Nuclear Energy Research Organization – BRIN
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | Auditorium Building 720, BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, BRIN Serpong
The Nuclear Energy Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Application of Food Irradiation to Support the Export of Indonesian Agricultural Products” on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Auditorium of Building 720 in the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area (KST), Serpong. The event, which ran from 08:30 to 15:30 WIB, aimed to promote the use of food irradiation technology as a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products in the global market, while also supporting the distribution of safe and nutritious food across the archipelago.
The discussion was opened by the Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilization at BRIN, who emphasized the importance of integrating research, policy, and industry to transform the national food system. A keynote address by Dr. Tri Mumpuni, a member of BRIN’s Steering Committee, underlined the critical role of irradiation technology in boosting food export and safety. She also addressed the issue of equitable access to research and technological infrastructure, advocating for the decentralization of irradiation facilities beyond the existing centers in Cibinong and Serpong to other regions, particularly in Eastern Indonesia where food production and export potential are significant.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dr. Ir. Dadan Hindayana, highlighted the potential of food irradiation to support national nutrition initiatives, particularly the free nutritious lunch program targeting vulnerable groups such as children from low-income families, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. He emphasized the importance of high-quality food provision and sustainable organic waste processing as part of Indonesia’s upcoming national nutrition revolution and called for thorough research on the impact of food irradiation as a preservation method within this program.
The technical sessions featured distinguished speakers from both national and international institutions. Dr. Andrew Jessup, a horticultural entomologist and consultant from Australia, presented on the global market for irradiated fresh produce. He discussed how irradiation technology could be used to control fruit flies, a key challenge in horticultural exports. Since each insect species requires a specific radiation dose for sterilization, treatment protocols must be carefully tailored. He also highlighted the need to build public trust in the safety of irradiated food.
In the following session, Dra. Dwiana Andayani, Apt., from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), stressed the importance of standardizing irradiation doses and complying with national and international food safety regulations. She explained that BPOM is responsible for monitoring processed irradiated food products, while the National Food Agency (BAPANAS) supervises fresh irradiated products. As of now, five processed food items have been registered as irradiated in Indonesia: cocoa powder, edible bird’s nest, frozen fish, tea, and powdered honey. All irradiated products must be labeled accordingly, following international standards.
Dr. Antarjo Dikin, a Principal Expert in Plant Quarantine at the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, provided insights into labeling procedures, the cleaning of packing facilities, and the steps involved in exporting irradiated fruits. The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) shared information on the licensing of irradiator facility construction and operation, radiation monitoring, and safety assurances for nuclear technology used in food applications.
From the industry perspective, Mr. Gustam, an exporter who uses food irradiation services, shared his experience in product validation, determining the effective minimum dosage, managing production costs, and fulfilling export requirements, including compliance with U.S. FDA standards for products such as tuna and salmon, which require a 3 kGy irradiation dose costing approximately IDR 800 per kilogram.
Yusra Egayanti, S.Si., Apt., M.P., Director of Food Safety and Quality Standards at BAPANAS, explained how irradiation helps extend the shelf life of fresh food by sterilizing products and eliminating pests and bacteria. Dr. Syaiful Bakri, Head of the Nuclear Energy Research Organization at BRIN, emphasized the role of research in the development of irradiation and accelerator technologies. He announced the upcoming launch of a new food irradiation facility next month, aimed at strengthening the applied research ecosystem in Indonesia. He also noted that the organization manages seven research centers focusing on both fundamental and applied research to support industrial and societal needs.
A speaker from Oneject Indonesia presented the application of electron beam technology for irradiating medical devices and food products. Su Bin, Chief Representative of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Indonesia, presented CNNC’s 70 years of nuclear experience and their strategies for integrating nuclear energy and irradiation technology into the food industry. He emphasized that different food types—such as vegetables, fruits (including mango, mangosteen, salak, and apples), bread, and ready-to-eat meals—require specific radiation doses. Proper optimization can make these foods more durable, bacteria-free, and pest-free. He also noted that irradiation is a non-invasive method that does not alter the structural or nutritional integrity of the food.
The panel discussion, moderated by Bimo Saputro, S.ST., M.Si. and Okky Agassy Firmansyah, S.T., M.Sc., was dynamic and explored diverse perspectives from technical, policy, social, and research collaboration angles. Regional government representation came from BRIDA East Kalimantan, who raised concerns about infrastructure development for irradiation facilities in their region due to limited budgets and the inefficiencies of centralized policies.
