In order to introduce and strengthen community service cooperation with partner villages, the PkM-MBKM Team chaired by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si, M.Si. together with Hanif Fauzan Saputra, Salma Nur Majidah, Maharani Pratiwi S.A., M. Reza Hendriansah, Rima Vegi Santika, Eka Nur Oktavia, Adzkiya Aqmaliza R., and Agra Daffa Putra conducted socialization activities for the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, Banguntapan Sub-District, Bantul Regency, DIY on Saturday, 4th of May 2024, from 15:30 to 17:00. This activity was attended by the women of the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Amanda.

The activity was guided by Agra Daffa as the MC, who started with opening remarks and student introductions. The event continued with speeches from Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si. M.Si., followed by a speech from Mrs. Marwati, the chairwoman of the KWT Amanda. The PkM MBKM Team delivered socialization material related to the introduction of Circular Waste Management, including: (1) the potential of maggots for organic waste management, (2) introduction to aquaponics systems, and (3) catfish and vegetable cultivation using aquaponic methods.

The delivery of this material sparked enthusiasm among the women to learn more about waste management utilizing integrated maggot aquaponics systems. Although not very familiar with maggots, they were very interested in learning and implementing this system in their daily lives, especially as maggots can help minimize household waste issues. During the discussion session, Mrs. Marwati, the chairwoman of KWT Amanda, asked about the concept of maggot cultivation, including preparation of maggot growth media, utilization of organic waste in maggot production, and application and utilization of maggots for fish feed. Additionally, some group members of KWT Amanda inquired about the aquaponics system concept, including cultivation preparation, considerations, and factors affecting aquaponic productivity. Mrs. Marwati also expressed her hope for guidance and direction from Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si. M.Si. and students in realizing the sustainability implementation of the program to support the empowerment of entrepreneurial independence of KWT Amanda and contribute to the improvement of community economy (SDG 8) and promotes well-being (SDG 3).

With the implementation of this activity, we hope for the sustainability of PkM MBKM activities in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village. After this socialization activity, it is hoped that the next activities can directly implement the concept of circular waste processing by the KWT Amanda. This activity also aims to build camaraderie between the residents of Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, and the PkM MBKM Team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

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).

[PkM – MBKM]- Yogyakarta, March 9, 2024 – The Community Service Team of the Independent Learning – Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology 2024 in Sendari Hamlet, led by three lecturers, Novita Yustinadiar, M.Sc., Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D., and Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Ph.D., along with 13 student members, has implemented the first program in the series of PkM-MBKM activities in Sendari Hamlet. This first program focuses on the theme of OneHealth, aiming to address intricate public health issues by integrating aspects of human, animal, and environmental health. This program took place in Sendari Hamlet, Cebongan, Tirtoadi, Sleman, DI Yogyakarta, started from 15:30 to 17:30 WIB, at the residence of the Head of RT.03. The main objective of this socialization is to empower the community of Sendari Hamlet, Cebongan, Tirtoadi, Sleman by applying the concept of OneHealth in daily life to enhance personal and environmental health.

This socialization was attended by the women members of PKK and was opened with a welcoming speech by Mrs. Nelvi, representing the women of Sendari Hamlet. She expected that this socialization would be conveyed in an easily understandable and would benefit the improvement of public health in Sendari, followed by a speech from Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si. She explained that the PkM-MBKM program had been initiated since last year and would be continued with various future programs.

The material was delivered by Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who explained infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as the prevention, such as effective waste management, healthy and balanced dietary habits, stress management, adequate rest, regular physical activity, and so on. Participants were also asked to schedule weekly physical activity and guided in planning balanced suhoor and iftar menus. The PkM-MBKM team also provided solutions related to stress management through breathing exercises and energy gymnastics. The activity concluded with door prizes for active participants with high pretest scores. The hope is that this socialization will broaden insights to the participant and contribute to transforming the family lifestyles to be healthier.

Yogyakarta, March 8, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology received a visit from three MBKM (Independent Learning – Independent Campus) partners. The event took place in the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, welcomed by Prof.Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology. Also in attendance were representatives from LAZNAS Yatim Mandiri, the Jaringan Satwa Indonesia Foundation, and Bumi Sembada Waste Bank, as well as biology faculty members involved in the collaboration, including Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Biotechnology Laboratory; Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., from the Plant Development Structure Laboratory; and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., from the Animal Systematics Laboratory.

