SDG 12 : Influence Responsible Consumption and Production

Arsip:

Training on Making Natural Hair Oil and Hand Gel by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM in Segoroyoso, Pleret, Bantul

Community Service News Release Wednesday, 15 October 2025

The 2025 Community Service – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Team from the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., held an event themed “Training on Making Natural Hair Oil and Hand Gel for the Community” in RT 1 (Dahromo Indah group) and RT 3 (Cempaka group), Segoroyoso, Pleret, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This activity was presented by a student team consisting of Lusiyana Prihatini, Zahra Karimah Nuha, Kholish Naufal Pamungkas, and Elisabeth Kurniawati, with support from the technical team. The interactive event was attended by 15 members of the GEMI partner forum (Women’s Economic Movement) and two GEMI administrators, who actively supported this community empowerment activity.

The event took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the home of Mrs. Zanimah (RT 1). The session began with socialization about the contents and benefits of lemongrass and aloe vera as natural body care ingredients. Participants learned that lemongrass contains essential oils that can reduce dandruff and itching, cool the scalp, and provide a naturally fresh aroma to their hair. Meanwhile, aloe vera is rich in gel containing vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that moisturize and nourish the skin and hair.

The next session was a hands-on practice of making natural hair oil and hand gel. Three demonstrations were conducted: (1) making hair oil from Aloe vera mixed with olive oil, (2) making hand gel from Aloe vera and lime juice mixed with alcohol as a natural antiseptic, and (3) making hair oil from lemongrass and cloves, heated together with oil, then adding vitamin E, which functions as an antioxidant to extend product shelf life.

The activity was highly interactive, with a Q&A session covering ingredient variations, additional benefits, and product shelf-life. The most active participant received a door prize, which boosted the spirit of the event. As a form of program sustainability, each participant also received aloe vera and lemongrass seedlings to plant at home, so they could immediately put the training material into practice at home.

The PkM-MBKM program is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The activity is designed to run for two semesters, namely the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year and the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, as a continuous effort to educate the community on the independent and sustainable use of natural ingredients.

Herbal and Aromatherapy Education: UGM Faculty of Biology PkM-MBKM Team Promotes Health Innovation in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community Service News Release Monday, 13 October 2025

The 2025 Community Service – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully conducted an educational program in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, under the title “Health Innovation through the Making of Aromatherapy Candles and Sharing Healthy Herbal Drink Recipes.” This program aimed to enhance community knowledge and skills in utilizing herbal ingredients for health and well-being—aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being and No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The team consisted of five active Biology students from the class of 2022, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes and partner Mr. Gunardi, S.Si.

The event took place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam, Pajangan Hamlet. The session began with educational talks delivered by Ghefira Nur Fatimah and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, focusing on two main topics: techniques for making aromatherapy candles and healthy herbal drink recipes. During the hands-on session, participants practiced making aromatherapy candles using natural essential oils such as lavender, lemon, peppermint, and lemongrass. The participants enthusiastically created candles of their own preferences. Beyond serving as air fresheners, aromatherapy candles also help promote relaxation, enhance focus, improve sleep quality, and support meditation and emotional balance. In addition, participants were introduced to various easy-to-make herbal drink recipes designed for home preparation. Each recipe was selected based on its health benefits, such as boosting immunity, aiding detoxification, and maintaining metabolic balance. Thus, participants gained not only theoretical understanding but also practical skills that can be directly applied in daily life. Each participant brought home their own handmade aromatherapy candle as a symbol of the new knowledge and skills they had gained—supporting SDG No. 4: Quality Education.

This program is expected to bring direct benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet while serving as an inspiration for sustainable collaboration between academia and local communities. Through such partnerships, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to promoting SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals. With a spirit of sustainability and innovation, the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM demonstrates how scientific knowledge can be applied in real life to improve community well-being.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Syifa Aneira, and Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa.

Fast-Track Master’s Student of Biology UGM Wins Favorite Poster Award at Indonesia Research and Innovation Fair (IRIFair) 2025

Achivements Friday, 12 September 2025

Indonesia Research and Innovation Fair (IRIFair) 2025 is a scientific competition for undergraduate and master’s students showcasing their thesis research. This event represents the commitment of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to discover young research talents from higher education. The fair aims to improve both the quality and quantity of Indonesia’s research and innovation talents through scouting missions and comprehensive, sustainable, and innovative mentoring programs. This year, IRIFair 2025 was held on September 9–10 at the Polytechnic Institute of Nuclear Technology, coinciding with its 40th Dies Natalis celebration.