The FGD was attended by representatives from various sectors, including government institutions (BRIN, BPOM, BAPETEN, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries), national and multinational companies (PT Indofood, PT Unilever, PT Nestlé, PT Danone), industry associations (GAPMMI, KADIN), international organizations (IAEA, FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius), and leading universities such as UGM, UI, ITB, IPB, Universiras Padjajaran, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Universitas Pamulang, Universitas Pertahanan, and Sekolah Tinggi Intelijen Negara (STIN). The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada was represented by Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development. The involvement of academic institutions reinforced the commitment to synergize research bodies, universities, and the industrial sector to develop measurable and sustainable food irradiation technologies.
This cross-sectoral participation demonstrated strong enthusiasm for food irradiation as part of both national and global food system transformation. The event also encouraged collaborative studies by university researchers to explore irradiation impacts from various perspectives, including plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, insect pests, biochemistry, genetic effects on food products, and implications for human health.
The discussions on food irradiation aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The innovation contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring access to safe and high-quality food, particularly in remote and disaster-affected areas. It supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by minimizing risks from insects and pathogenic microorganisms. Through the development of irradiation infrastructure based on applied research, it advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Efficient and sustainable food processing techniques also support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, the spirit of inter-agency and international collaboration embodied in the FGD reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which is key to maximizing the societal benefits of nuclear technology.
Through this FGD, BRIN hopes to foster cross-sectoral consensus on the benefits of food irradiation and facilitate the development of comprehensive national standards. This initiative marks an important milestone toward establishing nuclear technology as a practical solution for enhancing Indonesian agricultural exports, reinforcing national food security, and improving public health outcomes.
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held the 9th Seminar Nasional Biologi Tropika (SNBT), which this year was integrated with the Jogja MultiOmics Update (JMU), an initiative by the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF). Taking place at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM, the seminar carried the theme: “Genomic Innovation for Health and Environmental Sustainability”.
This event became a strategic event to strengthen research collaboration across institutions and sectors, along with the rapid development of multi-omics technology and the urgency of its utilization in the tropical context.
In his speech, Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized that as a megabiodiversity country, Indonesia has a great responsibility in the development of genomic technology. “We hope this seminar can create strategic synergy, research network formation, as well as policies and curricula that support the advancement of Indonesian tropical science,” he said.
Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, said that science-based transformation requires integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. “Genomics is the entrance to answer health, environment, and bioindustry issues scientifically and collaboratively. This forum is a realization of UGM’s spirit to develop solutions from local roots with global standards,” he said.
Director of Kemendikbudristek Resources, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Suning Kusumawardani, S.T., M.T., highlighted the importance of human resource capacity building in genomics and bioinformatics. “We must be the main actors, not just users of technology. Academic and industrial collaboration such as with the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) is the right step towards sustainable innovation,” she emphasized.
SNBTxJMU 2025 presented 15 national speakers in Lightning Talk and Topic Island sessions, and was attended by more than 200 participants from various backgrounds of students, lecturers, researchers, practitioners, and students from various institutions in Indonesia.
The speakers came from various institutions, including: BB Biomedicine and Health Genomics (BGSi) of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Faculty of Medicine UGM, SITH ITB, BRIN, IPB University, to biotechnology companies such as Nalagenetics and Nusantics. The three main topics discussed in the parallel sessions were Clinical Omics, Plant & Animal Omics, and Environmental & Microbial Omics.
The event also featured a showcase of UGM’s multi-omics technology platform and industry partners, as well as introducing NGS services from IGF. Also supported by PacBio-DKSH Scientific Indonesia, Oxford Nanopore Technology- CV Dynata Creative Image, Shimadzu – PT Ditek Jaya, Sciex-Cytiva PT Laborindo Sarana, Panin Bank and Yayasan Satriabudi Dharma Setia (YSDS), as well as media partners such as Biou.id, Synbio.id, INBIO, Genbinesia, and Block71 Indonesia.
Institutions present included national and international universities such as UI, ITB, IPB, UIN, Khon Kaen University, as well as leading biotechnology institutions and companies in Indonesia such as PT Genetika Science Indonesia, PT Moosa Genetika Farmindo, PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia, PT Bio Farma (Persero), PT Widya Genomic Nusantara, and PT Widya Teknologi Hayati, PT Saraswanti Indonesia Genetech, PT. PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi, and also representative from Indonesian Genomic Association.
