A team of Biology students at Gadjah Mada University (S1) made another achievement at the national level by winning first place in the National Essay Competition, led by Ghefira Nur Fatimah along with Jauza Hanifah Azzahra, Meinawa Amaliah, Fadilla Nur Hidayat, and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi. This national-level essay competition was organized by Brawijaya University from June 1st to September 13th, 2023, with the theme “Collaborative Nation-Building through Applied Technology Innovation towards Self-Reliant Indonesia,” . This event encompassed various stages, including the submission of works, assessment, finalist announcement, video presentation submission, video presentation assessment, and winner announcement.

The team took the subtheme Food and Agriculture Processing Technology, with their work titled “Organic Capsule Fertilizer Made from Household Organic Waste as a Manifestation of Circular Economy and Environmental Conservation.” Their scientific work was motivated by the escalating issue of waste accumulation in Indonesia, a country that generates approximately 21.2 tons of waste per year, predominantly consisting of household waste such as food waste, dry leaves, wood, tree branches, and food industry waste. Among the household waste types employed by Ghefira and her team was the mangrove crab shell waste (Scylla serrata). The mangrove crab’s body is primarily composed of its shell, accounting for about 80% of its weight, with the remaining 20% being edible flesh. They selected the mangrove crab shell due to its biocompatible, biodegradable, low toxicity, easy synthesis, and safe application properties.

In their innovation, Ghefira and team implemented two technologies: vermicomposting and microwave technology. This combination transformed organic waste into an innovative product: water-soluble organic capsule fertilizer. The organic fertilizer was crafted from household organic waste, while the water-soluble capsule shell was created from mangrove crab shells. The vermicomposting technology was utilized in the production of organic fertilizer involving the use of earthworms, specifically Eisenia foetida and Eisenia Eugeniae, in composting organic matter. The end result of vermicomposting technology is vermicompost, a mixture of worm castings and compost.

The microwave technology was used in producing water-soluble capsule shells using mangrove crab shell material. Chitin compounds found in mangrove crab shells can be transformed into chitosan for capsule shell production. The chitosan from mangrove crab shells has a large molecular weight, necessitating the application of microwave technology to produce chitosan with high deacetylation degree and low molecular weight, ensuring high solubility in water. The process for making chitosan capsule shells involves several sequential steps, including sample preparation, chitin isolation (deproteinization, demineralization, and decolorization processes), chitosan synthesis (repeated deacetylation using microwave), production of Glucosamine Hydrochloride (GLcN HCl) (via hydrolysis and centrifugation processes), and finally, capsule shell formation using modified capsule molds.

Through these two technologies, they produced water-soluble organic capsule fertilizer with numerous advantages. The use of fertilizers that previously required mixing various components may now be simplified through the capsule form, making application on plants more convenient. Individuals need not worry about measuring fertilizer quantities, as the organic capsule fertilizer already contains all necessary elements for plants in a complete and precise manner. Additionally, the capsule form facilitates storage due to its relatively small size, saving storage space. The water solubility of the organic capsule fertilizer is relatively fast, preventing residual waste during use. Therefore, the organic capsule fertilizer implements a circular economy system and is anticipated to contribute to environmental conservation.

On Monday 7 August 2023, a group of waste management tour participants coordinated by SONJO, a humanitarian movement focused on aiding communities visited The Faculty Of Biology UGM. The group, consisting of 25 participants, arrived at the Faculty of Biology UGM around 9:30 AM and was promptly received by the Dean and the faculty members. This visit to the Faculty of Biology at UGM was part of a series of visits that had previously taken place at the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.

During his welcoming speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude for the participants’ visit. “The issue of waste actually originates from humans themselves, so it’s up to humans to solve it,” Prof. Budi stated. Furthermore, Prof. Budi elaborated that the Faculty of Biology UGM engages in daily waste management across a substantial area, including organic waste from the Biology Forest. Over time, the Faculty of Biology has made discoveries in waste management, such as expediting compost production.Following this, a video demonstrating the waste management procedures carried out at the Faculty of Biology at UGM was played.

 

At the conclusion of the event, participants were taken to the field to witness the waste management processes firsthand, which included:

 

1. Composting and maggot cultivation
2. Production of POC/Biofertilizer and ECO enzymes
3. Vermicomposting process

 

The waste management tour participants are scheduled to continue their visit for a period of 3 days until Wednesday (8/9/23), with participants from hospitals and religious boarding schools.