In this prestigious event, Tiara Putria Judith, a Fast-Track Master’s student at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (class of 2024/2025), won the Favorite Poster Award in the Research Poster Competition (RPC). She also received a research grant to further develop her undergraduate thesis entitled “Genetic Variation and Phylogenetic Relationships of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) Based on the Chloroplast rbcL Gene”.

Tiara’s poster effectively optimized visual communication by combining impactful graphics with concise text, enabling her to present research findings clearly and attractively. Beyond serving as a medium of scientific communication, the poster also sparked engaging discussions with audiences, offering new insights into the advantages of DNA barcoding for overcoming the limitations of conventional identification methods in potential parental candidates for sugarcane hybridization in Indonesia.

This achievement underscores Tiara’s active role as a UGM Biology student in advancing innovations in life sciences and technology to address the challenges of sustainable agriculture. Her success is expected to become an early milestone for more innovative and impactful research explorations in the future.

Collaboration between UGM Faculty of Biology and Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo: Training on Processing Water Hyacinth into Eco-Enzymes and Silage for Animal Feed

Cooperation News Release Thursday, 11 September 2025

Sobokerto, 11 September 2025 – PT Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo, in collaboration with the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in the form of a socialization and training session on producing eco-enzymes and silage for animal feed using water hyacinth as raw material. The event, held at Sobokerto Village Hall from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, was attended by 40 participants from three community groups: Ngudi Makmur Farmer Group, Tirtokahuripan Fish Cage Group, and Sumber Rezeki Floating Net Group.

The program began with opening remarks from Sobokerto Village Head, Mr. Surahmi, and Junior Supervisor of RSD AFT Adi Sumarmo, Mr. Shoiful Amri. The training featured two main speakers: Dr. Siti Nurbaeti, S.Si., who presented material on utilizing water hyacinth for eco-enzyme production, and Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., who delivered a session and hands-on practice on producing silage for animal feed. Following the presentations, all participants actively engaged in the practical session of making eco-enzymes and silage. Interestingly, this was the first time the participants were introduced to these technologies, yet they showed great enthusiasm throughout the training.

The event was also attended by Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., a doctoral student at the Faculty of Biology UGM, who supported the community service activities as part of achieving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) 2, which emphasizes student learning experiences beyond the campus. As a step to strengthen cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between PT Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo and the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This activity has strong relevance to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the training, the community is expected to transform water hyacinth—long considered a weed—into eco-friendly and valuable products. The utilization of water hyacinth for eco-enzymes and bio-absorbents contributes to water quality improvement and aquatic ecosystem preservation, supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The production of silage for animal feed enhances livestock feed security and supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Repurposing waste into value-added products promotes responsible consumption and production in line with SDG 12, while the collaboration among companies, universities, and communities reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through this initiative, the Sobokerto community is expected to become more empowered in managing local environmental resources while fostering economic, ecological, and social sustainability by turning water hyacinth into value-added products.

Faculty of Biology UGM Supports Capacity Building for Educational Laboratory Technicians at Polbangtan Yogyakarta Magelang

News Release Friday, 15 August 2025

The Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian (Polbangtan) Yogyakarta Magelang held an In-House Training (IHT) for Educational Laboratory Technicians (PLP) on August 12–13, 2025. The event, held at Polbangtan Yoma, Jl. Kusumanegara No. 2, Tahunan, Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta, was officially opened by Sevi Melati, SP., M.Sc., a Young Expert PLP representing Polbangtan Yogyakarta Magelang, and attended by nine PLPs. On this occasion, Sevi Melati emphasized that this training is a strategic step to strengthen PLP competencies, ensure laboratory management is conducted in accordance with standards, and guarantee safety and service quality in laboratories to support Quality Education (SDG No. 4).

