The 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS), held from October 14 to 18, 2024, at Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, carried the theme “Competing to Hone the Creativity of Indonesia’s Talented Students into Solution-Oriented, Innovative, and Productive Individuals.” This event serves as the pinnacle of national-scale student scientific activities, providing a platform for scholarly interactions, knowledge exchange, and communication of innovative creations among students.

The UGM Biocane PKM-RE Team, led by Tiara Putria Judith from the Faculty of Biology UGM, along with Salfa Athallah Agtari Nabillah (Biology 2021), Thoriq Abdul Halim (Biology 2021), Fahmi Arsyad (Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering 2021), and Hernita Fika Ardiyati (Food and Agricultural Product Technology 2022). Under the guidance of Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the team presented research titled “Innovation of DNA Barcoding as Molecular Detection for the Enhancement of Superior Genetic Screening in Local Indonesian Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).” Their project earned Second Place, equivalent to a Silver Award, in the Poster category of PKM-RE-4.

The poster served as an optimized medium for information transfer, allowing the Biocane Team to convey their research findings visually. Through a combination of images and concise text, the poster effectively communicated the ideas and research outcomes, engaging the audience in a deeper discussion. This interaction facilitated new insights into the advantages of DNA barcoding as an approach to overcome the limitations of conventional identification methods in selecting potential parental hybrids of sugarcane in Indonesia. In line with the theme of the 37th PIMNAS, which emphasizes innovation and productivity, the Biocane Team aims to provide solution-driven and innovative advancements for the agricultural sector. It is hoped that this achievement will serve as a stepping stone for even more brilliant research explorations in the future.

Monday, September 30 2024, the Community Service team of Wukirsari Village Partner, held its third activity in Wukirsari Village, Kapanewon Cangkringan, Sleman Regency. The activity was opened and guided by Dr. Maryani, M.Sc. which was continued with remarks from the team leader, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. At this third meeting, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Sc., M.App.Sc. explained about microalgae with the theme “Introduction to Spirulina: Cultivation and Benefits”. The 35 participants of Sruni village PKK, were told that Spirulina is algae that is very small in size, green in color, spiral-shaped, and can be found in any water body, whether in rivers, seas or ponds. This algae is very rich in nutrients and healthy. Spirulina contains high protein, up to 70%, the same as protein from eggs. Apart from increasing endurance, reducing the risk of diabetes and cholesterol, it can also support children’s growth to avoid stunting. “The harvested products are in the form of powder, such as flour, which can then be made into capsules or various products, and sold at relatively high prices,” said Dr. Eko while showing gallons containing Spirulina culture and samples of Spirulina powder which had been neatly packaged to the participants who were enthusiastic about listening to the presentation. “This powder product can be added directly to various foods: mixed with warm rice, added to soupy foods, or mixed into drinks,” he added.

Dr. Eko also explained how to cultivate Spirulina, namely by mixing the Spirulina starter into clean water and adding fertilizer. Apart from that, by adjusting the pH, providing an aerator connected to a hose, and a lamp, the Spirulina culture can be harvested in around 7-21 days or when the color is bluish green. Harvesting is done by filtering the culture using a nylon filter, then squeezing it until a paste is obtained. Next, the paste is exposed to the sun to dry.

In this activity, a method for cultivating Spirulina was also demonstrated by using unused gallons of mineral water. This session was assisted by students, namely Renata Adaranyssa Egistha Putri, Muhammad Farrel Zharif Zidane, and Finka Aulia. Spirulina starter is mixed with clean water in a 1:1 ratio. Fertilizer, in which the composition is the result of research by the microalgae team under the supervision of Dr. Eko, then added to the culture mixture as a source of nutrients that support the growth of Spirulina. The aerator and light are then installed into the gallon. This culture is grown until it is ready to be harvested when the color is bluish green. Aerators and lights can be periodically turned on and off alternately day or night. This session was then continued with a discussion regarding the material and a quiz with door prizes which increased participants’ enthusiasm in answering questions.

