Yogyakarta, 26 July 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from Dr. Agus Salim, S.Ag., M.Sc. from the State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta regarding consultations and hearings at the Center for Research and Development of Bio Maritime Border Territory and 3T Region of RI (CRDB2T3). Taking place in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM, the visit was received by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. as Head of the Department of Tropical Biology, Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si., M.Sc. as Coordinator of Academic and Student Affairs, as well as lecturers at the Faculty of Biology including Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. and Dra. Mulyati, M.Sc.
Dr. Agus said the visit was for consultations and hearings on the establishment of the Center for Research and Development of Bio Maritime Border Territory and 3T Region of RI (CRDB2T3). The study center which focuses on maritime management research will involve the collaboration of researchers from various higher education institutions, research bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and so on, including lecturers at the Faculty of Biology UGM, Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. which has a research focus related to macroalgae.
Dr. Agus said that the establishment of the research center had taken place through hearings and sending collaboration proposals to various institutions and institutions. He revealed that his current focus is related to the supporting facilities that will stand as the main office of the research center. Dr. Agus also added plans to establish this facility in the Laboi area, Bintan Island, as well as collaboration with Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Riau Islands.
Prof. Budi warmly welcomed the plan to establish the research center. The Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology also conveyed the urgency of studies related to maritime and marine affairs, especially since the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) itself has so far focused on collecting data on terrestrial species.
Prof. Budi together with colleagues from the Faculty of Biology UGM supported the inauguration of the maritime study center institution first, including improving academic articulation, preparing AD ART and registering legal status, especially as the research center is planned to be independent and not managed under an institution directly. It is hoped that this will support the acceleration of the establishment of research centers.
CRDB2T3 will focus on the maritime domain which includes humans, ecosystems and marine resources in Indonesia. It is possible for the reseach center to include educational support in Indonesia, especially its focus on developing underdeveloped, outermost and frontier areas (3T) in addition to support for other higher education tri dharma, namely research and community service. It is hoped that this study center will catalyze marine research development programs in Indonesia while supporting sustainable development.
Yogyakarta, 20 July 2024 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 8th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on 20 July 2024. This year, the seminar was held in a hybrid with “Biosecurity Innovation and Tropical Biodiversity Conservation” theme. This event, which was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, aims to provide a platform for academics, researchers, practitioners and students to discuss current issues and innovative solutions in biosecurity and biodiversity conservation in tropical regions. This seminar activity began with a report from Dr. Siti Nurbaiti as chair of the 2024 SNBT Committee, followed by remarks by Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, Director of Research representing the Rector of UGM and opened by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono. M.Agr.Sc., as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This seminar was attended by around 100 participants from 21 institutions in Indonesia. On this occasion, an MoU was also signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT. Rentokil Indonesia. It is hoped that this collaboration can be a form of synergy between academics and industry, especially regarding the issue of biosecurity and Indonesian biodiversity.
As the first keynote speaker, Ir. Medrilzam from BAPPENAS raised the topic “The Role of Government Policy for Biodiversity Conservation”. In his presentation, Ir. Medrilzam delivered the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP), the Indonesian government’s strategy for preserving biodiversity, and how these policies are expected to shape people’s behavior towards a positive nature.
As the second speaker, Drs. Heri Susanto from PT. Rentokil Indonesia discussed “The Role of Biological Science and Digital Technology in Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Pest Control”. In this session, Drs. Heri Susanto conveyed the exploration of the integration of biological science with digital technology to develop pest control methods that are more effective and environmentally friendly.
The third speaker, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D. delivered material on “The Role of Fungi in Biosecurity and Biodiversity Conservation”. The focus of this discussion is the role of fungi as biosecurity agents in maintaining biodiversity, as well as how fungi can be used in conservation efforts.
