Yogyakarta, 27 October 2023 – The 8th International Conference of Biological Science (ICBS) Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada was held again via hybrid after the previous successful event in 2021. With the theme “Leveraging Biodiversity to Support Green Economy and Climate Resilience”, ICBS was held in collaboration with Tun Hussein Onn University Malaysia (UTHM) and the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) for two days, 27 and 28 October 2023, at the Grand Ballroom of the Eastparc Hotel Yogyakarta. This conference is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM commitment to its contribution to sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The biennial conference began with a traditional dance performance “Lintang Kemukus” performed by five female students from the Faculty of Biology UGM Executive Board of Postgraduate Student. The Lintang Kemukus Dance is a traditional dance from Banyuwangi, East Java which expresses the charm of women that radiates from the beauty of their souls and is not susceptible to being weathered and lost by changing times.

“This year’s ICBS accomodated 7 topics and received more than 150 articles from the USA, India, Australia, Mexico, Malaysia, and Indonesia which were presented offline and online,” said Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, M.Si., Chair of the Committee for the 8th International Conference of Biological Science in his speech Friday (27/10). The topics include biosystematics, functional biology, biomedical, bioinformatics, genetics, bio-nanotechnology and bioengineering. Dr. Ilmi also said that the selected articles will be published in proceedings and partner journals including BIO Web of Conferences, Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (JTBB), and Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology (IJBioTech) which have been indexed by Scopus and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).

Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, STP., M.App.Life.Sc., Director of Research at UGM was also present at the opening of ICBS 2023. He conveyed the urgency of preserving biodiversity and how it is closely related to food security and the medical world. In his speech, Prof. Mirwan also revealed the contribution of technology in the development of science through Artificial Intelligence (AI). He hopes that this conference can become a forum for gathering and sharing knowledge and ideas to create a sustainable future.

“This conference aims to be a gathering place for scientists, policy makers and academics to share various information and experiences in the realization of sustainable science, especially understanding biodiversity conservation and resilience to current climate change,” Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Suning Kusumawardani, S.T., M.T., Director of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, then gave his welcoming speech for ICBS 2023.

“Through this conference, we hope to be able to explore deeply how to use biodiversity to build a sustainable economy and build resilience to climate change. We also hope that all participants can contribute to discussions, collaboration and share insights in understanding related to biodiversity conservation and utilization,” said Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. in his speech. Together with Prof. Dr. Satyawan Pudyatmoko from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Mirwan, and Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Budi opened the conference by striking the gong three times.

The keynote speaker at the 8th International Conference of Biological Science this time was delivered by Prof. Dr. Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. Prof. Satyawan conveyed how humans contribute significantly to the earth’s climate conditions and anthropogenic climate change also affects the structure and function of ecosystems which indirectly causes a decline in human welfare. He highlighted the importance of establishing conservation areas and land protection as well as biodiversity management as important steps to address climate change.

Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latiff from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, was also invited to be a speaker at ICBS this time. He gave a presentation entitled “Primate-Based Tourism: Fostering Biodiversity Conservation and Empowering local Communities through Green Economy”. He highlighted the importance of synergy between primate-based tourism and community-based conservation (CBC), which is an effort to increase conservation as well as empower local communities for sustainable development.

The next keynote speaker is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Sauer, Head of Department of Biotechnology OMV AG from the University of Natural Resources and Life Science, BOKU, Austria. Dr. Michael presented on microbial culture for sustainable chemical production. Dr. Michael highlighted the limitations in fuel and chemical production due to limited resources and climate change. A microbial fermentation process that converts plant biomass and waste as a source of chemical production.

The 8th International Conference of Biological Science is expected to become a forum for communication and sharing for researchers to collaborate and innovate to develop biodiversity-based sustainable development. This is in line with contributions to increasing science and inclusive education (SDG 4), especially in developing biodiversity conservation (SDG 14 and 15) and handling climate change (SDG 13) through sustainable partnerships (SDG 17).