SNBTxJMU 2025 activities support the achievement of SDGs, especially SDGs 3 (healthy life) through Clinical Omics innovation, SDGs 4 (quality education) through strengthening academic capacity and curriculum, SDGs 9 (industry and innovation) through collaboration with the biotechnology sector, as well as SDGs 13 and SDGs 15 through Environmental & Microbial Omics sessions that focus on biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring.
SNBTxJMU 2025 is expected to be an important supporting system in building a sustainable Indonesian genomics and also multiomics research and innovation ecosystem that has a real impact on society and the tropical environment.
Before the closing of the event, the best presenters were announced from the SNBT presenter participants, namely Kinasih Prayuni, M.Si. from Universitas YARSI, and Imam Bagus Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. from Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM. In addition, the best pitching winner from the SNBTxJMU pre-event held by IGF was also announced, namely Assyfa Atha from IGEM UGM and Alim El Hakim from The Master of Medical Science program UGM. In order to enliven the event, appreciation was also given to participants who had participated in uploading stories through the Instagram platform.
The activity was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., who also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants and the collaborative spirit that was built during the event. He also invited all participants to return to participate in the upcoming SNBTxJMU in 2026.
#GenomicInnovation #SDGsIndonesia #TropicalScience #UGMForTheNation #Bioinformatics #GenomicsForSustainability #UGMGlobalImpact #ScienceForLife #SDGs3 #SDGs4 #SDGs9 #SDGs13
Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a visit from academics of the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany. The delegation, consisting of Dr. Ahmed Abd El Wahed and Prof. Uwe Truyen, was warmly received by the leadership of the Faculty of Biology UGM during a meeting held at a local restaurant in Yogyakarta.
The visit was officially hosted by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, accompanied by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni), Dr. Matin Nuhamunada, M.Sc. (Secretary of the Office of International Affairs), and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. (Head of the Microbiology Laboratory).
In his remarks, Prof. Budi expressed appreciation for the strong relationship that has developed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University, especially through collaborations in research, training, and the organization of the International Summer Course. The visit also served as an opportunity to personally greet ten biology students from UGM who will participate in the International One Health Workshop at Leipzig University this August.
Prof. Uwe and Dr. Ahmed conveyed their enthusiasm for returning to Yogyakarta. During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for further collaboration, including an initiative to develop a dual degree program. They also explored plans for an international research collaboration involving Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., from the Microbiology Laboratory, focusing on microbiome analysis in Komodo dragons and capacity building at the Komodo Island National Park Office, supported by a research grant from the European Union. This discussion was a follow-up to a previous field visit by the German delegation to Labuan Bajo.
Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the potential for collaborative research in bioinformatics to support the development of dry-lab-based research, aligning with the expertise of researchers at the Faculty of Biology UGM.
This meeting is expected to further strengthen sustainable international academic networks and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Hidden beneath the lush rainforests of Papua, Indonesia lies a biodiversity treasure trove still waiting to be explored. For crustacean researchers, the island’s rivers and lakes represent a scientific frontier rich with undiscovered species.
More than 50 years after legendary Dutch carcinologist Lipke Bijdeley Holthuis (1921 – 2008) mapped much of the world’s freshwater crayfish diversity, a new generation of scientists is continuing the quest.
In a recent study published in Arthropoda (MDPI), researchers Christian Lukhaup (Independent Researcher, Germany), Rury Eprilurahman (Universitas Gadjah Mada – Indonesia), and Thomas von Rintelen (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin – Germany) successfully described seven new species of freshwater crayfish from the genus Cherax, all of which are endemic to the regions of West Papua.
“Papua holds the greatest diversity of freshwater crayfish in the world, yet many species remain scientifically undescribed,” said Rury Eprilurahman.
“Our goal is to help establish a valid taxonomic foundation while promoting the protection of these increasingly vulnerable species,” he added.
New Species from Papua’s Hidden Rivers
The seven newly described species originate from various remote regions of West Papua:
- Cherax veritas — Misool Island, Raja Ampat
- Cherax arguni and Cherax kaimana — northern Kaimana district
- Cherax nigli — southern Kaimana
- Cherax bomberai — Fakfak
- Cherax farhadii and Cherax doberai — Teluk Bintuni region
Each species exhibits distinctive morphological traits. The shape of the chelae (claws), the length and structure of the rostrum (snout), striking body coloration, and overall body proportions set each apart from its close relatives.