The plenary session of the three speakers was enlivened with questions from seminar participants ranging from biodiversity protection related to infrastructure developments to opportunities for food source options with high nutrition from the variety of diversity that Indonesia has to meet food needs and in terms of handling. pest. The seminar activities were continued with parallel sessions filled with presentations by the participant speakers on various research titles, which were carried out offline and online.
The 8th SNBT in 2024 was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs. In his closing remarks, he said that SNBT is a forum for increasing understanding of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation through in-depth discussions with experts in the field, thereby inspiring innovation and collaboration between academics, researchers and practitioners in efforts to protect biodiversity, encourage policy development and new strategies that can be implemented to preserve the environment and support the sustainability of tropical ecosystems. It is also hoped that this national seminar will create synergistic cooperation between the participants who attend, which is expected to be a positive thing that can build and provide more impact regarding issues related to the topic of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation in the future. Furthermore, this seminar plays a role in implementing several points of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 6. Access to clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean and energy, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 13. Climate change action, 14. Maintaining marine ecosystems, 15. Maintaining land ecosystems and 17. Partnerships for the goals.
The Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), in collaboration with the Department of Biology at Andalas University, the Department of Biology at Padang State University, and the Biology Education Study Program at PGRI University of West Sumatra, successfully organized the National Working Meeting (Rakernas). The Rakernas, also attended by a delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM, was held at the Convention Hall of Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra, and lasted for three days, from July 16-18, 2024.
The Rakernas was attended by 55 participants who were representatives of biology-related study programs throughout Indonesia. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and also the Chairman of KOBI. Additionally, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as well as several senior lecturers and researchers were present at the event.
The Rakernas was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, represented by the Provincial Secretary of West Sumatra, Drs. Hansastri, Ak., M.M., CFrA. In his speech, he mentioned that the West Sumatra Provincial Government has collaborated in research with Andalas University, one of which includes the development of essential oils and human resource development. The event was then officially opened by the Chairman of KOBI, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who emphasized the importance of Indonesia as the number one megabiodiversity country in the world and encouraged biologists to complete marine biodiversity data, especially for the deep sea. “We hope that KOBI meetings become a platform for networking in every national working meeting and congress,” he said. The Rector of Andalas University, Dr. Efa Yonnedi, stressed the importance of meetings and networking in promoting collaboration and synergy between universities.
The Rakernas was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, represented by the Provincial Secretary of West Sumatra, Drs. Hansastri, Ak., M.M., CFrA. In his speech, he mentioned that the West Sumatra Provincial Government has collaborated in research with Andalas University, one of which includes the development of essential oils and human resource development. The event was then officially opened by the Chairman of KOBI, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who emphasized the importance of Indonesia as the number one megabiodiversity country in the world and encouraged biologists to complete marine biodiversity data, especially for the deep sea. “We hope that KOBI meetings become a platform for networking in every national working meeting and congress,” he said. The Rector of Andalas University, Dr. Efa Yonnedi, stressed the importance of meetings and networking in promoting collaboration and synergy between universities.
This Rakernas discussed various important topics, including the progress and results of research on the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI); updates on the IBI and MKDH databases; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); and sharing achievements from Kedaireka/Matching Fund/Program Dana Padanan grants. Additionally, presentations on the Biodiversity Curator Profession program and a workshop on evaluating postgraduate curricula were also main agenda items. The event, which was filled with various discussion sessions and workshops, aimed to enhance the capacity and competence of biology researchers. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM also actively participated in these sessions, sharing their experiences and knowledge in various fields. The Rakernas continued with the International Conference on Fundamental and Applied Biology (ICOFAB) which was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and concluded with community service activities and a field trip as the closing of the Rakernas series.
The KOBI Rakernas not only served as a forum for the exchange of scientific knowledge but also reinforced KOBI’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly enhancing inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17). Additionally, this event promoted the advancement of biological sciences in Indonesia, especially in biodiversity conservation, including the preservation of marine (SDG 14) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15), and the application of biological sciences for environmental sustainability.
