SDG 2 : Erase Hunger

Arsip:

Ph.D. STUDENT FROM BIOLOGY UGM CONDUCTED JOINT RESEARCH AT NATURALIS BIODIVERSITY CENTER & HORTUS BOTANICUS LEIDEN NETHERLAND

Student Activities Tuesday, 14 October 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), has a long-standing partnership with Leiden University, including a joint research program. Dany Lesmana Hakim, a doctoral student in Biology at UGM, had the opportunity to undertake this program at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Hortus botanicus Leiden, Netherlands, from October 7^th– 19^th, 2025. During his visit to Leiden, Dany conducted research related to his dissertation.

During his visit to the Naturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden, Dany observed all herbarium specimens of Myristica fragrans Houtt. originating from Asia including: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The herbarium specimens of Nutmeg are located in the 4th floor Collection Lab or known as CoLa4. On the first day, the Collection manager of Botanie (Susana Arias Guerrero) provided an introduction to the storage location of the plant herbarium specimens and also safety instructions in the laboratory. Several parts of the nutmeg plant were observed including: leaves, fruit, and seeds and a comparison of the unique morphology of nutmeg plants from various regions of origin of the collection was carried out. This source of information obtained will later be used as supporting data in the dissertation research.

In addition to visiting the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Dany visited the Hortus botanicus Leiden which is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and Western Europe built in 1590. This botanical garden has an area of up to 4 hectares. This first visit, Dany met with Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Paul Kessler as his dissertation Co-supervisor lecturer at the Hortus Grand Café located inside the Hortus botanicus Leiden. In addition to discussing his dissertation research, Dany and Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Paul Kessler also toured the Hortus botanicus. Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Paul Kessler explained the history and also the plant collections in the Hortus botanicus Leiden. The initiation of the establishment of the Hortus botanicus Leiden after the establishment of Leiden Universiteit by building a herbal garden for teaching media for medical students located behind the academic building of the Rapenburg campus.

The collection of plants in the Hortus is very complete originating from all over the world including Indonesia which are grown both in the greenhouse and outside the greenhouse. The plants in the greenhouse generally contain tropical plants that cannot survive in the Dutch environment. Examples of these plants include: Jade flower (Strongylodon macrobotrys), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), giant water lily (Victoria amazonica), lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Pekinensis Rubra’), Japanese terbas tree (Zelkova serrata), pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.), giant corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), various orchids (over 4000 species, one of which is Grammatophyllum speciosum), Fagus sylvatica tree, Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis), Thunbergia mysorensis, Ginkgo biloba, banana cultivar ‘Siam Ruby’, Myristica fragrans Houtt. from Indonesia, Aristolochia arborea, sweet starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) which originates from Java to Maluku, Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), Monstera sp., Hibiscus sp., pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. ‘Victoria’), Acalypha hispida, Citrus sp., Pseudocydonia sinensis, Aster tataricus, Helonias thibetica, Clerodendrum bungei Steud., Rostrinucula dependens, Gaultheria borneensis, and Gaultheria procumbens.

This joint research program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): zero hunger (SDG 2), quality education (SDG 4), life on land (SDG 15), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). The joint research program is funded by the UGM Directorate of Global Cooperation 2025 and the INUCoST 2025 research fund.

PRACTICAL PROCESSING OF HOME GARDEN CROPS INTO MARKETABLE PRODUCTS

Community Service Wednesday, 24 September 2025

In order to increase the economic value of home garden crops, PkM-MBKM 2025 Team, led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. conducted a practical session on processing the home garden crop into marketable products on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Kalurahan Wirokerten, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, consisting of Jovanka, Khansa Fauziah Rachman, Samantha Sonya Putri, and Dhea Amelia, first presented the procedures on how to process the crops, followed by a joint practice session on processing rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf). During this activity, the cultivated products were processed into rosella syrup and jam, rosella tea, butterfly pea tea, ginger tea, lemongrass tea, and butterfly pea noodles.

