supervisor, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. The presentation of the Accountability Report was conducted by the Daily Board of the ACER Cabinet, followed by discussions. After a short break the discussion session regarding the Articles and Bylaws was conducted. Based on the AD-ART discussion, several changes to articles and paragraphs in the AD-ART were proposed and agreed upon by the session leader and the forum. The first day of the meeting ran smoothly and on schedule.

On the second day, December 20, 2023, the Meeting was held to determine and select the new KSAT Chairman. There were 3 candidates for the KSAT chairmanship: Anggi Nada Khoirul U. (KSAT 2021), Aufa Amila Nawafila (KSAT 2021), and Laksita Chesarina (KSAT 2021). The candidates presented their visions and missions and engaged in a Q&A session with the forum. After deliberation by the forum, Anggi Nada Khoirul U. (KSAT 2021) was confirmed as the 2023-2024 Chairman.After officially being elected, Anggi Nada delivered a brief speech to the forum. Subsequently, she selected several colleagues to form the new KSAT cabinet. The Deliberation Meeting of KSAT Members 2023 concluded with a documentation session, including a group photo for all attendees. With the successful completion of this event, it is hoped that it will enhance the spirit and commitment of the KSAT chairman for the 2023-2024 period and all KSAT members. Additionally, it is hoped that KSAT will continue to strengthen its roots to penetrate civilization, becoming a study group that is beneficial to both the academic environment and the broader community.

On Friday, 29 December 2023 the Deliberation Meeting of the Genetics Research Student Forum (FORMASIGEN) was conducted through the zoom meeting platform, marking the conclusion of the term for one year management. The event commenced with speeches from Muhammad Sultan Hakim Negoro as Vice Chairman of FORMASIGEN. The event was followed by the accountability report of the FORMASIGEN Chairman, Muhamad Helmi Fauzan. Throughout 2023, FORMASIGEN was successfully held a Training of trainer and GenTalk.

The agenda proceeded with a presentation of the grand design by the candidate for chairmanship, Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki (Biology 2021). The candidate outlined their vision and mission, elaborating on the three main missions in their prospective cabinet: “Organize, Active, Exist.” The presentation concluded with their action plan for the one-year leadership tenure. Subsequently, a deliberation took place, and it was determined that Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki was approved by the forum to serve as the Chairman of FORMASIGEN 2024. The 2023 Deliberation Meeting was then concluded with closing remarks from the Vice Chairman of FORMASIGEN 2023, followed by a group photo.

On Wednesday, 3 January 2023 the seminar proposal for master in biology Students of the faculty Biology, even-year intake of 2022 was conducted, serving as a platform for master students to present their thesis proposal in front of their supervisors and fellow students. This event was participated by 46 students and 24 supervisors.

The event commenced at 08:00 AM WIB, the agenda proceeded with speeches delivered by the Head of the Master in Biology Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si. In his address, he emphasized that after the seminar, students were urged to promptly undertake the comprehensive examination to ensure timely graduation. The subsequent speech was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. He expressed that the students present in the room were the result of a selection process meeting the standards, thus expecting that the 4-semester program duration was sufficient for completion. Furthermore, students were encouraged to enhance their English language proficiency as it would be used during presentations. He stressed the importance of eligible students promptly taking the comprehensive examination to begin their research promptly. Additionally, he advised students to maintain regular communication with their supervisors to ensure better research implementation. He concluded by stating that the thesis seminar is obligatory for all levels within the biology faculty, serving as a commendable academic tradition to uphold. Moreover, he highlighted the necessity of conducting a progress seminar in August following the proposal seminar and comprehensive exams for monitoring purposes, facilitating timely graduation.

Following the opening activities, the students were divided into three rooms, each guided by a moderator: Auditorium Biologi Tropika with Dr. Fajar Sudyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc., Classroom 6 with Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Classroom 7 with Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc. In these sessions, students presented their thesis proposals, followed by feedback from their supervisors. The presentations were conducted in English, with a duration of 10 minutes for the presentation and an additional 5 minutes for feedback from the supervisors. This activity was expected to assist master’s students in preparing for their thesis research, comprehensives exams, and thesis defense. Furthermore, the input, suggestions, and criticisms provided during the proposal seminar discussion sessions were anticipated to improve the students’ future research plans.

