The Community Service Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with faculty members Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. and Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., held a training session on composting and liquid organic fertilizer for members of the Gerakan Ekonomi Kaum Ibu (GEMI). The team also included students from different academic levels who assisted with the field activities. The student team was led by Zahratun Nadwatits Tsaniyah, an undergraduate student, together with Foumiga Gusten Oktaviana, Berliana Aura Cinta Laela, and Lintang Permatasari. Anggistina Wulansari from the Master’s Program and Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech. from the Doctoral Program of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, also took part in the activity. Additional support was provided by Fannia Esa Alfira, Gabriela Arista Phoebe Sutanto, Angga Firza Pratama, and Muhammad Naufal Arya Pratama.

The activity was conducted under the 2026 Faculty of Biology UGM Community Service Grant with the theme “Application of Composting and Liquid Organic Fertilizer Technologies to Support Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture among GEMI Partner Communities toward Healthy and Prosperous Lives (SDG 3).” The training was held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Joglo Ketandan, Ketandan Hamlet, Patalan Village, Jetis District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. Participants were women from the GEMI Rembug Manggis and Mekar Sari groups.

The training was part of a series of community service activities conducted by the Faculty of Biology, UGM, from March to November 2026. During the second semester of the program, activities focused on education and practical training related to integrated biosecurity, including the management of household organic waste through composting and liquid organic fertilizer production.

Turning Organic Waste into Fertilizer

Vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and dry leaves from household activities still contain organic matter that can be put to good use. One way to do this is through composting. During the training, participants were introduced to compost as a solid organic fertilizer produced through the decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms.

Materials such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and dry leaves were prepared for composting. During the process, microorganisms gradually break down the organic matter into a more stable material that can be added to soil or growing media. Compost adds organic matter to the soil, helps retain moisture, and supports better soil conditions for plant growth.

Participants also learned about liquid organic fertilizer (LOF), which is produced through the fermentation of organic materials. The practical session used EM4 and molasses. EM4 provides microorganisms that support decomposition and fermentation, while molasses serves as a carbon source for microbial activity. The fermentation process produces a liquid fertilizer that can be used on plants.

LOF can be applied by watering it around the root area or spraying it onto plant parts after it has been diluted with water at an appropriate concentration. Proper use is important because plants have different nutrient requirements. Therefore, LOF introduced during the training was presented as a supplementary input for plant growth rather than as the sole source of plant nutrients.

Compost and LOF were selected for the training because their basic materials are readily available in everyday household activities. Organic materials from the kitchen and surrounding environment can be processed and put to use for home gardens and food crops.

Hands-on Training in Compost and LOF Production

The activity began with an introduction to the community service team, followed by a pre-test to assess the participants’ initial understanding of compost and LOF. The main session was delivered by Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech., who explained the basic principles of organic waste management, composting and fermentation, as well as the use of the resulting products for plants.

After the presentation, the student team demonstrated how to make compost and LOF. Participants were then divided into groups and carried out the procedures themselves with guidance from the students. They prepared the organic materials and followed the steps demonstrated during the session.

The practical session also gave participants an opportunity to ask questions about suitable materials, decomposition and fermentation, and how the resulting products can be used for plants. By working through the process themselves, participants could see each stage of compost and LOF production and put the information from the presentation into practice.

The participants remained actively engaged during the discussion and question-and-answer session. Many of their questions concerned household organic waste management, fertilizer production, and its use for plants. The activity concluded with door prizes and a post-test to assess changes in participants’ understanding following the training.

Supporting Food Security at the Household Level

Turning organic waste into compost and LOF can become a simple household activity. In addition to helping manage organic waste, the resulting products can be used for plants grown around the home. This approach makes use of locally available resources and can support household gardening and food production.

The activity also introduced a more practical approach to managing household organic waste by making use of materials that are still useful. Regular composting and LOF production can help reduce the amount of organic waste sent to disposal sites while making better use of organic materials available around the home.

For GEMI members, the skills gained from the training can be used independently with materials available in their own surroundings. These skills may also support household gardening activities and contribute to food security at the family level.

The activity forms part of the implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education, particularly community service, by bringing biological knowledge into practical use in the community. In relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the activity contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting food cultivation and household food security, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through healthier household environments, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through better waste management, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the reuse of household organic materials.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and GEMI encourage members of GEMI in Ketandan to manage household organic waste and make use of organic fertilizers in their daily activities. The skills gained through the training are expected to continue beyond the program and become part of everyday efforts to care for the environment and support household plant cultivation.

