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SDG 17 : Build Partnerships for the Goals

Focus Group Discussion: “Application of Food Irradiation to Support the Export of Indonesian Agricultural Products”, BRIN – Serpong

News Release Thursday, 31 July 2025

Nuclear Energy Research Organization – BRIN
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | Auditorium Building 720, BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area, BRIN Serpong

The Nuclear Energy Research Organization of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Application of Food Irradiation to Support the Export of Indonesian Agricultural Products” on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Auditorium of Building 720 in the BJ Habibie Science and Technology Area (KST), Serpong. The event, which ran from 08:30 to 15:30 WIB, aimed to promote the use of food irradiation technology as a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products in the global market, while also supporting the distribution of safe and nutritious food across the archipelago.


The discussion was opened by the Deputy for Research and Innovation Utilization at BRIN, who emphasized the importance of integrating research, policy, and industry to transform the national food system. A keynote address by Dr. Tri Mumpuni, a member of BRIN’s Steering Committee, underlined the critical role of irradiation technology in boosting food export and safety. She also addressed the issue of equitable access to research and technological infrastructure, advocating for the decentralization of irradiation facilities beyond the existing centers in Cibinong and Serpong to other regions, particularly in Eastern Indonesia where food production and export potential are significant.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dr. Ir. Dadan Hindayana, highlighted the potential of food irradiation to support national nutrition initiatives, particularly the free nutritious lunch program targeting vulnerable groups such as children from low-income families, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. He emphasized the importance of high-quality food provision and sustainable organic waste processing as part of Indonesia’s upcoming national nutrition revolution and called for thorough research on the impact of food irradiation as a preservation method within this program.

The technical sessions featured distinguished speakers from both national and international institutions. Dr. Andrew Jessup, a horticultural entomologist and consultant from Australia, presented on the global market for irradiated fresh produce. He discussed how irradiation technology could be used to control fruit flies, a key challenge in horticultural exports. Since each insect species requires a specific radiation dose for sterilization, treatment protocols must be carefully tailored. He also highlighted the need to build public trust in the safety of irradiated food.

In the following session, Dra. Dwiana Andayani, Apt., from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), stressed the importance of standardizing irradiation doses and complying with national and international food safety regulations. She explained that BPOM is responsible for monitoring processed irradiated food products, while the National Food Agency (BAPANAS) supervises fresh irradiated products. As of now, five processed food items have been registered as irradiated in Indonesia: cocoa powder, edible bird’s nest, frozen fish, tea, and powdered honey. All irradiated products must be labeled accordingly, following international standards.

Dr. Antarjo Dikin, a Principal Expert in Plant Quarantine at the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, provided insights into labeling procedures, the cleaning of packing facilities, and the steps involved in exporting irradiated fruits. The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN) shared information on the licensing of irradiator facility construction and operation, radiation monitoring, and safety assurances for nuclear technology used in food applications.

From the industry perspective, Mr. Gustam, an exporter who uses food irradiation services, shared his experience in product validation, determining the effective minimum dosage, managing production costs, and fulfilling export requirements, including compliance with U.S. FDA standards for products such as tuna and salmon, which require a 3 kGy irradiation dose costing approximately IDR 800 per kilogram.

Yusra Egayanti, S.Si., Apt., M.P., Director of Food Safety and Quality Standards at BAPANAS, explained how irradiation helps extend the shelf life of fresh food by sterilizing products and eliminating pests and bacteria. Dr. Syaiful Bakri, Head of the Nuclear Energy Research Organization at BRIN, emphasized the role of research in the development of irradiation and accelerator technologies. He announced the upcoming launch of a new food irradiation facility next month, aimed at strengthening the applied research ecosystem in Indonesia. He also noted that the organization manages seven research centers focusing on both fundamental and applied research to support industrial and societal needs.

A speaker from Oneject Indonesia presented the application of electron beam technology for irradiating medical devices and food products. Su Bin, Chief Representative of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Indonesia, presented CNNC’s 70 years of nuclear experience and their strategies for integrating nuclear energy and irradiation technology into the food industry. He emphasized that different food types—such as vegetables, fruits (including mango, mangosteen, salak, and apples), bread, and ready-to-eat meals—require specific radiation doses. Proper optimization can make these foods more durable, bacteria-free, and pest-free. He also noted that irradiation is a non-invasive method that does not alter the structural or nutritional integrity of the food.