Yogyakarta, 3 July 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) of the Republic of Indonesia consisting of the BAPPENAS Forestry Directorate Team. The discussions and field visits related to research and development of genetic resources for biodiversity in Indonesia. The visit was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM, also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, lecturers from various laboratories at the Faculty of Biology, as well as Head of the Agrotechnology Innovation Center UGM, Alan Soffan, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Prof. Budi as Dean of the Faculty of Biology welcomed the field visit from BAPPENAS, especially as support for the curation of genetic resources for biodiversity is very necessary for ecosystem sustainability. He, accompanied by Dr. Eko delivered a profile of the Faculty of Biology. He underlined the concern in the world of biology regarding biological curation through the establishment of a new study program at the Faculty of Biology, the Profession Program for Biodiversity Curator (PKKH).
Alan as Head of the Center for Agrotechnology Innovation UGM (PIAT) also welcomed BAPPENAS’ visit. He said that PIAT would also support efforts to manage Indonesia’s biodiversity in the future. BAPPENAS colleagues also plan to visit the PIAT UGM area in Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
Farida Yulistianingrum, S.Si., ME, MPP, from BAPPENAS, revealed that BAPPENAS is aware of the potential of Indonesia’s biodiversity and genetic resources. The BAPPENAS visit aims to explore data, information and views of experts/academics and agencies regarding gaps in the development of the genetic resource axis. These development efforts will then be continued with mapping and analysis of biodiversity in each region. Farida is also aware of the challenges related to research at the tertiary level, including regulations that are considered not support the implementation of research.
“Resource management is not yet connected, each is mostly kept at the level of individual university researchers,” said Prof. Budi. He also expressed the concerns that prompted the formation of the Indonesia Biodiversity Index (IBI) in 2019. IBI collaborates with the Indonesian Conservation Communication Forum (FKKI) and various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Indonesia to collect and share biodiversity data. Prof. Budi emphasized that there is a lot of data produced by Indonesian researchers, but it is spread in the form of thesis, books, and so on. This data curation effort has been ongoing for four years, and by 2024 alone they have produced no less than 11,000 pieces of information on species status and trend data.
Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, who is under the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, further added that the culture collection of various microbial genomes in Indonesia is still limited. The largest collection is currently managed by the Indonesian Culture Collection Laboratory (InaCC) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), while other collections are managed by researchers at various universities in Indonesia. This culture is only 0.4% of the total culture collection in the world.
Dr. Eko, with his microalgae research focus under the Biotechnology Laboratory, also conveyed the urgency in curating these cultures, including the expensive costs of maintaining cultures including human resources who can manage cultures, as well as the absence of databases, especially bioprospection databases. According to him, this database is crucial for the country’s progress, especially the contribution to various industries such as pharmaceuticals, and so on.
BAPPENAS also recognizes the limitations of policies/regulations from central to regional which still focus on economic value. Proposals regarding incentive regulations for conservation efforts or biodiversity credits in the regions still need to be evaluated as support for biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, the model for biodiversity credit focuses more on terrestrial areas and is limited to marine areas.
The next discussion continued on concerns regarding the management of biodiversity databases in various scientific fields; entomology, wildlife and various plants are the focus of research at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Efforts to manage genetic resources are considered to be an emergency concern so that efforts are needed to manage the Indonesian database index sustainably, including the proposed biodiversity index which is a regional performance achievement.
The field visit was followed by a visit to the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT) UGM.It is hoped that the discussion between BAPPENAS and the Faculty of Biology UGM will contribute to observation, development of biodiversity governance and related regulations, so that Indonesia can become more independent in managing its biodiversity.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) organized a series of events for Oceans Day 2024: Caring for the Ocean, Caring for Each Other. On the first day, May 18, 2024, a beach cleanup activity was held at Slili Beach, Gunungkidul. The event started at 11:05 WIB, followed by remarks from Jagad Wenang Suryoaji (DXXIII), the Chairperson of Oceans Day 2024, and Mr. Parvez Alam, the partner and sponsor. The activities included games, participated by the KSK committee, volunteer participants, children from Al Khusna orphanage, and even Mr. Parvez Alam and his daughter, Lilja Alam. The beach cleanup was conducted following the grouping of participants and location assignments as directed by Slili Beach authorities, along with a briefing on waste separation. This activity continued until 12:05 WIB followed by a break.