“These species can be clearly distinguished from each other, both morphologically and genetically,” the researchers wrote in their publication.
DNA Reveals Unique Lineages
To further validate their discoveries, the team performed mitochondrial DNA analyses using the 16S rRNA gene fragment.
Results revealed that the seven new species represent genetically distinct lineages, supporting their classification as separate species.
“This is crucial, as some species may look deceptively similar. Without molecular analysis, we risk misinterpreting their evolutionary relationships,” Eprilurahman explained.
By combining classical morphology with molecular systematics, the researchers ensured a scientifically sound and responsible approach to species identification.
Aquarium Trade as a Starting Point
Intriguingly, some of the initial specimens were obtained through the aquarium trade.
“Many of these species first appeared in the aquarium hobby market in Europe or Jakarta,” Rury noted.
“From there, we traced their origins and collaborated with local contacts in Papua to confirm the natural habitats.”
While not ideal, the aquarium trade occasionally provides an early clue to the existence of undescribed species.
Nevertheless, Rury emphasized that all field sampling and data collection were conducted ethically and following conservation permits.
Vital for Conservation Efforts
This discovery is significant not only for taxonomy but also for conservation.
West Papua is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity, yet its ecosystems face mounting threats from deforestation, mining activities, infrastructure development, and illegal wildlife trade.
By enhancing the region’s species inventory, the findings will contribute to more targeted and effective conservation planning.
“If we don’t even know which species are present, how can we protect them?” Rury asked.
“With this knowledge, we can push for more sustainable management of freshwater habitats.”
Much More Yet to Be Discovered
While seven new species have now been formally described, the researchers believe Papua’s Cherax diversity is still vastly underexplored.
“Papua is incredibly vast. There are countless rivers, lakes, and cave systems that remain unexplored,” Rury said.
“I’m confident we will continue to discover new species in the future.”
The same team has previously described other species, including:
- Cherax warsamsonicus (2017)
- Cherax alyciae and Cherax mosessalossa (2018)
- Cherax wagenknechtae (2022)
- Cherax rayko and Cherax phing (2024)
This highlights Papua’s status as a global hotspot for freshwater crayfish diversity.
Continuing the Legacy of Holthuis
Since Holthuis pioneered the study of the world’s freshwater crayfish in the mid-20th century, modern tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and advances in molecular systematics now offer unprecedented insights.
But fieldwork remains irreplaceable.
“There is no substitute for direct exploration in nature,” Rury emphasized.
“Papua still holds many mysteries, and we have only scratched the surface.”
Through a combination of field exploration, global collaboration, and rigorous science, today’s researchers — following in the footsteps of L.B. Holthuis — continue to unveil new chapters in our understanding of Indonesia’s extraordinary freshwater biodiversity.
The discovery of seven new endemic freshwater lobster species in Papua supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), by contributing to biodiversity conservation and highlighting the ecological value of freshwater habitats. It also aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through the protection and sustainable use of inland aquatic biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing baseline data essential for assessing ecosystem vulnerability to climate change. Furthermore, the research aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of modern scientific methods in taxonomy, and with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by showcasing collaborative efforts among international researchers and local institutions.
Reference:
Lukhaup C., Eprilurahman R., von Rintelen T. (2025). Seven New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western New Guinea, Indonesia Arthropoda 3(2):10. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-3323/3/2/10
On Wednesday, 28th of May 2025, Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, UGM. This event was held for all Formasigen’s members. This event was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as Formasigen’s supervisor lecturer. Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025 is aimed to evaluate the cabinet’s ministry program for the first half of the year. This event had 2 main sessions that were presentations about evaluation of programs that have been done in the first half of the year and Q&A from the audience.
