Wildan Fadhilah Kurnia, a 2021 cohort student in the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has been participating in a prestigious six-month student mobility program at James Cook University (JCU), Australia. This program is designed to offer students invaluable international experience and the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading universities in Marine Biology.

Wildan has found his experience at JCU to be exceptional. “The research conducted here is renowned globally in various fields, particularly marine biology, aquaculture, and paleontology,” he remarked. Enrolled in courses from the faculties of Marine Biology, Aquaculture, and Earth and Environmental Sciences, he is impressed by JCU’s state-of-the-art research facilities and highly interactive classes that foster critical thinking.

Wildan’s curriculum has provided him with direct fieldwork opportunities, allowing him to engage closely with the subject matter. He spent time at the Flinders River, searching for fossils and studying the stratigraphy of geological formations. Additionally, he visited several aquaculture facilities, gaining firsthand insights into the diverse species cultivated within the industry.

A highlight of his program was a visit to JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station, where he participated in hands-on analysis of coral reefs surrounding the island. “Each course presents its own challenges, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies here and have learned so much,” Wildan said.

In addition to his coursework, Wildan is collaborating with Dr. Espen Knutsen, Senior Scientist and Curator of Paleontology at the Queensland Museum in Townsville, to further his ongoing research on fossils found in underwater caves. Wildan hopes to apply the knowledge and insights he has gained in his future endeavors. [Aulia]

On September 21, 2024, the Conservation Division of the Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted an exploration activity at Curug Siluwok. This regular activity acted as a foundational step in the conservation of native orchid species.

Curug Siluwok was selected as the exploration site due to its status as a prominent ecotourism destination in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The prevalence of orchid species in this area is particularly susceptible to disturbances from tourist activities. The exploration involved ten active members of BiOSC and aimed to document the native orchid species in Curug Siluwok, thereby augmenting the biodiversity database of orchids in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, particularly within the Menoreh Highland.

The exploration commenced with a comprehensive briefing session in the morning to prepare participants for field activities and assign specific responsibilities. Subsequently, the team embarked on a journey to the exploration site, which took approximately one hour. Upon arrival at Curug Siluwok at 09:00, participants collected data on orchids in Curug Siluwok, including morphological characteristics, the enumeration of individual orchids encountered, geographic coordinates of each orchid’s location, and environmental parameters. The investigation resulted in the identification of 11 orchid species at the Curug Siluwok site, including Vanilla planifolia Andrews, Dendrobium crumenatum Sw., Bryobrium retusum (Blume) Ng & Cribb, Acriopsis lilifolia (Koenig) Ormerod, Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume, Aerides odorata Lour., Liparis condylobulbon Rchb.f., Zeuxine clandestina Blume, Spathoglottis plicata Blume, Malaxis sp., and Thrixspermum sp. The data will contribute to the conservation records of native orchids and enhance our understanding of orchid biodiversity within the Special Region of Yogyakarta, particularly in the Menoreh Highland.

It is hoped that the regular exploratory activities will enrich the existing knowledge base concerning the distribution of various orchid species in the Menoreh Highland, specifically at Curug Siluwok, thus supporting the conservation of orchid species within the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Following this exploration, the Conservation Division will implement ongoing monitoring in the Curug Siluwok area to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the native orchid populations.

Yogyakarta, 18 September 2024 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a guest lecture as part of the Graduate Program orientation for the 2024/2025 academic year. The guest lecture titled “Population Biology, Biological Control, and Conservation” was conducted online via Zoom from 3:30 to 5:00 PM WIB, and attended by 56 graduate students. The event aims to provide essential insights to new graduate students and is held twice a year.

This semester’s guest lecture featured Prof. Dr. Bambang Irawan, M.Sc. as speaker, a prominent biologist from Universitas Airlangga and an alumnus of UGM’s Faculty of Biology. Prof. Irawan is a noted expert in population biology and biological control. During his undergraduate years at UGM, he earned the honorary title Glericidae, reflecting his academic achievements and focus on reptilian studies. The session was opened by Wiwin Ariesti, S.Si., as the Master of Ceremony, and moderated by Nurul Hidayah, S.Pd. It began with the singing of “Indonesia Raya,” UGM’s “Hymne Gadjah Mada,” and the Faculty of Biology March. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the importance of population biology in addressing pressing global ecological challenges.