After the break, there was a session on education and creation of artworks guided by Alisha Syavitri Ramadhani A (DXXIII) and Muhammad Haidar Ali (DXXIV). Participants were divided into groups and given one hour to create artwork from recycled plastic bottles, followed by a presentation session guided by organizers. Next, an enjoyable activity, capoeira was held at Slili Beach with Mr. Parvez and Lilja. After the games, representatives from Al-Khusna orphanage and volunteers shared their impressions of today’s event. The event concluded with a speech from Mr. Parvez and a group photo.
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Marine Study Group (KSK) of the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, successfully held the Marine Studies Forum (FKK) titled “Blue Economy as a Response to the Massive Growth of Mass Tourism: Reality or Vision?” The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, and online via Zoom meeting. This forum aimed to discuss marine issues from various perspectives through sharing and discussion methods, featuring Mr. Supriyanta, S.Sos., M.M. from the Gunungkidul Tourism Office and Dr. Imam Musthafa Zainuddin from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as speaker.
The Marine Studies Forum (FKK) hosted by Angga Firza Pratama and Grace River Theofilia Putri Subadi and attended by 65 participants from KSK members, volunteers, and external parties from the Faculty of Biology and beyond UGM. The forum began with opening remarks by the MC, followed by singing the Indonesian national anthem, the Gadjah Mada University hymn, and the KSK anthem. The event was preceded with speeches from Muhammad Ariq Alfito, Chairman of KSK Biogama, and Jagad Wenang Suryoaji, the event chairman. Next, an introductory video on the Blue Economy and Mass Tourism shown, followed by an initial discussion between the MC and the speakers.
Proceeding to the main event, the first interview shown, focusing on tourism in Gunungkidul, followed by a discussion with the speakers and Koor KK. Next, a second interview video on marine biota was shown, leading to a discussion with the speakers, Koor KK, and external parties. Following the discussion, there was a presentation and Q&A session with Mr. Supriyanta, S.Sos., M.M. from the Gunungkidul Tourism Office, and a token of appreciation was given to the first speaker. The event continued with a presentation and Q&A session with Dr. Imam Musthafa Zainuddin from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and tokens of appreciation were given to the speakers at the end of the session. The Marine Study Forum concluded with a session for impressions and messages, followed by closing remarks and a summary. [Author: KSK]
Samarinda, 29-30 May 2024 – The Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) collaborated with domestic and foreign institutions to organize the 1st International Conference on Forest City (ICFC) which was held at Universitas Mulawarman. At the international conference, the Faculty of Biology UGM participated, especially in discourses related to the study of biodiversity and the IKN environment through collaboration which will later be held through the INUCoST (Indonesian Netherland University Consortium on Sustainable Future) scheme. Delegates from the Faculty of Biology UGM included the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D., as a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology and PIC of the INUCoST Program from Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The 1st International Conference on Forest City (ICFC) focuses on efforts to restore tropical forests and biodiversity in the context of developing IKN as a modern forest city. In the conference, which was attended by participants from 12 countries, discussions emphasized research and technology issues in forest and biodiversity management, environmental management laws and regulations and their implementation, as well as network collaboration between practitioners, academics, and government also stakeholders.
Through this opportunity, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada also discussed plans for the INUCoST program together with the INUCoST team from the Faculty of Biology UGM, the School of Life Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mulawarman University, which also collaborated with the Faculty of Science Universiteit Leiden, the Netherlands. In line with the program’s mission which supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiated program will focus on the topic of urban biodiversity and forest cities with the development of research related to biodiversity conservation, genetic diversity, food security, and the concept of Indonesian botanical plantations.