 

Yogyakarta, 25 August 2023 – The Organic Waste Management Training was again held by the Faculty of Biology. On this occasion, 50 participants consisted of groups from the Market Sector Department, Trade and Industry Agency (Disperindag), Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) as well as the Faculty of Pharmacy and Academic Hospital of Universitas Gadjah Mada. Disperindag’s participation in this training is related to waste management in 29 markets in DIY after the temporary closure of the Piyungan Final Disposal Site (TPA) months ago. At least 9 tons of waste are generated every day from the entire market which has not been managed properly.

“There needs to be an effort downstream with education and upstream by sorting and selecting the waste that is disposed of,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in his speech to the training participants, Friday (25/8). Prof. Budi also said that if people at the household level were disciplined in sorting waste based on its category (organic-inorganic) it would be enough to reduce waste problems.

The Faculty of Biology has held Organic Waste Management Training activities which are attended by at least 25 Hospitals, 17 Islamic Boarding Schools, and 30 Waste Management Communities in DIY. On this occasion, as many as 40 participants from the Trade and Industry Agency, especially the Market Sector Department, attended training in the framework of solving waste problems in DIY markets, especially market organic waste in the form of fruit and vegetable waste. The training took place guided by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes. and Suharjita.

Susilo, Operational Service Manager for the DIY Disperindag People’s Market who also attended the training said that there were at least 29 markets involved and planned to work with the Faculty of Biology in waste management. He stated that the waste collected in each market usually does not only come from traders but also from the surrounding community with the largest amount of waste found in Giwangan Market and Beringharjo Market. Efforts that can be made by the Market Management since the closing of the TPA include limiting the amount of waste that the community disposes of at the market. Susilo also revealed the lack of public education regarding waste sorting and processing.

Faculty of Biology is committed to solving organic waste problems in DIY. In managing waste from DIY markets, Faculty of Biology can collect at least 3 tons of waste every day from these markets and process it. With the waste management technology applied at the Faculty of Biology including vermicomposting and Black Soldier Fly, Eco Enzyme, Bioferlilizer, Eco Lindi and others, the waste degradation process can last at least one week.

The commitment of the Faculty of Biology in waste management which also targets the people and communities in DIY emphasizes their commitment as an environmentally friendly campus and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Support for the SDGs includes increasing a healthier life (SDGs 3), having an impact on the availability of clean water in the environment (SDGs 6), and contributing to tackling climate change due to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste piles (SDGs 13).

Yogyakarta, August 24, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was enlivened by the visit of 15 alumni from the Class of 1969. The purpose of this visit was to celebrate nostalgia and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie.

The warm welcome of these alumni was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, in the Biologi Tropika Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This visit became an extraordinary moment to build networks among the alumni and the academic community of the Faculty of Biology.

Dean Budi Setiadi Daryono expressed, “We are honored and delighted to welcome back the alumni of the Class of 1969 to our campus. Their visit is a tangible testament to the enduring spirit of the Faculty of Biology UGM within our alumni.”

Furthermore, the Vice Deans provided explanations about academic developments, research, and new facilities at the Faculty to the alumni. The visit also included a campus tour, visiting Room IV, one of the classroom spaces that is still active and used to reminisce about the beautiful moments during their studies and share interesting stories. A highlight of the visit was the tour to Biomart, where the alumni could observe innovative products derived from waste processing at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Faculty of Biology UGM has produced various sustainable and environmentally-friendly products, such as compost fertilizer from leaf litter, probiotic fertilizers, and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF). The enthusiasm of the alumni was evident as they witnessed the tangible contributions of the Faculty of Biology UGM in addressing environmental challenges, which have recently garnered attention in the city of Yogyakarta.

The visit of the alumni from the Class of 1969 to the Faculty of Biology UGM today serves as evidence that the academic spirit and camaraderie remain deeply ingrained in every facet of the development of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Biology students at Gadjah Mada University (S1) Zildan Basara made another achievement at the national level by winning 2nd place in the National Essay Competition in collaboration with student of Electronics and Instrumentation (S1), MIPA Faculty UGM Ferdian Arvin Nayandra.This national-level essay competition was organized by UKM MAPALA LOKA SAMGRAHA Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, namely “Jaga Bumi Tetap Lestari”. The competition was opened on 1 May 2023, and the winners were announced on 10 June 2023.

