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.

The Grand Assembly (Musyak) of JMMB was a forum for the highest decision-making within JMMB UGM, conducted at the end of the cabinet’s leadership period. The Grand Assembly of JMMB UGM (Jamaah Mahasiswa Muslim Biologi Universitas Gadjah Mada) held from December 20th to 21st, 2023/1445H in Room 1 Building B of the Faculty of Biology UGM, successfully reached its pinnacle of success by presenting a series of constructive and meaningful activities. On the first day (December 20th, 2023), the event was warmly opened by the MC (Amila Rahima Husna), followed by the recitation of tilawah by (Thoriq Abdul Halim), creating a spiritual atmosphere that initiated the assembly with blessings. Initial speeches were delivered by the Chairperson of the Committee, Alif Arya Alfaridzi, Mas’ul of JMMB (Mahbibul Labib Aqridho), and the supervisor of JMMB, Dr. med. vet. Hendry T.S.G. Saragih, M.P. solidifying their commitment to the future development of the JMMB. The first day was focused on the main agenda, the discussion regarding articles of association /Bylaws and RUGD lead by Denianto Agung Wicaksono as the Chairperson assisted by Lanaa Naila Najiha and Salman Ali Nazar. They adeptly led discussion with precision and professionalism, achieving results acknowledged by all participants, and ensuring the smooth flow of the event. The proceedings of the first day concluded with a prayer and documentation.

Subsequently, on the second day (December 21st, 2023), the event commenced by the MC, Muhammad Rafi Fairuza and a recitation of tilawah by Hanif Nashrudin. This was followed by the presentation of the Accountability Report (LPJ) of the Lentera Cahaya Cabinet during the 2022-2023 period by the executive officers sequentially, starting from Mas’ul and Deputy Chairpersons, Secretary, Treasurer, Department of Cadreship and Organizational Psychology (Quality Improvement, Welfare, Data Collection and Archiving, as well as Guardianship and Development), Media and Opinion Department, Alumni and Network Department, Islamic Propagation and Community Service Department, Biology Muslim Study Club Department, Financial Independence Department, and Muslimah Development Department. Folollowed by an evaluation and assessment by the Majelis Syuro regarding the Lentera Cahaya Cabinet’s accountability report for the one-year term to determine acceptance or rejection. The Majelis Syuro decided that the LPJ of JMMB for 2022-2023 was acceptable, albeit with certain conditions.

The continuation of the most eagerly anticipated agenda was the election of the Mas’ul and Deputy Chairman for the next period.After the deliberation by the forum, with gratitude, the baton of the next period officially passed to Muhammad Luthfi, who would undertake the responsibility as Mas’ul JMMB 1445H, accompanied by the synergy of two Deputy Chairmen, Zidny Qonita Addini, and Najma Hadiyah Salma. The election of the Syuro Council as the companion and supervisor of JMMB for the next period was also conducted, namely Mahbibul Labib Aqridho, Samia Nashitatuz Zahra, Thoriq Abdul Halim, Siti Muyassaroh, and Lalila Mei Marwadani. Finally, as a meaningful conclusion, we ended this deliberation with a symbolic “tumpengan” ceremony as an expression of gratitude for the blessings, and success given throughout this deliberation process. Like the spread feast before us, so too are the responsibilities and trusts that we must carry together. Thanks to all parties who have contributed, actively participated, and shown positive spirit in carrying out this deliberation. Through our united hands, we believe that JMMB UGM will continue to shine as a platform for nurturing and developing the potential of students and academics in the field of Biology. We believe that the results of this deliberation will have a significant positive impact on the future development of JMMB UGM. JMMB! One Big Family!!!

On December 15, 2023, the Media and Information Department of the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM) Universitas Gadjah Mada released the latest edition of the BIOMAGZ magazine “BIOMAGZ 2023: A Nature Enthusiast’s Guide” through various social media platforms of BEM. Additionally, for the first time this year, BIOMAGZ was released as a printed media. This magazine signified a new step for the Media and Information Department of the Biology Student Executive Board in providing current and reliable sources of information for students, lecturers, staff, and all members of the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada. As a publication produced by the Media and Information Department, BIOMAGZ 2023 aimed to provide extensive benefits and functions to its readers.

BIOMAGZ 2023 encompasses content related to the faculty’s environment, biology-related issues, and provides a platform for students to showcase their work. BIOMAGZ 2023 served as our communication channel to foster good relationships among fellow students and the faculty. It was a reliable source of information on current and relevant issues. The magazine aimed to enhance readers’ knowledge and awareness of ongoing issues. BIOMAGZ 2023 also served as an information source about the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Through this magazine, readers can learn more about the background of the faculty, the facilities, events held within the faculty, and other interesting aspects.

Additionally, BIOMAGZ supports student involvement in magazine creation through the Art Submission and Unsent Letter sections. Students could submit their works, including writings, images, poems, stories, journals, impressions, messages, and other creative contributions. BIOMAGZ 2023 is a tangible manifestation of the commitment of the Media and Information Department of the Biology Student Executive Board UGM to provide an informative, inspirational, and educational platform for the entire academic community within Gadjah Mada University.

Yogyakarta, December 18, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) organized a farewell party for 7 students from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) who participated in the student exchange program at UGM. The students, namely Noor Emylia Binti Hisham, Nuraisyah Farhana Binti Ab Hadi, Norsharmila Binti Razali, Nur Syazwani Binti Azlin, Hurulain Silmina Binti Hamdi, Yeoh Jing, and Nur Izyan Binti Mohd Ramle, had been part of the program from August to December 2023. The event took place on Monday, December 18, 2023, and featured a barbecue and shabu grill dinner, creating lasting memories for all participants.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr., Sc., who emphasized the significant benefits of the student exchange program for all parties involved. He expressed hope that the inter-university relationships would continue to flourish and provide positive contributions to the field of knowledge.

Subsequently, one of the UTHM students, Syazwani, shared her thoughts and experiences during her time at UGM. “I would like to express my gratitude to all the lecturers and UGM’s staff for their warm hospitality and care during my nearly 5-month study period here. Thank you for always providing us with comfortable accommodation and excellent services. I apologize if there were any unintentional mistakes or misunderstandings that may have occurred. I am also thankful for the opportunity to study and explore while being here. Overall, I truly enjoyed and had a great time in Indonesia. This concludes my sharing of the exciting experiences I’ve had here. Thank you so much. Till we meet again,” she expressed.

The event concluded with emotional farewells and a sense of camaraderie between the UTHM students and the UGM academic community. Norsharmila, one of the UTHM students, shared a profound statement: “Kalau ladang banyak hama, tak perlu petani untuk berpindah. Hati masih ingin bersama, tapi waktu habislah sudah,” serving as a meaningful expression of farewell.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes that exchange programs like this will continue to strengthen inter-university collaboration, provide valuable experiences for the participating students, and enhance the quality of education in line with SDG 4.