[Writer: Zahratun Nadwatits Tsaniyah]

Sleman, September 5, 2026 – The Community Service (PkM) Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the activity “Socialization and Mentoring on the Cultivation and Utilization of Black Rice to Support SDGs 2 and 3 in Ending Hunger and Improving Health in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman” on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB at BUMKal Wedo Sembodo, Jl. Tajem, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The activity, supported by the 2026 Community Service (PkM) Grant funding from the UGM Faculty of Biology, drew 25 participants.

The event began with an opening session, followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., as the Lead Proposer of the PkM program and event organizer; remarks from Mr. H. Muhammad Iskandar, S.E., M.E., as Director of BUMKal Wedo Sembodo; and remarks from Mr. H. Teguh Budianto as the Village Head (Lurah) of Wedomartani. The event then proceeded to its main session, featuring a presentation by the resource speaker, Mr. Catur Fajar Santoso, S.P., from the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) of Region V Pakem.

In addition to the material presentation, participants—representatives of Farmer Group Associations (Gapoktan) and Women Farmer Groups (KWT)—were invited to directly observe black rice planting practices that had been carried out on the grounds of BUMKal Wedo Sembodo. Unlike conventional cultivation in paddy fields, this planting was carried out using gallon containers as growing media, introducing an alternative small-scale black rice cultivation method that can be applied even with limited land, while also making water use more efficient during the dry season.

The event was attended by officials of the Wedomartani Village government, namely the Village Head (Lurah) and Village Secretary (Carik) of Wedomartani, along with representatives of Hamlet Heads (Dukuh) from Gondang Legi, Malang Rejo, Bakungan, Sawahan Lor, and Panjen hamlets. Also present were representatives of Farmer Groups from Tongalan, Saren, Sawahan Lor, Blotan, Gebang, Karang Sari, and Gondang Legi, as well as representatives of Women Farmer Groups (KWT) from Sawahan Lor, Malang Rejo, Karang Anyar, and Krangan.

This program was initiated as an effort to strengthen local food security based on black rice, particularly the Sembada variety, a local black rice variety native to Sleman, Yogyakarta. Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a superior commodity rich in anthocyanin pigments (antioxidants), fiber, and iron (Fe), and has a low glycemic index that is beneficial for health. Wedomartani itself is an agrarian region with approximately 512 hectares of rice fields. However, the use of black rice as an alternative food source among the community remains limited. Through this socialization and mentoring program, the PkM team hopes that the people of Wedomartani will become more familiar with proper black rice cultivation techniques while also utilizing it as a healthy alternative food source for their families.

In his presentation, Catur Fajar Santoso, S.P., delivered technical material on black rice cultivation, ranging from land preparation and seed selection to plant care, in order to achieve optimal harvest yields.

This activity is part of a series of roadmap programs by the UGM Faculty of Biology’s Community Service Team in Wedomartani Village, in partnership with BUMKal Wedo Sembodo starting in 2026. The team had previously also introduced diversified functional food products based on black rice to the Wedomartani PKK women’s group. The program is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., as Lead Proposer of the PkM program, together with Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Laurentius Hartanto Nugroho, M.Agr., as faculty members.

The implementation of this activity also involved UGM’s pigmented rice research team, namely Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Nirma Kumalasari, S.Pd., M.Sc., along with undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from the UGM Faculty of Biology: Citra Riski Nurhartanti, S.Pd., M.Sc.; Anggraeni Novia Putri, S.Pd., M.Sc.; Cory Rafsyanyani, S.Si., M.Sc.; Alifa Amalia, S.Si., M.Sc.; Ardelia Shafaa Nabiilah; Aura Prista Rukmana; Amelia Ikhsanti; and Ahmed Mortezza, who assisted in facilitating the discussion and mentoring sessions with the farmer groups and KWT.

Participant enthusiasm was evident throughout the activity, particularly during the question-and-answer session discussing practical challenges of cultivating black rice on their respective land, as well as during the direct observation of black rice planting in gallon-based media. This activity stands as a tangible embodiment of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through strengthening local food security based on black rice, and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the promotion of functional foods for community health.

