SDG 11 : Mobilize Sustainable Cities and Communities

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SDG 11 : Mobilize Sustainable Cities and Communities

Faculty of Biology UGM Promotes the Empowerment of KWT “Lestari” through Waste Management Education and Sustainable Integrated Farming

Community Service News Release Monday, 11 May 2026

On Saturday, 9 May 2026, the Community Service Team (PkM) of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., carried out the first activity of its community engagement program entitled “Empowering the Women Farmers Group (KWT) ‘Lestari’ through Waste Management Education and the Development of Integrated Plant Cultivation to Achieve Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12)”. The activity was held in Mertosanan Kulon, Potorono Village, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The team, consisting of Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., also involved students from various academic levels, namely Winda Fionita Nur Safitri, Layly Salsabila, Alfonsus Fidel Pandu Ekanto, and Miftahurrozi from the undergraduate program; Noor Laila Safitri, S.Si., from the master’s program; as well as Fatimatuzzahra, S.Pd., M.Sc. from the doctoral program.

The event began with opening remarks from Prof. Diah, who expressed her appreciation for the participation of KWT “Lestari” in this community service initiative as a collaborative effort to support village development and improve the local economy. The Head of Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, Mrs. Atik Mudawamah, S.Ag., also delivered remarks and shared her concerns regarding current environmental issues, particularly waste management. She stated that the existence of a TPS 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Management Facility) in Mertosanan Kulon is an important asset for the community. According to her, the waste collection schedule based on waste type could help improve local waste handling practices. Through this program, she hoped that more residents would become motivated to participate in and utilize the TPS 3R facility.

The opening session was followed by the signing and handover of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Faculty of Biology UGM and KWT “Lestari”, presented by Prof. Diah to the head of KWT “Lestari”. Prior to the presentation sessions, participants from KWT “Lestari” completed a pre-test to assess their initial understanding of waste management and integrated farming development. The program socialization was then delivered by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who introduced the team members and explained the objectives as well as the planned activities throughout the community service period. She emphasized that environmental issues have become an important challenge that must be addressed collectively. Through education, mentoring, and continuous assistance, the program aims to encourage the community to independently implement sustainable environmental practices in the future.

The next session focused on waste management education, delivered by Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho and Fatimatuzzahra, S.Pd., M.Sc. The materials covered included the introduction of organic and inorganic waste, the dangers of microplastics, hazardous and toxic waste (B3), and the concept of waste banks. In addition to revisiting the principles of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) participants also received explanations regarding the importance of waste sorting at the household level and the environmental risks associated with open waste burning. Prof. Andhika explained that waste can enter water bodies such as rivers, and disposing of waste directly into rivers is not a solution but may instead contribute to flooding. He further noted that plastic particles or microplastics may be ingested by fish and could potentially affect human health when consumed through the food chain.

The activity was attended by members of KWT “Lestari”, the Head of Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, the Head of the KKB of Mertosanan Kulon, and representatives of the community police officer (Bhabinkamtibmas) of Potorono Village. Throughout the event, participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm through interactive discussions and various questions related to waste management and environmental concerns faced by local residents. As a form of appreciation, the PkM team distributed door prizes during the event. Additional appreciation was also given to participants who achieved high pre-test scores and those who proposed ideas for future community service activities. As a follow-up to this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM Community Service Team plans to conduct further activities in June 2026, including training on compost production and the utilization of maggots for organic waste management.

Overall, this program supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. The initiative is expected to enhance the knowledge and skills of KWT “Lestari” members in waste management and sustainable household farming practices, while also contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Ethnobiology Field Course of UGM’s Master of Biology Program at Prambanan Temple: Integrating Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage through Classical Javanese Reliefs

News Release Student Activities Monday, 4 May 2026

Yogyakarta, April 25, 2026 – The Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a field course for the Ethnobiology subject at the Prambanan Temple area on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This activity is part of strengthening contextual learning, integrating an interdisciplinary approach between biology and culture.

The course is under the academic coordination of Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., who serves as the course coordinator, with Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. as one of the lecturers facilitating the implementation of this field course. In her capacity as coordinator, Prof. Ratna Susandarini plays a strategic role in designing the direction of learning, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes, and comprehensively integrating ethnobiological approaches into the Master of Biology curriculum.

