SDG 13 : Organize Climate Action
Malaysia witnessed the success of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students at the prestigious 2nd International Youth Summit held on November 9–10, 2024. One of UGM’s delegations won the Bronze Medal after presenting their innovation titled “Harnessing Genetic Transformation and Gene Cassette Strategy: Advancing Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Production for Sustainable Bioplastic.” This creative idea, developed by the PHB Team comprising Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty and Ganies Riza Aristya from the UGM Biology Faculty, addresses the pressing global problem of plastic waste.
The competition, featuring participants from various countries, focused on the theme of youth innovation in solving global issues. The PHB Team highlighted the environmental challenges posed by non-degradable plastic waste, which threatens both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In their presentation, they proposed a concept for biodegradable plastic production using microorganisms that decompose naturally in the environment. Moreover, this solution is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, as the materials used are readily available and hold significant development potential. The competition evaluated ideas based on innovation, presentation, scientific relevance, and practical implementation potential. With a thorough mastery of the subject and robust supporting data, the PHB Team successfully impressed the international jury.
Despite facing fierce competition from other nations, the PHB Team demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm in presenting their ideas. This success was the result of solid teamwork, intensive preparation, and guidance from experienced lecturers and mentors. Their victory serves as an inspiration for UGM students to continue innovating and bringing Indonesia’s name to the global stage. They hope that this idea can be further developed and implemented in real-world applications.
As an initial step toward a more sustainable future, the team’s innovation in creating biodegradable plastic solutions offers fresh hope in tackling the global plastic waste crisis. This effort contributes not only to reducing environmental damage but also aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 on responsible production and consumption and Goal 13 on climate action. Their success demonstrates that cross-disciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and a vision for a greener future can yield tangible impacts. It is hoped that this achievement will inspire more stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for creating a more sustainable world.
Session 1
Moderator: Siti Nurleily Marliana, Ph.D.
- Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. – The Variations and Multifunctions of Inland Waters
- Prof. Dr. Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, M.App.Sc. (Universitas Diponegoro) – Paleolimnology for Sustainable Lake Management
- Prof. Dr. Agatha Sih Piranti, M.Sc. (Universitas Jenderal Soedirma) – Cultural Eutrophication of Lakes/Reservoirs and Mitigation Efforts
- Prof. Dr. Suhestri Suryaningsih, M.Si. (Universitas Jenderal Soedirman) – The Role of Watersheds in Supporting River and Lake/Reservoir Fish Populations
Session 2
Moderator: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si.
- Dr. Ir. Sri Puji Saraswati, DIC., M.Sc. (UGM) – Eco-Hydrology of Aquatic Communities Amid Infrastructure Development
- Dr. Puguh Sujarta, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Cenderawasih) – Shallow Marine Conservation Culture
- Dr. Ervina Indrayani, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Cenderawasih) – Lake Sentani: Uniqueness and Richness of Its Biological Resources
Session 3
Moderator: Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, S.Si., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil.
- Dr. Ike Nurjuwita Nayasilana, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Sebelas Mare) – Water Conservation and Wildlife
- Dr. Susintowati, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas 17 August 1945) – Serious Threats to Coastal Communities
- Dr. Tatag Bagus Putra Prakarsa, S.Si., M.Sc. (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta) – Underground Waters: Supporting Life for Cave-Dwelling Bats
Session 4
Moderator: Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, M.Sc.
- Dwinda Mariska Putri, S.Si., M.Sc. (National Research and Innovation Agency) – Vertical Distribution of Zooplankton in Lake Laut Tawar
- Heni Wahyu Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. (UGM) – Belik River as a Flowing Water Management Model During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Maria Eva Kristiyani, S.Si., M.Sc. (De Britto College High School) – Coastal Waters for Aquaculture
- Carolina A. Inlandia, S.Si., M.Sc. (Environmental Consultant) – Water Pollution Potential and Management of Tambakboyo Reservoir, Sleman
[Prepared by the Research Day Committee]
[Prepared by the Research Day Committee]
[Prepared by the Research Day Committee]