The activity began with a presentation on the procedures for making rosella syrup and jam, teas made from rosella, butterfly pea, ginger, and lemongrass, as well as butterfly pea noodles–starting from drying the harvested home garden crops, preparing the ingredients, and processing them. The presentation was then followed by a demonstration on making rosella syrup using dried rosella petals which then reused to make rosella jam to minimize waste. The activity continued with the making of tea from rosella, telang, lemongrass, and ginger with combinations according to the KWT Amanda members’ personal preference and creativity. The PkM MBKM team and KWT Amanda members also collaborated to make noodles with butterfly pea flower coloring, starting from making the dough, flattening, and cutting the noodle dough, then cooking them with various seasonings and toppings such as bok choys, meatballs, sausages, and eggs. The noodle dough was processed in two different ways: some were steamed and then dried, and some were boiled for immediate cooking. All processed products were made without preservatives. At the end of this activity, everyone enjoyed the processed products they had made together.

In this home garden crops product processing practice, KWT Amanda members were very enthusiastic about following each step of making the products from rosella, butterfly pea, lemongrass, and ginger, which they will later be able to do independently when the plants are mature enough to be harvested. KWT Amanda members also actively asked questions and participated in making the processed products, resulting in active interaction between both parties. Additionally, they greatly enjoyed the processed products that were made, which could serve as inspiration for processed home garden crops products that appeal to various groups of society. This activity is expected to increase food availability and security (SDG 2) and produce processed products that can improve the nutritional quality and health of the community (SDG 3). The development of value-added products opens up new business opportunities and strengthens the local resource-based economy (SDG 9), while this collaboration strengthens the relationship between the implementing team and the partner community (SDG 17).

Collaboration between UGM Faculty of Biology and Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo: Training on Processing Water Hyacinth into Eco-Enzymes and Silage for Animal Feed

Cooperation News Release Thursday, 11 September 2025

Sobokerto, 11 September 2025 – PT Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo, in collaboration with the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in the form of a socialization and training session on producing eco-enzymes and silage for animal feed using water hyacinth as raw material. The event, held at Sobokerto Village Hall from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, was attended by 40 participants from three community groups: Ngudi Makmur Farmer Group, Tirtokahuripan Fish Cage Group, and Sumber Rezeki Floating Net Group.

The program began with opening remarks from Sobokerto Village Head, Mr. Surahmi, and Junior Supervisor of RSD AFT Adi Sumarmo, Mr. Shoiful Amri. The training featured two main speakers: Dr. Siti Nurbaeti, S.Si., who presented material on utilizing water hyacinth for eco-enzyme production, and Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., who delivered a session and hands-on practice on producing silage for animal feed. Following the presentations, all participants actively engaged in the practical session of making eco-enzymes and silage. Interestingly, this was the first time the participants were introduced to these technologies, yet they showed great enthusiasm throughout the training.

The event was also attended by Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., a doctoral student at the Faculty of Biology UGM, who supported the community service activities as part of achieving Key Performance Indicator (KPI) 2, which emphasizes student learning experiences beyond the campus. As a step to strengthen cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between PT Pertamina Patra Niaga AFT Adi Sumarmo and the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This activity has strong relevance to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the training, the community is expected to transform water hyacinth—long considered a weed—into eco-friendly and valuable products. The utilization of water hyacinth for eco-enzymes and bio-absorbents contributes to water quality improvement and aquatic ecosystem preservation, supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The production of silage for animal feed enhances livestock feed security and supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Repurposing waste into value-added products promotes responsible consumption and production in line with SDG 12, while the collaboration among companies, universities, and communities reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through this initiative, the Sobokerto community is expected to become more empowered in managing local environmental resources while fostering economic, ecological, and social sustainability by turning water hyacinth into value-added products.

UGM and UWE Strengthen International Collaboration on Regenerative Agriculture Research

News Release Monday, 1 September 2025

Yogyakarta, 30 August 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the School of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England (UWE), held an online meeting on Friday, 29 August 2025, to strengthen research and educational collaboration between the two institutions.