Every year, the Christian Student Fellowship (PMK) of the Faculty of Biology holds a Christmas celebration and worship service for Christian students to commemorate and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ together. This event aimed to strengthen the bond among fellow Christian students and professors through worship, celebration, and understanding the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth. This Christmas celebration carried the theme “Knight in Shining Armor,” derived from Zephaniah 3:17. With this verse, participants were encouraged to understand the significance of Jesus’ birth, where hope comes through His presence as the Savior who brings victory. His presence renews us in love, leading us to joy.

This event took place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, in Room 1-2 of Building B, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The attendees included Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Head of the Biology Tropica Department at the Faculty of Biology, UGM; Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., the supervising lecturer of PMK Biology; Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology; PMK Biology members; and representatives from the Christian Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni. The event commenced with an opening by the MC followed by singing hymns. Then, there were speeches by the Head of the Biology Tropica Department, the Supervising Lecturer of PMK Biology, the Chairperson of PMK Biology 2023, and the Event Coordinator. In this Christmas celebration, there was a solemn candle-lighting session, followed by a sermon by Pastor Indriatmo Adiatmo from GKJ Dagen-Palur, titled “Knight in Shining Armor.” After the worship session, several games were organized involving all participants, further strengthening the bond of brotherhood and adding to the joy of Christmas in 2023. The service concluded with a prayer and a communal love feast. Through the PMK Biology 2023 Christmas celebration, may the hope brought by the birth of Jesus Christ remain firm within us, and may we experience the victory He brings in our lives, expressed through love for one another. May the Lord bless us all.

On December 27, 2023, the Year-End Evaluation (EAT) took place, marking the conclusion of the term for the Aswattha Cabinet of the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM) and the Cakra Optima Parliament of the Biology Student Senate (SEMA) UGM. The EAT involved presentations of the accomplished work programs by both institutions. Alongside the EAT, the Supervision of Planning, Implementation, and Reporting for Biosphere #6 and PPSMB Metamorphoself 2023 occurred. The event was held virtually through the Zoom Meeting platform, commencing at 08:30 AM WIB. The event was preceded by speeches by Fathur Syahrian Ramadhani, the Chairperson of BEM Biology 2023, and Aqil Muhammad Hafiz, the Chairperson of SEMA FB UGM 2023. Subsequently, there were presentations by Biosphere #6, BEM, PPSMB Metamorphoself 2023, and SEMA, delving deeply into the executed work programs. Each presentation concluded with a discussion session to evaluate each work program.

The Biology Student Senate awarded the department of Interests and Talents of BEM as the best department and has identified the “Visiting Village” program from July to December as the best work program within the Social Community Department based on the work program evaluation. It was hoped that the outcomes of this activity could be utilized as evaluation materials for all departments, commissions, bodies, bureaus, Biosphere, and PPSMB Metamorphoself in executing their future work programs.

On Saturday to Monday, December 16-18, 2023, the final series of events for the KSAT Open Recruitment, namely the Social Project, was conducted. The purpose of organizing this Social Project was the training of prospective seedlings into members of KSAT 2023. The Social Project activities took place in Tanjung Tourism Village, with the main activity being the creation of gardens on 2 designated plots.

The Social Project spanned over 3 days. On the first day, the activities included a departure to Tanjung Tourism Village, Garden Survey, Presentation on Medicinal Plants, and Garden Design Presentation. The second day involved Design Execution, Presentation of Garden Results, and Awards for various Seedling Categories. The third day featured Games Session, the Closing of the Social Project, and the return from Tanjung Tourism Village. Each event was led by Sefilla Musdalifah (KSAT 2021) and Nirmastu Lintu (KSAT 2022) as the MC.

The Social Project activities of KSAT 2023 ran smoothly and on schedule. This initiative was carried out as an implementation of the knowledge and understanding gained from previous training activities. Furthermore, it is hoped that KSAT can establish deeper roots to penetrate civilization, becoming a study group that is beneficial not only within the academic environment but also in the broader community.