In this third activity, the entire Wukirsari partner village team was involved, namely Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Sc., Mrs. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Sc., Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Sc., and Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. It is hoped that today’s activity will broaden the knowledge of people who may not know much about microalgae, especially Spirulina. This activity is expected to support the achievement of Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Healthy and Prosperous Lives (3); No Hunger (2); No Poverty (1).

After the presentation of the Spirulina theme was finished, the lecturer team and participants went together to the hydroponic planting site, which was the theme that had been presented at the previous meeting. Various plants grown hydroponically, such as kale, lettuce and mustard greens, grow very well and are ready to be harvested. The team from the Faculty of Biology UGM also provided UV plastic for a semi-greenhouse which was initiated by PKK of Sruni Village.

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Marine Studies Group (KSK) organized “KSK Mengajar” program at Mafaza Orphanage in Warungboto, Bantul, Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (KMP). The event took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB and was attended by 63 participants and 17 committee members.

The event began with an introduction to marine life and the Marine Studies Group (KSK), followed by an interactive game session. In the second session, participants received inspirational material on motivation for achieving their dreams. The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photo session.

The success of this event was supported by donations, which were collected from August 27 to 31, 2024, Rp1,430,000 was raised and directly handed over to the orphanage on the day of the event.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the donors, Mafaza Orphanage, KMP, and everyone who contributed to the success of the “KSK Teaching #2” program in 2024.
[Writer: KSK]

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Marine Studies Group (KSK) organized “KSK Mengajar” program at Mafaza Orphanage in Warungboto, Bantul, Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (KMP). The event took place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM WIB and was attended by 63 participants and 17 committee members.

The event began with an introduction to marine life and the Marine Studies Group (KSK), followed by an interactive game session. In the second session, participants received inspirational material on motivation for achieving their dreams. The program concluded with the distribution of prizes and a group photo session.
The success of this event was supported by donations, which were collected from August 27 to 31, 2024, Rp1,430,000 was raised and directly handed over to the orphanage on the day of the event.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all the donors, Mafaza Orphanage, KMP, and everyone who contributed to the success of the “KSK Teaching #2” program in 2024.
[Writer: KSK]

Yogyakarta, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 69th anniversary with a lively Tasyakuran event held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the Auditorium Biologi Tropika. The event took place following an Open Senate Meeting earlier that morning, which was part of the official anniversary celebration before transitioning to the Tasyakuran festivities in the afternoon.

The Tasyakuran was filled with warmth and attended by faculty leaders, lecturers, educational staff, students, the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Faculty of Biology, and invited guests. The event was opened by Asrindon, S.I.Kom., and Annisa Mawarni, S.Si., who enlivened the atmosphere with humor.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., delivered a speech focusing on gratitude towards all administrators and members of the Faculty of Biology. “Not all educational institutions reach 69 years, so we should be grateful that our beloved Faculty continues to exist and thrive,” said Prof. Budi.

Following this, a traditional “cutting of the tumpeng” ceremony was conducted by the Senate Chair, accompanied by the Dean and Vice Dean. The first portion of the tumpeng was given to the youngest lecturer, Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc., and the second portion was awarded to the Chairman of the 69th Anniversary Committee, Mr. Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

In addition to the tumpeng ceremony, the Tasyakuran featured various performances by lecturers, educational staff, and students. The mascot Mefi performed, followed by a Bio Line Dance to the song “Kupu-Kupu,” poetry reading by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., titled “3K+69,” song performances by Fani Sukria and Kalleb William, and a flash mob titled “Gugur Gunung” added to the festive atmosphere.

After the entertainment session, the event continued with the presentation of mementos to retiring lecturers and educational staff for the year 2024: Dr. Siti Sumarmi, Slamet Riyadi, Haryanto, and Harjana.