This activity utilizes temple reliefs as a source of scientific data to explore human–fauna relationships from historical and cultural perspectives. Students conducted direct observations of animal representations depicted in reliefs illustrating the stories of Ramayana and Krisnayana, two important narratives in classical Javanese tradition.

Through this activity, students not only identified the morphological forms of fauna depicted in the reliefs but also analysed their symbolic, ecological, and cultural meanings. This approach demonstrates how past local knowledge systems recorded human interactions with biodiversity in visually rich and meaningful forms.

In her statement, Dr. Rohmah emphasized that ethnobiology provides space for students to understand biodiversity more holistically. “Temple reliefs serve as cultural archives that document how past societies observed, recognized, and assigned meaning to the fauna around them. This represents a form of knowledge that remains highly relevant to be studied in the context of modern biology,” she stated.

This activity also supports the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), particularly in strengthening critical analytical skills, interdisciplinary synthesis, and interpretation skills based on field data.

Furthermore, this activity contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education): through experiential, field-based learning. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): by utilizing cultural heritage sites as learning resources. SDG 15 (Life on Land): by increasing awareness of biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action): through strengthening environmental literacy and human–nature relationships.

This activity reaffirms the commitment of the Master’s Degree Program in Biology at UGM to delivering integrative, contextual, and sustainability-oriented biological education, positioning culture as an essential component in understanding life systems.

Training on Organic and Inorganic Waste Processing in Tegalrejo: A Collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo under the TEH SEKAR Program

Community Service News Release Friday, 12 December 2025

Tegalrejo, 11 December 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with PT Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo through its assisted program Tegalrejo Hijau, Sehat, dan Berdikari (Teh Sekar), held a community service activity titled “Training on Organic and Inorganic Waste Processing” on 11 December 2025 in Tegalrejo. The training was attended by 14 participants who are members of the Miguno Waste Bank.

he training aimed to enhance the community’s capacity in proper waste sorting and processing, as well as to support environmental self-sufficiency in the Tegalrejo area. Two speakers from the Faculty of Biology UGM delivered the materials: Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., who presented the topic of inorganic waste processing, and Mr. Jamal Musa Holle, S.Si., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil., who explained organic waste processing techniques.

The event began with a pre-test to assess participants’ baseline knowledge regarding waste management. During the training sessions, participants received theoretical explanations and practical demonstrations on household waste processing techniques applicable to daily activities. The training concluded with a post-test to evaluate participants’ improvement and the effectiveness of the program.

Throughout the training, participants practiced creating various recycled products, such as crafts made from plastic bottles and the making of sofa cushions and bean bags using shredded plastic fillers. This activity aimed to utilize low-value plastic waste by transforming it into economically valuable products while also reducing harmful practices such as burning plastic waste. In the organic waste processing session, participants learned compost-making using the Berkeley method (layering technique in compost bags) and organic waste processing using maggots in a maggot box.

As part of the support for empowering the Miguno Waste Bank, one unit of a plastic waste shredding machine was donated to assist in processing plastic materials used as filler for sofa cushions and bean bags. Participants also received brochures and practical guides on organic and inorganic waste processing that are easy to follow and implement independently.

This training directly supports several indicators within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contributions to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) are reflected in efforts to improve environmental quality and reduce health risks associated with improper waste management. Educational materials delivered by the speakers, along with the pre-test and post-test mechanisms, reinforce SDG 4 (Quality Education). From an environmental perspective, the activity supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by reducing pollution potential, and strengthens SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering environmentally conscious communities. Additionally, the training promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by improving practices of waste sorting, reuse, and recycling. The implementation of composting techniques aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste. Overall, this activity exemplifies the implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strong collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM, the Teh Sekar Program, and PT Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo in advancing sustainable community empowerment.

UGM Lecturer Receives RCE Awards 2025 from United Nations University for Sustainable Education Project

Community Service Sunday, 9 November 2025

Yogyakarta, November 2025 —
Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again received international recognition by being awarded the RCE Awards 2025 from the United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), Tokyo, Japan.