Also present in the discussion was the Dean of SITH ITB, Prof. Endah Sulistyowati, Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Mulawarman, Prof. Widi Sunaryo, Director Hortus Botanicus Universiteit Leiden, Prof. Paul Kessler who was also the keynote speaker at the 1st International Conference on Forest City. It is hoped that this collaboration through INUCoST can support the development of urban planning of IKN in the aspects of biodiversity, ecology, environment and land and water ecosystems in realizing a modern forest city.
The 2024 Biology Open House and Research Topic Introduction (BIOENTRI) is an event organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM to introduce research topics led by faculty members to students. The purpose of BIOENTRI is to acquaint students with various research topics that faculty members are focusing on. The hope is that this event will inspire students for their thesis, facilitate the students to gather with supervisors whose research aligns with their interests, and enhance their understanding of research topics.
The event was attended by students of the Faculty of Biology UGM and lecturers from various subjects of interest as speakers. The event took place from Monday, April 22, 2024, to Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Rooms 1, 2, and 3 (as scheduled ) and Lobby 1, Building B, Sinarmas, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event led by MC Alifiansyah Sutama and began with an opening ceremony and prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” the Universitas Gadjah Mada hymn, and the Faculty of Biology’s march. The event continued by a welcome speech from Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and a group photo session. Subsequently, the activities included presentation sessions by each thesis supervisor.
The event not only introduced a variety of research topics relevant to the advancement of science but also to directly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education. Through this event, students will also understand how the faculty members research positively impacts other SDGs goals, such as biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration (Goals 13, 14, 15), and enhancing community well-being through innovations in biotechnology and natural resource management (Goals 9, 11, 13).
On Friday, September 8, 2023, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM visited the Borobudur Temple Tourist Park (TWC) in Magelang. The purpose of this visit was to explore collaboration in the organic waste management at both Borobudur and Prambanan TWCs. Leading the visit was Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., accompanied by task force members including Dr. Sukirno, M.Si., Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Mulyanto, ST.MM, Rujito, and Danang.
The departure of the Organic Waste Management Task Force team was based on the recommendation of the SONJO (Sambatan Jogja) WA Group initiator, Rimawan, SE., M.Sc., PhD., to the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Subsequently, the Dean tasked the Organic Waste Management Task Force to meet with stakeholders at TWC Borobudur, namely Kristiono Wibowo (Operations Manager), Sumardi (Assistant Manager Merchant Area), and Agus Susanto (Assistant Manager PAK Maintenance). The Organic Waste Management Task Force was invited to visit the Waste Management Area of Borobudur and Manohara, which processes approximately 10 tons of leaf litter waste daily. This organic waste is transformed into compost within 30 days. Following discussions, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology and TWC Borobudur concluded that the decomposition process from leaf litter to compost was still too lengthy.
The Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM proposed the use of Bioferti 2023 to expedite the organic waste processing at TWC Borobudur. “Currently, Bioferti 2023 produced by the Faculty of Biology has proven to decompose organic waste into compost within 14 days,” stated the Task Force Chair, Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto. In addition to compost production, TWC Borobudur also has adequate equipment for briquette production. These briquettes are then distributed to power generation units in Cilacap, Central Java, as part of a collaboration with CSR PLN Jateng.
Essentially, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM has a mission to enhance the quality of the Universitas Gadjah Mada environment, making it clean, orderly, and free from environmental pollution caused by organic waste. This mission aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 12, responsible consumption and production, number 13, climate action, and concurrently realizes SDGs number 14, sustainable cities and communities.
Sunday, 4 June 2023 Oceans Day 2023 was held by the Marine Studies Group of the Faculty of Biology UGM as part of their participation in World Ocean Day on June 8 and was attended by 56 members of Marine Study Group and 18 volunteers from Faculty of Biology UGM. Ocean Day 2023 has the theme “Stop Plastic Waste Polluting the Sea” and comprised two main activities: a seminar and beach cleanup.