The meeting was attended by key representatives from both universities. From the Faculty of Biology UGM, participants included Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs; Dr. Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Head of the Office of International Affairs (OIA); and Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, DPhil., lecturer at the Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation. From UWE, Dr. Adrian Crew, Head of the MRes Applied Sciences Program, joined the meeting along with one of his students, Tawny Bucks.

The agenda focused on updates regarding ongoing joint research projects and discussions on future opportunities for collaboration in both research and teaching. One of the key highlights was a project conducted in Simeuleu Island, Aceh, which emphasizes regenerative agriculture practices to support ecosystem sustainability and improve community well-being. The project is a collaborative effort between UGM and UWE, with direct involvement from Tawny Bucks and Syefrina Rosyida, an alumna of UGM’s Master Program in Biology.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continue the collaboration on an equal and sustainable basis. As an initial step, they agreed to develop a concept note that will serve as the foundation for further research projects in regenerative agriculture.

“This meeting marks an important momentum to strengthen research synergy between UGM and UWE, especially on global issues such as sustainable agriculture and conservation,” said Dr. Eko Agus Suyono.

The collaboration is expected not only to generate academic innovation but also to deliver real solutions to environmental and social challenges, particularly in remote areas such as Simeuleu. It also opens up wider opportunities for students and researchers from both institutions to engage in international academic activities. In line with the commitment to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this initiative contributes to enhancing food security (SDG 2), strengthening climate action (SDG 13), and promoting the sustainable protection of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). Through this partnership, UGM and UWE are taking concrete steps to integrate academic research with global sustainable development objectives.

Spice Research Team of INUCoST, Faculty of Biology, UGM, Undertakes Exploration in East Kalimantan

News Release Monday, 11 August 2025

The spice research team WP (Work Package) 2, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. in the INUCoST (Indonesia-Netherlands Universities Consortium for Sustainable Futures) platform, has been exploring spices in East Kalimantan. The initial phase of the spice exploration focused on the buffer zone of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), including the Samarinda City and four districts in Penajam Paser Utara Regency. The exploration, conducted from July 30 to August 3, 2025, collaborated with lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mulawarman University, and coordinated with the research team from Leiden University, Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Paul Kessler and Roderick Boumann.

The spice exploration on the first day began with a visit to the Wanariset Herbarium in Samboja subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara district. During the visit, discussions were held, and spice specimens from the herbarium collection were recorded. These activities provided a wealth of information about spices and traditional medicinal plants used by the people of Kalimantan. This information was crucial as initial data for spice exploration, particularly in East Kalimantan. Spice documentation is conducted by observing the herbarium’s various collections, including dried specimens, spirit specimens, and living collections planted around the area. Additionally, the team had the opportunity to directly observe and study the drying process of specimens for the herbarium collection.

A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held with partners and relevant agencies to initiate the exploration of spices in the city of Samarinda, East Kalimantan. Attendees included Mr. Rahmadona, a representative of the Dayak tribe, the Forestry Department of East Kalimantan, the Nature Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of East Kalimantan, the Dean and Vice Dean of Mulawarman University, and the Research and Community Service Institute (LP2M) of Mulawarman University. The FGD began with a presentation by the spice team leader, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on the definition of spices, global spice distribution routes, and an explanation of the spice project of INUCoST Work Package 2 being implemented in East Kalimantan. The session continued with a discussion on spice diversity in East Kalimantan. The discussion outcomes were used to gather initial data on the diversity of spices existing in East Kalimantan.

The survey and data collection on spices were done by visiting various traditional markets, starting with Loa Janan and Subuh traditional markets in Kutai Kartanegara regency; Pandansari, Buton, and Inpres traditional markets in Balikpapan; and Petung and Penajam Central traditional markets in Penajam Paser Utara regency. Additionally, the team conducted surveys at several traditional herbal medicine vendors, such as herbs sellers in Argomulyo village, Sepaku sub-district, and Dapur Sehat in Waru sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara. The spice research team also had the opportunity to visit the home gardens of Paser ethnic group residents in Paser sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara. Some spices successfully documented from the Paser ethnic group include Bonglai, or Mango Ginger (Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr.), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle), and Kecombrang, or torch ginger (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.), which were found growing abundantly in the residents’ yards.