The award was presented to RCE Yogyakarta for the project entitled “Integrated Holistic Education System as a Strategy to Improve Educational Quality in Marginalized Villages through Transpolitan Community Services”, led by Ganies Riza Aristya. The project builds upon the Transpolitan Community Services model, which integrates universities, local communities, and regional governments to develop inclusive and contextual education systems. This model strengthens the synergy between formal, non-formal, and community-based education to empower rural communities. The project was recognized as an Acknowledged Flagship Project at the Global RCE Awards 2025.

The RCE (Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development) initiative, under the coordination of UNU-IAS, promotes education for sustainable development worldwide. This award acknowledges outstanding contributions to advancing inclusive education, cross-sector collaboration, and community empowerment toward sustainable development.

This achievement follows Ganies’s previous success in receiving the Outstanding Flagship Project RCE Awards 2023, which highlighted an integrated education system based on agrotourism potential. “This award demonstrates that the synergy between education, community empowerment, and environmental conservation can bring real transformation toward sustainability,” said Ganies. Through this recognition, the Faculty of Biology UGM continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing research-based education and community engagement for environmental sustainability and social welfare.

UGM Faculty of Biology Launches MBKM Program to Raise Awareness and Independence in Inorganic Waste Management

Community Service Saturday, 1 November 2025

Yogyakarta, October 23, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a community service program as part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative with the theme “Inorganic Waste Management.” This initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the negative impacts of inorganic waste and the importance of independent and sustainable waste management to support SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).

The Piyungan Landfill, which was permanently closed on May 1, 2024, due to exceeding its capacity, is one example of the waste management issues in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. Before its closure, this landfill received around 742 tons of waste per day, far exceeding its ideal capacity of only 650 tons per day. As a result, waste piled up in depots and on roads, creating environmental and public health problems.

In facing this waste emergency, the community is expected to play an active role in waste management at the household and neighborhood levels. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, consisting of Anissah Qurrotu Aini, Alma Puska Falasyifa, and Hafifah Nur Ainiyah, guided by Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., provided education and practical skills to the community in waste management, so that they can reduce their dependence on landfills and manage waste independently.

This community service program was attended by women members of the GEMI Cooperative in Grojokan Hamlet, Witokerto, Bangungapan, Bantul. The activity began with an educational session on the types of inorganic waste, mistakes in managing inorganic waste, and its impact on health and the environment. One of the topics discussed was microplastics, small particles that originate from plastic waste and can pollute the environment and enter the food chain.

The community also participated in practical training on making sofa cushions from plastic waste and flower decorations from used plastic bottles. This activity aimed to show that inorganic waste can be recycled into useful and potentially economically valuable products, while educating the community about the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R).

As part of efforts to improve air quality, participants also received plants that absorb air pollution. These plants are expected to help reduce the negative impact of air pollution, including that caused by the improper burning of waste.

Through this program, the Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes to encourage changes in community behavior in waste management, thereby creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

Environmental Acoustics and Sound System Arrangement Techniques for Worship House in Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

Community Service Wednesday, 29 October 2025

by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM

Development based on human ego satisfaction, through the exploitation of natural resources, often results in widespread environmental degradation. Development not only transforms natural landscapes into artificial areas such as residential, agricultural, and industrial areas, but also alters the quality of water, soil, and air. Likewise airspace, besides being a source of life for humans, it is serves also as a space for anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic acoustic communication. Currently, airspace is filled with artificial sounds, resulting in various forms of noise and silence has even become a rare commodity. This program is based on issues related to environmental acoustics.

In 2025, the Community Service Team-Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology UGM led by Susilo Hadi and assisted by three students consisting of Qodriyah Nur Kharisma, Aisyah Eka Nurjanah and Rifda Qonita, implemented a program on Acoustic Ecology and sound system arrangement of worship places, mainly in mosque and mushola. In some places, especially in urban areas, the disharmony of volume of speaker sound from mosques can cause social conflict. The locus of this activity was carried out in Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman. This program consists of two main activities, namely an environmental acoustic survey and socialization on proper sound system arrangement in accordance with ethical criteria from the government and acoustic aesthetics related to loudspeakers in mosques and mushola.