In this competition, the team took the sub-theme Technology and Environmental Innovation with the title “Integration of Microfluidics Technology and the Role of Microorganisms as Biosorption Agents in Detection and Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution on the River Code, Yogyakarta”. The team discusses that rivers in Indonesia are vital resources for human life, serving as a source of drinking water, agricultural irrigation, transportation, and also rich in biodiversity. Unfortunately, many rivers in Indonesia Suffer from serious pollution, including being contaminated by heavy metals. According to the data from Bureau of Statistic (BPS), throughout the year 2021, 10,683 villages in Indonesia suffered from river contamination. In addition, according to the same data, approximately 46 percent of Indonesian rivers have experienced severe contamination, 32 percent have moderate, 14 percent have moderately polluted, and 8 percent have mild contamination. (Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 2022). In the past few decades, the Code River has experienced significant pollution levels, including contamination by heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which enter the river through poorly managed industrial and domestic waste (Harian Jogja, 2021).

Therefore, it is essential to develop sensitive and effective detection methods to identify the level of heavy metal contamination in River water. In addition, bioremediation approaches are also needed to eliminate heavy metal contamination, where microorganisms capable of reducing or eliminating heavy metals can be utilized to naturally clean the river. The essay aims to integrate microfluidics technology as sensitive biological sensors in the detection of heavy metals, and utilizing microorganisms as bioremediation agents that can reduce the level of heavy metal contamination in the river Code water.

 

 

During the Festival of Ideas, The 21st Indonesian Scholars International Convention (ISIC), Indonesia achieved an honor for the success of Jimmy Al Fa’is and Elvian Indah Nilamsari,who secured first place in an international essay competition. They outperformed competitors from all around the world with their ideas on the topic of  Sustainable Transition. These two students proposed opportunities for Indonesia to achieve energy independency by harnessing the potential we possess.

ISIC is a scientific forum that was organized annually by the United Kingdom Student Association of Indonesia. In 2023, one of its events was  an essay and scientific poster competition open to all Indonesian students across the country. The competition was highly competitive,participated by Indonesian students from 10 different countries. This year, there were 3 essays with 2 nominations contested. (1st and 2nd Place). On this achievement, they were invited to attend an international conference at Nottingham University, UK.

Elvian and Jimmy proposed a comprehensive approach to the sustainable energy transition in Indonesia.They presented strategic steps for Indonesia to achieve energy self-sufficiency through the conversion of food waste. Using bioreactors, they showed how microorganisms can efficiently convert food waste into lipid-rich materials, which can be converted into biodiesel as a clean and renewable energy source. The scientific approach emphasized the importance of waste reduction, promoting environmental responsibility, and harnessing Indonesia’s potential in the renewable energy sector.

The idea originated from the challenges posed by an increasing population and the rising energy demand.consequently,the Indonesian government must meet energy needs, including fuel. However, fossil fuels, which have been the primary global energy source, are depleting rapidly and pose significant environmental threats. Based on these facts, Elvian and Jimmy proposed the innovation of a mini bioreactor that can be operated on both small and large scales. This innovation is expected to increase biodiesel production and lead Indonesia towards energy self-reliance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, 8 August 2023, Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from the Faculty of Science and Technology Universitas Terbuka (UT). The visit was received in the Senate Room of the Faculty of Biology and was attended by Dr. Elizabeth Novi Kusumaningrum, S.Si., M.Sc. as Head of Biology Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology UT and Heny Kurniawati, S.ST., M.Kes. as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Technology UT. From the Faculty of Biology attended by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Head of the Faculty of Biology’s Undergraduate Study Program.

The visit was aimed as a benchmarking for establishing a Laboratory Center at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Terbuka. Sukirno, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D as the Head of the Faculty of Biology Undergraduate Study Program welcomed the visit and supported further collaborations. He also explained the profile, history, facilities, and focus of teaching education at the Faculty of Biology UGM. He conveyed collaboration and cooperation that could be initiated in the future with Universitas Terbuka.

Dr. Elizabeth conveyed the profile of the Open University, especially the Faculty of Science and Technology, especially the Biology Study Program, while also conveying her wish for a comparative study regarding plans to establish a Laboratory Center at Universitas Terbuka. Dr. Elizabeth expressed her hope for the potential for collaboration with the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The visit was followed by a tour around the facilities and laboratories at the Faculty of Biology including the Laboratory of Plant Development Structure, Plant Systematics, Plant Physiology, Biological Gardens also visiting organic waste management activities at the Faculty of Biology. During the tour, the delegations received presentation on the facilities and activities that took place in the Laboratory at Faculty of Biology and other supporting facilities for teaching and learning activities.

The meeting is a great opportunity to collaborate with the Faculty of Science and Technology at Universitas Terbuka with the Faculty of Biology UGM and especially in planning to develop an integrated laboratory at Universitas Terbuka.