The speakers from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada delivered the materials in a comprehensive and practical manner. On the first day, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. presented Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Laboratory Equipment Usage and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the Laboratory. Meanwhile, Eka Mega Sampurna, A.Md. conducted a session on Laboratory Equipment Maintenance and Calibration, accompanied by Practical Equipment Usage Simulation to strengthen participants’ understanding through hands-on learning. These topics directly and indirectly contribute to ensuring Good Health and Well-Being (SDG No. 3). On the second day, Dr. Maryani, M.Sc. delivered a session on Laboratory Management, including Inventory Equipment Recording and Reporting. She also guided participants in the Preparation of Plant Tissue Samples, including roots, stems, and leaves. All sessions were designed to be interactive, combining theory, discussion, and practice, enabling participants to master technical skills while also understanding managerial aspects of laboratory work to support Quality Education (SDG No. 4).

The implementation of this IHT demonstrates Polbangtan Yoma’s commitment to supporting the capacity building of PLPs so they can manage laboratories effectively, safely, and efficiently in line with the goal of providing Quality Education (SDG No. 4). The skills gained by participants are expected to not only support practicum and research activities but also strengthen the role of laboratories as centers of learning and innovation in agriculture, which is closely related to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG No. 12) and Life on Land (SDG No. 15). The IHT program was concluded by Asih Farmia, SP., M.Agr.Sc., who expressed the hope that this training would bring great benefits to the PLPs. Furthermore, the participation of the Faculty of Biology, UGM in supporting this activity is expected to initiate collaboration between Polbangtan Yoma, to be formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding, thereby accelerating the achievement of Partnerships for the Goals (SDG No. 17). (Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Maryani, Eka Mega Sampurna).

Faculty of Biology UGM Welcomes Dutch Biotechnology Expert to Explore Clove Conservation Collaboration

News Release Thursday, 14 August 2025

Yogyakarta, 12 August 2025 – The Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed Dr. Mei-Lei Tan, a biotechnology expert specializing in plant cell culture, who is also the Managing Director and owner of Crea Nova Consultancy, the Netherlands. She was accompanied by Yogyakarta-based artist, Ipeh Nur. Their visit was warmly received by Dr. Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory, and Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.Sc., M.Sc., a distinguished researcher in plant biotechnology and cell culture.

The visit, which took place on Tuesday afternoon (12/8), aimed to explore potential collaboration in developing hybrid clove varieties brought by Ipeh from Ternate as part of conservation efforts. The Biotechnology Laboratory expressed strong support for this collaborative initiative. During the discussion, Prof. Endang shared insights into various hybrids developed through protoplast fusion methods and CRISPR-Cas9 technology, particularly for the conservation of Indonesia’s native orchids.

Dr. Mei expressed her enthusiasm for the discussion, emphasizing the importance of conserving biological resources and transferring knowledge to future generations to ensure the sustainability of preservation efforts.

Through this meeting, it is expected that research collaboration can be established to develop biotechnological innovations that not only safeguard valuable plants such as cloves and orchids but also contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals—specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) through youth capacity building in science, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable management of biological resources, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the protection and restoration of terrestrial biodiversity.

Spice Research Team of INUCoST, Faculty of Biology, UGM, Undertakes Exploration in East Kalimantan

News Release Monday, 11 August 2025

The spice research team WP (Work Package) 2, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. in the INUCoST (Indonesia-Netherlands Universities Consortium for Sustainable Futures) platform, has been exploring spices in East Kalimantan. The initial phase of the spice exploration focused on the buffer zone of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), including the Samarinda City and four districts in Penajam Paser Utara Regency. The exploration, conducted from July 30 to August 3, 2025, collaborated with lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mulawarman University, and coordinated with the research team from Leiden University, Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Paul Kessler and Roderick Boumann.

The spice exploration on the first day began with a visit to the Wanariset Herbarium in Samboja subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara district. During the visit, discussions were held, and spice specimens from the herbarium collection were recorded. These activities provided a wealth of information about spices and traditional medicinal plants used by the people of Kalimantan. This information was crucial as initial data for spice exploration, particularly in East Kalimantan. Spice documentation is conducted by observing the herbarium’s various collections, including dried specimens, spirit specimens, and living collections planted around the area. Additionally, the team had the opportunity to directly observe and study the drying process of specimens for the herbarium collection.

