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Faculty of Biology Successfully Held Level II Tissue Culture Training

News Release Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Yogyakarta, 18 and 19 November 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held Level II Tissue Culture Qualification Scheme Training, located in the Upper Conference Room and Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity is part of a series of Competency Tests for the Level II Tissue Culture Qualification Scheme which will be held on Thursday (21/11), which is managed by the Biotechnology Competency Test Center (TUK) of the Faculty of Biology UGM.


Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, Chief Executive of TUK, said in his speech that the activity was attended by 12 participants from student, lecturer and researcher backgrounds including from the Indonesian Education University (UPI), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Riau (UnRi), State University Medan, PPKS Bogor Unit, and PUIPT Microalgae Biorefinery UGM.

Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., attended and opened the Level II Tissue Culture Qualification Scheme Training, Monday (19/11). He expressed his support for the continuation of the Biotechnology Competency Test at the Faculty of Biology which is supported by the Agricultural Professional Certification Institute (LSP) under the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). The presence of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology was accompanied by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources Affairs, and Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. as Head of TUK Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, UGM.

The first day of training was filled with lectures and discussions with Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. entitled “Introduction and Basics of Tissue Culture Techniques”, and Aries Bagus Sasongko entitled “Competencies in Tissue Culture Techniques”.

The second day was a practical agenda held at the Biotechnology Laboratory and Karanggayam Research Station, Faculty of Biology UGM. The practicum consists of preparing mother plants and explants, introducing the tools used, medium, and basic techniques used in tissue culture, as well as practicum at the research station.

This training is part of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s commitment for sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially in educational inclusiveness and contribution to ecosystem conservation. It is hoped that this training will provide insight, especially to the participants, and society in general.

Celebrating 41 Years of Dedication: Retirement Seminar for Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto

Tak Berkategori Monday, 18 November 2024

Yogyakarta, November 16, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a Retirement Seminar titled “Revealing the Transformative Power of Indonesia’s Inland Waters” at the Faculty of Biology  Auditorium. This event marked the retirement of Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., after 41 years of dedicated service as a lecturer. The seminar also coincided with Prof. Suwarno’s 70th birthday, making it a truly special occasion.


The seminar featured 13 distinguished speakers, all former students of Prof. Suwarno, representing various universities and research institutions. More than 170 participants from diverse backgrounds attended the event.

The opening remarks were delivered by the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., who expressed deep gratitude for Prof. Suwarno’s dedication. “Prof. Suwarno has given us so much. We extend our heartfelt thanks and profound appreciation for his remarkable contributions,” he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., officially opened the event, stating, “The essence of this event is to honor Prof. Suwarno and convey our deepest gratitude, particularly from the Faculty of Biology UGM, for his dedication, commitment, and passion for his alma mater and the advancement of science.”

Following the remarks, attendees participated in a group photo session and were introduced to the new Biodiversity Curator Program—an innovative initiative supporting biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.

The seminar was divided into four sessions, each highlighting various aspects of Indonesia’s inland water potential and management challenges:

Session 1

Moderator: Siti Nurleily Marliana, Ph.D.

  1. Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. – The Variations and Multifunctions of Inland Waters
  2. Prof. Dr. Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, M.App.Sc. (Universitas Diponegoro) – Paleolimnology for Sustainable Lake Management
  3. Prof. Dr. Agatha Sih Piranti, M.Sc. (Universitas Jenderal Soedirma) – Cultural Eutrophication of Lakes/Reservoirs and Mitigation Efforts
  4. Prof. Dr. Suhestri Suryaningsih, M.Si. (Universitas Jenderal Soedirman) – The Role of Watersheds in Supporting River and Lake/Reservoir Fish Populations

Session 2

Moderator: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si.

  1. Dr. Ir. Sri Puji Saraswati, DIC., M.Sc. (UGM) – Eco-Hydrology of Aquatic Communities Amid Infrastructure Development
  2. Dr. Puguh Sujarta, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Cenderawasih) – Shallow Marine Conservation Culture
  3. Dr. Ervina Indrayani, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Cenderawasih) – Lake Sentani: Uniqueness and Richness of Its Biological Resources

Session 3

Moderator: Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, S.Si., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil.

  1. Dr. Ike Nurjuwita Nayasilana, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Sebelas Mare) – Water Conservation and Wildlife
  2. Dr. Susintowati, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas 17 August 1945) – Serious Threats to Coastal Communities
  3. Dr. Tatag Bagus Putra Prakarsa, S.Si., M.Sc. (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta) – Underground Waters: Supporting Life for Cave-Dwelling Bats

Session 4

Moderator: Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, M.Sc.

