Sleman, August 7, 2026 – The Community Service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) Desa Mitra team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a Waste Sorting and Recycling Training at SD Negeri Kiyaran, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency. The activity is part of the 2026 Desa Mitra Community Service Program entitled “Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Capacity in Environmental Management and Integrated Agriculture.” The training involved 36 students from Grades 4, 5, and 6 and aimed to improve their knowledge and practical skills in sustainable waste management from an early age.

The event was opened by the Master of Ceremony, Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc., followed by an introductory session led by the project leader, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., followed by a presentation entitled Organic and Inorganic Waste Sorting Training delivered by Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc. During the session, students learned about different types of waste, the environmental and health impacts of open waste burning, the importance of waste segregation at the source, and the concept of a waste bank as a sustainable waste management strategy.

To reinforce the theoretical knowledge, the students participated in a hands-on waste sorting activity. They were asked to separate waste into color-coded bins red, yellow, green, and blue, donated by the PkM team to SD Negeri Kiyaran. This practical exercise enabled students to directly apply the concepts they had learned while encouraging the development of environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

In addition to the waste sorting training, the community service program also included a creative recycling workshop. Guided by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., the students transformed used plastic mineral water bottles and discarded fabric scraps into pencil holders. The participants enthusiastically followed each step of the activity and proudly completed their own creations. To conclude the session, an interactive quiz was held to review the training materials, followed by a prize presentation for students who demonstrated excellent understanding of the material and produced the most creative pencil holders.

The activity was supported by other members of the community service team, including Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., as well as doctoral students from the Faculty of Biology, UGM Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., who collectively contributed to the successful implementation of the program.

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices, the PkM Desa Mitra team also donated a set of four color-coded waste bins and composting sacks for organic waste management to the school. The event concluded with a group photo session involving the community service team, the school principal, teachers, and all participating students.

Through this program, the organizers expect to enhance students’ environmental knowledge, practical skills, and awareness. Beyond encouraging proper waste disposal and segregation, the activities also inspire students to recycle waste into useful products by applying the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R). By introducing environmental education at an early age, the program contributes to shaping a generation that is more responsible and committed to environmental sustainability.

This community service initiative also supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, driving the search for safer and more effective anticancer agents. Natural products continue to be an important source of bioactive compounds, with kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C.) attracting growing attention due to its rich content of secondary metabolites, particularly terpenoids and steroids, which have been reported to exhibit anticancer activities.

However, the production of secondary metabolites in plants is often inconsistent. Seasonal changes, climate, and environmental conditions can influence both the quantity and composition of bioactive compounds, making it difficult to obtain uniform plant materials. To address this challenge, a research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is developing a kaffir lime callus culture system as a controlled platform for secondary metabolite production. This approach offers the potential to produce bioactive compounds with greater consistency while reducing dependence on seasonal variation and cultivation conditions.

The research is led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with Ferdinan Florian, Gabriela Arista Phoebe Sutato, and Grace Leilani Tumiwa, in collaboration with Sastia Prama Putri, Ph.D. from Osaka University, Japan. The study also benefits from scientific input provided by Endre Károly Kristóf, Ph.D. and Rini Arianti, Ph.D. from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary. The research takes place at the Biotechnology and Biochemistry Laboratories, Faculty of Biology UGM, using kaffir lime fruits collected from Pekutan Village, Bayan District, Purworejo Regency, Central Java.

The study begins with in vitro seed germination to obtain sterile seedlings as the source of explants. Callus cultures are subsequently induced from three different explant types, followed by evaluations of their growth characteristics and compound profiles. To stimulate secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the calli are subjected to elicitation treatment before extraction. The resulting compound profiles are then analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the secondary metabolites produced by the kaffir lime calli.

Unlike conventionally cultivated plants, callus cultures can be maintained throughout the year under controlled conditions, minimizing the effects of environmental fluctuations on metabolite production. This system provides a more consistent source of plant-derived compounds for research and represents an important step toward the development of natural product-based anticancer candidates. The findings are also expected to expand the application of plant tissue culture technology in plant biotechnology research.

This research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being by advancing plant-based sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in health research. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting a more sustainable approach to producing valuable plant metabolites through controlled callus culture systems, thereby reducing dependence on harvesting plants from natural populations.