The Faculty of Biology also recognized the best educational staff of 2024, including Siti Nur Haidah, S.E. (Administration), Yuni Hartati (Laboratory), Maria (Cleaning and Environment), and Dwi Ristanto (K5L). Awards for outstanding students from both undergraduate and graduate programs were announced, including Ridho Nur Alam (Undergraduate Academic Category), Maidira Marsa (Undergraduate Sports Category), Kheysa Alvina Handayani (Undergraduate Arts Category), and Aryan Mustamin (Graduate Academic Category).

In the next session, as a commitment to environmental responsibility, the Faculty of Biology symbolically handed out tumblers that will be distributed to all new students in the 2024 cohort as part of a campaign to reduce plastic waste on campus. Educational assistance was also provided by the Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Faculty of Biology UGM to eight students selected by the Academic team with the Dean’s approval.

The event concluded with a door prize draw, further enlivening the Tasyakuran atmosphere. Prizes were donated not only by the Faculty of Biology but also by CV. Tri Mitra Jaya, CV. Asih Manunggal, PT. Diastika Biotekindo, BPR Bank Bantul (Perseroda), and WK Group. The 69th Anniversary Tasyakuran of the Faculty of Biology UGM ended with hopes for continued achievement, innovation, and global recognition.

Happy 69th Anniversary to the Faculty of Biology UGM!

Yogyakarta, September 21, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again held a cross-generation alumni gathering as part of the 69th Anniversary celebrations. The event, which took place at the B Building of the Faculty of Biology, was attended by more than 120 alumni from various generations who are part of the Keluarga Alumni Biologi Gadjah Mada (Kabiogama).

The event began with an Obah Gumregah exercise session led by an instructor, inviting participants to join in a lively workout in an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie. Following the exercise, a welcoming speech was delivered by Dr. Drs. Ario S. Setiadi, MM, PhD, CPM, CHRM, President of the Kabiogama Central Board (PP Kabiogama). In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of maintaining resilience and synergy among alumni to strengthen the network and support the future development of the Faculty of Biology at UGM.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., then conveyed his gratitude for the enthusiasm shown by the alumni. He emphasized that the contributions of alumni play a vital role in advancing the faculty, not only in academic development but also in expanding collaborative networks.

The core part of the event featured a presentation by Prof. Dr. Sofyan Anif, M.Si., with the theme “Weaving Synergy, Towards Alumni Independence and Resilience.” In his presentation, he encouraged alumni to continue contributing to national development through independence, resilience, and collaboration, both academically and professionally. The session also included the symbolic launch of the new Kabiogama membership card by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni at the Faculty of Biology, along with the President of PP Kabiogama.

After the presentation, the event became even more lively with various fun games. Laughter, sing-alongs, and nostalgic stories filled the air, strengthening the bonds among alumni. The event concluded with the distribution of door prizes, generously donated by alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, adding to the joy of the participants.

This alumni gathering served as a crucial moment to strengthen the relationships between cross-generation alumni and enhance synergy in the collective effort to build a stronger and more resilient Faculty of Biology UGM for the future.

On September 21, 2024, Dr. drh. Hendry Trisakti Saragih, M.P., from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, delivered a presentation on the proper maintenance of maron chickens to the residents of Dusun Pajangan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The event was opened with remarks from Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., who explained that the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Dusun Pajangan has been ongoing since 2019 and also involves students from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. In 2024, the community service programs in Dusun Pajangan include the Desa Mitra and MBKM-PkM Programs. The RW 16 village head, Mr. Sumadi, expressed his support for the program, which is coordinated by Mr. Gunardi, S.Si., the head of the Takmir Masjid Jami’ Darussalam Pajangan.