Kegiatan diawali dengan presentasi dan evaluasi program kerja ketua dan wakil ketua. Selanjutnya, presentasi dan evaluasi program kerja dilanjutkan oleh Sekretaris, Bendahara, Kepala Divisi PSDM, Kepala Divisi Keilmuan, Kepala Divisi Kerumahtanggaan, Kepala Divisi Media dan Informasi, dan Kepala Divisi Humas dan Jaringan. Seusai presentasi, dilakukan sesi tanya jawab dan kesempatan evaluasi dari anggota yang hadir. Setelah dilakukan presentasi, kegiatan dilanjutkan dokumentasi dan makan siang. Dengan dilaksanakannya Evaluasi Tengah Tahun ini, diharapkan semua program kerja Formasigen Kabinet HomeoGenesis di setengah periode berikutnya dapat berjalan dengan lancar dan evaluasi dari program yang sudah berjalan bisa diterapkan.
The event was started by a presentation and evaluation of programs done by the chairman and vice chairman of Formasigen 2025 cabinet HomeoGenesis. Presentation and evaluation of programs were carried on by programs of each division from each head of division. After each presentation, the audience was given room to discuss and having Q&A session. The next activity was documentation followed by lunch. With the realisation of this event, we hope that all assigned programs can be held without any significant challenge for the remaining half of the year and the evaluations noted can be applied for a better program realisation. This Mid Year Evaluation also helps support the Sustainable Development Goals number 4 and 17 that are quality education and partnerships for the goals.
[Author: Formasigen]
Yogyakarta, Indonesia – February 19, 2025 – As part of its continued commitment to community empowerment, the GAMA AYAM team has provided an egg incubator and breeding chickens to the Srikandi Women Farmers Group (KWT Srikandi Mrican). This initiative, under the Pertamina Foundation’s PF Sains Implementation Program, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable local chicken farming.
The distribution ceremony was held at the KWT Srikandi Mrican demonstration plot and coincided with the group’s monthly meeting. The symbolic handover was carried out by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on behalf of the GAMA AYAM team, and received by Ms. Nur Handayani, Chair of KWT Srikandi Mrican. Also in attendance were Mr. Heru, a representative of MAHAR chicken breeders from Condong Catur, along with GAMA AYAM team members Dian Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. and Yusuf Febrianta.
This program is expected to significantly boost chicken farming efforts at the KWT demonstration site. The introduction of incubator technology is a step forward in improving hatch rates and increasing the availability of day-old chicks (DOCs), enhancing the group’s capacity to achieve egg self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs No.9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the introduction of scalable agricultural technology; SDGs No.11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by empowering urban women farmers in productive agriculture; and SDGs No 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration between GAMA AYAM and KWT Srikandi Mrican. By supporting these SDGs, the partnership contributes to a broader mission of building resilient, self-sufficient communities and a more sustainable world.
Yogyakarta, June 2, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Biotechnology Laboratory, hosted a collaborative meeting with the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, and the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of Bali Province on Monday, June 2, 2025. The meeting took place at the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM.
This meeting aimed to discuss a joint research initiative focused on utilizing biotechnology to develop a new variety of Bali-native orchids, known as Dwarf Forma Bali. The collaboration is expected to strengthen both conservation efforts and innovation in the development of regional ornamental plants through modern biotechnological approaches.
The Udayana University delegation was led by Dr. Gusti Ngurah Alit Susanta Wirya, S.P., M.Agr., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, accompanied by researchers Dr. Putu Sudiarta, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rindang Dwiyani, and Dr. Ida Ayu Putri Darmawati. From BRIDA Bali, Ir. I Nyoman Suarta, M.Si., Head of Regional Development Priority Division, attended along with several BRIDA staff members.
Representing the Faculty of Biology UGM were Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni; Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory; Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc.; Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., M.Sc.; as well as undergraduate and graduate students under the supervision of Prof. Endang, who have long been engaged in orchid research as one of Indonesia’s leading tropical plant resources.
During the discussion session, the UGM Biotechnology Laboratory team presented their recent research progress, including:
- Development of miniature orchid varieties using the CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing system
- Identification and analysis of model plants to support miniature orchid development
- Characterization of the ERECTA gene structure, which plays a role in orchid morphology regulation
This meeting marked an important step in strengthening research synergy between universities and regional research institutions in supporting the development of local genetic resources through innovative scientific approaches. It is hoped that the collaboration will not only result in superior orchid varieties but also enhance the role of scientific research in regional development and biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.