  1. Dwinda Mariska Putri, S.Si., M.Sc. (National Research and Innovation Agency) – Vertical Distribution of Zooplankton in Lake Laut Tawar
  2. Heni Wahyu Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. (UGM) – Belik River as a Flowing Water Management Model During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  3. Maria Eva Kristiyani, S.Si., M.Sc. (De Britto College High School) – Coastal Waters for Aquaculture
  4. Carolina A. Inlandia, S.Si., M.Sc. (Environmental Consultant) – Water Pollution Potential and Management of Tambakboyo Reservoir, Sleman
To conclude the event, Prof. Suwarno generously distributed 70 copies of his book, “Kantong Terakhir Anak Adalah Amanah Tuhan” to participants.

The attendees extended their prayers and best wishes to Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., for his extraordinary dedication over the past 41 years. They wished him health, happiness, and blessings in his retirement. His legacy of knowledge and inspiration is expected to drive progress for future generations.

Thank you, Prof. Suwarno, for being a role model for us all.

Advancing Chromosome Analysis Skills among Indonesian Lecturers and Researchers: Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of UGM Faculty of Biology Conducts Integrated Training with Flow Cytometry, Fluorescence, and Squash Approaches

News Release Friday, 15 November 2024

On Thursday-Friday, November 14-15 2024, a training on Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, and Bioinformatics titled “Chromosome Analysis: Flow Cytometry Method, Fluorescence Technique & Squash Method” was held. The event is located at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM, and Teaching Lab Faculty of Biology UGM. This event was attended by 11 participants from various professional backgrounds, such as researchers and lecturers from various institutions in Indonesia. These events became a training forum for the participants to increase their knowledge and skills in the molecular field.

On the first day, Wednesday, November 14, 2024, the activity began with registration of participants and opening by the Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., at the Auditorium of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM. On this first day, participants fully participated in activities in the Faculty of Biology UGM Research Day series, which was about Fluorescence and Flow Cytometry at the Teaching Lab. The activity began with an explanation of the advanced microscope and continued with sample preparation for analysis using Flow Cytometry. The activity ended with closing at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology UGM for an explanation of the next day.

On the second day, Friday, 15 November 2024, the activity began with re-registration of participants at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. On this second day, participants were given a lecture on Genetic Variation based on Chromosomal Characters by Mrs Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. Afterwards, participants practised  on Slide Preparation including the process of fixation, maceration, staining, and squashing on Allium ascalonicum root samples and some samples that the participants brought. The activity was followed by data analysis practices regarding karyotyping and idiogram making. Afterwards, the event was closed by handing over certificates to participants at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM.

This event also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programme, especially the 4th point on Quality Education, by increasing knowledge and skills in modern genetic techniques, such as Chromosome Analysis: Flow Cytometry Method , Fluorescence Technique, and Squash Method. In addition, this event is also in line with point 9 regarding Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure because it encourages the advancement of research and innovation in the field of molecular genetics and bioinformatics in Indonesia. This event also aims to strengthen collaboration between participants from various institutions in Indonesia and the Faculty of Biology UGM, which also supports the achievement of the 17th point of SDGs on Partnerships to Achieve Goals.

Enhancing Researcher Competency in Indonesia: Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of UGM’s Faculty of Biology Holds Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, and Bioinformatics Training (Sanger Sequencing & Next Generation Sequencing)

News Release Thursday, 14 November 2024

On Tuesday and Wednesday, November 12-13, 2024, a training on Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, and Bioinformatics titled “Sanger Sequencing & Next Generation Sequencing” was held. The event is located at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, and Teaching Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. This event was attended by 10 participants from various professional backgrounds, including students, researchers, doctors, and lecturers from various institutions across Indonesia. It served as a platform for participants to enhance participant’s knowledge and skills in the field of molecular biology.

On the first day, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the activities began with registration and an opening address by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM. This was followed by lecture on Molecular Genetics concerning Genetic Variation at the Species and Cultivar Levels by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Participants then took part in a practical session on DNA extraction and nanodrop, as well as PCR and electrophoresis in the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. The event then concluded with a lecture on the Analysis of Sanger Sequencing Data Results, Blasting and Alignment, GeneStudio, MEGA, GenAlex, Network, and DnaSP by Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., followed by a closing session at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM.