A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has investigated metabolite profiles in the leaves, callus tissues, and culture medium exudates of red okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench var. ‘Zahira IPB’). The study was led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with Achmad Nadhmi Arfa, Elisabeth Kurniawati, and Ferdinan Florian. Conducted from August 2025 to May 2026, the research was funded by the 2026 Lecturer–Student Collaborative Research Grant. Experimental work was carried out at Biodiversity Research Station II, the Biotechnology Laboratory and Biochemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Corpora Science.

Red okra was selected because it is recognized as a functional food rich in bioactive compounds, including quercetin, mucilage polysaccharides, and amino acids associated with health-promoting properties. In addition, its anthocyanin content may contribute to stronger antioxidant activity than that of conventional green okra. Despite its potential, comprehensive information on the metabolite profile of the Zahira IPB red okra variety remains limited. Moreover, metabolite composition in conventionally cultivated plants can vary in response to environmental factors such as temperature, light intensity, and nutrient availability. To minimize these sources of variation, the researchers employed in vitro tissue culture, which provides a more controlled growth environment. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, the study characterized the detected compounds in leaves, callus tissues, and culture medium exudates to compare metabolite distribution among the different sample types.

The research began with the cultivation of okra plants to obtain explants, followed by callus induction through tissue culture, metabolite extraction, and metabolite profiling. Chemical analysis was performed using Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC–HRMS) with an untargeted metabolomics workflow. Unlike targeted analyses that focus on predefined compounds, this approach enables the comprehensive detection of a broad range of metabolites, providing an overview of the metabolite profiles present in each sample.

The findings expand current knowledge of the metabolite profile of the Zahira IPB red okra variety and provide a valuable resource for future studies in plant biotechnology and metabolomics. Beyond their scientific contribution, the results also support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by generating scientific evidence that can facilitate the development of plant-derived pharmaceutical ingredients and health products, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by demonstrating how biotechnology can promote the sustainable use of biological resources.

Balikpapan, July 31, 2026 – A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field survey and evaluation at the MAHAR Gama Gemilang Chicken Farm in North Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, as part of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant activities. The activity aimed to evaluate the breeding and propagation system of MAHAR Chicken final stock as a foundation for providing superior breeding stock for development in various regions of Indonesia.

The activity was led by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., Head of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, together with Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and inventor of Gama Ayam. The team was welcomed by Drs. Fauzhul Idhi, Director of CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, the partner in the development of MAHAR Chicken, together with two field farmers, Sultan and Jibran, who manage the farm operations.

During the activity, the team recorded the population of each chicken line being developed and evaluated egg production, the breeding system, and farm management. In addition, the team reviewed the independently formulated feed used at the farm, including the composition of raw materials, the mixing process, and feed supply strategies, as an effort to improve production efficiency while maintaining chicken performance quality.

The evaluation also covered animal health and farm biosecurity. The team discussed the implementation of husbandry management, farm sanitation, disease management, and the recording system used during population development. The observations showed that health management places greater emphasis on good farming practices, biosecurity, and husbandry management as part of a sustainable production system.

According to Zuliyati Rohmah, this activity represents an important stage in ensuring that the development of MAHAR Chicken is not only oriented toward increasing the population, but is also supported by a standardized and data-based breeding system. Meanwhile, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono emphasized that final stock plays a strategic role in maintaining genetic quality and ensuring the sustainable availability of superior breeding stock to support the development of MAHAR Chicken in various regions, including the Nusantara Capital City area.

Through collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, this activity is expected to further strengthen the downstream implementation of university research outputs while supporting the development of superior local chickens as a source of animal-based food for the nation. The program is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through synergy among universities, industry, and communities in building a sustainable poultry production system.

Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, 30 July 2026 – A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field survey and strategic discussion with the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) to support the development of MAHAR Chickens as an innovative superior local poultry breed aimed at strengthening animal-protein food self-sufficiency in the Nusantara Capital Region. This activity forms part of the implementation of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, which focuses on strengthening the downstream application of research outcomes, increasing superior chicken populations, and establishing a national breeding and egg-production ecosystem.

The UGM Faculty of Biology team comprised Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., Head of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., inventor of Gama Ayam and Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology. The activity was also attended by Drs. Fauzhul Idhi, Director of CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, a strategic partner in the development of MAHAR Chickens. The company collaborates with the Nusantara Capital Authority in field-level technical management and the expansion of the MAHAR Chicken population in East Kalimantan. Representing the Nusantara Capital Authority were Dr. P. Setia Lenggono, S.Sos., M.Si., Director of Food Security; Listian Nova; and staff members of the Directorate of Food Security.