Environmental acoustic data collection was conducted in August 2025 consisting of acoustic recording and measuring sound intensity (decibel meter) between ambient environmental acoustics, as a control, and volume of loudspeakers during the call to prayer (adzan) and other activities within mosques and mushola. In summary, the data obtained showed a striking difference between the ambient environmental acoustics as a control, around 40 dB, compared to the average intensity of the call to prayer in mosques and mushola in the study area of 80 dB. However, based on government criteria the sound intensity is still within the limits tolerated by the rules ( Surat Edaran of the Ministry of Religious Affairs: SE 05/2022).

Meanwhile, the socialization activity for sound system settings for places of worship was held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at mushola in Manongsari Kring Rejosari, Sardonoharjo. A number of representatives from mosque and mushola aministrators (Ta’mir) were invited. The activity, attended by 20 participants. Start with a socialization on environmental acoustics conducted by a team from the Faculty of Biology and the second part related to sound system setting techniques presented specifically by Mr. Riyana, as an audio engineering practitioner. This activity was interesting because the all participants gave feedback each other and shared experiences related to the use of sound systems in every place of worship. In general, this socialization activity is important as a space to align perceptions about government regulations regarding the use of loudspeakers and share knowledge related to the correct and aesthetic audio arrangement in places of worship.

The entire PkM-MBKM program is carried out over two semesters, namely the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year and the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. This program is also carried out in order to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG number 3 Healthy and Prosperous Lives; 11 Sustainable Cities and Settlements; and SDG 15 Terrestrial Ecosystems.

Ethnobiology Lecture at the Yogyakarta Palace: Exploring Cultural Wisdom in Preserving Biodiversity

News Release Student Activities Wednesday, 8 October 2025

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, students of the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, who are enrolled in the Ethnobiology course, participated in a unique field lecture held at the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton Yogyakarta). The session, which began at 11.00 a.m., took the form of an open discussion on cultural wisdom within the Palace environment and its relationship to biodiversity. The students, accompanied by the course lecturer, Dr.Eng. Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., engaged in an interactive discussion with two speakers representing the Palace: R.A. Siti Amirul Nur Sundari (Carik Kawedanan Radyo Kartiyoso) and Mas Jajar Praba Hanendra (Mas Irmawan).

The activity began with introductions between the students and the speakers, followed by a brief explanation of the genealogy of the Yogyakarta Palace, the meaning of candrasengkala (symbolic inscriptions) on palace buildings, and the etiquette of dressing within the royal grounds. The main discussion then focused on cultural wisdom and its connection to biodiversity. The speakers explained that many plants growing within the Palace grounds hold specific symbolic meanings and ecological functions. Some of these—such as beringin (banyan), sawo kecik, gayem, and kepel trees—are cultivated and maintained with special care by the Palace. There are also naturally growing plants, such as various ferns that attach themselves to large trees.

Through this activity, students not only learned about the close interrelation between culture and the environment but also came to understand that biodiversity conservation has long been an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Yogyakarta Palace.

The vegetation within the Palace grounds serves not merely as landscape decoration but carries deep philosophical and ecological significance in Javanese life, particularly within the royal setting. These plants are arranged meaningfully to serve various purposes—as shade providers, pollutant absorbers, water retainers, and windbreaks. According to R.A. Siti Amirul Nur Sundari, each plant in the Palace embodies both symbolic and ecological roles that complement one another. She explained the meanings and functions of several important plants, including the beringin, gayam, jambu dersana, sawo kecik, and kepel.

Banyan Tree (Beringin): A Symbol of Sacredness and Life Sustenance

The banyan tree is regarded as sacred within the Palace grounds. Ecologically, it plays an essential role as a source of oxygen, a groundwater reservoir, and a habitat for various small animals and epiphytic plants. Due to its importance, only the Sultan has the authority to plant a banyan tree. The Sultan also prohibits excessive planting of banyans to maintain biodiversity and prevent a monoculture environment that could threaten other plant species. Additionally, the tree’s large, spreading roots can damage building foundations and drainage systems if planted too close to infrastructure.