The main lecture, “Population Biology, Biological Control, and Conservation”, began at 4:00 PM with an engaging reflection by Prof. Irawan on his experiences as a UGM undergraduate. He transitioned into a thorough scientific discussion on the role of population biology in ecological research and conservation. Prof. Irawan delivered an overview of population biology, the distinction between population ecology and genetic population dynamics, population parameters, population equilibrium, and the role of population biology in biological control.

Throughout the lecture, Prof. Irawan emphasized the interdisciplinary relevance of population biology, linking it to broader fields such as sociology, economics, demography, and politics. He also shared practical examples from his research, illustrating methods for pest management and conservation, from traditional approaches to more advanced techniques.

The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where students engaged with Prof. Irawan on various aspects of population biology. His ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications fostered a lively and informative discussion. After approximately 45 minutes of in-depth material, the session ended with closing remarks by the moderator, followed by a formal close from the MC.

This guest lecture marked a successful orientation event for new graduate students at UGM’s Faculty of Biology, broadening their understanding of population biology, biological control, and conservation.

Yogyakarta, 18 September 2024 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a guest lecture as part of the Graduate Program orientation for the 2024/2025 academic year. The guest lecture titled “Population Biology, Biological Control, and Conservation” was conducted online via Zoom from 3:30 to 5:00 PM WIB, and attended by 56 graduate students. The event aims to provide essential insights to new graduate students and is held twice a year.

This semester’s guest lecture featured Prof. Dr. Bambang Irawan, M.Sc. as speaker, a prominent biologist from Universitas Airlangga and an alumnus of UGM’s Faculty of Biology. Prof. Irawan is a noted expert in population biology and biological control. During his undergraduate years at UGM, he earned the honorary title Glericidae, reflecting his academic achievements and focus on reptilian studies. The session was opened by Wiwin Ariesti, S.Si., as the Master of Ceremony, and moderated by Nurul Hidayah, S.Pd. It began with the singing of “Indonesia Raya,” UGM’s “Hymne Gadjah Mada,” and the Faculty of Biology March. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the importance of population biology in addressing pressing global ecological challenges.

The main lecture, “Population Biology, Biological Control, and Conservation”, began at 4:00 PM with an engaging reflection by Prof. Irawan on his experiences as a UGM undergraduate. He transitioned into a thorough scientific discussion on the role of population biology in ecological research and conservation. Prof. Irawan delivered an overview of population biology, the distinction between population ecology and genetic population dynamics, population parameters, population equilibrium, and the role of population biology in biological control.

Throughout the lecture, Prof. Irawan emphasized the interdisciplinary relevance of population biology, linking it to broader fields such as sociology, economics, demography, and politics. He also shared practical examples from his research, illustrating methods for pest management and conservation, from traditional approaches to more advanced techniques.

The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where students engaged with Prof. Irawan on various aspects of population biology. His ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications fostered a lively and informative discussion. After approximately 45 minutes of in-depth material, the session ended with closing remarks by the moderator, followed by a formal close from the MC.

This guest lecture marked a successful orientation event for new graduate students at UGM’s Faculty of Biology, broadening their understanding of population biology, biological control, and conservation.

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Marine Studies Group (KSK) organized “KSK Mengajar” program at Mafaza Orphanage in Warungboto, Bantul, Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (KMP). The event took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB and was attended by 63 participants and 17 committee members.

The event began with an introduction to marine life and the Marine Studies Group (KSK), followed by an interactive game session. In the second session, participants received inspirational material on motivation for achieving their dreams. The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photo session.

The success of this event was supported by donations, which were collected from August 27 to 31, 2024, Rp1,430,000 was raised and directly handed over to the orphanage on the day of the event.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the donors, Mafaza Orphanage, KMP, and everyone who contributed to the success of the “KSK Teaching #2” program in 2024.
[Writer: KSK]

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Marine Studies Group (KSK) organized “KSK Mengajar” program at Mafaza Orphanage in Warungboto, Bantul, Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (KMP). The event took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB and was attended by 63 participants and 17 committee members.

The event began with an introduction to marine life and the Marine Studies Group (KSK), followed by an interactive game session. In the second session, participants received inspirational material on motivation for achieving their dreams. The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photo session.
The success of this event was supported by donations, which were collected from August 27 to 31, 2024, Rp1,430,000 was raised and directly handed over to the orphanage on the day of the event.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all the donors, Mafaza Orphanage, KMP, and everyone who contributed to the success of the “KSK Teaching #2” program in 2024.
[Writer: KSK]

Yogyakarta, September 12, 2024 – Calvin Muliawan, an IUP student from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is proud to be announced as one of the selected delegates in the Young Explorer’s Program (YEP) organized by OceanX. This rare opportunity allows him to join the OceanXplorer ship during the journey from Bali to Bitung on August 5-9, 2024.