Through this socialization and mentoring program, it is hoped that farmers and farmer groups in Wedomartani Village will be able to sustainably develop black rice cultivation, both in paddy fields and alternative growing media such as gallon containers, thereby not only strengthening local food security but also opening new economic opportunities for the community.

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, a hands-on workshop on mosquito resistance testing techniques—specifically the CDC bottle bioassay and impregnated paper methods—and vector control was held in the Srikandi Hall of the Center for Public Health Laboratory. The event was attended by 60 participants who had registered via the Health Portal. The opening ceremony began with a prayer, followed by remarks from the Head of BBLABKESMAS—represented by the Maternal Health Services Program Team Leader, Anjas Wulansari, SKM, MPH—and was officially opened by the Chair of the Medical Entomology College, Dr. Endah Setyaningrum, M.Biomed.

The resource persons for the workshop were Dr. Muhammad Choirul Hidayat, SKM, M.Kes., and Dr. Ir. Martini, M.Kes. Two lecturers from the Faculty of Biology played active roles during the event: Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, B.Sc., DAP&E, M.Biomed., participated as both an attendee and a moderator, while Dr. Dila Hening Windyaraini, S.Si., M.Sc., participated as both an attendee and the Master of Ceremonies (MC).

Following the presentation, a practical resistance testing session was conducted under the guidance of Ms. Kustiyah and her team. Discussions held both after the presentation and throughout the workshop were highly active. It is hoped that, having attended this national-level workshop, participants will be able to independently implement mosquito vector control measures in their respective regions. In addition to participants from Indonesia, the event was also attended by a participant from Malaysia, Dr. Azratul Hizayu Taib, from the Institute for Health Training in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.

This activity supports global and national commitments to improve community well-being through the SDGs: (3) Good Health and Well-being; (4) Quality Education; (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities; and (17) Partnerships for the Goals.

Leipzig, 8 August 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen its academic and research collaboration with Leipzig University, Germany, through the participation of seven undergraduate students in the One Health Summer Camp, held at Leipzig University from 8–22 August 2026. The program marks a continuation of the longstanding collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University in education, student mobility, research, and the advancement of the One Health approach.

This year, seven students from the Faculty of Biology UGM are participating in the One Health Summer Camp alongside students from Badr University, Egypt. The UGM delegation also includes Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. as a faculty member and academic supervisor. The delegation is further accompanied by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs.

The One Health Summer Camp builds upon a similar program conducted in the previous year. In the 2025 International Summer Camp on One Health, the Faculty of Biology UGM sent 10 students to Leipzig University, where they participated alongside students from Leipzig University and Badr University. The program provided an interdisciplinary learning environment focused on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, while also fostering knowledge exchange and international academic networks.

The continuity of the program demonstrates that the collaboration between UGM and Leipzig University extends beyond student exchange and international exposure, and continues to develop into a broader academic and research partnership. The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, has been strengthened through research activities, visiting professorships, training programs, and academic initiatives focusing on the One Health approach.

The partnership has also progressed through discussions on long-term academic programs between the two institutions. During the Faculty of Biology UGM’s visit to Leipzig University in August 2025, both institutions initiated discussions on the development of a Doctoral Double Degree Program linking the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University. This initiative represents a strategic step toward expanding international higher education networks while strengthening the integration of education and research.

In the field of research, the UGM–Leipzig collaboration has also continued to expand through research funding support from Leipzig Zoo and Leipzig University in 2025, involving Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. The funding supports collaborative research involving the Faculty of Biology UGM, Leipzig University, and the Komodo National Park, particularly research on the Komodo dragon microbiome and capacity building in conservation areas. The collaboration has also opened opportunities for Master’s students to become involved in joint research activities.

This research collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships can connect academic expertise with practical needs in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Joint research initiatives also provide opportunities for students and researchers to gain experience in cross-institutional research while expanding academic networks and laying the foundation for sustained international collaboration.

Through the 2026 One Health Summer Camp, the Faculty of Biology UGM once again provides its students with opportunities to gain academic experience in an international environment, engage with students from different countries, and explore the One Health approach from a multidisciplinary perspective. The program forms part of the Faculty’s commitment to preparing graduates with strong academic competencies, international exposure, and the ability to collaborate in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of biodiversity, health, and the environment.