Jambu Dersana: A Symbol of Serenity and Inner Peace

The jambu dersana symbolizes tranquility and calmness. The word durs refers to rain that brings coolness and peace. This philosophy teaches that anyone entering the Palace area should carry an aura of peace and composure, both outwardly and inwardly. It reflects the importance of emotional intelligence, calmness, and courtesy within the Palace setting.

Gayam Tree: Strength and Balance

The gayam tree represents resilience and stability. It thrives even under harsh conditions, symbolizing steadfastness, purity, and balance in life. This value teaches that individuals entering the Palace should maintain harmony between nature and spirituality.

Sawo Kecik: Patience and Virtue

The sawo kecik tree symbolizes patience and perseverance. Its sweet fruit takes a long time to ripen, representing that goodness and wisdom are achieved through time and effort. In Javanese philosophy, the word sawo is associated with refinement and gentleness. Though modest in appearance, the fruit’s sweetness and nutritional value reflect the idea that a person’s true worth lies in their words and actions, not in outward appearance—echoing the Javanese proverb, “Ajining diri saka lathi, ajining raga saka busana” (One’s dignity comes from their speech, one’s honor from their attire).

Kepel: A Symbol of Purity, Grace, and the Soul of a Warrior

The kepel tree holds profound meaning in Javanese royal culture. It symbolizes purity and inner fragrance—traits of a person who is virtuous, gentle, and pure-hearted. The kepel also embodies the noble qualities of a Javanese warrior, summarized in four philosophical principles: nyawiji (unity and harmony), greget (enthusiasm), sengguh (self-confidence), and ora mingkuh (responsibility and perseverance).

Philosophically, these four values represent stages of a warrior’s inner journey—beginning with unity and dedication to one’s duty (nyawiji), fostering passion and commitment (greget), building confidence (sengguh), and culminating in integrity (ora mingkuh), which signifies resilience in the face of challenges. Within the Palace, kepel trees are typically planted in sacred areas or near the keputren (the royal women’s residence). Being a rare species, its conservation is carried out by the Palace in collaboration with supporting institutions to ensure its preservation.

Beyond their symbolic and ecological meanings, many plants are also used in traditional ceremonies and daily activities within the Palace, reflecting a balance of local wisdom, cultural symbolism, and environmental sustainability.

A notable example is the Yasa Peksi Burak ceremony, held to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s Isra Mi’raj. In this ritual, the Palace creates a bird replica symbolizing Buraq, the Prophet’s mythical mount, crafted from pomelo peel. The base of the figure is decorated with a nest made of pacar leaves and layers of fruits, representing beauty and prosperity.

Other traditional practices, such as thanksgiving ceremonies, feature polo-poloan, a classification of foods derived from plants with distinct growth characteristics:

Polo Kesimpar: fruits growing along the ground, such as watermelon, melon, and cantaloupe.
Polo Pendem: underground crops like yam, cassava, potato, taro, and peanut.
Polo Gantung: fruits growing above ground, hanging from trees such as mango, guava, pomelo, and grape.

In addition to ceremonial use, plants also play practical roles in daily palace life. For instance, tamarind is used for cleaning royal carriages to enhance their durability, while lime and young coconut water are employed to cleanse royal heirlooms (keris) during the sacred month of Suro. These practices reflect how the Yogyakarta Palace preserves harmony between nature, spirituality, and tradition—continuing the legacy of ecological and cultural wisdom passed down through generations.

The meeting with Ibu Amirul and Bapak Irmawan left a profound impression on the students. They gained valuable insights into the use of plants and animals within the Palace and their connection to Javanese culture. The students came to appreciate the deep philosophy embedded in these traditions and their relevance to both ecological balance and cultural identity.

Ethnobiological knowledge passed down through generations represents a vital form of local wisdom that must be sustained. Through this study visit, students learned from the Palace’s conservation initiatives aimed at preserving rare and culturally significant plants. As Biology students of UGM, they felt a moral responsibility to contribute to the preservation of Indonesia’s native biodiversity.

Interactive and contextual learning experiences such as this not only enrich academic understanding but also foster a deeper appreciation for nature and culture. The activity left a lasting impression and inspired students to continue engaging in meaningful field-based learning.