Yatim Mandiri is a National Zakat Amil Institution owned by the Indonesian community, dedicated to uplifting the social dignity of orphans through ZISWAF funds (Zakat, Infaq, Shadaqah, Wakaf), as well as another lawful and legitimate fund, from individuals, groups, companies/institutions. Yatim Mandiri has established 46 service offices in 14 provinces in Indonesia. With its various self-reliance programs, Yatim Mandiri hopes to improve and spread its benefits widely. The Jaringan Satwa Indonesia Foundation is the Jakarta Animal Aid Network, known as JAAN, founded in February 2008 by Femke den Haas, Karin Franken, and Natalie Stewart as a platform for the community to report cases of animal abuse or to obtain information about animal welfare in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Bumi Sembada Waste Bank was founded in 2023 in Sukoharjo Padukuhan Besi Village, Sleman. There are 75 types of waste that the community can sell to the waste bank, with the expectation that the community will be more enthusiastic about sorting waste to improve the economy and help address the waste issues.

The purpose of the visit was to establish cooperation with the Faculty of Biology through the MBKM scheme, with three agreements for each partner. Professor Budi welcomed the initiation and expected that this cooperation would benefit all parties involved.

With the establishment of cooperation with these three partners, UGM’s Faculty of Biology hopes that the knowledge of biology can be beneficial to the wider community and also contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in the development of inclusive education (SDG 4) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), through continuous collaboration and partnership building to achieve the goals (SDG 17).

On Wednesday, 7 February 2024, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology provided a training session titled “Socialization, Education, and Practice of Integrated Office Waste Management – Zero Waste” for PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta, held at the Malioboro Room on the fifth floor of the PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta building. The task force was represented by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Suharjita, and Danang Sudarmadi, who were received by PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta Manager, Adi Dwi Laksono, along with the management team, regional coordinator representatives, and the PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta Women’s Organization. “PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta was expected to independently manage office and household waste as a form of participation in the effort towards Yogyakarta’s freedom from waste emergencies,” expressed Adi in his opening remarks. During the implementation, Adi also hoped that PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta and the Faculty of Biology UGM could establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Cooperation Agreement (PKS) so that waste management could be carried out sustainably.

The training began with a presentation by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., titled “Waste Management.” He explained that all waste could be utilized through reduction, reuse, and recycling, including residual waste which is currently managed by a residual waste management company in Klaten. He also presented the history of the establishment of the Faculty of Biology’s Organic Waste Management Task Force and several schemes for organic waste management that have been implemented in the faculty.

The second session, titled “Independent Waste Management as an Effort to Achieve Zero Waste Household,” was delivered by Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. She explained the role of liquid organic fertilizer or LOF in plant growth and productivity, as well as its role in the growing medium. “The utilization of LOF for plants not only increases growth and productivity but also reduces production costs and serves as one of the efforts to manage organic waste in the environment,” said Dwi. The training continued with a practical session on waste processing, converting leaf litter into compost plus, which was compost with the addition of Bioferti 2023, one of the products of the Faculty of Biology’s Organic Waste Management Task Force. The compost-making practice was guided by Suharjita and Danang.

This training activity was a realization of Sustainable Development Goals number 3, which is Good Health and Well-being, and number 17, which is Partnerships for the Goals. “Hopefully, this training will be the starting step for PT PLN UP3 Yogyakarta to become a pioneer and pilot project for institutions capable of independently managing waste, thus becoming a role model for state-owned enterprises and other institutions in Yogyakarta,” concluded Adi, closing the training event.

On Thursday, 25 January 2024, a Waste Sorting Workshop titled “Conscious Sorting and Processing of Waste at Home (SAIDAH SARIMAH)” was conducted in collaboration between the Volunteer Independence Companions, the Yatim Mandiri institution, Bumi Sembada Waste Bank, and the Faculty of Biology UGM at Internet Learning Cafe Timoho from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB and was attended by students and staff from Yatim Mandiri Institution. The workshop’s content was delivered by Dzikri Asyakrullah, S.Sos, M.A., as an Empowerment Practitioner, Ria Karyanto, S.Kom, Founder of Bumi Sembada Waste Bank, Wahyu Aristianing Putri, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., as faculty members of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The workshop covered the importance of an empowerment mindset in addressing waste issues, the best practices and track record of the Bumi Sembada Waste Bank Sleman, community service discussing the synergy between academics and practitioners with the implementation of composting and biopore creation.