A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held with partners and relevant agencies to initiate the exploration of spices in the city of Samarinda, East Kalimantan. Attendees included Mr. Rahmadona, a representative of the Dayak tribe, the Forestry Department of East Kalimantan, the Nature Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of East Kalimantan, the Dean and Vice Dean of Mulawarman University, and the Research and Community Service Institute (LP2M) of Mulawarman University. The FGD began with a presentation by the spice team leader, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on the definition of spices, global spice distribution routes, and an explanation of the spice project of INUCoST Work Package 2 being implemented in East Kalimantan. The session continued with a discussion on spice diversity in East Kalimantan. The discussion outcomes were used to gather initial data on the diversity of spices existing in East Kalimantan.

The survey and data collection on spices were done by visiting various traditional markets, starting with Loa Janan and Subuh traditional markets in Kutai Kartanegara regency; Pandansari, Buton, and Inpres traditional markets in Balikpapan; and Petung and Penajam Central traditional markets in Penajam Paser Utara regency. Additionally, the team conducted surveys at several traditional herbal medicine vendors, such as herbs sellers in Argomulyo village, Sepaku sub-district, and Dapur Sehat in Waru sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara. The spice research team also had the opportunity to visit the home gardens of Paser ethnic group residents in Paser sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara. Some spices successfully documented from the Paser ethnic group include Bonglai, or Mango Ginger (Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr.), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle), and Kecombrang, or torch ginger (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.), which were found growing abundantly in the residents’ yards.

The entire spice exploration program was successfully implemented. A total of 53 spice specimens were collected during the exploration. The specimens were then collected and preserved in both spirit and dry preservation at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The list of spices and the specimens obtained represent crucial information for understanding the richness of Indonesia’s native spice diversity and its distribution. (MSR)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

2 : Zero Hunger

8 : Decent Work and Economic Growth

12 : Responsible Consumption and Production

15 : Life on Land

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

Development of Superior Local Chicken Breeds through the Wedomartani Village Partnership Program

Community Service News Release Friday, 18 July 2025

The Wedomartani Village Partnership Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an socialization on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Kalurahan Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, focusing on the development of superior local chicken breeds. This activity was a follow-up initiative from the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Kalurahan Wedomartani, supported by the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2 of 2025, Unit YO019 (SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).

The socialization opened with remarks from Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., representing the Wedomartani Village Partnership Team, Faculty of Biology, UGM. On this occasion, as a speaker Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., delivered a presentation titled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chickens Based on Community Empowerment in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman.” The socialization emphasized the importance of developing superior local chicken breeds by paying attention to various key aspects such as feed quality, animal health, cage management, and maintenance practices.

During the session, the speaker provided updated and relevant information on the proper techniques for local chicken farming, beginning with the selection of high-quality breeding stock. The event, held at Kalurahan Wedomartani, was attended by the Head of Wedomartani Village (Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto), the Village Secretary (Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd.), the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani (Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E.), representative from Faculty of Biology, UGM (Prof. Dra. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.) and representatives from farmer groups across several hamlets in Wedomartani. Participants showed strong enthusiasm for the program and actively engaged in discussions and raised questions, especially regarding chicken maintenance practices.

The speaker highlighted that raising chickens offers two key benefits. First, it helps reduce household waste through the use of organic waste as chicken feed. Second, the eggs produced can improve household nutrition and help address stunting—supporting SDGs No. 2 (Zero Hunger), No. 3 (Good Health and Well Being), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, to fully achieve these benefits, the chickens must be kept healthy. The speaker emphasized three main factors for raising healthy local chickens: the use of varied feed sources such as maggots and kitchen waste, proper cage management, and an appropriate vaccination program.