The Community Service Team – Independent Campus Learning Program (PKM-MBKM) of Faculty of Biology UGM 2025 led by three lecturers, namely Novita Yustinadiar, M.Si, Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D., and Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Ph.D., together with 11 students have carried out the third activity in a series of PkM-MBKM programs in partnership with the GEMI Sharia Cooperative (Gerakan Ekonomi Kaum Ibu). The third activity was carried out in Panggungharjo Village, Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. This team involved three students, namely Anisah Qurrotu’Ainii (Chairperson), Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Secretary), Alma Puska Falasyifa (Treasurer) and the help of 8 other students with a theme entitled “Application of Zero Waste System in an Effort to Realize a Clean, Healthy and Green Environment in Members of the Economic Movement of the Mothers (GEMI) Yogyakarta”. This PkM-MBKM program supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGS 3 (Good health and well-being), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 15 (Maintaining Land Ecosystems). This program is planned to take place for two semesters with a total of 6x direct counseling to GEMI partners.
Socialization and practice activities were carried out on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 09.00–12.00 WIB at the home of one of the GEMI members. This activity was attended by GEMI members and waste bank members. Before the practice, there was a pre-test to map the participants’ understanding before participating in the material presentation, followed by a material presentation related to organic waste and exposure related to compost fertilizer with the Berkeley method in a compost bag, then continued with demonstrative practices by a team of students and accompanying lecturers related to making compost bags.
The event continued with a question and answer session and quizzes related to the material that had been delivered. The women participants seemed very enthusiastic about asking and also answering the questions asked. There was a two-way discussion between the organizers and the participants who participated in the activity. As a form of appreciation, active participants were given gifts in the form of tumblers and bags as a form of circular economy and zero waste to reduce the use of plastic bags and bottles. The event was then closed and continued with a joint documentation session.
As an attempt to improve and support women farmers group’s entrepreneurial independence in outdoor plants cultivation and utilization, a PKM-MBKM socialization has been conducted in partnership with Amanda Women Farmers Group, located at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Kalurahan Wirokerten, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The activity began with an introduction of the PKM-MBKM UGM Team, led by Prof. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., accompanied by students from the Faculty of Biology of Universitas Gadjah Mada class of 2022: Jovanka, Samantha Sonya Putri, Dhea Amelia, and Khansa Fauziah Rachman. During the socialization, a presentation was given regarding outdoor plants, focusing on the bioactive compounds and benefits of garden plants such as rosella, butterfly pea, lemongrass, and ginger.
These plants can be utilized to produce various products including tea, natural dyes, dried noodles, and soap. In addition, a brief explanation on how to cultivate the four plants was provided, allowing participants to apply and further develop the cultivation methods in the next session. This socialization of outdoor plants innovation to marketable products aimed to encourage product innovation, enhance the utilization of local natural resources, and strengthen the entrepreneurial independence of the Amanda Women Farmers Group. The participants were highly interested and partook in the discussion. They proposed to add outdoor plants such as aromatic ginger and suggested product innovations, namely herbal brews, natural rice dyes, and colored soaps. In the next activity, the benefits of the compounds contained in each outdoor plant will be explained. These activities support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being—by utilizing outdoor plants that can be transformed into value-added products with health benefits. They also align with Goal 17— strengthening partnerships —through the sustainable collaboration between the PKM-MBKM Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and their community partner, Amanda Women Farmers Group.
On Friday, 25th of April 2025 at 1-2 PM, Gentalk 5 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. This program is targeted for all Formasigen members and Biology UGM students in general. Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as Formasigen’s supervisor lecturer, also attended this program. Gentalk is an active discussion and sharing session between alumni or senior student and Formasigen’s member about the undergraduate thesis they are working on. In this Gentalk edition, the speakers are Jessica Desviana and Naely Muna Camelia, Faculty of Biology UGM students batch 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D for their undergraduate thesis.
This program started with an opening from the Master of Ceremony, Kotimah, as a part of the Public Relation Division of HomeoGenesis Cabinet, followed by an opening speech by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the supervisor lecturer of Formasigen. The next activity is a presentation about “ Genetic Variation of Tadpole Using 16s rRNA Mitochondrial Gene”. In this session, she shares about identification methods and genetic variation analysis of several frogs and toads’ tadpole using 16s rRNA mitochondrial gene. After that, is the Q&A session followed by closing from the master of ceremony. Through Gentalk, we hoped that this could be a good start to create a vessel for an interesting and beneficial discussion. We also hope that this program can give a better understanding about all the research done by all the lecturers and their students in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biologi UGM. This research also hoped to help actualize the 15th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is Life On Land.
[Author: Formasigen]