This activity also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Goal 4 (Quality Education) through contextual learning based on local wisdom, Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the preservation of cultural values and traditions, and Goal 15 (Life on Land) through the conservation of biodiversity and rare plant species within the Palace grounds. Thus, this activity not only strengthens students’ academic insight but also supports tangible contributions to sustainable development in Indonesia (GAL/ZR).

The activity was attended by graduate students from the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely Mahyono Hassanudin, Ogilvy Galang Rizki, Arbiatun Nurlaili Assyifa, Syarafina Azzahra, Naufal Rafif Zain, Inez Maylida, and Ani Saputri.

Biothoprak 2025 of the Faculty of Biology UGM Presents the Play “Ande-Ande Lumuten” as Part of the 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary Celebration

News Release Monday, 22 September 2025

Yogyakarta, 19 September 2025 – For the first time, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), staged the spectacular Biothoprak 2025 art performance as part of the celebration of its 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary. Held in front of Al-Hayat Mosque at the Faculty of Biology, the performance brought to life the classic folklore “Ande-Ande Lumuten”, creatively adapted with modern elements and rich moral values.

Biothoprak is a traditional Indonesian theatrical art, and this year the Faculty of Biology UGM successfully presented a remarkable collaboration between lecturers, students, staff, and alumni. The performance became a platform for intergenerational togetherness within the academic community, reflecting the spirit of kinship that has long been a hallmark of the Faculty. “Through Biothoprak, we aim not only to provide entertainment but also to convey the importance of culture, unity, and the noble values of our nation. This year, we chose the play Ande-Ande Lumuten, which carries meaningful messages of honesty, loyalty, and kindness,” said Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Ande-Ande Lumuten performance was enhanced with modern stage design, creative costumes, and multimedia technology, offering the audience a refreshing theatrical experience. The enthusiasm of the audience was evident, with more than 1.000 onsite attendees, including lecturers and their families, staff members with their families, retirees, alumni, students, and the general public. In addition, hundreds of viewers joined online via the Faculty of Biology’s YouTube channel. The celebration was further enlivened with exciting door prizes and traditional Jogja culinary treats, including angkringan dishes and live-cooked noodles.

As part of the 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Biothoprak 2025 was not only a cultural performance but also a realization of the values of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 4: Quality Education – through collaborative, intergenerational learning, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by preserving and revitalizing local culture, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through synergy between the academic community, alumni, and society.

The event was warmly received by the academic community, alumni, and the wider public, serving as a vibrant closing highlight of the 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM, held under the overarching theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity.”

UGM–ANU Collaboration Produces First Graduate of Biology Double Degree Program

News Release Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Yogyakarta, August 26, 2025 –The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), celebrates a historic milestone as Sabut Kharisona, B.Sc. (hons.) (IUP cohort 2021), officially becomes the first graduate of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) Biology with a Double Degree (DD) scheme.

Sabut embarked on his double degree journey in the Fall Semester of 2023/2024 at the College of Science, Australian National University (ANU)—a globally renowned research university. During his studies at ANU, he not only pursued academic excellence but also actively engaged in diverse research and cultural activities.

In 2023, Sabut participated in a prestigious Summer Research Internship with the Research School of Biology, College of Science ANU, where he gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge biological research. Beyond the laboratory, he served as a Residential Mentor at Lena Karmel Lodge, providing guidance and support to fellow international students. Furthermore, he showcased Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage by leading the Sedulur Monco Gamelan Ensemble in Canberra.

Sabut completed his study program through a final project entitled: “Effects of Temperature Variability Across Habitat Scales on Animal Distribution and Adaptation”, a research topic that highlights urgent global issues of climate change and species adaptation. His work strongly aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13: Climate Action and SDGs 15: Life on Land.

Reflecting on his achievement, Sabut expressed his gratitude:

“I am grateful that the Biology IUP UGM has established collaboration with ANU, which gave me the opportunity to pursue a double degree program at ANU. This experience has broadened my academic perspective and built invaluable international networks.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized the significance of this achievement:

“Sabut is the first graduate of the Biology IUP Double Degree program. This marks the Faculty of Biology UGM’s strong commitment to providing international exposure for our students, and we will continue to enhance such opportunities in the future.”