Looking ahead, the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University remain committed to further expanding their collaboration through student and faculty mobility, joint degree development, collaborative research, and international academic networking. The partnership is expected to further strengthen the contributions of both institutions to the advancement of science based on the One Health and biodiversity approaches, while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Yogyakarta, August 11, 2026 – In preparation for the start of the new academic year, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada officially welcomed its newest cohort of undergraduate students through the “Academic and Student Affairs Explanation” event, held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The session took place at the Auditorium of Biologi Tropika from 08.00 to 12.00 WIB and was specifically designed for all incoming freshmen of the Class of 2026. The half‑day program served as a crucial introduction to the academic landscape and student life within the Faculty. The event was led by key faculty administrators, including the Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program, Mr. Sukrino, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. , and Ms. Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si., M.Sc. , who delivered comprehensive briefings on curriculum structure, graduation requirements, research opportunities, and the various support systems available to students.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sukrino emphasized the faculty’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and scientific inquiry, while Ms. Emi Dwi Suryanti highlighted the importance of balancing scholarly pursuits with active participation in student organizations and community service. The agenda also included practical guidance on course registration, academic advising, and campus facilities, as well as a question‑and‑answer segment to address freshmen’s concerns.

In a special moment during the event, the Chairperson of Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Implementing Unit of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, distributed 282 Jasmine vouchers, each valued at Rp10,000, to all new students of the Class of 2026. This token of appreciation was provided as a warm welcome and a gesture of support to help ease the initial transition of students into campus life. The distribution symbolized the faculty’s care and commitment to student welfare from the very first day.

This orientation program is part of the Faculty of Biology’s broader commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , particularly: SDG 4 (Quality Education) – by ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education through comprehensive academic guidance and student support systems. SDG 15 (Life on Land) – by equipping future biologists with the knowledge and skills to protect, restore, and sustainably manage terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – by fostering collaborative networks among students, faculty, researchers, and community stakeholders to address global environmental challenges. SDG 13 (Climate Action) – by integrating climate resilience and sustainability into the curriculum, preparing students to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) – through promoting a balanced academic and social life that supports mental and physical well-being for all students, including the provision of basic needs support such as the voucher distribution. SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) – through small-scale economic assistance that helps reduce financial burdens for students from diverse economic backgrounds, ensuring equal access to a positive start in higher education.

“This orientation is not just about rules and regulations; it is about equipping our new students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their university journey successfully—while also inspiring them to become agents of change for a more sustainable future,” said Mr. Sukrino. “We want them to feel supported from day one, and we want them to understand that their role as biologists extends beyond the laboratory to the betterment of society and the planet.” The event marked the official start of the academic year for the Class of 2026, setting the stage for a productive and enriching experience at one of Indonesia’s leading biological sciences institutions. The Faculty of Biology looks forward to nurturing the next generation of biologists, researchers, and environmental stewards who will actively contribute to achieving the SDGs.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, an “Outing Class” activity took place at the Kledhokan Hamlet Hall and the Vegetable and Medicinal Plant (TOGA) Garden for 35 students from SDN Kledhokan, TK Sari Asih I, and PAUD Sari Asih, accompanied by their supervising and class teachers.

This activity was made possible through the collaboration and synergy between academics (UGM, Faculty of Biology), the Sleman Regency Government (Caturtunggal Village and Kledhokan Hamlet), the Women Farmers’ Group (KWT Rejosari), and local schools (elementary, kindergarten, and early childhood education centers). This outdoor learning activity aimed to introduce various vegetable and medicinal plants—as well as planting and harvesting methods—and also included the stocking of catfish fry.

The event was opened by the Head of Kledhokan Hamlet, Mr. Punjul Santosa, followed by remarks from the Caturtunggal Village administration—represented by Ms. Yuni Karina Wati, A.Md. The UGM community service team was led by Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, B.Sc, DAP&E, M.Biomed, accompanied by fellow lecturer Dr. Dila Hening Windyaraini, M.Sc., and students Inaya and Arya Nurma.

Following the gardening activity, the students, accompanying teachers, and all other participants returned to the hamlet, and the event closed with a group photo. This activity supports global and national commitments to improve community well-being through the SDGs: (3) Good Health and Well-being; (4) Quality Education; (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities; (13) Climate Action; and (17) Partnerships for the Goals.

Sleman, August 7, 2026 – The Community Service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) Desa Mitra team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a Waste Sorting and Recycling Training at SD Negeri Kiyaran, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency. The activity is part of the 2026 Desa Mitra Community Service Program entitled “Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Capacity in Environmental Management and Integrated Agriculture.” The training involved 36 students from Grades 4, 5, and 6 and aimed to improve their knowledge and practical skills in sustainable waste management from an early age.