Biology students at Gadjah Mada University (S1) Zildan Basara made another achievement at the national level by winning 2nd place in the National Essay Competition in collaboration with student of Electronics and Instrumentation (S1), MIPA Faculty UGM Ferdian Arvin Nayandra.This national-level essay competition was organized by UKM MAPALA LOKA SAMGRAHA Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, namely “Jaga Bumi Tetap Lestari”. The competition was opened on 1 May 2023, and the winners were announced on 10 June 2023.

In this competition, the team took the sub-theme Technology and Environmental Innovation with the title “Integration of Microfluidics Technology and the Role of Microorganisms as Biosorption Agents in Detection and Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution on the River Code, Yogyakarta”. The team discusses that rivers in Indonesia are vital resources for human life, serving as a source of drinking water, agricultural irrigation, transportation, and also rich in biodiversity. Unfortunately, many rivers in Indonesia Suffer from serious pollution, including being contaminated by heavy metals. According to the data from Bureau of Statistic (BPS), throughout the year 2021, 10,683 villages in Indonesia suffered from river contamination. In addition, according to the same data, approximately 46 percent of Indonesian rivers have experienced severe contamination, 32 percent have moderate, 14 percent have moderately polluted, and 8 percent have mild contamination. (Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 2022). In the past few decades, the Code River has experienced significant pollution levels, including contamination by heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which enter the river through poorly managed industrial and domestic waste (Harian Jogja, 2021).

Therefore, it is essential to develop sensitive and effective detection methods to identify the level of heavy metal contamination in River water. In addition, bioremediation approaches are also needed to eliminate heavy metal contamination, where microorganisms capable of reducing or eliminating heavy metals can be utilized to naturally clean the river. The essay aims to integrate microfluidics technology as sensitive biological sensors in the detection of heavy metals, and utilizing microorganisms as bioremediation agents that can reduce the level of heavy metal contamination in the river Code water.

During the Festival of Ideas, The 21st Indonesian Scholars International Convention (ISIC), Indonesia achieved an honor for the success of Jimmy Al Fa’is and Elvian Indah Nilamsari,who secured first place in an international essay competition. They outperformed competitors from all around the world with their ideas on the topic of  Sustainable Transition. These two students proposed opportunities for Indonesia to achieve energy independency by harnessing the potential we possess.

ISIC is a scientific forum that was organized annually by the United Kingdom Student Association of Indonesia. In 2023, one of its events was  an essay and scientific poster competition open to all Indonesian students across the country. The competition was highly competitive,participated by Indonesian students from 10 different countries. This year, there were 3 essays with 2 nominations contested. (1st and 2nd Place). On this achievement, they were invited to attend an international conference at Nottingham University, UK.

Elvian and Jimmy proposed a comprehensive approach to the sustainable energy transition in Indonesia.They presented strategic steps for Indonesia to achieve energy self-sufficiency through the conversion of food waste. Using bioreactors, they showed how microorganisms can efficiently convert food waste into lipid-rich materials, which can be converted into biodiesel as a clean and renewable energy source. The scientific approach emphasized the importance of waste reduction, promoting environmental responsibility, and harnessing Indonesia’s potential in the renewable energy sector.

The idea originated from the challenges posed by an increasing population and the rising energy demand.consequently,the Indonesian government must meet energy needs, including fuel. However, fossil fuels, which have been the primary global energy source, are depleting rapidly and pose significant environmental threats. Based on these facts, Elvian and Jimmy proposed the innovation of a mini bioreactor that can be operated on both small and large scales. This innovation is expected to increase biodiesel production and lead Indonesia towards energy self-reliance.

Two Biology students Class of 2019 who are members of the “Organic Sheet Mulch” team under the guidance of Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Sc., M.Sc. won a bronze medal on March 21, 2023 in an international scientific work competition. The team chaired by Vykra Aulia Firdiana with one member, namely Fatika Soraya Taufik took part in the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) competition which was held in cooperation with several organizations at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Brawijaya, including the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC), Agritechno Business Center (ABC), Agricultural Industrial Technology Student Association (HIMATITAN), Agricultural Engineering Student Association (HIMATETA), and Agricultural Product Technology Student Association (HIMALOGISTA). This competition takes place from 1 February 2023 to. 21 March 2023 and was successfully attended by 243 teams from three countries (Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines).