The entire spice exploration program was successfully implemented. A total of 53 spice specimens were collected during the exploration. The specimens were then collected and preserved in both spirit and dry preservation at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The list of spices and the specimens obtained represent crucial information for understanding the richness of Indonesia’s native spice diversity and its distribution. (MSR)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

2 : Zero Hunger

8 : Decent Work and Economic Growth

12 : Responsible Consumption and Production

15 : Life on Land

17 : 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.

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 Service News 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)

GAMA AYAM Distributes Incubators and Breeding Chickens to Support KWT Srikandi Mrican

Cooperation News Release Monday, 2 June 2025

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – February 19, 2025 – As part of its continued commitment to community empowerment, the GAMA AYAM team has provided an egg incubator and breeding chickens to the Srikandi Women Farmers Group (KWT Srikandi Mrican). This initiative, under the Pertamina Foundation’s PF Sains Implementation Program, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable local chicken farming.

The distribution ceremony was held at the KWT Srikandi Mrican demonstration plot and coincided with the group’s monthly meeting. The symbolic handover was carried out by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on behalf of the GAMA AYAM team, and received by Ms. Nur Handayani, Chair of KWT Srikandi Mrican. Also in attendance were Mr. Heru, a representative of MAHAR chicken breeders from Condong Catur, along with GAMA AYAM team members Dian Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. and Yusuf Febrianta.

This program is expected to significantly boost chicken farming efforts at the KWT demonstration site. The introduction of incubator technology is a step forward in improving hatch rates and increasing the availability of day-old chicks (DOCs), enhancing the group’s capacity to achieve egg self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs No.9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the introduction of scalable agricultural technology; SDGs No.11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by empowering urban women farmers in productive agriculture; and SDGs No 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration between GAMA AYAM and KWT Srikandi Mrican. By supporting these SDGs, the partnership contributes to a broader mission of building resilient, self-sufficient communities and a more sustainable world.

Designing of the MBKM Village Development Program: Optimization of Tlatar Fruit Garden as a Fruit Center and Tourism Village

Community Service Wednesday, 28 May 2025

On April 13, 2025, students of the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Village Development program again demonstrated real contributions in developing the potential of tourism villages through the design of sustainable agriculture-based programs and empowerment of local resources in the tourist destination village of Kabut Kebonalas Manisrenggo Klaten. This discussion activity was carried out by Nurhayati, together with her team, namely Tiara Syifa Wididevani, Putri Ramadhanti, and Mirmastu Lintu Nirmala Wasti, under the guidance of Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. This discussion was carried out directly with Mr. Drs. Suwadi as the the secretary of Kebonalas and also as the Head of POKDARWIS Kabut Kebonalas, as a form of initial collaboration in the implementation of the integrative program between MBKM and KKN PPM UGM for the period June 20–August 2025. This activity also involved Mr. Yousuf Sulaiman, S.IP as a practitioner. The main focus of the program is the management and optimization of the Tlatar Fruit Garden through an educational approach, sustainable agriculture, and innovation based on local biodiversity.

The scope of the program includes greenhouse management as a center for education and production of horticultural plants, especially eggplant and melon plants. In addition, this activity will also provide education related to fertilization techniques and care for starfruit and longan plants. The MBKM program also encourages the use of local plants as alternative food sources, such as cincau leaves and moringa leaves which have the potential to become processed products with high economic value.

This discussion is the first step in preparing for the implementation of KKN with the theme “Optimizing the Potential of Tourism Villages in Manisrenggo through the Integration of Health, Agriculture, and Digitalization in the Development of Local Potential Based on Biodiversity to Support Sustainable Development Goals.” The theme was raised in line with the MBKM program which is oriented towards sustainable agriculture and supports the SDGs for dealing with hunger, SDGs for poverty, SDGs for health, and SDGs for terrestrial ecosystem conservation. Through this program, it is hoped that Kebon Alas Village can become an example of developing an integrated agricultural and health-based tourism village, while also encouraging food independence and improving community welfare through empowering local potential.

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