The Seminar began at 08.30 to 11.00 at the auditorium of Biology Tropika and was guided by Renisha Windy Puspita Sari (DXXII) and Ahmad Aris B. R. (DXXIII). The seminar began with a welcoming speech from Filda Mega AYU as chairperson of the committee and A. Najib Dhiaurahman , the chairperson of Marine Study Group. Then the seminar continued with a presentation on plastic waste management to reduce water pollution and its solution through marine biology by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. followed by discussion.
The next series of activities was beach clean-up at Baros Beach which took place 13.00 WIB to 16.00 WIB. This beach cleaning activity is a volunteer activity carried out directly on the shores of Baros Beach, collecting scattered waste in the area and educating about marine waste management.
May the knowledge and experience that has been given at Oceans Day 2023 not stop at this event alone, but be accepted and implemented continuously by all participants , and shared with anyone. Eternal and unlimited, invincible and powerful, such is the ocean. Together, let’s save the seas from all damage and pollution because this can be a real action to protect future generations. Happy World Sea Day! Cheers to Jay KSK!
Friday, July 21st 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Workshop on SDGs for Internal Capacity Development: UGM Towards a Sustainable Campus at the Lotus Ballroom, Artotel Suites Bianti, Yogyakarta. The event was attended by representatives from various UGM working units including from Faculty of Biology represented by Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, S.Sc., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil. The event began with remarks by the Vice Chancellor for Education and Teaching Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M. Hum., DEA. Prof. Wening explained the importance of the contribution of universities and their academic community in realizing the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) which have been promoted by the United Nations since 2015. Anticipation needs to be done to ensure that life in the future will avoid crises including the food crisis, extreme climate change and so on. UGM in the management of the SDGs is also got 2nd ranked in Indonesia and will continue to be developed. Prof. Wening also explained the importance of active data collection and publication to media so that activities carried out at UGM can be exposed to the wider community.
Further remarks were given by the Head of Quality and Reputation Assurance of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. L. Hartanto Nugroho. He explained that contributions for SDGs can be made in small ways and small changes can have a big impact. A simple example in terms of segregating waste in a university environment, it must be carried out systematically and massively and involve all components and the academic community at the university.
The workshop continued with a general presentation by Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. and Ir. Sentagi Sesotya Utami, St., M.Sc., Ph.D. They explained that the most important aspects of the 17 SDGs are the environment and human sustainability. University ranking in terms of SDGs is not the main thing to achieve, but the ranking is a form of measurement for achievements or activities that have been carried out. UGM also supports sustainability in university governance from the aspects of ecosystems and the environment as well as human sustainability. This can be seen in the policies and regulations issued by UGM. The principles of sustainability or campus sustainability applied at UGM include energy conservation, waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly transportation. In addition, the achievements of the activities carried out need to be balanced with massive publications so that they can be heard outside the university.
The workshop continued with Forum Group Discussions (FGDs) where participants were divided into 4 categories: Medicines, Agro and Life Science, Social Science, and Art and Humanities. Discussions focused on implementing the SDGs in their respective work units, SWOT analysis, plans for follow-up activities and plans for publication of SDGs achievements. In the discussion, representatives of the Faculty of Biology who included in Agro and Life Science category explained what activities had taken place at the Faculty of Biology and presentation ideas regarding the implementation of SDG No. 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Some of the components of the discussion include how programs play a role in overcoming food insecurity for the academic community and the general public, interventions for dealing with food insecurity, publication of sustainability reports, waste management, to how each work unit can represent research or activities carried out at the work unit level as part of the SDGs.
The workshop ended with closing and a reminder of how important everyone’s role is in realizing the SDGs, especially at the university level. It is hoped that this activity can be a trigger for the implementation of the SDGs and better publications at Universitas Gadjah Mada.