During this event as one of the activity series of Desa Mitra Grand in Wedomartani Village, Dr. Hendry explained the management of maron chickens, including the ideal cage design and the production of simple feed utilizing organic waste from the surrounding environment. Maron chickens, a crossbreed between Arab hens and Lingnan roosters, grow faster than local chickens and begin laying eggs at the age of seven months. The potential of maron chickens to boost the local economy is significant, as their eggs resemble local chicken eggs and can be sold at a higher price.

The cultivation of maron chickens aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including no. 1, no poverty, as maron chickens can lay eggs relatively quickly in large quantities and are highly marketable. It also supports no. 2, zero hunger, and no. 3, good health and well-being, as maron chicken eggs can be used to meet family nutritional needs. Moreover, this initiative contributes to SDG no. 12, responsible consumption and production, as the maintenance of maron chickens not only reduces organic waste but also produces manure useful for plants. The participants were highly engaged during the discussion, particularly about feed production and the idea of establishing a “chicken posyandu” for community care and oversight of chickens.

Yogyakarta, September 7, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) actively participated in the “Technology Innovation Exhibition of the Agrocomplex Faculties of Universitas Gadjah Mada,” held as part of AgriFest 2024. The event, which took place from September 5 to 7, 2024, was themed “Adapting to the Era of Technological Disruption in the Agricultural Sector to Achieve National Food Security” and was organized by the Pusat Inovasi Agroteknologi (PIAT) UGM.

During the exhibition, the UGM Faculty of Biology showcased 18 products and services resulting from research conducted by its faculty members. These products and services include a variety of innovations aimed at supporting national food security, ranging from biotechnology, plant breeding products, laboratory consultation services, to environmentally friendly ecological solutions. The Faculty of Biology’s participation in this event demonstrates its significant contribution to the adaptation of agricultural technology in the current era of disruption.

The exhibition was attended by curated academics from UGM and was open to various groups, including agricultural practitioners, representatives from local governments, academics, industry players, agricultural entrepreneurs, millennial farmers, and farmer group representatives. Over the three-day event, the exhibition attracted more than 1,000 visitors, highlighting the high level of interest from various stakeholders in technological innovations in the agricultural sector (SDG 2, SDG 9, SDG 12).

The involvement of the UGM Faculty of Biology in AgriFest 2024 not only introduced innovative research outcomes but also opened up opportunities for collaboration with various stakeholders, including those from academia, industry, and government. The Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes that through its participation, it can further strengthen its contribution to the development of agricultural technology, ultimately supporting the achievement of national food security in the future (SDG 17).

AgriFest 2024 has proven to be an effective platform for connecting technological innovations with relevant practitioners and stakeholders, fostering synergies in the effort to achieve national food security in this era of technological disruption (SDG 2).

On Monday, August 26, 2024, a community service event was held in Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency. Wukirsari Village Partner was one of the nine villages mentored by the UGM Faculty of Biology in 2024. The event was opened and moderated by Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., with remarks from Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., a representative from the Mitra Wukirsari Village Team. The main training material was presented by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., on the topic of the Potential & Prospects of Hydroponic Vegetable Cultivation. Hydroponics is a plant cultivation technique that uses water as a medium instead of soil, and is distinct from pot cultivation and vertical farming techniques, offering numerous advantages and ease of setup.

During this event, the village women of Sruni were introduced to the Wick System, a simple hydroponic method that does not use a pump and therefore incurs no electricity costs, making it cheaper and easier to set up. The plants used for hydroponic demonstration included lettuce, mustard greens, bok choy, and water spinach, though other plants such as chili peppers, tomatoes, bell peppers, beans, spinach, cucumbers, and fruit plants like strawberries and melons can also be grown hydroponically.

The advantages of hydroponic techniques include no need for large land areas, efficient water use, high productivity, no soil media, optimal nutrient conditions, reusable nutrient media, and freedom from pests and weeds. Therefore, it was hoped that the Sruni villagers would implement hydroponic techniques at home to enhance food self-sufficiency. Key factors to consider in hydroponic cultivation include the health of seedlings (healthy, green, and disease-free), media, oxygen availability, aeration, pH levels, light intensity, and temperature.

Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. explained the steps for hydroponic plant cultivation. The first step involved preparing tools and materials, seeding, making nutrient media, and transferring seedlings into the hydroponic nutrient media. Seeding was done in rock wool for about 4-5 days. Nutrient solution preparation involved mixing solutions A and B in a 5 ml/liter ratio. Participants practiced setting up wicks in hydroponic containers, preparing nutrient media, and transferring prepared seedlings into the Wick System hydroponic media. Harvest-ready bok choy from hydroponic cultivation was displayed as a success example, inspiring participants to apply hydroponic techniques at home.

The event was attended by 27 participants from the Sruni Village PKK, divided into five groups, each guided by a faculty member. Faculty members involved included Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D., Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si. The community was enthusiastic about practicing hydroponics, finding it easy to apply at home and capable of meeting daily food needs, thus supporting self-sufficiency in food. The event aimed to contribute to Indonesia’s SDGs: (1) No Poverty; (2) Zero Hunger; (3) Good Health and Well-being; and (12) Responsible Consumption and Production.

At the end of the event, a discussion was held on the material covered, and a quiz with door prizes was conducted, increasing participants’ enthusiasm for answering questions about hydroponic techniques. Monitoring was also carried out on the compost and liquid fertilizer production from a previous event to evaluate and ensure the community’s consistency in reducing waste burned or disposed of in landfills by converting organic waste into fertilizer.

Thursday, August 8, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada held a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the implementation of outcome-based education for Doctor in Biology Study Program. This event held in hybrid manner, at the Cakra Kusuma Hotel and via zoom meeting. Attended by all lecturers for the doctoral program, the workshop aimed to enhance the quality of education within the Faculty of Biology UGM.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized the importance of understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the teaching and learning process. The event continued with a presentation delivered by Prof. Luke Daniels, Ph.D., from The College of Idaho, on Development of Doctoral Program to Address Global Challenges. Prof. Daniels highlighted the need for doctoral graduates to be innovative in their fields. Therefore, curriculum development must consider the strengths that already possessed by the university while also keeping pace with developments such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality of learning and research.

The 2nd session was delivered by the Director of Directorate of Academic Studies and Innovation (DKIA) UGM, Dr.Agr.Sc. Ir. Hatma Suryatmojo, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU. ASEAN Eng. The presented topic was “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Learning and Research”. Dr. Hatma commended the quick response of the Faculty of Biology to the advancements of the AI era in supporting educational and research, as well as community services.

In his presentation, Dr. Hatma highlighted the increasingly indispensable role of AI in teaching and learning activities. He explained AI can be effectively integrated to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. A point he emphasized was the role of lecturers in overseeing the use of AI to ensure its relevance. Lecturers obliged to stimulate and encourage students to understand and deepen their knowledge through further discussion. The Vice Dean, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., added that the Faculty of Biology UGM has already implemented the latest technology in drafting the Strategic Plan (Renstra) 2023.

The next session was conducted by the Head of the Sub-Directorate of Academic Studies DKIA UGM, Dr. Irwan Endrayanto, S.Si., M.Sc., on Simaster for Course Plan (RPKPS) and Portfolios. As an introduction, Dr. Irwan explained the standards of the learning process at Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasizing the importance of assessment in the learning process.
Effective and efficient assessment requires well-structured RPKPS. Technology, such as the Simaster plays a role in facilitating the creation and management of the document. During this session, Dr. Irwan was assisted by Andri Andreas Priyanto and Muhammad Lathif Febriyanto, S.Pd., who guided lecturers through the practical process of filling out and preparing RPKPS and portfolios using the Simaster.
This workshop demonstrates the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and the competence of lecturers in implementing the Tri Dharma of higher education particularly in the Doctoral Program, align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on providing quality and inclusive education (SDGs No. 4).