The activity began with a field visit to the MAHAR Chicken final-stock facility, which serves as a centre for developing a population of superior laying hens in the Nusantara Capital Region. During the visit, the team assessed housing conditions, husbandry management, population performance, production systems, and readiness for larger-scale development as part of the roadmap for strengthening animal-protein food security in Nusantara.

The programme continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Nusantara Capital Authority office. The discussion opened with a presentation by Listian Nova on the progress of the MAHAR Bahagia Chicken Programme, including programme achievements, population growth, and plans to develop MAHAR Chickens as a strategic commodity for supporting the supply of animal-protein food in the Nusantara Capital Region.

The UGM Faculty of Biology team provided recommendations based on research findings and its experience in developing superior chicken lines. The discussion covered the evaluation of egg-production performance, strategies to increase productivity through the provision of healthy feed made from locally sourced ingredients, the strengthening of breeding systems, and the development of partnership models involving universities, government institutions, and the business sector. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the establishment of an independent and sustainable laying-hen production ecosystem in the Nusantara Capital Region.

One of the primary shared objectives is to build national laying-hen production capacity that can sustainably meet the demand for eggs. In the long term, this effort is expected to reduce dependence on supplies from outside the region by strengthening local production through innovation and partnerships. In this context, MAHAR Chickens are considered a promising superior line developed through university research that can support animal-protein food security in Nusantara.

Through the synergy among the UGM Faculty of Biology, the Nusantara Capital Authority, and CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, the development of MAHAR Chickens is expected not only to increase the population of superior poultry but also to serve as a collaborative model integrating research, innovation, technology downstreaming, and partner empowerment in support of a resilient and sustainable food system.

This activity also contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through strengthened animal-protein food production; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the development of efficient and sustainable poultry-production systems; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, government institutions, and industry partners in building national food self-sufficiency.

Surakarta, 26 July 2026 – The Museum of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in the “Abhinawa Bhumi #2: Wijaya Jaladri Nusantara” Travelling Museum Exhibition, held from 23–26 July 2026 at Rumah Kabudayan Ndalem Djojokoesoeman, Surakarta. The event brought together dozens of museums from across Indonesia as an initiative to bring museums closer to the public through education, conservation, and the promotion of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and natural wealth.

Throughout the four-day exhibition, the event received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the public. Visitor numbers increased each day, with 2,277 visitors on 23 July, 4,949 visitors on 24 July, 6,338 visitors on 25 July, and reaching 9,550 visitors on the closing day, 26 July 2026.

The UGM Museum of Biology occupied Booth No. 26, which became one of the exhibition booths with the highest level of visitor interaction. Even after the official closing of the exhibition, many visitors continued to stop by to ask questions, engage in discussions, and learn more about the museum’s collections and activities. This enthusiasm reflected the public’s growing interest in biological sciences and museums as enjoyable learning spaces.

The entire UGM Museum of Biology team actively participated in the exhibition, from preparation and visitor services to educational activities and interactive programmes. The team consisted of Head of the Museum Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng., Deputy Head Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Museum Educators F.X. Sugiyo Pranoto, S.Si., Ida Suryani, S. Ark., and Candra Apriliandi, as well as museum staff member Ryan, who worked together to provide an engaging learning experience for visitors.

At the UGM Museum of Biology booth, visitors enjoyed a variety of featured collections, including a shark taxidermy specimen, a giant clam (Tridacna sp.), red coral, and sea urchins, representing the richness of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity. Through an interactive approach, the UGM Museum of Biology sought to bring Indonesia’s marine natural heritage closer to the public, enabling people not only to recognise the nation’s extraordinary biodiversity but also to develop a sense of ownership toward these natural treasures. This sense of ownership is expected to become the foundation for increasing public awareness and participation in conserving Indonesia’s biodiversity, particularly its marine ecosystems, which are currently facing numerous threats from human activities and environmental change.

To further enhance visitor engagement, the UGM Museum of Biology also organised a Marine Biology Quiz with attractive museum merchandise as prizes, which was enthusiastically welcomed by both children and adults. In addition, visitors were invited to leave their impressions and messages on a creative Post-it guest board, creating two-way communication between the museum and the public.