The panel discussion, moderated by Bimo Saputro, S.ST., M.Si. and Okky Agassy Firmansyah, S.T., M.Sc., was dynamic and explored diverse perspectives from technical, policy, social, and research collaboration angles. Regional government representation came from BRIDA East Kalimantan, who raised concerns about infrastructure development for irradiation facilities in their region due to limited budgets and the inefficiencies of centralized policies.

The FGD was attended by representatives from various sectors, including government institutions (BRIN, BPOM, BAPETEN, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries), national and multinational companies (PT Indofood, PT Unilever, PT Nestlé, PT Danone), industry associations (GAPMMI, KADIN), international organizations (IAEA, FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius), and leading universities such as UGM, UI, ITB, IPB, Universiras Padjajaran, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Universitas Pamulang, Universitas Pertahanan, and Sekolah Tinggi Intelijen Negara (STIN). The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada was represented by Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development. The involvement of academic institutions reinforced the commitment to synergize research bodies, universities, and the industrial sector to develop measurable and sustainable food irradiation technologies.

This cross-sectoral participation demonstrated strong enthusiasm for food irradiation as part of both national and global food system transformation. The event also encouraged collaborative studies by university researchers to explore irradiation impacts from various perspectives, including plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, insect pests, biochemistry, genetic effects on food products, and implications for human health.

The discussions on food irradiation aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The innovation contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring access to safe and high-quality food, particularly in remote and disaster-affected areas. It supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by minimizing risks from insects and pathogenic microorganisms. Through the development of irradiation infrastructure based on applied research, it advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Efficient and sustainable food processing techniques also support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, the spirit of inter-agency and international collaboration embodied in the FGD reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which is key to maximizing the societal benefits of nuclear technology.

Through this FGD, BRIN hopes to foster cross-sectoral consensus on the benefits of food irradiation and facilitate the development of comprehensive national standards. This initiative marks an important milestone toward establishing nuclear technology as a practical solution for enhancing Indonesian agricultural exports, reinforcing national food security, and improving public health outcomes.

Faculty of Biology UGM Strengthens International Partnership with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) through Dual Degree Program Initiative

CooperationNews Release Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Pagoh, Malaysia – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an official visit to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) to discuss the implementation of a Dual Degree program at the undergraduate level (Bachelor of Science) between the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST), UTHM and the Faculty of Biology UGM. The visit took place from July 24 to 28, 2025, at Pagoh Branch Campus, UTHM, Malaysia.


The UGM delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and accompanied by two staff members from the Office of Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni (P2MKSA), Anysah Nur Fauziyah, S.Si., and Annisa Mawarni, S.Si.

An intensive three-day curriculum matching session was held from Thursday to Saturday, July 24–26, 2025. This process was crucial to ensure compatibility in course structures, credit loads, and learning outcomes, which are essential for the effective and equitable implementation of the dual degree program.

In addition to curriculum alignment, the discussions also involved drafting the content of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), which will serve as the legal foundation for the collaboration. Finalizing the MoA marks a strategic step toward establishing a strong administrative and operational framework for the dual degree program. With agreement reached on both the curriculum and the MoA content, both institutions are optimistic that the program can commence in the upcoming academic semester.

The visit concluded with an official meeting on Monday, July 28, 2025, between the UGM delegation and the leadership and academic staff of FAST-UTHM. The meeting was attended by: Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Hatijah binti Basri, Dean of FAST, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latiff bin Abu Bakar, Deputy Dean for Research, Development, and Publication, Dr. Aqilah Binti Awg Abdul Rahman, Head of Natural Resources Program, Dr. Arney Binti Sapaat, Head of SUNR Centre, Dr. Nur Hafizah Binti Malik, Head of BWD Program, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Norazlin Binti Abdullah, Head of Department of Technology & Natural Resources, Ts. Dr. Siti Fatimah Binti Sabran, Ts. Gs. Dr. Kamarul Rahim Bin Kamarudin, Dr. Yap Jing Wei, Ts. Dr. Salasiah Binti Mohamad, Dr. Munira Binti Zainal Abidin, Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Norhayati Binti Muhammad, Dr. Nor Atiqah Binti Norazlimi, Dr. Furzani Binti Pa’ee.

The Faculty of Biology UGM and FAST-UTHM have maintained a strong partnership since 2018, collaborating annually through various international activities such as student mobility programs, the International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS), the International Conference on Biodiversity (ICB), and the International Summer Course.