The event was opened by the Master of Ceremony, Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc., followed by an introductory session led by the project leader, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., followed by a presentation entitled Organic and Inorganic Waste Sorting Training delivered by Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc. During the session, students learned about different types of waste, the environmental and health impacts of open waste burning, the importance of waste segregation at the source, and the concept of a waste bank as a sustainable waste management strategy.

To reinforce the theoretical knowledge, the students participated in a hands-on waste sorting activity. They were asked to separate waste into color-coded bins red, yellow, green, and blue, donated by the PkM team to SD Negeri Kiyaran. This practical exercise enabled students to directly apply the concepts they had learned while encouraging the development of environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

In addition to the waste sorting training, the community service program also included a creative recycling workshop. Guided by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., the students transformed used plastic mineral water bottles and discarded fabric scraps into pencil holders. The participants enthusiastically followed each step of the activity and proudly completed their own creations. To conclude the session, an interactive quiz was held to review the training materials, followed by a prize presentation for students who demonstrated excellent understanding of the material and produced the most creative pencil holders.

The activity was supported by other members of the community service team, including Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., as well as doctoral students from the Faculty of Biology, UGM Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., who collectively contributed to the successful implementation of the program.

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices, the PkM Desa Mitra team also donated a set of four color-coded waste bins and composting sacks for organic waste management to the school. The event concluded with a group photo session involving the community service team, the school principal, teachers, and all participating students.

Through this program, the organizers expect to enhance students’ environmental knowledge, practical skills, and awareness. Beyond encouraging proper waste disposal and segregation, the activities also inspire students to recycle waste into useful products by applying the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R). By introducing environmental education at an early age, the program contributes to shaping a generation that is more responsible and committed to environmental sustainability.

This community service initiative also supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, driving the search for safer and more effective anticancer agents. Natural products continue to be an important source of bioactive compounds, with kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C.) attracting growing attention due to its rich content of secondary metabolites, particularly terpenoids and steroids, which have been reported to exhibit anticancer activities.

However, the production of secondary metabolites in plants is often inconsistent. Seasonal changes, climate, and environmental conditions can influence both the quantity and composition of bioactive compounds, making it difficult to obtain uniform plant materials. To address this challenge, a research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is developing a kaffir lime callus culture system as a controlled platform for secondary metabolite production. This approach offers the potential to produce bioactive compounds with greater consistency while reducing dependence on seasonal variation and cultivation conditions.

The research is led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with Ferdinan Florian, Gabriela Arista Phoebe Sutato, and Grace Leilani Tumiwa, in collaboration with Sastia Prama Putri, Ph.D. from Osaka University, Japan. The study also benefits from scientific input provided by Endre Károly Kristóf, Ph.D. and Rini Arianti, Ph.D. from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary. The research takes place at the Biotechnology and Biochemistry Laboratories, Faculty of Biology UGM, using kaffir lime fruits collected from Pekutan Village, Bayan District, Purworejo Regency, Central Java.

The study begins with in vitro seed germination to obtain sterile seedlings as the source of explants. Callus cultures are subsequently induced from three different explant types, followed by evaluations of their growth characteristics and compound profiles. To stimulate secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the calli are subjected to elicitation treatment before extraction. The resulting compound profiles are then analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the secondary metabolites produced by the kaffir lime calli.

Unlike conventionally cultivated plants, callus cultures can be maintained throughout the year under controlled conditions, minimizing the effects of environmental fluctuations on metabolite production. This system provides a more consistent source of plant-derived compounds for research and represents an important step toward the development of natural product-based anticancer candidates. The findings are also expected to expand the application of plant tissue culture technology in plant biotechnology research.

This research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being by advancing plant-based sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in health research. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting a more sustainable approach to producing valuable plant metabolites through controlled callus culture systems, thereby reducing dependence on harvesting plants from natural populations.

A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has investigated metabolite profiles in the leaves, callus tissues, and culture medium exudates of red okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench var. ‘Zahira IPB’). The study was led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with Achmad Nadhmi Arfa, Elisabeth Kurniawati, and Ferdinan Florian. Conducted from August 2025 to May 2026, the research was funded by the 2026 Lecturer–Student Collaborative Research Grant. Experimental work was carried out at Biodiversity Research Station II, the Biotechnology Laboratory and Biochemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Corpora Science.