On the second day, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the activities began with participant re-registration at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. Participants guided on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis and conducted phylogenetic tree practice using the Maximum Likelihood (IQTree) and Bayesian Inference (MrBayes) approaches. Later, participants joined activities within the Faculty of Biology UGM’s Research Day, including a lecture and introduction to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) at Teaching Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM. 

This training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting Goal 4 (Quality Education), particularly in Genetics, by expanding knowledge and skills in modern genetic techniques such as Sanger Sequencing and NGS analysis. It also contributes to Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering advancements in molecular genetics and bioinformatics research and innovation in Indonesia. Furthermore, it promotes SDG Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging stronger collaboration between participants from various institutions in Indonesia and the Faculty of Biology UGM.

PkM-MBKM Faculty of Biology UGM 2024: Empowering the Sendari Hamlet Community, Tirtoadi Village, Mlati District, Sleman, through Education on Organic Waste Management and Air Pollution Mitigation Using Plants

Community ServiceWaste Management Thursday, 31 October 2024

Yogyakarta, October 26, 2024 – The Community Service Team of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Program from the 2024 Biology Study Program conducted a community service activity titled “Processing Inorganic Waste and Combating Air Pollution Using Plants” on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Guided by supervising lecturer Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., this event aimed to raise community awareness of sustainable inorganic waste management and the utilization of plants to reduce air pollution caused by waste incineration and motor vehicle emissions.


The event began at 2:00 PM WIB with an opening address from Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., followed by the main presentation delivered by Aisyah Balqis Febriana. In her session, Aisyah explained that inorganic waste such as plastic, bottles, paper, and cardboard can be sorted and sent to waste banks for recycling, thereby enhancing their utility. Additionally, the concept of waste-to-energy was introduced, specifically the use of waste combustion heat as an environmentally friendly source of electricity, similar to Japan’s use of incineration technology. However, this technology is not yet feasible in Indonesia due to technological limitations. Currently, many people resort to burning waste to eliminate it, which has negative consequences for the environment, health, and society. One example discussed in the session was the production of microplastics from waste burning, which can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing risks to human, animal, and plant health. Thus, raising awareness about the dangers of waste burning and exploring alternative solutions for inorganic waste management is essential. In addition to recycling through waste banks, other potential solutions for managing inorganic waste include creating crafts and upcycling waste into valuable and marketable items. The session also covered air pollution mitigation using plants, including types of plants that absorb air pollution and the mechanisms by which plants reduce pollutants.

Following the presentation, Wisnu Prabowo conducted a hands-on demonstration, showing participants how to make sofa cushions filled with clean, recycled plastic, followed by the distribution of cushion covers and plastic zip covers to all attendees. Then, Ardiah Pramesti Cahyani presented a tutorial video along with a display of creative items made by the student team, such as lanterns from plastic spoons, flowers from plastic bags, flowers from used plastic bottles, frames from bottle caps, flower pots from bottles, and glass bottle vases for water propagation. These creations served as daily-life inspirations for repurposing inorganic waste.

Participants engaged in a Q&A session and took a post-test to assess their understanding of the material. Attractive door prizes, including air-purifying houseplants and other gifts, were awarded to participants who actively engaged in the discussion. The event concluded with a recap video of the PkM-MBKM 2024 program, highlighting the series of environmental education activities.

The program closed with a farewell from Mrs. Novita, a group photo session with all participants and the team, and the distribution of souvenirs as tokens of appreciation. This community service program, which concluded at 4:00 PM WIB, is hoped to provide the community with new insights on environmental preservation through waste management and plant use as a solution for air pollution mitigation. We extend our gratitude to the Faculty of Biology for funding this event through the 2024 PKM-MBKM Grant, hoping it will continue to benefit the broader community.

Processing And Marketing Strategy: Enhancing Farmer Group Entrepreneurship Through Innovative Aquaponic-Based Products

Community Service Wednesday, 30 October 2024

The PkM-MBKM Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Prof. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., in collaboration with the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Amanda in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten, Banguntapan District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, held a circular waste management training event based on aquaponic technology and catfish farming on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 08.30 to 11.30 AM. The PkM-MBKM team, comprising members Hanif Fauzan Saputra, Salma Nur Majidah, Maharani Pratiwi S.A., M. Reza Hendriansah, Rima Vegi Santika, Eka Nur Oktavia, Adzkiya Aqmaliza R., and Agra Daffa Putra, presented strategies for product processing and marketing, followed by a demonstration of processing techniques for products made from catfish and water spinach to maximize the added value of aquaponics.