FAST-UTHM expressed strong enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting the shared academic vision and focus on life sciences as well as the mutual commitment to strengthening internationally recognized education.

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

Capacity Building Enhancement by BBSPJIKKP through Microbiological Testing Training on Water and Wastewater at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM

News Release Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Yogyakarta, July 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly hosted a training program entitled “Microbiological Testing of Water and Wastewater” held from July 21–24, 2025 at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity was organized in collaboration with the Center for Standardization and Industrial Services of Leather, Rubber, and Plastics (BBSPJIKKP), Yogyakarta.


The training was attended by technical staff and laboratory analysts from BBSPJIKKP, aiming to enhance their capacity in microbiological testing for clean water and industrial wastewater in accordance with environmental quality and public health standards. The training materials covered sampling methods, culturing techniques of microbial indicators, coliform, such as Escherichia coli, and interpretation of results based on national and international regulations.

Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech., as Head of Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, warmly welcomed this activity as part of the university’s commitment to academic contribution and community service in strengthening human resource capacity within the industrial sector. “We hope this training will have a real impact on improving water testing quality in Indonesia, and become the first step toward sustainable collaboration between academia and industry,” he stated.

This training also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through the strengthening of microbiological testing as part of environmental health surveillance; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by improving the quality of testing for both industrial and domestic wastewater; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through institutional collaboration to build capacity and share knowledge.

This initiative is a clear demonstration that synergy between higher education institutions and government agencies can drive innovation, quality improvement, and sustainability in environmental management in Indonesia.

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.

Genomic Innovation for Health and Environmental Sustainability The 2025 National Seminar on Tropical Biology Collaborates with Jogja MultiOmics Update

News Release Sunday, 20 July 2025

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held the 9th Seminar Nasional Biologi Tropika (SNBT), which this year was integrated with the Jogja MultiOmics Update (JMU), an initiative by the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF). Taking place at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM, the seminar carried the theme: “Genomic Innovation for Health and Environmental Sustainability”.


This event became a strategic event to strengthen research collaboration across institutions and sectors, along with the rapid development of multi-omics technology and the urgency of its utilization in the tropical context.

In his speech, Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized that as a megabiodiversity country, Indonesia has a great responsibility in the development of genomic technology. “We hope this seminar can create strategic synergy, research network formation, as well as policies and curricula that support the advancement of Indonesian tropical science,” he said.

Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, said that science-based transformation requires integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. “Genomics is the entrance to answer health, environment, and bioindustry issues scientifically and collaboratively. This forum is a realization of UGM’s spirit to develop solutions from local roots with global standards,” he said.

Director of Kemendikbudristek Resources, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Suning Kusumawardani, S.T., M.T., highlighted the importance of human resource capacity building in genomics and bioinformatics. “We must be the main actors, not just users of technology. Academic and industrial collaboration such as with the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) is the right step towards sustainable innovation,” she emphasized.

SNBTxJMU 2025 presented 15 national speakers in Lightning Talk and Topic Island sessions, and was attended by more than 200 participants from various backgrounds of students, lecturers, researchers, practitioners, and students from various institutions in Indonesia.

The speakers came from various institutions, including: BB Biomedicine and Health Genomics (BGSi) of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Faculty of Medicine UGM, SITH ITB, BRIN, IPB University, to biotechnology companies such as Nalagenetics and Nusantics. The three main topics discussed in the parallel sessions were Clinical Omics, Plant & Animal Omics, and Environmental & Microbial Omics.

The event also featured a showcase of UGM’s multi-omics technology platform and industry partners, as well as introducing NGS services from IGF. Also supported by PacBio-DKSH Scientific Indonesia, Oxford Nanopore Technology- CV Dynata Creative Image, Shimadzu – PT Ditek Jaya, Sciex-Cytiva PT Laborindo Sarana, Panin Bank and Yayasan Satriabudi Dharma Setia (YSDS), as well as media partners such as Biou.id, Synbio.id, INBIO, Genbinesia, and Block71 Indonesia.

Institutions present included national and international universities such as UI, ITB, IPB, UIN, Khon Kaen University, as well as leading biotechnology institutions and companies in Indonesia such as PT Genetika Science Indonesia, PT Moosa Genetika Farmindo, PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia, PT Bio Farma (Persero), PT Widya Genomic Nusantara, and PT Widya Teknologi Hayati, PT Saraswanti Indonesia Genetech, PT. PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi, and also representative from Indonesian Genomic Association.

