SDG 14 : Develop Life Below Water

Arsip:

Synergy Between the Faculty of Biology UGM, KOBI, YIBI, and WWF in Strengthening National Biodiversity Research

Cooperation News Release Monday, 24 November 2025

Yogyakarta, 21 November 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a visit from the Indonesian Biodiversity Indicator Foundation (YIBI) together with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia. The visit marked the official initiation of a collaborative partnership between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) with YIBI.

Held in the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM, the meeting was attended by Prof. Ir. Ign. Pramana Yuda, M.Si., Ph.D., Chair of YIBI; Barano Siswa Sulistyawan, Ph.D., Vice Chair of YIBI (joining online); Prof. Dr. Jarulis, S.Si., M.Si., Secretary of YIBI; and Paskalina Th. Litaay, M.Sc., Treasurer of YIBI. Representing WWF Indonesia were Muhammad Ali Imron, Director of Forest & Wildlife WWF Indonesia, and Oki Hadian Hadadi. Also present were Saufina Athaya Putri Nugraha, S.PWK and R.A. Callysta Sevanda Calyacetta from YIBI, serving as Administrative Support and Data Statistics officers. The delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and Chair of KOBI, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, Advisor of KOBI, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Opening the discussion, Prof. Pramana Yuda expressed his strong support for the upcoming collaboration between YIBI and the Faculty of Biology UGM. Dean Prof. Budi likewise affirmed the Faculty’s commitment to advancing this partnership. Through this collaboration, YIBI, KOBI, WWF Indonesia, and the Faculty of Biology UGM aim to jointly develop the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI), with a focus on enriching primary data sources, strengthening researcher collaboration, and expanding biodiversity research efforts across various regions in Indonesia.

WWF Indonesia Director Ali Imron emphasized that the IBI is expected to become a key instrument and an indicator capable of guiding national sustainable development initiatives.

The event continued with the official signing of cooperation agreements between YIBI and the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as between YIBI and KOBI. Through this formalization, all parties hope to build a stronger collaborative ecosystem for monitoring, managing, and conserving Indonesia’s biodiversity, ensuring that research findings and generated data can be utilized to support policymaking, education, and ecosystem restoration in the future.

As a commitment to sustainable development, this collaboration also supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Moreover, it aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening synergy among academia, conservation organizations, and national institutions in safeguarding biodiversity as a foundation for the nation’s long-term prosperity.

The 9th International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS) 2025: Unraveling Biodiversity through Multi-Omics Integration from Genes to Ecosystems

News Release Monday, 20 October 2025

Yogyakarta, October 17–18, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, proudly hosts The 9th International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS) 2025 on October 17–18, 2025, at Main Ballroom Loman Park Hotel, Yogyakarta. This prestigious international conference brings together more than 200 participants from various national and international institutions, including academics, researchers, students, and professionals in the field of biological sciences.

The conference was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech, as the Chair of ICBS 2025, explained that this year’s theme, “Unraveling Biodiversity through Multi-Omics Integration: From Genes to Ecosystems,” reflects the spirit of bridging molecular and ecological sciences to uncover the complexity of life on Earth. Through the integration of various omics approaches—such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—scientists aim to gain deeper insights into the vital roles of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem resilience and supporting human well-being.

Dr. Abdul also expressed his appreciation to all partners and participants for their support in the organization of this event. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and international scientific collaboration in addressing global challenges in the field of biology, including climate change, environmental degradation, and food security.

ICBS 2025 serves as a scientific platform for sharing research findings and discussing the latest developments in biotechnology, genomics, ecology, conservation, and the application of multi-omics approaches to understanding biodiversity across different levels of biological organization.

This year’s conference features two distinguished keynote speakers:

Dr. Thomas Sicheritz Ponten, Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute – Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; and
Thorunn Helgason, Chair in Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

In addition, ICBS 2025 presents invited speakers from leading institutions across the world, including:

Prof. Dr. Bent Petersen, Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute – University of Copenhagen, Denmark;
Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada;
Chiharu Nakashima, Ph.D., Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Japan;
Madya Ts. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latiff Bin Abu Bakar, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia; and
Riza Arief Putranto, D.E.A., Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI), RPN Holding PTPN III.