The activity began with an introduction to the business potential of catfish and water spinach, both rich in nutrients and protein. With innovations turning these ingredients into various products, such as catfish nuggets, catfish sausages, and crispy water spinach, it is hoped that these could serve as new business opportunities for KWT Amanda. Product innovation aims to expand the market by offering a variety of healthy and nutritious local food options. In addition to product innovation, choosing of safe, efficient, and attractive packaging design is also crucial. With engaging and informative packaging, these products are expected to attract consumer interest. To support sales, the PkM-MBKM team also provided an introduction to branding and digital marketing strategies by explaining how to use social media to educate participants on effective digital marketing techniques, from understanding target consumers to utilizing social media platforms for promotion. Marketing via social media is seen as a vital factor in increasing sales and building brand awareness.

The next activity involved a product processing demonstration using aquaponics product, namely catfish and water spinach. The PkM-MBKM team provided hands-on training for KWT Amanda members on how to process catfish and water spinach into three high-value products: catfish nuggets with water spinach, crispy water spinach, and catfish sausage. During the demonstration, the KWT Amanda participants showed great enthusiasm in following each stage of product preparation, from ingredient preparation to cooking, resulting in quality products ready for the market. They paid close attention to the cooking process and actively asked questions to ensure optimal quality. After the cooking session, participants enjoyed the processed products, such as catfish nuggets with water spinach, crispy water spinach, and catfish sausages, which were delicious and had a desirable texture. KWT Amanda members also felt inspired after seeing the variations of catfish processed into different forms, such as catfish nuggets with water spinach and catfish sausage, which are more appealing to children. These processed products provide a solution for supplying high-quality protein and fiber to families, especially for children needing balanced nutrition during growth, thus fulfilling nutritional needs and ensuring a healthy life (SDG 3).

The socialization and training activities for processing aquaponics product can provide new ideas for processing to increase family income from aquaponics (SDG 4 and 8). The successful collaboration also strengthens sustainable relations between the PkM-MBKM Faculty of Biology UGM and its partners (SDG 17).

The Biology Student Research Team Wins Silver Medal at the 3rd International Conference of Biological Science (ICoBioS) 2024

AchivementsStudent Activities Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Biology students at Universitas Gadjah Mada made another achievement by winning a silver medal at the 3rd International Conference of Biological Sciences (ICoBioS) 2024. The conference, held by Universitas Brawijaya on September 27-28, 2024, had the theme “Recent Update in Bioinformatics, Synthetic Biology, and Nanobio Science for Better Future.” This success strengthens UGM’s standing in the international scientific community, particularly in driving innovation and progress in modern biological sciences. This achievement was achieved by Thoriq Abdul Halim, Tiara Putria Judith, and Salfa Athallah Agtari Nabillah students from the 2021 cohort, under the guidance of Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., presented research titled “Comparative Analysis of DNA Barcodes Based on Nuclear and Chloroplast Genes for Phylogenetic Reconstruction of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Java Island.”


In their presentation, the team discussed the importance of sugarcane (S. officinarum L.) production, which contributes to 80% of global sugar production. Despite Java Island supplying 61% of the national output, Indonesia only produced 2.23 million tons of sugar in 2019, while imports reached 5.46 million tons in 2021, mainly from Thailand. The low sugarcane yield is due to the narrowing of genetic diversity caused by domestication. Given the complexity of the genome and the difficulty in distinguishing morphological characteristics, the team utilized DNA barcoding techniques to analyze genetic variation in nuclear DNA and chloroplast DNA of sugarcane. This research aims to identify intra- and interspecific genetic variation among sugarcane cultivars as part of efforts to improve varietal identification, agricultural productivity, and food security in Indonesia.

The theme and goals of this research align with UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No.2 on ending hunger and enhancing food security, and SDGs No.12, which focuses on sustainable production and consumption through efforts to increase sugarcane productivity and reduce dependence on sugar imports in Indonesia.

BiOSC Stadium Genarale 2.0: Orchid Identification through Flower Dissection to Support Orchid Conservation in Indonesia

Student Activities Monday, 28 October 2024

The Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held its second Studium Generale event titled “Orchid Identification through Flower Dissection to Support Orchid Conservation in Indonesia” on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Room 2, Building B, Faculty of Biology as part of scientific coordinators work programs, Akmal Bunyamin. The event was attended by 37 participants and aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills, and motivate members in orchid identification using flower dissection to support orchid conservation efforts in Indonesia.