SNBTxJMU 2025 activities support the achievement of SDGs, especially SDGs 3 (healthy life) through Clinical Omics innovation, SDGs 4 (quality education) through strengthening academic capacity and curriculum, SDGs 9 (industry and innovation) through collaboration with the biotechnology sector, as well as SDGs 13 and SDGs 15 through Environmental & Microbial Omics sessions that focus on biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring.

SNBTxJMU 2025 is expected to be an important supporting system in building a sustainable Indonesian genomics and also multiomics research and innovation ecosystem that has a real impact on society and the tropical environment.

Before the closing of the event, the best presenters were announced from the SNBT presenter participants, namely Kinasih Prayuni, M.Si. from Universitas YARSI, and Imam Bagus Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. from Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM. In addition, the best pitching winner from the SNBTxJMU pre-event held by IGF was also announced, namely Assyfa Atha from IGEM UGM and Alim El Hakim from The Master of Medical Science program UGM. In order to enliven the event, appreciation was also given to participants who had participated in uploading stories through the Instagram platform.

The activity was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., who also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants and the collaborative spirit that was built during the event. He also invited all participants to return to participate in the upcoming SNBTxJMU in 2026.

#GenomicInnovation #SDGsIndonesia #TropicalScience #UGMForTheNation #Bioinformatics #GenomicsForSustainability #UGMGlobalImpact #ScienceForLife #SDGs3 #SDGs4 #SDGs9 #SDGs13

Innovation in Mosquito Control: Biological Approaches and Essential Oils for a Healthier Environment in Dusun Belimbing Sari

Community Service Saturday, 19 July 2025

The Community Service program of the UGM Faculty of Biology was held again on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Balai Dusun Belimbing Sari in Caturtunggal Village, Depok, Sleman. Under the banner “Mosquito Vector Control through Biological Approaches and the Use of Essential Oils,” the event welcomed 35 enthusiastic local PKK members to participate in a series of engaging lectures and hands‑on sessions.

The Desa Mitra Caturtunggal teaching team included Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A., B.Sc., DAP&E, M.Biomed (Animal Systematics Laboratory); Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D (Biochemistry Laboratory); Nur Indah Septiani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D (Animal Structure & Development Laboratory); and Sari Darmasiwi, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D (Microbiology Laboratory).

Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A. opened the program with an in‑depth overview of mosquito species and the dangerous vector‑borne diseases they transmit—such as dengue fever and malaria—along with their habitat and life cycle. She detailed biological control strategies using fish and other predators, physical measures via the “3M” method (emptying, covering, burying), and preventive chemical fogging. Her comprehensive presentation gave participants a clear understanding of the need to integrate multiple control methods.

The second session, led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., dove into the use of essential oils as natural mosquito repellents. In a style both lighthearted and informative, Dr. Woro defined what essential oils are, introduced various plant sources—such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, and basil—and outlined two practical approaches: planting repellent species in home gardens and crafting natural room fresheners. Participants were keen to follow her simple distillation steps and discuss how to apply them at home.

The highlight of the day was the hands‑on workshop, where attendees created aromatic sachets from dried ingredients—clove buds and stems, star anise, and lemongrass—packaged in rustic burlap bags. These sachets proved easy to make, cost‑effective, and both decorative and functional as mosquito deterrents. Light conversation and sharing of tips on preserving the scent for longer added warmth and camaraderie to the event.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM puts into practice its Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly community service, while also supporting the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‑being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It is hoped that the knowledge and skills gained will foster sustainable mosquito control efforts in Dusun Belimbing Sari and strengthen the community’s environmental health.

Plant Anatomy Training for Students of Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian (Polbangtan) Yogyakarta-Magelang at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada

News Release Friday, 18 July 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, through the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development, organized a Plant Anatomy Training for students from the Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian (Polbangtan) Yogyakarta-Magelang. This activity was held over four days, from Monday to Thursday, July 14–17, 2025, from 08:00 to 11:00 WIB each day. A total of 120 students participated in the training, with 30 students attending per day to maintain optimal interaction and quality of practical sessions.

