Plant embryology is a crucial parameter in botanical studies, including systematics, evolution, and biotechnology related to plant somatic embryogenesis. The natural or in vitro formation and development of embryos can analyzed through anatomical approaches. Analyzing plant anatomy requires special treatment and preparation of samples, necessitating a platform for discussion and training to update methods and share information.

The Plant Structure and Development Laboratory (SPT) at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, as part of its community service and to open collaborative opportunities, welcomed four researchers from PT. BISI International, Kediri, for a training and networking visit. These researchers, Esti Sri Lestari, S.Si., M.Sc., Ida Wilujeng Abidah Ubudiyah, S.Si., Lina Wahyu Hapsari, S.P., and Rahmawati Amaliah, S.Si., come from the Department of Biotechnology. The training took place over eight days, from August 22 to 31, 2024.

Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., head of the SPT Laboratory, welcomed the participants, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, officially opened the event on Monday, August 22, 2024, at the SPT Laboratory, Building B. In his opening remarks, the vice dean emphasized the importance of research collaboration in the current era. The training included lectures/discussions on plant microtechnique and embryology, hands-on practice preparing embryology slides, analysis, and independent lab work. Lectures were given by Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory, with independent work supported for three days by lab assistant Ms. Prapti.

Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc., officially closed the event on Wednesday, August 31, 2024. In his closing remarks, he reiterated that the goal of this training extends beyond the eight days and should serve as the beginning of future research collaborations. He encouraged participants to share the benefits of the training widely and provide feedback to the Faculty of Biology, especially the SPT Laboratory, for any improvements.

This training supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering partnerships and cooperation (SDG 17), and aims to benefit the general welfare of Indonesian society (SDG 3). Additionally, it aligns with the government’s program to enhance the quality of education (SDG 4).

Hopefully, this training became a kickstart of collaboration and research partnership between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT BISI International. The knowledge and technical skills gained during the training would be valuable for participants and related institutions.

Yogyakarta, July 29, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a courtesy meeting with renowned universities from ASEAN and Europe as part of the 7th International Summer Course (ISC) on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development: Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity 2024.

The meeting invited delegates from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Ts. Dr. Siti Fatimah Binti Sabran; Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, Dr. Nor Ismaliza Binti Mohd Ismail; University of the Philippines Los Baños, the Philippines, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alona Cuevas Linatoc; Leipzig University, Germany, Dr. Ahmed Abd El Wahed and Prof. Dr. Uwe Truyen; Kasetsart University, Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornsorn Srikulnath and Dr. Thitipong Panthum; and Cairo University, Egypt, Prof. Said Ali Eid Elsalamouny. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Faculty of Biology, including the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Chairman of ISC 2024, Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, D.Phil., Dr. Sukirno, Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech., and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, S.Si., M.Sc.

The courtesy meeting was held to welcome the guests who will participate as speakers at the ISC and to discuss opportunities for inter-university collaboration. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, as the host, expressed his appreciation for the delegates’ participation and hoped that this meeting would pave the way for more inclusive educational and research collaborations in the future (SDG 4 and 17).

This year, the ISC is conducted in a hybrid format, with online sessions held on July 15, 17, 19, 22, and 24, and offline sessions taking place from July 29 to August 2. This year’s summer course is attended by participants from 14 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Algeria, and Yemen. There are a total of 57 hybrid participants, consisting of 9 local and 48 international participants, with 33 attending the offline sessions.

This event is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s ongoing efforts to enhance its international network and contribute to the global advancement of biological sciences. The ISC features international panellists who present various topics related to biodiversity, resource conservation, land and water ecosystem preservation, contributions to climate change urgency, and resource utilization through sustainable bioprospecting topics (SDG 13, 14, 15).

Yogyakarta, 29 July 2024 – The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development: Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity is officially opened. This annual event organized by the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, started its offline agenda after opening its online session Monday (15/7) which was followed by a series of guest lectures from various experts from around the world.

At least 33 offline participants took part in the opening of the International Summer Course (ISC), located in the Seminar Room, Library and Archives Building, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The participants consisted of 27 international students and 6 local students. Coupled with online participants, this year ISC succeeded in attracting 58 participants from 14 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India and Egypt.

“Let’s leverage our collective wisdom to foster biodiversity for a greener, more resilient world,” said Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM in his speech, Monday (29/7).