Red okra was selected because it is recognized as a functional food rich in bioactive compounds, including quercetin, mucilage polysaccharides, and amino acids associated with health-promoting properties. In addition, its anthocyanin content may contribute to stronger antioxidant activity than that of conventional green okra. Despite its potential, comprehensive information on the metabolite profile of the Zahira IPB red okra variety remains limited. Moreover, metabolite composition in conventionally cultivated plants can vary in response to environmental factors such as temperature, light intensity, and nutrient availability. To minimize these sources of variation, the researchers employed in vitro tissue culture, which provides a more controlled growth environment. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, the study characterized the detected compounds in leaves, callus tissues, and culture medium exudates to compare metabolite distribution among the different sample types.

The research began with the cultivation of okra plants to obtain explants, followed by callus induction through tissue culture, metabolite extraction, and metabolite profiling. Chemical analysis was performed using Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC–HRMS) with an untargeted metabolomics workflow. Unlike targeted analyses that focus on predefined compounds, this approach enables the comprehensive detection of a broad range of metabolites, providing an overview of the metabolite profiles present in each sample.

The findings expand current knowledge of the metabolite profile of the Zahira IPB red okra variety and provide a valuable resource for future studies in plant biotechnology and metabolomics. Beyond their scientific contribution, the results also support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by generating scientific evidence that can facilitate the development of plant-derived pharmaceutical ingredients and health products, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by demonstrating how biotechnology can promote the sustainable use of biological resources.

Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, 30 July 2026 – A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field survey and strategic discussion with the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) to support the development of MAHAR Chickens as an innovative superior local poultry breed aimed at strengthening animal-protein food self-sufficiency in the Nusantara Capital Region. This activity forms part of the implementation of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, which focuses on strengthening the downstream application of research outcomes, increasing superior chicken populations, and establishing a national breeding and egg-production ecosystem.

The UGM Faculty of Biology team comprised Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., Head of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., inventor of Gama Ayam and Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology. The activity was also attended by Drs. Fauzhul Idhi, Director of CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, a strategic partner in the development of MAHAR Chickens. The company collaborates with the Nusantara Capital Authority in field-level technical management and the expansion of the MAHAR Chicken population in East Kalimantan. Representing the Nusantara Capital Authority were Dr. P. Setia Lenggono, S.Sos., M.Si., Director of Food Security; Listian Nova; and staff members of the Directorate of Food Security.

The activity began with a field visit to the MAHAR Chicken final-stock facility, which serves as a centre for developing a population of superior laying hens in the Nusantara Capital Region. During the visit, the team assessed housing conditions, husbandry management, population performance, production systems, and readiness for larger-scale development as part of the roadmap for strengthening animal-protein food security in Nusantara.

The programme continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Nusantara Capital Authority office. The discussion opened with a presentation by Listian Nova on the progress of the MAHAR Bahagia Chicken Programme, including programme achievements, population growth, and plans to develop MAHAR Chickens as a strategic commodity for supporting the supply of animal-protein food in the Nusantara Capital Region.

The UGM Faculty of Biology team provided recommendations based on research findings and its experience in developing superior chicken lines. The discussion covered the evaluation of egg-production performance, strategies to increase productivity through the provision of healthy feed made from locally sourced ingredients, the strengthening of breeding systems, and the development of partnership models involving universities, government institutions, and the business sector. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the establishment of an independent and sustainable laying-hen production ecosystem in the Nusantara Capital Region.

One of the primary shared objectives is to build national laying-hen production capacity that can sustainably meet the demand for eggs. In the long term, this effort is expected to reduce dependence on supplies from outside the region by strengthening local production through innovation and partnerships. In this context, MAHAR Chickens are considered a promising superior line developed through university research that can support animal-protein food security in Nusantara.

Through the synergy among the UGM Faculty of Biology, the Nusantara Capital Authority, and CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, the development of MAHAR Chickens is expected not only to increase the population of superior poultry but also to serve as a collaborative model integrating research, innovation, technology downstreaming, and partner empowerment in support of a resilient and sustainable food system.

This activity also contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through strengthened animal-protein food production; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the development of efficient and sustainable poultry-production systems; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, government institutions, and industry partners in building national food self-sufficiency.