This outreach activity is expected to serve as an initial step toward empowering the community to independently cultivate local chicken breeds. With the knowledge gained, residents can begin applying more effective breeding and production techniques in their environment. Going forward, similar programs should continue to be implemented sustainably in order to expand their impact. It is hoped that this initiative will contribute to improving community welfare while also supporting local food security. (Contributors: Lintang Gitacahyani and Ardaning Nuriliani)

FACULTY OF BIOLOGY ATTEND THE RI-SING UNIVERSITY NETWORK FACULTY IMMERSION PROGRAM AT NANYANG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY- SINGAPORE

News Release Friday, 18 July 2025

Singapore (July 16th), The RI-SING University Network Faculty Immersion Program is a collaboration between five leading universities in Indonesia (UGM, UI, ITB, IPB, and ITS) and five universities in Singapore: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). This program aims to strengthen collaboration and build relationships between universities in Indonesia and Singapore. The Faculty Immersion Program held from July 14-16, 2025, at NTU Singapore, aimed to explore research and project collaborations between NTU and five leading Indonesian universities in the fields of food science, food security & agritech, and sustainability in the life and social sciences.

This program was well-planned and engaging, managed by NTU International Engagement, with a professional staff overseeing the program’s rundown. Twenty-five participants from five universities were invited to attend presentations and discussions with schools leaders at NTU. The first day was filled with introductions to the entire NTU International Engagement team, INSPIRASI (Associate Prof. Dalton Tay), and resource persons who would present research materials. The second and third days were filled by schools leaders, including: Prof. Md. Saidul Islam from the School of Social Sciences; Prof. Viswanathan S. from the Business School; Prof. Peter Preiser from the School of Biological Sciences; Prof. Yusuf Ali from Experimental Medicine; Associate Prof. Tan Lay Poh from the School of Materials Science and Engineering; Associate Prof. Janice Lee, Dr. Shawn Lum, Assistant Prof. Yi Wen Zeng, and Assistant Prof. Pierre Taillardat from the Asian School of Environmental Science. NTU also provided opportunities for program participants to visit the INSPIRASI Laboratory, the Vertical Farming Laboratory at Sky Green, the Botanical Garden of Singapore, the MSE Laboratory, and the Tropical Ecology Laboratory.

Universitas Gadjah Mada, as a member of the RI-Sing University Network Faculty Program consortium, sent five lecturers to this program, one of whom was Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Si. from the Faculty of Biology. Dwi, in addition to her expertise in sustainable agriculture, is also a member of the Faculty of Biology’s Organic Waste Management Task Force and a member of the Waste Management Team at PIAT UGM. Dwi took this opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with Prof. Dalton from INSPIRASI. INSPIRASI is a collaborative research and education program initiated by the Ministry of Education of Singapore (MOECRT) and the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education for five raising universities: Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), University of Indonesia (UI), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Institute of Technology Surabaya (ITS), and NTU. INSPIRASI focuses on smart and sustainable campuses, integrated sustainable waste management systems, and research into environmentally friendly campus technologies. The integrated sustainable waste management program overlaps with the organic waste management programs of the Faculty of Biology and PIAT UGM. Dwi explained that the waste management practices of the Faculty of Biology UGM and the utilisation of waste for organic farming are based on her research. INSPIRASI is interested in establishing a waste management collaboration at UGM.

The INSPIRASI program also offers undergraduate students from UGM to participate in an undergraduate immersion program, a program conducted at both universities. The first three years of study are conducted at UGM (the home university), followed by one year at NTU, resulting in a degree from UGM. This program can be continued with a Postgraduate Immersion program, which involves students adding a year at NTU and earning a Master’s degree from NTU. The NTU Doctoral Program (PhD) also accepts students from INSPIRASI members through two scholarship schemes: the LPDP-NTU PhD Scholarship, which awards 30 doctoral students per year, and the NTU PhD scholarship scheme.

Prof. Preiser from the School of Biological Sciences is offering research collaborations in the molecular mechanisms by which malaria parasites adapt to environmental change and research in food security. Meanwhile, Prof. Jennice Lee and her team are offering research collaborations in biodiversity, peatland restoration, and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, Prof. Pooi See Lee, NTU’s Vice President of International Engagement, stated, “We sincerely hope this program will foster research collaborations between NTU and five leading universities in Indonesia.” Wanda Preiser, NTU’s Head of Office International Engagement, added, “If you contact one of our researchers, please let us know so we can assist you.” “We will report the results of this meeting to our Dean and hope for research and project collaboration with NTU, particularly regarding waste management at UGM,” Dwi concluded in response to Wanda’s request.

This faculty immersion program supports SDGs 3 (Good Healthy and Well Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals). (DUS)

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