This time, Yatim Mandiri institution innovatively provided assistance in the form of community empowerment programs, aiming for a more significant impact through collaboration with practitioners and academics to address waste issues together with Bumi Sembada Waste Bank. This activity aligns with the PKM-MBKM and Desa Mitra programs that will be implemented by the Faculty of Biology in 2024, with the hope that many villages will become partners with Bumi Sembada Waste Bank. The Bumi Sembada Waste Bank was established in 2023 and was located in Sukoharjo Village, Padukuhan Besi, Sleman. There were 75 categories of waste that the community can sell to the waste bank, aiming to motivate the community to sort waste more diligently, thereby improving the economy and helping to address waste problems. Mr. Zikri outlined seven stages of community development, 1. Preparation: Aligning visions and missions, 2. Assessment, 3. Planning alternative activities, 4. Formulating action plans, 5. Implementing activities, 6. Evaluation, 7. Termination. It was emphasized that there should be involvement, participation, and clear role distribution in an empowerment organization, involving ideas from all members to ensure consistency in community service tasks. The outcome of this activity was the initiation of collaboration among all parties involved in waste bank distribution and the creation of a Zero Waste Management guidebook to be shared with partner villages.

This collaboration initiative was a contribution from the Faculty of Biology UGM to the goals of sustainable development (SDGs), specifically in the development of inclusive education (SDG 4) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) through continuous collaboration and cooperation by building partnerships to achieve goals (SDG 17). Hopefully, this positive synergy can enhance healthy and prosperous living (SDG 3).

[MBKM-PkM] The Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Community Service Program team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, led by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., along with four students Avila Kusuma W, Daimeera Anja, Shanaz Dhiya’ul Haq, and Syahidina has been conducting socialization and mentoring sessions with “Shobaru” livestock farmers in Condong Catur Village, Sleman, Yogyakarta, from October to November 2023.

The mentoring aimed to improve the quality of the local chicken eggs through the provision of fermented feed. The quality of these eggs is enhanced compared to those from non-fermented feed. The local chicken eggs have a richer taste and a stronger yolk color due to their high β-carotene content. This improvement is attributed to the higher nutritional content and better digestibility of fermented feed for the poultry. Moreover, providing fermented feed increases the animals’ appetite while reducing the odor from their waste. Additionally, fermented feed serves as a cost-effective alternative to commercial feed, which tends to be more expensive. The team also conducted socialization and mentoring on branding and online marketing of the local chicken eggs through social media platforms, including guidance on managing social media accounts. Packaging the local chicken eggs with branding has expanded their market reach, allowing consumers to locate and contact the local chicken egg farmers, thereby increasing the product’s visibility.

Through the MBKM Community Service activities by the Faculty of Biology, UGM, the “Shobaru” livestock farmers have seen improvements in both the quality of their egg products and their marketing strategies. This has led to sustained economic prosperity for the community while also contributing to environmental preservation.

On Saturday, November 8, 2023, the continuation of the Community Service Program (PkM) in the Partner Village of the Faculty of Biology at UGM was carried out under the leadership of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. along with Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. from the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Agriculture. This community service program entitled “Cultivation of Superior Local Longan with Bee Pollinators-Based Integrated Farming to Enhance Community Productivity in Sinduadi Village.” The activities consist of socialization on Zero Waste Life as a manifestation of Circular Economy to bolster the economy of the Sinduadi village in Mlati, Sleman. Additionally, it involved the distribution of 10 longan seedlings and socialization regarding plant pests and diseases affecting chili peppers and longan.

The event commenced with a presentation by the PkM-MBKM team focusing on Zero Waste Life as an embodiment of Circular Economy to strengthen the economy of Sinduadi village in Mlati, Sleman. During this presentation, discussions centered around the understanding of zero waste, its concepts, steps to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, and the correlation between zero waste and circular economy. Zero waste emphasizes policies that reduce the use of single-use products and can be implemented through five zero waste concepts: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. Practical implementation includes shopping with personal containers, avoiding single-use products, segregating organic and inorganic waste, and consuming food according to a pre-planned menu. Implementing zero waste aligns with circular economy principles that emphasize reprocessing used goods.