The training activity was welcomed and officially opened by the Head of the Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM, Mr. Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., and the Head of the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development, Mrs. Dr. Dra. Maryani, M.Sc. From Polbangtan, the students were accompanied by supervising lecturers, Mrs. Asih Farmia, SP., M.Agr.Sc., and Mrs. Sevi Melati, SP., M.Sc. In their remarks, the academic leaders emphasized the importance of mastering plant anatomy as a fundamental basis for understanding various physiological processes critical to sustainable agricultural development. The event also served as a tangible example of academic synergy and partnership between higher education institutions in supporting the improvement of learning quality.

This training aims to support the ongoing Plant Physiology course at Polbangtan by emphasizing practical understanding of cell and tissue structures, particularly vascular bundles and tissues related to photosynthesis in plant organs. Students gain hands-on experience in plant anatomy laboratory practices, including the preparation and observation of anatomical slides of leaf epidermis, transverse sections of leaves, stems, and roots of Zea mays L., as well as the epidermis and transverse sections of the bulb of Allium cepa. The activities are guided by lecturers from the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development, namely Prof. L. Hartanto Nugroho, M.Agr., Dr. Dra. Maryani, M.Sc., Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si.  The preparation of equipment and materials was fully supported by laboratory technicians, Mrs. Prapti and Mrs. Via Erti Asdiantika, A.Md., ensuring the implementation of the activities.

Throughout the training, the students showed great enthusiasm and actively participated in discussions, asking and answering questions posed by the practicum assistants. This interactive learning environment created an enjoyable educational experience and deepened the student’s understanding of fundamental plant anatomy concepts essential in the field of agriculture.

This training activity represents a concrete form of community service conducted by the Faculty of Biology UGM and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this program, the Faculty contributes to SDG 4 by providing quality education through hands-on learning that enhances student competencies. Moreover, the collaboration between institutions promotes SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals. The focus on fundamental plant sciences as a foundation for agriculture also aligns with SDG 2, which targets ending hunger through improved agricultural capacity. Furthermore, in-depth understanding of plant structure and function supports efforts to preserve biodiversity and manage terrestrial ecosystems sustainably, in line with SDG 15.

Through this activity, it is expected that students will gain a stronger grasp of the vital roles of plant structures in physiological processes that support sustainable agriculture, and be able to apply their knowledge in modern agricultural practices in the future.

Development of Superior Local Chicken Breeds through the Wedomartani Village Partnership Program

Community ServiceNews Release Friday, 18 July 2025

The Wedomartani Village Partnership Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an socialization on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Kalurahan Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, focusing on the development of superior local chicken breeds. This activity was a follow-up initiative from the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Kalurahan Wedomartani, supported by the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2 of 2025, Unit YO019 (SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).


The socialization opened with remarks from Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., representing the Wedomartani Village Partnership Team, Faculty of Biology, UGM. On this occasion, as a speaker Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., delivered a presentation titled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chickens Based on Community Empowerment in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman.” The socialization emphasized the importance of developing superior local chicken breeds by paying attention to various key aspects such as feed quality, animal health, cage management, and maintenance practices.

During the session, the speaker provided updated and relevant information on the proper techniques for local chicken farming, beginning with the selection of high-quality breeding stock. The event, held at Kalurahan Wedomartani, was attended by the Head of Wedomartani Village (Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto), the Village Secretary (Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd.), the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani (Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E.), representative from Faculty of Biology, UGM (Prof. Dra. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.) and representatives from farmer groups across several hamlets in Wedomartani. Participants showed strong enthusiasm for the program and actively engaged in discussions and raised questions, especially regarding chicken maintenance practices.

The speaker highlighted that raising chickens offers two key benefits. First, it helps reduce household waste through the use of organic waste as chicken feed. Second, the eggs produced can improve household nutrition and help address stunting—supporting SDGs No. 2 (Zero Hunger), No. 3 (Good Health and Well Being), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, to fully achieve these benefits, the chickens must be kept healthy. The speaker emphasized three main factors for raising healthy local chickens: the use of varied feed sources such as maggots and kitchen waste, proper cage management, and an appropriate vaccination program.