The session featured a presentation by Ms. Aninda Retno Utami Wibowo, S.Si., M.Sc., a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) specializing in biosystematics, who led participants through a detailed, step-by-step guide to identifying new orchid species. Following the theoretical presentation, participants engaged in hands-on dissection practice, where each member received an orchid flower to examine. They were tasked with identifying, measuring, and meticulously documenting various flower parts, highlighting distinguishing characteristics among different orchid species.

The event proceeded smoothly with enthusiastic participation, including an interactive discussion session between attendees and the speaker. The Studium Generale aims to deepen participants’ understanding of orchid identification processes and flower dissection techniques, fostering the scientific knowledge and commitment necessary to contribute to orchid conservation efforts in Indonesia.
Written by: BiOSC

Professor from Okayama University, Japan Gives Guest Lecture on Rice Immunity Research

CooperationNews Release Monday, 28 October 2024

Yogyakarta, 28 October 2025 – Faculty of Biology UGM held a guest lecture featuring a plant engineering expert from Okayama University Japan, Prof. Yoji Kawano. The lecture took place in the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM and was attended by students and lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, UGM.


Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology, gave his speech at the guest lecture Monday (28/10) morning. He said that the Faculty of Biology welcomed Prof. Yoji and opened various research and academic collaboration potential with Okayama University, especially the Institute of Plant Science and Resources. Dr. Bambang also told students to gain as much knowledge as possible from the lecture.

Prof. Yoji Kawano is a Professor from the Plant Immune Design Group, Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Japan. His research focuses on plant pathology, immunobiology, inflammation, and phytopathology.

In this lecture, Prof. Yoji gave a presentation entitled “Deciphering Rice Immunity”. The lecture was guided by a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology from the Biochemistry Laboratory, Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, whose research also focuses on the development of rice plants.

Prof. Yoji explained about diseases in plants, especially rice, which are caused by fungi and how this condition is a concern in the agricultural world because of minimal information on interactions between plants and microbes. The professor, who is also an expert in plant engineering, conveyed his research which developed plant breeding using the R (NLR) gene. It is hoped that his various research efforts can contribute to applied agricultural science to obtain superior varieties that are resistant to various pest and disease threats.

The participants were enthusiastic about attending the lecture and were critical in the subsequent question and answer session. Through this public lecture, it is hoped that it can encourage innovation, especially for the academic community, in contributing to research on sustainable ecosystem preservation (SDG 4 and 15) through collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Okayama University (SDG 17).

Highlighting the Threat of Parrot Illegal Trade, Conservation Expert from ANU Australia Guest a Public Lecture at the Faculty of Biology UGM

CooperationNews Release Friday, 25 October 2024

Yogyakarta, 25 October 2025 – Faculty of Biology UGM held a guest lecture featuring a wildlife conservation expert from the Australian National University (ANU), Australia, Dr. George Olah. The lecture took place in the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM and was attended by students and lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, UGM.


“This is a good opportunity for ongoing collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Australian National University, Australia” Dr. Bambang Retnoaji as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs in his speech Friday (25/10). Dr. Bambang also did not forget to tell students to actively seek knowledge during the lecture.

Dr. George is a wildlife conservation expert from ANU’s Fenner School of Environment and Society. His research focuses on tropical ecology, genetic conservation, and conservation management, especially bird conservation. Dr. George is also involved in various conservation projects in Indonesia, one of which is the Indonesian Parrot Foundation.

Dr. George explained his lecture presentation with the title “The role of conservation genetics in the study of parrot conservation”. Ecologists and conservation experts convey the phylogeny of the parrot tree, to the status that some species are on the verge of extinction. The threat of extinction is caused by agricultural activities, hunting, deforestation, climate change, the presence of invasive species, and human activities that affect the existence of parrot. Another big threat is the rampant illegal trade in exotic birds. ASEAN and Indonesia itself are one of the locations where this illegal trade is rampant. Dr. George invited students to be aware and participate in efforts to overcome the illegal trade in wild animals through various conservation efforts and increasing public awareness.

The participants were enthusiastic about attending the lecture and were critical in the subsequent question and answer session. Through this public lecture, it is hoped that it can encourage innovation, especially for the academic community, in contributing to research on sustainable ecosystem preservation (SDG 4 and 15) through collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Biology and the Australian National University (SDG 17).