The conference is structured into three main sessions: Keynote Session, Plenary Session, and Parallel Session. Through these sessions, the 80 presenters share their research findings and engage in scientific discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities of applying multi-omics approaches to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Beyond its scientific objectives, ICBS 2025 also contributes to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 13: Climate Action – promoting research on adaptation and mitigation to climate change,

SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – advancing biotechnological and genomic research that benefits human and environmental health, and

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering global scientific collaboration among Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Consortium of Indonesian Biologists (KOBI), and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

ICBS 2025 is expected to strengthen interdisciplinary and international collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss. With the spirit of innovation and cooperation, this conference reaffirms the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to advancing tropical biology research and supporting sustainability initiatives in alignment with the university’s role as a Sustainability University.

Bioinformatics Workshop ICBS 2025: Exploring Metagenome Analysis and Phage Mining with an Expert from the University of Copenhagen

News Release Thursday, 16 October 2025

Yogyakarta, October 16, 2025 — The series of Pre-Conference Workshops of the 9th International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) 2025 continued with the Bioinformatics Workshop under the theme “Metagenome Analysis and Phage Mining.”

The workshop took place at the Teaching Laboratory, 2nd floor of the Sinar Mas Building, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), from 08.00 to 15.30 WIB. The event was opened by Lucia Arum Sekar as the master of ceremonies, followed by the main session delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bent Petersen from the Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, University of Copenhagen.

In his presentation, Dr. Bent Petersen introduced various bioinformatics approaches used to interpret metagenomic data, including the identification of phages (bacteria-infecting viruses) and their applications in health, environmental studies, and biotechnology.
A key highlight of the session was the introduction to KBase (the Department of Energy Systems Biology Knowledgebase) a collaborative online platform for efficiently analyzing and integrating genomic data.
Through live demonstrations, participants learned how to process sequencing data, perform gene annotation, and explore functional relationships among microorganisms using the latest bioinformatics tools and databases.

“The ability to understand and interpret genomic data is fundamental in modern biological research. This workshop helps prepare young Indonesian researchers to contribute at the global level,” said Dr. Bent Petersen.

The workshop was attended by participants from diverse academic and research backgrounds who showed great enthusiasm in learning about metagenome analysis and phage mining as innovative approaches to understanding microbial ecology. Through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, this activity not only strengthened participants’ competencies in bioinformatics but also fostered interdisciplinary and international research collaboration.

In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this workshop contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing academic capacity and digital literacy in bioinformatics; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of data analysis technologies and collaborative platforms such as KBase; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Copenhagen. Moreover, the utilization of metagenomic insights in environmental research also supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), promoting the balance and sustainability of microbial biodiversity.

Through this event, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to advancing bioinformatics research and expanding international academic collaboration to foster sustainable scientific innovation.

#ICBS2025 #FakultyOfBiologyUGM #BioinformaticsWorkshop #UniversityofCopenhagen #MetagenomeAnalysis #PhageMining #KBase #SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG14 #SDG15 #SDG17 #GlobalCollaboration #GenomicInnovation #SustainableScience

Faculty of Biology UGM Hosts Oxford Nanopore Technology Workshop as the Opening Event of ICBS 2025

News Release Thursday, 16 October 2025

Yogyakarta, 15 October 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the first day of the Pre-Conference Workshop as part of the 9th International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) 2025. The workshop carried the theme “Hands-on Library Preparation for Metagenome Long-Read Sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology.”

Held at the Teaching Laboratory, 2nd Floor of the Sinar Mas Building, Faculty of Biology UGM, the workshop was organized in collaboration with Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) as key partners. This program provided participants with a direct hands-on experience in library preparation for metagenomic analysis using the latest long-read sequencing technology.

The workshop, which took place from 08.00 to 17.00 WIB, was attended by at least 25 participants from various academic and research institutions who were enthusiastic about deepening their knowledge in biotechnology and genomics. Through a practical, hands-on approach, participants were guided through each critical stage, from DNA extraction and quantification to sample preparation for sequencing.