As part of the exhibition programme, the UGM Museum of Biology presented an EduTalk session on Friday, 24 July 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The EduTalk focused on the Museum of Biology as a centre for education, the concept of biological evolution, and various science fun facts, all delivered in a light, engaging, and interactive manner.

The session was presented by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng., Head of the UGM Museum of Biology, together with Ida Suryani, S. Ark., Museum Educator. During the session, participants learned that museums serve not only as repositories of collections but also as learning centres that connect research, conservation, and public education. The concept of evolution was explained using authentic museum collections, accompanied by fascinating scientific facts that encouraged participants to view biology from a perspective closely connected to everyday life.

The participation of the UGM Museum of Biology in the “Abhinawa Bhumi #2” Travelling Museum Exhibition reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to expanding public access to science education while strengthening the role of museums as centres for lifelong learning. The programme also supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive and accessible science education, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting literacy and awareness of marine biodiversity conservation, SDG 15 (Life on Land) by educating the public about the importance of biodiversity conservation as a whole, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among museums and various stakeholders to expand the reach of education and conservation initiatives.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirms its commitment to supporting collaborative community empowerment through the 2026 Waste Management Community Service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat / PkM) Team, chaired by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., alongside the Wedomartani Partner Village. The program commenced with a waste management survey in Wedomartani Village through questionnaires distributed on June 25, 2026. This activity aimed to provide an initial overview of the waste management practices currently implemented within households and the surrounding environment. A total of 50 respondents from the hamlets (Padukuhan) of Pokoh, Wonosari, Saren, Pucanganom, and Tegalrejo participated in this activity.

Subsequently, as a follow-up, the PkM Team—comprising several lecturers and active students from the Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Master’s, and Doctoral programs of the Faculty of Biology UGM—collaborated with the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2, 2026 Adhinata Ngemplak Team under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D. organized an educational extension on organic waste management through the cultivation of maggots or Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to support Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) on July 19, 2026. This activity was attended by community representatives from each hamlet. The educational material on maggot cultivation was delivered by Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, UGM with expertise in entomology and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) cultivation. This initiative is expected to serve as an initial step in reducing organic waste while simultaneously increasing its economic value.

The event commenced with an opening, joint prayer, and welcoming remarks from the Wedomartani Village Secretary (Carik), R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd., and the Director of the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMKal), Mr. Iskandar, S.E., M.E. They stated that the Wedomartani Village highly appreciates this program as it is considered a viable solution to address the waste management issues faced by the residents. Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of building public awareness that both organic and inorganic waste possess economic value when managed properly. Meanwhile, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., explained that the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Wedomartani Village has been established for more than 5 years through various community empowerment programs, such as utilizing vacant land, poultry farming, physical and mental health education, and waste management. This year’s theme was selected as an effort to support a healthier environment while creating economic opportunities for the community through waste management, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

During the main session, Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., presented material regarding BSF characteristics, maggot cultivation techniques, the benefits of the resulting products, and business opportunities that the community can develop. He also introduced the stacked bucket (ember tumpuk) method as a household-scale maggot cultivation technique that is easy to implement, affordable, and highly manageable. Furthermore, maggot cultivation can yield by-products in the form of maggot residue (kasgot) and liquid organic fertilizer, which hold economic value. The presentation lasted for 1.5 hours and was enthusiastically received by the residents through discussions and a Q&A session. In addition to the maggot cultivation extension, this activity also provided education on recycling plastic waste and tarpaulins to increase the added value of inorganic waste. This session was delivered by the KKN-PPM Unit YO-040 Team. The residents were introduced to various utilization opportunities for plastic bottles, food packaging, and used tarpaulins, which can be processed through the recycling industry network to generate economic value.

As a form of support for the implementation of the organic waste management program, the Waste Management PkM Team handed over 12 sets of maggot cultivation buckets to five hamlets—Pokoh, Wonosari, Saren, Pucanganom, and Tegalrejo—and one sub-village (dusun), Pajangan. Each hamlet and sub-village received two bucket sets, which are expected to serve as the initial step toward independent organic waste management by the residents. In addition, pamphlets containing information on maggot cultivation were distributed to serve as a reference for the community. This program also serves as a tangible manifestation of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s support in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Contributors: The 2026 Waste Management PkM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM, chaired by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., and the KKN-PPM YO-040 Adhinata Ngemplak Team, supervised by Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting community empowerment through a collaboration between the Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani 2026 and the Team of Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PkM) Ayam 2026. On Tuesday, July 15, 2026, the two community service teams from the UGM Faculty of Biology implemented a collaborative program focusing on Kitchen Waste-Based Elba Laying Hen Cultivation for Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) in Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This collaboration involved several lecturers and active students from the Undergraduate, Master, and Doctoral programs of the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