During the journey, Calvin will gain valuable experience in marine exploration by utilizing various facilities and cutting-edge technologies available on the OceanXplorer. This ship is equipped with advanced technology, including ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), Submersible, eDNA (environmental DNA), and Multibeam Sonar for seabed mapping. This technology allows researchers to explore the depths of the ocean with high accuracy and study underwater life and ecosystem conditions in more depth.

Calvin’s participation in this program not only provides an opportunity to learn about various innovations in marine research but also broadens his insights and skills in the field of marine biology. This is a significant step in his academic journey and his contribution to the development of science and technology in Indonesia.

OceanX, as an organization committed to improving our understanding of the ocean through exploration and cutting-edge technology, welcomes Calvin with enthusiasm. This program aims to inspire the younger generation in the field of ocean exploration and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between scientists and students.

We congratulate Calvin Muliawan on his achievement and hope that this experience will have a positive impact on his academic career and his contribution to marine science in the future. [Aulia]

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM X Red Ant Tour HMPS Biology UIN Malang successfully held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with the theme “Expanding Relationships to Create Innovation in Organizations. The event attended by 59 members of BEM Biology UGM and 53 members of HMPS Biology UIN Malang.

Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM is a program organized by the Department of Public Relations and Networks, aimed at strengthening relationships and sharing knowledge with various organizations, both within and outside the Faculty of Biology UGM. This event served as a platform for both organizations to understand each other’s structures and work programs, evaluate performance, and foster camaraderie.

The event opened with speeches from Zulfa Mubarokatul Faiqoh, Chair of the Red Ant Tour HMPS Biology UIN Malang, and Rofina Rima Permatasari, Chair of Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM. Next were speeches from Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, Chair of BEM Biology UGM, and Sherly Nafisa, Chair of HMPS Biology UIN Malang.

Following the opening session, a 90-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held, where participants exchanged ideas and experiences based on their respective organizational roles. The event continued with an ice-breaking session, tree planting at the UGM Biology Forest and an exchange of souvenirs between the two organizations. The event concluded with documentation.

The event ran smoothly without any obstacles, thanks to the hard work and collaboration of the organizing committees from both parties, ensuring the success of this collaborative event.

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Matalabiogama held the First Gathering DIKSAR CAM XXVII at the Taman Biologi Street (Jatabi) from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This annual event marks the beginning of the regeneration process for prospective Matalabiogama members. The gathering was attended by the Matalabiogama advisor, Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, S.Si., M.Si., Matalabiogama members from Diklat XXV, Young Members XXVI, and the Prospective Young Members (CAM) XXVII. Before the event, the organizing committee conducted briefings and checked all necessary equipment.

The event began with speeches from the Matalabiogama advisor, the Matalabiogama chairperson, and the field coordinator for DIKSAR CAM XXVII. After that, the CAM XXVII members introduced themselves, followed by introductions of the Manggala Bimantara Cabinet management. Various team-building games were organized to foster camaraderie between the management and CAM XXVII members.

The event concluded with a reading of the SOP for DIKLATSAR CAM XXVII, followed by a sharing session and a communal meal. This First Gathering aims to strengthen the sense of brotherhood and build a positive dynamic among the management and CAM XXVII members throughout their journey in Matalabiogama. Vivat et Floreat!

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Herpetology Study Group (Kelompok Studi Herpetologi, KSH) from the Faculty of Biology at UGM held a General Herping activity, an open herpetofauna sampling event for UGM Biology students at Wisdom Park UGM, as part of the welcoming process for prospective new members of KSH. The event was attended by 24 members of KSH and 13 participants from the faculty of Biology. Before starting the Herping activity, a specimen maintenance task was carried out, which involved cleaning the cages and basking the herpetofauna owned by KSH.

The Herping activity began at 6:50 PM until 8:00 PM. Participants walked from the Faculty of Biology to Wisdom Park. Upon arrival, the participants were divided into groups to determine their sampling routes and given a brief explanation. The herpetofauna sampling was conducted using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method. Afterward, a joint identification session was held at the Faculty of Biology.

Various species of herpetofauna were found, including reptiles such as Ahaetulla sp., Bronchocela jubata, Gekko gecko, and Hemidactylus frenatus, as well as amphibians like Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Fejervarya limnocharis. The event concluded with a group photo session and the herpetofauna release back into their natural habitats.
This Herping activity aimed to provide participants an insight into herpetofauna sampling methods in the wild and identification.