The event began with an opening remark by Mr. Aditya Aryandi S., S.Si., M.Sc., representing Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), who expressed appreciation for the strategic collaboration between IGF and the Faculty of Biology UGM in introducing advanced sequencing technologies to Indonesia’s academic community.
The opening continued with a welcoming address from Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, who emphasized the importance of mastering modern genomic technologies to advance molecular biology research in Indonesia.

“Oxford Nanopore Technology opens vast opportunities for microbial biodiversity and bioprospecting research in Indonesia. We hope participants not only understand the concepts but are also able to apply them directly in the laboratory,” stated Dr. Eko.

In addition to the laboratory practice session, the workshop also featured an introduction to Oxford Nanopore Technologies, highlighting the principles and advantages of real-time sequencing and its potential applications in genomic, metagenomic, and molecular diagnostic research.

In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this workshop contributes to several global objectives. It supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting the use of genomic technologies in health and biotechnology research, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing the capacity of students and young researchers. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of advanced sequencing technologies that strengthen scientific innovation. Furthermore, the metagenomic approaches introduced in this program contribute to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by encouraging the exploration and conservation of microbial biodiversity. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and global research partners such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies, this event also reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for sustainable scientific advancement.

As the opening event of the 9th ICBS, this workshop marks an important step in strengthening the capacity of young scientists and fostering genomic research collaboration in Indonesia. The Faculty of Biology UGM remains committed to advancing innovation and the application of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics.

#ICBS2025 #FakultasBiologiUGM #OxfordNanopore #IntegratedGenomeFactory #BioinformaticsWorkshop #Metagenomics #GenomicInnovation #SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG14 #SDG15 #SDG17 #SustainableScience #ResearchForSustainability

Community Service Program (PkM) Desa Mitra 2025: Introducing Microalgae and Fish Diversity to Strengthen Science Literacy among Students of SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency #3

Community Service Thursday, 9 October 2025

Sleman, 7 October 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the 2025 Desa Mitra Program, carried out a community service activity at SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The event was held on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, from 08.00 to 10.30 AM, with the theme of introducing microalgae and fish diversity to elementary school students.

The program is part of the Desa Mitra initiative in Wukirsari, coordinated by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. The academic team from the Faculty of Biology UGM attending the event included Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, M.Si.; Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc. Ph.D.; Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc.; Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., Bio.Cur., M.Sc.; Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si.; and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. In addition, the event was also attended by doctoral student representative Sidiq Permana Putra, M.Sc. as well as master’s program student representatives Ulil Albab and Putri Syah Astari.

The first session was delivered by Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., Bio.Cur., M.Sc., who introduced microalgae as microscopic organisms that require a microscope for observation. Several types of microalgae were presented, along with their ecological roles, such as producing oxygen through photosynthesis and serving as a natural food source for fish.

This topic was followed by a session on fish diversity, presented by Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. She introduced common ornamental and aquaculture fish species and showed live examples, including catfish (Clarias), tilapia (Oreochromis), and goldfish (Carassius auratus).

At the end of the program, students were asked to draw fish based on their imagination. Three selected drawings were awarded with the opportunity to bring home the fish specimens used in the demonstration.

The event received positive enthusiasm from SDN Pusmalang students and is part of the ongoing community service agenda of the Faculty of Biology UGM in Wukirsari. The program aims to strengthen scientific literacy among young students and foster collaboration between academia and the community. This program contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

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.

Graduation Ceremony for Undergraduate Students, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada – Period IV, Academic Year 2024/2025

News Release Thursday, 28 August 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held the graduation ceremony for undergraduate students of Period IV, Academic Year 2024/2025. The event took place on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. A total of 147 graduates were officially conferred the degree of Sarjana Sains (S.Si.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). This solemn yet festive occasion was made possible through the collaboration of the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology UGM, supported by 33 student organizers from the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM Biologi UGM), who ensured the smooth running of the ceremony.