The program proceeded with the distribution of fertilizer by Dr. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. from the Faculty of Biology at UGM to the head of the Farmer Group in Sinduadi, Mlati, and the handover of 10 longan plant seedlings by Mr. Yusuf Sulaiman, S.I.P., a longan cultivation practitioner from Sawitsari Research Station, Faculty of Biology at UGM. Following this, there was a socialization on plant pests and diseases, specifically those affecting chili peppers and longan, delivered by Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. The discussion covered common diseases found in chili plants such as bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, yellow virus, and leaf spots. Meanwhile, diseases affecting longan trees include gloesporium spots, black roots, Fusarium wilt, and pestalotia spots. The event concluded with the distribution of a booklet on plant pest diseases by Tri Joko, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. to the head of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Sinduadi, Mlati.

This activity received enthusiastic participation from the Farmer Group in Sinduadi Village. This program is expected to enhance knowledge and introduce appropriate cultivation techniques for longan plant production, thereby contributing to the economic strengthening of the community in Sinduadi Village.

Organic waste processing is a method of managing waste derived from organic materials, such as food scraps, leaves, and other organic matter that can naturally decompose. The goal of organic waste processing is to reduce negative environmental impacts and utilize the potential energy or products that can be generated from organic waste. Managing waste is a positive activity to mitigate various negative impacts caused by waste, both on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to implement sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling, reducing plastic usage, and educating the community about the importance of environmental cleanliness. Additionally, governments, communities, and the private sector need to collaborate to create sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 12, which emphasizes sustainable waste management as a form of responsibility for consumption and production.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM once again received a visit from Kemantren Jetis, Yogyakarta, to learn about organic waste management using Bio Ferti 2023. “This activity aims to support the growth of family awareness in improving the quality of environmental sustainability, especially in Kemantren Jetis and in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in general,” said Mr. Joko Sularno, Chairman of the Kemantren Jetis Waste Bank Forum, in his remarks.

The event was summarized in the Strengthening Workshop for the Cadres of the Kemantren Jetis Waste Bank on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and the Organic Waste Processing Area of the Faculty of Biology at UGM and was attended by 40 people, including cadres from the Kemantren Jetis Waste Bank and Waste Bank Groups at the RW level in Kemantren Jetis. The workshop was divided into two sessions: the first session included presentations and an introduction to organic waste processing at the Faculty of Biology at UGM, while the second session involved observing the practical process of organic waste processing by the UGM Faculty of Biology Waste Management Task Force.

Mrs. Zaenab, Acting Head of the Kemakmuran Office of Kemantren Jetis, expressed gratitude to Mr. Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., Chairman of the Waste Management Task Force at the Faculty of Biology at UGM, and to the leaders of the Faculty of Biology at UGM for granting permission and welcoming the group to learn about organic waste management using Bio Ferti 2023. She hoped that the participants would bring back useful knowledge after the visit.

[MBKM]- Plastic has become an inseparable part of modern human life, from clothing, food packaging, household tools, to building materials. Despite its various benefits, plastic poses a significant threat to the sustainability of life on Earth, with over 10 million tons of plastic waste released into the environment and oceans annually. Numerous efforts are ongoing to address this issue, one of which involves seeking alternatives to conventional plastic that are more eco-friendly and sustainable. One potential substitute is PHB or polyhydroxybutyrate, a biopolymer naturally found in various types of microorganisms. It’s believed to become the primary polymer for future plastic materials, replacing conventional petroleum-based plastic due to its biobased, biosynthesized, and biodegradable. Recognizing this challenge and opportunity, three students from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty, Bagas Alfian Dwiaryanda, and Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, embarked on the Independent Learning- Independent Campus (MBKM), focusing on developing effective and efficient PHB-producing organisms by utilizing genetic transformation technology.

This MBKM program was conducted under the guidance of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in collaboration with Raden Afif Pranaya Jati, S.P., M.Sc., from the Indonesian Bioinformatics Institute (INBIO-Indonesia). Throughout the research, the students engaged in various activities ranging from dry lab experiments to wet lab experiments. The study began with discussions regarding the selection of vectors and host microorganisms to be used. Subsequently, they designed plasmid vectors for genetic transformation and created primers to serve as markers for positive colony identification through colony PCR. The research then progressed to the wet lab phase at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory at Faculty of Biology UGM, involving the preparation of competent cells, genetic transformation using the electroporation method, colony PCR followed by electrophoresis to confirm positive colonies carrying the target gene. As of now, the team has successfully incorporated synthetic genes constructed within the plasmid into bacterial cells as candidates for naturally producing PHB microorganisms.