Ir. Wiratni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. as Secretary of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and Relations at UGM then delivered her remarks. She expressed her welcome and appreciation for the arrival of participants from various countries to take part in the summer course this time. ISC was officially opened by awarding pins and hats to two participant representatives by Dr. Eko and Dr. Wiratni, followed by a Kalimantan traditional dance performance by postgraduate students from the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The next series of offline lectures was held after the opening of ISC on Monday morning, presenting speakers from various countries. The lecture series began with the first panel presentation by Dr. Siti Fatimah from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, and Dr. Alona Linatoc from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, moderated by Ludmilla Fitri Utari M.Si.. The two panelists delivered material on the topic of ethnobotany, highlighting the interaction and role of the ecosystem environment and humans in it. Ethnobotany emphasizes the various cultures of various regions and how the people in them use local plants and their ecosystems (SDG 15).

The second panel presented two panelists from the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany, Dr. Ahmed El Wahed and Prof. Uwe Truyen with moderator Dr. Abdul Rahman Siregar. Both delivered material related to maintaining biodiversity for sustainable health “One Health”. Both touched on The One Health Joint Plan of Action through collaboration involving various parties, researchers from various parts of the world to alleviate world health problems (SDG 3).

The next panel related to natural products and bioprospecting was presented by Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas from the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Dr. Nor Ismaliza from Tunku Abdul Rahman University, Malaysia, moderated by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D. Dr. Nuning and Dr. Nor delivered an interactive presentation regarding the use of various natural materials into products with potential economic value (SDG 15 and 8).

The final panel, entitled Genetic Bioresource, was delivered by Konsorn Srikulnath, Ph.D. from Kasetsart University, Thailand, moderated by Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti. He explained about the research unit at his institution “Animal Genomic and Bioresource Research Unit” (AGB Research Unit) which focuses on studying animal genomics including bulls (genetic monitoring), chickens (increasing gene varieties), fish and crocodiles (SDG 14 and 15).

All participants were enthusiastic in attending the series of openings and lectures. The activities will be continued with cultural trips and field lectures with various interesting destinations related to the big theme of this year’s summer course, bioprospection. The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development is expected to become a forum for collaboration between students, lecturers and researchers, and become a discussion forum for increasing the potential for sustainable education and research (SDG 4 and 17).

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.

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.

Yogyakarta, 22 July 2024 – The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development: Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity lecture series in 2024 continues by presenting various experts from all over the world. In this series, we present a professor in the field of Pollination Biology from Yamagata University, Prof. Jun Yokoyama who brought up the topic of disruption in pollinator insect diversity and how it affects world climate change.

This session was moderated by Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng. from the Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Atikah introduced Prof. Jun is an expert in the fields of evolutionary biology, ecology and conservation. His research examines many pollinator insects, ecosystems and their effects on the environment.

Prof. Jun started his presentation by explaining pollinating insects, especially Hymenoptera, and emphasized the mutualistic relationship between insects and plants through the exchange of pollen and nectar. He highlighted how insect groups have preferences for certain flowers. Certain insects, especially bees and wasps, play a large role in global food production, Prof. Jun added. These insects bridge the process of flower pollination and influence the amount of food production.

Prof. Jun highlighted the current climate change conditions, especially in tropical areas, heavy logging of forests, and food production which has increased significantly to meet the needs of the ever-increasing human population. He emphasized that there had been a reduction in the number of pollinators by up to 40%. The urgency of dealing with increasingly extreme climate change is important in efforts to conserve resources and mitigate other larger disasters.

The professor from Yamagata University then introduced the “Hamanaru Maruhana Project”, an effort to conserve and collect data on the distribution of bees in Japan. The project aims to estimate past, present and future distributions to be used as reference data for analysis of conservation efforts.

Closing the online lecture session, Prof. Jun again emphasized the importance of the role of pollinators and how climate and environmental change affects them. It is hoped that through this lecture, ISC participants can contribute to sustainable conservation efforts in the future.

Yogyakarta, 19 July 2024 – As part of the 2024 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development lecture series, the online lecture session continues after the previous lecture series on Wednesday (17/7) with researchers from Nottingham University. In this series, we present a microalgae expert from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. which carries the topic of microalgae biorefinery, in accordance with the theme promoted by ISC this year “Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity”.

Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, one of the lecturers at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM, acted as moderator this time. He introduced Dr. Eko is one of the researchers in the same laboratory and also the inventor of various innovations related to microalgae. His research collaborates with various sectors and researchers from other fields such as chemical engineering.