Sabut Kharisona’s accomplishment is not only a personal success but also a cornerstone for the Faculty of Biology UGM in advancing world-class, inclusive, and sustainable education. This achievement also strengthens the faculty’s commitment to supporting SDGs 4: Quality Education and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The INUCoST Team of the Faculty of Biology Conducted High Conservation Areas Survey in The Buffer Zone of Nusantara Capital City

News Release Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Team of Working Package (WP) 1 INUCoST (Indonesia-Netherlands Universities Consortium for Sustainable Futures) which is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc. has successfully conducted field survey for High Conservation Value Areas in Muara Jawa Subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Province of East Kalimantan. The survey was conducted in July 14 – 18, 2025. The team was consisted of lecturers and students from Universitas Gadjah Mada and Universitas Mulawarman (Unmul). Team members from UGM were lecturers and students from Faculty of Biology, Center for Land Resource Management Studies, and Faculty of Forestry, while team members from Unmul were the lecturers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Field activity was consisted by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and biodiversity survey around mangrove forest of Mahakam River Delta, Subdistrict of Muara Jawa.

FGD was conducted with university partner (Unmul) and stakeholders. Representatives of Unmul were lecturers from Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and staffs from The Governing Body for Research and Community Services of Unmul (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat). Stakeholders invited were all stakeholders responsible for HCV valuation in East Kalimantan Province, e.g. Natural Resources Conservation Agency (Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam), Office of Environmental Services (Dinas Lingkungan Hidup), Office of Forestry Services (Dinas Kehutanan), Office of Food Security, Crops, and Horticulture (Dinas Pangan, Tanaman Pangan, dan Hortikultura), and Office of Marine and Fishery (Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan). The FGD was done to collect baseline data for biodiversity and its conservation in East Kalimantan Province, especially in Muara Jawa Subdistrict.

Field survey was done around Mahakam River Delta and the settlements surrounding. The exploration of mangrove forest was done in Muara Kembang Village (kelurahan) administrative region to understand the flora and fauna diversity in the region. Biodiversity survey was done to assess the HCV points, i.e. HCV 1 (Species Diversity), HCV 2 (Ecosystem, Landscape Level Mosaic, and Intact Forest Landscape), and HCV 3 (Ecosystem and Habitat) in Muara Jawa Subdistrict. The next field activity done was visitation to Agroforestry Community Counselor (Penyuluh Swadaya Kelompok Tani Hutan) of Mahakam Delta to gain information regarding the community empowerment done by the Agroforestry Community. The visit was done to assess the HCV 5 point (Community Needs) of Muara Jawa Subdistrict.

Another visit was done in Office of Handil II Port, Muara Jawa Pesisir Village. In the visitation, the team was conducting discussions with staffs of the Department of Transportations (Dinas Perhubungan) to collect informations regarding survey locations and informant contacts to be interviewed for HCV assessment. Visit to the Leader of the Farmer and Agricultural Affairs Community (Gabungan Kelompok Tani/Gapoktan) of the Muara Jawa Ulu Village was done to assess information regarding agricultural products and welfare of the farmers in the region. Mangrove forest exploration was conducted in administrative regions of Muara Jawa Pesisir Village and Muara Pegah Hamlet, Muara Jawa Tengah Village. Two activities were done in Muara Pegah Hamlet, i.e. flora and fauna exploration and visitation to the Community Chief (Ketua RT) to collect baseline data regarding social and economic conditions of the people of Muara Pegah Hamlet. The visits to the Leader of Gapoktan and Ketua RT was done to assess information for HCV 5 point.

The series of activities done were successfully collected important data regarding the HCV points. From the flora and fauna survey, it can be concluded that Muara Jawa Subdistrict is a highly important area for conservation. In that subdistrict, a protected species of primate could be found, i.e. proboscis monkey (bekantan/Nasalis larvatus) inhabits a specific mangrove forest found in Mahakam River Delta. Besides becoming home for the primates, mangrove forests also useful as a source of livelihood for local people around the delta. Interviews with stakeholders of Muara Jawa Subdistrict resulted in important data that represented socio-economic condition of the people in the area. (BK)

Sustainable Development Goals points:
11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
12: Responsible Consumption and Production
13: Climate Action
14: Live Below Water
15: Live on Land

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