This outreach activity is expected to serve as an initial step toward empowering the community to independently cultivate local chicken breeds. With the knowledge gained, residents can begin applying more effective breeding and production techniques in their environment. Going forward, similar programs should continue to be implemented sustainably in order to expand their impact. It is hoped that this initiative will contribute to improving community welfare while also supporting local food security. (Contributors: Lintang Gitacahyani and Ardaning Nuriliani)

FACULTY OF BIOLOGY ATTEND THE RI-SING UNIVERSITY NETWORK FACULTY IMMERSION PROGRAM AT NANYANG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY- SINGAPORE

News Release Friday, 18 July 2025

Singapore (July 16th), The RI-SING University Network Faculty Immersion Program is a collaboration between five leading universities in Indonesia (UGM, UI, ITB, IPB, and ITS) and five universities in Singapore: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). This program aims to strengthen collaboration and build relationships between universities in Indonesia and Singapore. The Faculty Immersion Program held from July 14-16, 2025, at NTU Singapore, aimed to explore research and project collaborations between NTU and five leading Indonesian universities in the fields of food science, food security & agritech, and sustainability in the life and social sciences.

This program was well-planned and engaging, managed by NTU International Engagement, with a professional staff overseeing the program’s rundown. Twenty-five participants from five universities were invited to attend presentations and discussions with schools leaders at NTU. The first day was filled with introductions to the entire NTU International Engagement team, INSPIRASI (Associate Prof. Dalton Tay), and resource persons who would present research materials. The second and third days were filled by schools leaders, including: Prof. Md. Saidul Islam from the School of Social Sciences; Prof. Viswanathan S. from the Business School; Prof. Peter Preiser from the School of Biological Sciences; Prof. Yusuf Ali from Experimental Medicine; Associate Prof. Tan Lay Poh from the School of Materials Science and Engineering; Associate Prof. Janice Lee, Dr. Shawn Lum, Assistant Prof. Yi Wen Zeng, and Assistant Prof. Pierre Taillardat from the Asian School of Environmental Science. NTU also provided opportunities for program participants to visit the INSPIRASI Laboratory, the Vertical Farming Laboratory at Sky Green, the Botanical Garden of Singapore, the MSE Laboratory, and the Tropical Ecology Laboratory.

Universitas Gadjah Mada, as a member of the RI-Sing University Network Faculty Program consortium, sent five lecturers to this program, one of whom was Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Si. from the Faculty of Biology. Dwi, in addition to her expertise in sustainable agriculture, is also a member of the Faculty of Biology’s Organic Waste Management Task Force and a member of the Waste Management Team at PIAT UGM. Dwi took this opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with Prof. Dalton from INSPIRASI. INSPIRASI is a collaborative research and education program initiated by the Ministry of Education of Singapore (MOECRT) and the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education for five raising universities: Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), University of Indonesia (UI), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Institute of Technology Surabaya (ITS), and NTU. INSPIRASI focuses on smart and sustainable campuses, integrated sustainable waste management systems, and research into environmentally friendly campus technologies. The integrated sustainable waste management program overlaps with the organic waste management programs of the Faculty of Biology and PIAT UGM. Dwi explained that the waste management practices of the Faculty of Biology UGM and the utilisation of waste for organic farming are based on her research. INSPIRASI is interested in establishing a waste management collaboration at UGM.

The INSPIRASI program also offers undergraduate students from UGM to participate in an undergraduate immersion program, a program conducted at both universities. The first three years of study are conducted at UGM (the home university), followed by one year at NTU, resulting in a degree from UGM. This program can be continued with a Postgraduate Immersion program, which involves students adding a year at NTU and earning a Master’s degree from NTU. The NTU Doctoral Program (PhD) also accepts students from INSPIRASI members through two scholarship schemes: the LPDP-NTU PhD Scholarship, which awards 30 doctoral students per year, and the NTU PhD scholarship scheme.

Prof. Preiser from the School of Biological Sciences is offering research collaborations in the molecular mechanisms by which malaria parasites adapt to environmental change and research in food security. Meanwhile, Prof. Jennice Lee and her team are offering research collaborations in biodiversity, peatland restoration, and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, Prof. Pooi See Lee, NTU’s Vice President of International Engagement, stated, “We sincerely hope this program will foster research collaborations between NTU and five leading universities in Indonesia.” Wanda Preiser, NTU’s Head of Office International Engagement, added, “If you contact one of our researchers, please let us know so we can assist you.” “We will report the results of this meeting to our Dean and hope for research and project collaboration with NTU, particularly regarding waste management at UGM,” Dwi concluded in response to Wanda’s request.

This faculty immersion program supports SDGs 3 (Good Healthy and Well Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals). (DUS)