This collaboration was carried out to further enhance the positive impact experienced by the community. The Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani activities focused on the development of alternative feed technology based on the fermentation of household food waste as an innovation to support laying hen cultivation. Through this innovation, the community will be taught how to process kitchen waste into safe, highly nutritious, and economical chicken feed, thereby reducing production costs while decreasing the organic waste generated by households. Meanwhile, the Team of PkM Ayam activities focused on improving household food security through family-scale laying hen cultivation while promoting the use of kitchen waste as an eco-friendly alternative feed raw material. Through these two approaches, the community is expected to obtain a sustainable source of animal protein, improve family welfare, and reduce household organic waste through the concept of a circular economy.

During this initial collaborative activity, the Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani provided assistance to 6 residents from several hamlets in Wedomartani as beneficiaries, in the form of one cage package equipped with three pullet-aged (± 4 months) Elba laying hens. The beneficiaries in Wedomartani Village were represented by the Village Secretary (Carik), Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd. Meanwhile, the Team of PkM Ayam distributed assistance to 5 residents of Wonosari Hamlet, Wedomartani, and 5 residents of Karang Bolong Hamlet, Sukoharjo as beneficiaries. Each family received one chicken coop package, three pullet-aged (± 4 months) Elba laying hens that have entered the ready-for-production phase, and 10 kilograms of basal feed as the initial maintenance feed. This assistance is expected to serve as capital for the community to develop household-scale laying hen farming, thereby increasing the availability of animal protein for families while providing additional income opportunities through egg sales, supporting Zero Hunger (SDG 2).

As a form of continuous mentoring, both teams have arranged a monitoring and evaluation agenda to be carried out one month after the handover of the assistance. The activities will include evaluating the development of the laying hens, further counselling on good cultivation techniques, and practical training on making fermented feed from kitchen waste. This mentoring is expected to improve the egg productivity of the Elba hens while strengthening the community’s ability to manage farming businesses independently and sustainably, which plays a role in realizing Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Through this collaboration among lecturers, students, and the community, this community service program is expected to become a science-based community empowerment model capable of improving family nutritional quality, strengthening local food security, and supporting more responsible household waste management. This program also serves as a tangible manifestation of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s contribution to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through increased community consumption of animal protein, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by optimizing the utilization of kitchen waste into valuable resources.

Contributor: The Team of Desa Mitra Wedomartani 2026, chaired by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., and the Team of PkM Ayam 2026 Faculty of Biology UGM, chaired by Prof. Dr. med.vet. Hendry T.S.S.G. Saragih, M.P.

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully hosted the 10th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) in conjunction with the International Conference on Nusantara Spices and Biodiversity (ICNSB). The event was held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM, under the theme “Reviving the Glory of Nusantara Spices through Biodiversity Research and Sustainable Innovation.”

The 10th SNBT in conjunction with ICNSB served as an academic forum that brought together researchers, academics, students, practitioners, and stakeholders to exchange research findings and strengthen collaboration in the fields of tropical biodiversity, Nusantara spices, and sustainable innovation. Through this theme, the conference underscored the vital role of biological sciences in exploring, conserving, and sustainably utilizing Indonesia’s rich biological resources.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mirza Hanif Al Falah, M.Ling., Chair of the 10th SNBT Organizing Committee, reported that this year’s seminar welcomed approximately 80 invited guests and featured 42 participants representing 15 higher education institutions across Indonesia. Participating institutions included Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Universitas Bengkulu, Universitas Nasional, Universitas Riau, Universitas Jambi, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Padjadjaran, Universitas Negeri Mataram, Universitas Cenderawasih, Universitas Bangka Belitung, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Universitas Islam As-Syafi’iyah, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira, and Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta. The broad participation from institutions nationwide reflected the growing commitment to advancing research in tropical biology and biodiversity in Indonesia.

“Nusantara spices are not only an important part of the history of global trade, but also a representation of Indonesia’s extraordinary biological wealth,” stated Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, during his welcoming address. He expressed his appreciation for the successful organization of the 10th SNBT, which this year was held in conjunction with ICNSB, further expanding opportunities for international scientific collaboration.