From noon, the campus atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as graduates and their families gathered to witness one of the most memorable moments of their academic journey. The ceremony began promptly at 13:00 WIB with an opening by the Master of Ceremony, followed by the entrance of graduates and faculty leaders into the auditorium. The event continued with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya, the Hymne Gadjah Mada, and the Mars Biologi, led by Biotimbre.

The agenda proceeded with the graduation report delivered by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Undergraduate Program. In his report, he stated that 147 graduates had successfully completed their studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM. This was followed by the announcement of the graduation list of all 147 graduates, which was met with enthusiastic applause from families and invited guests.

The ceremony then continued with a speech by the representative of the graduates, Vincencio Valdy Putra Sasangka, S.Si., who also achieved the highest GPA of 3.99. In his address, he expressed gratitude and appreciation for the support of his family, lecturers, and the entire academic community throughout his studies. This was followed by a speech from the representative of parents, delivered by Mr. Tresnawan Budi Sasangka, S.E., father of Vincencio Valdy Putra Sasangka. He expressed gratitude for the guidance given by the Faculty of Biology UGM and extended prayers and best wishes for the graduates as they begin a new chapter of life with courage, sincerity, and a spirit of contribution to society.

Another significant moment was the pinning of the KABIOGAMA pin by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research and Alumni Affairs, to a representative of the graduates. This symbolic act marked the official induction of the graduates into Keluarga Alumni Biologi Gadjah Mada (KABIOGAMA), the alumni network that actively contributes both academically and socially. The event continued with a speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who expressed appreciation for the students’ dedication and encouraged the graduates to uphold the good name of the Faculty of Biology UGM wherever they may contribute.

As a token of appreciation, the graduates presented the faculty with mementos consisting of one unit of air cooler and five folding laptop tables. The ceremony continued with a joint prayer for the graduates’ success in their new journey. The event was officially closed by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, followed by a joyful photo session with graduates, faculty leaders, and lecturers.

The celebration reached its peak with a graduation parade led by Double Helix. Cheers from families, friends, and peers accompanied the graduates as they exited the auditorium, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The Period IV graduation ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a starting point for graduates to dedicate themselves to society, the nation, and the world. The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that its graduates will carry forward their knowledge, experiences, and spirit of togetherness to bring about positive change across various fields of life. [Writer: Aulia Annisa Azzahra]

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

Faculty of Biology UGM Holds International Summer Course on “Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation”

News Release Monday, 21 July 2025

Yogyakarta, July 21, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially launched the 2025 International Summer Course (ISC) under the theme “Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation.” This annual event is part of the series for the 14th Lustrum of the Faculty of Biology. This year, the ISC is held in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) through funding from the New Colombo Plan, the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, and UGM’s Directorate of Community Service.

Following the Indonesian Language and Culture Program held on July 1–11, 2025, and the Community Service Program (KKN) in Margoagung Village, Seyegan District, Sleman Regency on July 14–18, 2025 in collaboration with UTS, the regular ISC officially opened on Monday morning (July 21) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The ISC is attended by 34 participants from 6 countries and 10 universities, including the University of Technology Sydney (Australia), Chiba University (Japan), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (Malaysia), Kasetsart University (Thailand), University of the Philippines Los Baños, UGM, UIN Walisongo, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW).

In his opening remarks, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., expressed his gratitude to all participants and partner universities for their involvement. As Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, he hoped the course would become a valuable experience for participants to contribute on a global scale.

Prof. Ir. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM, Head of the KKN Sub-directorate under the Directorate of Community Service at UGM, highlighted that this program creates opportunities for interdisciplinary study, allowing participants to approach issues from various perspectives.

Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Program Coordinator of INCULS, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, expressed special thanks to the participants from the University of Technology Sydney for taking part in the Indonesian language learning program. “We hope the knowledge you have gained will be useful and applicable whenever needed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of the UGM Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, emphasized that the program serves as an immersion opportunity that connects universities with local communities. She underlined the importance of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia, which still faces serious challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and plastic pollution.

Through this program, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a young generation that is environmentally conscious and actively contributes to global conservation efforts. This initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by aiming to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to quality international education through collaborative learning across nations, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering meaningful international cooperation.

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