The big theme that was carried out in this competition was “Development and Innovation on Sustainable Agro-Based Industry Technology to Achieve Human Welfare” with 4 sub-themes. In this competition, Vykra and Soraya compiled a scientific work on the sub-theme “Green Agroindustry and Bio-economy” entitled “Organic Mulch from Sewage Sludge and Banana Pseudostem Waste to Reduce the Impact of Drought Due to El Nino Phenomenon on Horticultural Crops to Improve Human Welfare”. The problem behind the preparation of this scientific work is the statement by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) regarding an increase in drought up to three times worse due to an increase in the El Nino index which is predicted to occur in mid-2023. This has the potential to further increase puso (parched) due to drought which has long been a problem for farmers despite the low El Nino index.

In this scientific work, sewage sludge and banana leaf waste are used as organic mulches which are able to maintain soil water content during the drought phase so that soil moisture is maintained. The organic materials contained in this mulch innovation also add to the role of mulch as a supplier of additional nutrients to the soil to support optimal plant growth. The use of these two materials is an effort to utilize biowaste and create a green agroindustry. The hope is that this innovation can be used as a reference in anticipating and reducing puso due to drought

On March 18, 2023, a presentation on the Business Plan ENVIROTECH 4.0 innovation by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia was held with the sub-theme of organic solid waste management, as well as commemorating World Waste Recycling Day. The STARGAZE team fronted by Eva Yunizar Reza Permana Putri, Fanny Najmi Faza, and Fika Zulfiani participated in the competition. The title raised was “MoldtoPlast” Product Innovation of Aspergillus niger Spore Suspension as a Biodegradation Agent for Plastic Packaging Waste” under the assistance of Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, S.Si., M.Sc.

The use of plastic, especially plastic packaging, is increasing. This of course has a bad impact on the environment because plastic waste has a long recycling period. The STARGAZE team looks at the potential for microorganisms that have the ability to degrade plastic, one of which is mold, which is an alternative in the biodegradation of plastic waste made from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The innovative product in the form of Aspergillus niger Spore Suspension is packaged in powder form and environmentally friendly paper packaging. This product is targeted to a wide range of markets due to its effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

Prof. Michael Sauer, Deputy Head of The Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, BOKU University, Vienna, Austria gave a Guest Lecture to students, lecturers and researchers at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Topics presented were about bioprocess and biorefinery. The guest lecture was opened by the Vice Dean for Research and Community Service and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono who is also the moderator on the agenda. In the guest lecture, it was conveyed that the world is experiencing a sustainability problem. One of the main causes is environmental pollution, especially from plastic waste.

Indonesia, which is a mega-biodiversity country, has natural wealth potential that can be utilized as a source of raw materials for bioplastic production. Organisms such as bacteria and fungi are sources of bioplastic microorganisms that are widely found in Indonesia. However, the research and development in this matter is hardly enough to get attention.

Guest lectures that invite speakers from outside UGM are routine activities held by the Faculty of Biology UGM. With these activities, students will gain insight and material from experts related to the world of biology. Meanwhile, the partner network of the Faculty of Biology UGM will be accelerated and institutional recognition will also increase.

On Wednesday 8 February 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Community Service, and UGM Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Sc., UGM Director of Community Service, Dr. dr. Rustamaji, M.Kes., and Director Secretary of Community Service UGM, Dr. Djarot Heru Santosa, M.Hum. The visit began with a discussion on program development in the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM, followed by a tour around the campus of the UGM Faculty of Biology to review the production sites of POC (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) and organic fertilizers produced by the Faculty of Biology.

Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Sc., expressed the importance of community participation around the UGM campus to participate in activities carried out by UGM such as KKN, Research and Community Service. There are 3 very strategic hamlets that are the belt of UGM, namely Sagan hamlet, Blimbingsari hamlet and Terban hamlet. UGM will provide assistance to the community around the UGM campus to be able to supply the needs of UGM and hotels around the UGM campus.

On that occasion, they also discussed the IUP (International Undergraduate Program) program at the Faculty of Biology UGM which has been running and this year there will be the first batch of graduates. The IUP program also provides opportunities for students to take part in KKN activities organized by the university, but in practice there are still some obstacles which yet to be solved, for example the number of credits that must be taken, the time for the KKN to be carried out. Dr. Djarot Heru Santosa, M.Hum., will report and discuss this problem at the university level in order to get the best solution and can be applied to this year’s KKN.

The UGM Faculty of Biology will also play an active role in the management of organic waste generated from the environment around UGM and internally from UGM. The waste will be processed into organic fertilizer and POC which can then be reused by the community around the UGM campus, and can also be sold to earn UGM income.

Biology undergraduate students at Gadjah Mada University made another achievement at the national level by winning 3rd place in the National Scientific Writing Competition. This achievement was achieved by students Susy Wijayanti and Umi Salamah from Biology Class of 2018 under the guidance of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S. Si., M. Kes. This competition is a competition held by the University of North Sumatra with the theme “Gen Z Innovation and Strategy in the Environmentally Friendly Living Movement”. This activity aims to be a forum for channeling student creations & innovations for a healthy generation.

This final activity took place on November 25 2022 online at the University of North Sumatra which was attended by students from universities throughout Indonesia. This competition was carried out in four stages, which were abstract submission, assessment of scientific papers, announcement of the top 10, and the culmination of which was the presentation of the paper in front of the judges.

In this competition the team raised the title “Phytoremediation of Domestic, Industrial and Agricultural Liquid Waste by Photobioreactor-Based Microalgae”. According to the team, the idea was motivated by the high increase in global population, industrialization, and economic progress which had an impact on increasing waste and decreasing water quality. This prompted the team to conduct research to find an efficient method of managing this waste. One of the biological agents that can act as a natural bioremediator for managing waste is microalgae. Hence, the waste becomes safer for the environment.

Team preparation was carried out a week before the online presentation activities by preparing presentation materials and materials. The team regularly practices so that they are able to provide clear and firm explanations of the papers being presented. The team was able to convey ideas and answer all the jury’s questions straightforwardly. They said that this was none other than the result of the team’s hard work and the support of all parties.

With this competition, they really hope to be able to provide encouragement and support for students who are interested in the field of scientific work to convey their best ideas through their intelligence in thinking. In addition, the team also hopes that through this competition it can bring and make the Faculty of Biology and Gadjah Mada University proud in the future.

On July 17^th, 2022, undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology won 1^st place in the National Scientific Writing Competition organized by Universitas Brawijaya, out of eighty teams from universities across Indonesia that participated in this competition. The team consists of Umi Salamah, Maria Bening Wohingati, and Wulan Usfi Mafiroh from Biology 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. This competition was part of the annual KATULISTIWA 14 event, with the theme “Innovative Mindset: Let’s Build Society 5.0 for Indonesia” that aims to express students’ innovations and ideas in order to improve their scientific thinking skills.

This competition was divided into five stages: abstract submission, paper evaluation, announcement of the top ten, video and poster evaluation, and the climax was the presentation of the work in front of the judges. Our team proposed “Decolorization of Textile Dye Waste Based on Enzyme Mediator System by Microalgae” for this competition. This idea was motivated by the fact that many textile industries dispose their waste without proper management, resulting in the environmental pollution and the death of organisms. We proposed the combining ability of microalgae to synthesize enzymes that play a role in decolorization of textile dye waste with biofuel production. We would like to thank everyone who helped us won the 1^st PLACE at the KATULISTIWA 14 event. [US]