The opening ceremony continued with remarks from Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation of Universitas Gadjah Mada. He emphasized that Indonesia’s rich spice heritage represents far more than a valuable commodity, it embodies the nation’s identity, cultural heritage, biodiversity, and contribution to global scientific advancement. He expressed hope that the conference would serve as a platform for fostering innovation and promoting sustainable biodiversity research related to Indonesia’s spice resources.

The scientific program commenced with a plenary session featuring distinguished experts in biodiversity, spices, and biological innovation. The plenary speakers included Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. from the Faculty of Biology UGM, who presented Indonesia’s spice biodiversity and diversity data; Dr. Roderick Bouman from Hortus Botanicus, Leiden University, who discussed the evolution and diversity of Nusantara spices; Prof. Chiharu Nakashima, Ph.D. from Mie University, Japan, who delivered a presentation on plant pathology and crop protection; and Assoc. Prof. Yaya Rukayadi, Ph.D. from Universiti Putra Malaysia, who explored the application of spices in food technology.

Following the plenary session, the conference continued with parallel presentation sessions, providing researchers with the opportunity to present their latest findings across various disciplines of tropical biology. These sessions also facilitated scientific discussion, knowledge exchange, networking, and the development of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional collaborations.

The organization of the 10th SNBT in conjunction with ICNSB reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s continued commitment to strengthening research on tropical biodiversity and promoting innovation based on Indonesia’s biological resources. Through this forum, research outcomes are expected to make meaningful contributions to scientific advancement, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable utilization of Nusantara spices and the nation’s natural resources.

The conference concluded with appreciation extended to all participants, presenters, keynote speakers, organizing committee members, and supporting partners whose contributions ensured the success of The 10th SNBT in conjunction with ICNSB. The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that this event will continue to serve as a collaborative platform for advancing tropical biology research and highlighting Indonesia as one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity and spice heritage.

The conference also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

On Saturday (June 27^th), The Community Service Team from the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, held a training on hard candy and chrysanthemum tea production, and chrysanthemum plant pest management in Kedungpoh, Nglipar, Gunungkidul Regency. The team consisted of several lecturers and undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. In the first training, the team was represented by Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Aqil Abyan Rahman, S.Si., and Agil Faiqotul Iqbaliyah (graduate students), as well as Kaka Pria Ananta (graduate student). Participants were members of the Al Barokah Home Industry and the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) of Kedungpoh Village.

Dwi Umi and Agil provided training on making hard candy and tea from chrysanthemum flowers, while Aqil and Kaka provided training on biological pest control for chrysanthemum plants. The basic ingredients for hard candy are chrysanthemum syrup, isomalt, sugar, citric acid, and water. Chrysanthemum syrup is made from 45 grams of dried chrysanthemums cooked with sugar, citric acid, and water. Research by Marlyn Dian Laksitorini, M.Sc.Apt., Ph.D., and Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., published in the Traditional Medicine Journal, indicates that chrysanthemums have high antioxidant activity and can increase intelligence in childhood. Making this hard candy will simplify the intake of children aged one to five years. Chrysanthemum tea is made simply by drying chrysanthemum flowers that are still slightly open. Chrysanthemum tea can be brewed directly with hot water or extracted and made into tea bags.

Cultivating chrysanthemums at lower elevations requires diligence and vigilance against insect pests, including thrips, stem borer, whiteflies, ladybugs, caterpillars, red mites, and wood locusts. Whiteflies and red mites are the most important concerns in greenhouse chrysanthemum cultivation systems because they easily enter through small holes and are easily penetrated by wind. These pests, commonly known as plant pests (OPT), can be managed biologically using garlic, certain litters, and predatory insects such as parasitic wasps to control stem miners. “If we find these parasitic flies around the greenhouse, don’t rush to exterminate them, because they prey on stem borer,” said Aqil.

The presentation by the two speakers concluded with a hands-on demonstration of making hard candy and chrysanthemum tea at the Al Barokah Production House. The participants enjoyed the hard candy, and some took it home as souvenirs for their children. “We have been assisting the Kedungpoh community since 2019 and hope that one day this village will be independent and advanced economically, agriculturally, and in terms of welfare,” said Dwi Umi, closing her presentation. This activity is the embodiment of SDG-1 (No Poverty), SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), SDG-3 (Healthy and Prosperous Lives), SDG-5 (Gender Equality), SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG-17 (Partnerships to Achieve the Goals). (DUS)