Dr. Eko explained his presentation entitled “Microalgae Biorefinery: Integration Biorefinery and Biofuel”. The scarcity of fuel from petroleum over time has become one of the backgrounds for the development of microalgae biofuel. In addition, commonly used fossil fuels cause an increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, which is one of the triggers for climate change. Microalgae have great potential as biofuel, which is able to supply energy to produce biofuel while reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere which is used in the photosynthesis process.

Apart from its potential as an alternative fuel, microalgae provide other bio prospective potential including cosmetics, potential food, and so on. Dr. Eko added that the extracted and purified algae biomass will produce various potential sustainable products: food, biodiesel, fertilizer, animal feed, chemicals and so on. This makes a major contribution to various sectors ranging from food security, health, energy, to tackling climate change.

The summer course participants were enthusiastic in attending all the lectures, it is hoped that through these activities students can contribute to innovation in the development of sustainable research products while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and biodiversity within it.

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.

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.

On July 16 and 17, 2024, a research team from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), led by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., conducted an ethnobotanical survey as part of a collaborative effort on the Bioprospecting of Medicinal Plants with the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority. The survey took place in the Ampel and Kopeng Resorts within the Mount Merbabu National Park.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to gather data on the use of medicinal plants by the local communities living around the national park. This initiative is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. The research team collected information through interviews with local residents, who shared their traditional knowledge on the medicinal properties of various plants.

Following the data collection from the community, the team conducted a field survey to collect samples of the medicinal plants mentioned. This fieldwork is essential for the bioprospecting process, which aims to identify plants with potential biomedical applications. The collected samples will be analyzed in the laboratory to determine their chemical composition and potential health benefits.

Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini emphasized the importance of this research in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use of ecosystems. “Our work here not only aims to discover new medicinal compounds but also to promote the conservation of plant biodiversity in Mount Merbabu National Park,” she stated.

The collaboration between UGM and the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority is a significant step towards integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific research. This approach not only respects and preserves the cultural heritage of the local communities but also enhances the scientific understanding of medicinal plants.

The Mount Merbabu National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, provides an ideal setting for this type of research. The park is home to numerous plant species, many of which have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. By documenting and studying these plants, the research team hopes to contribute to the global knowledge of medicinal biodiversity.

The local communities play a vital role in this research. Their traditional knowledge and practices are invaluable resources for identifying plants with medicinal properties. The involvement of the community also ensures that the benefits of the research are shared with those who have preserved this knowledge for generations.

The field survey in the Ampel and Kopeng Resorts was conducted with the support of the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority, which provided logistical assistance and access to the research sites. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving conservation and sustainable development goals.

The findings from this research will be published in scientific journals and shared with the local communities and relevant stakeholders. This dissemination of knowledge is crucial for promoting the conservation of medicinal plants and their sustainable use.

In conclusion, the bioprospecting survey of medicinal plants in Mount Merbabu National Park is a significant initiative that combines traditional knowledge with modern science. It aims to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the discovery of new biomedical compounds, and the sustainable use of natural resources, aligning with the broader goals of the SDGs.

Yogyakarta, 17 July 2024 – The second lecture session in the series of the 7^th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development, Faculty of Biology Universitas, Gadjah Mada was held after the opening and first online lecture session, last Monday (15/7). Dr. Nick Girkin from the School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom was present as a resource person at the second session of the lecture with the title “Sustainable Tropical Agriculture” as part of the main theme of this year’s summer course, Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity.

Faculty of Biology UGM lecturer as well as Chief Executive of this year’s summer course, Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, M.Env.Sc., D.Phil., acted as moderator for the second lecture session. He introduced Dr. Nick as a speaker from the University of Nottingham with his presentation which raised the issue of sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Nick started the lecture by asking the participants a question: what are the sustainability challenges in tropical agriculture? Dr. Nick mentioned several serious challenges to agriculture today: climate impact, soil erosion, water pollution, land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and high production costs. The urgency of this challenge leads to several main problems including climate change, food security, and carbon emission reduction targets.

Climate change, land degradation, and pests and diseases are at least a concern for the agricultural corps, including tea, coffee and cocoa plantations. This condition has impacts on reducing the quality of production, water resources, outbreaks and decreasing the population and diversity of pollinators. Dr. Nick mentioned the use of alternative fertilizers, agroforestry, ecological management and minimizing the use of pesticides as mitigation efforts. This is different with non-perennial plants such as rice, Dr. Nick said the DNDC system or DeNitrification-DeComposition) is a rice farming model that can simulate the greenhouse gases produced.

The summer course participants were enthusiastic in attending all the lectures, it is hoped that through these activities students can contribute to innovation in the development of sustainable agricultural systems while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and biodiversity within it.