SDG 3 : Establish Good Health and Well-Being

Arsip:

Students and Lecturers from the Faculty of Biology Share Knowledge about Natural Dyes and Organic Waste Processing with the Members of PKK RT01 Blotan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Sleman

Headline News Release Waste Management Tuesday, 7 November 2023

In connection with the continuation of the Community Service Program – the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) 2023, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada in Blotan hamlet, led by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi MSc.St along with students, Alfina Damayanti ( and Estherina Claudya Manurung, conducted an extension activity on natural food and Fabric Dyes as well as Organic waste processing using stacked bucket at The Blotan village hall on Thursday, October 2023 from 3.30 PM to 5.00 PM. The activity was attended by the head of PKK RT 01 along with 12 members.

The material was delivered by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi MSc.St. She explained the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic dyes compared to natural dyes. The use of natural dyes, whether for food and beverages or for batik fabric coloring, supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goal number 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Natural dyes introduced in this session included butterfly pea flowers (Clitorea ternatea L) for blue color and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) which provides red color for food and beverages. Additionally, there are other types of plants that can be used for food coloring, such as turmeric, pandan leaves, and black rice. In addition to providing natural color, the use of infusions from butterfly pea flowers, roselle petals, and black rice can also support health as they contain beneficial compounds like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which act as antioxidants. By planting butterfly pea flowers, roselle, or other beneficial plants, the environment can also be enhanced. Regarding fabric dyeing, Prof. Kumala Dewi MSc.St explained that the leaves of the indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria L), which belongs to the legume family, can be processed to produce Indican dye, which imparts a blue color to fabric. The use of natural dyes for fabric can also reduce water pollution, which often occurs around batik industries that use synthetic dyes. Planting Indigofera is easy, and this plant can be beneficial in improving soil fertility.

In addition to the explanation about natural dyes, the process of household organic waste processing to create liquid fertilizer using stacked buckets was also presented. This was done in an effort to support the resolution of the waste problem, which has been a trending issue recently due to household waste disposal sites being full. Proper separation of household waste needs to be carried out diligently by every household member. Organic waste can be collected in stacked buckets, and with the help of Hermetia illucens flies that lay eggs in the waste, maggots can consume the waste and produce liquid fertilizer as well as residual solid waste. Both can be used for vegetable fertilizer, whether planted in polybags or in the field. From previous analyses, liquid fertilizer from organic waste processing with stacked buckets and the assistance of black soldier fly maggots contains hormones and amino acids that are beneficial for promoting plant growth. In this counseling event, small agar-agar snacks were also served, colored with natural blue dye (from butterfly pea flowers) and red dye (from roselle). Additionally, five sets of stacked buckets were provided for practical use in household organic waste processing. The participants were very enthusiastic in responding to the counseling session, with several questions discussed. Those who received the stacked buckets will report on their usage through videos, as well as the liquid fertilizer products produced. From this counseling activity for the PKK mothers in Blotan hamlet, it is hoped that the role of women in supporting food security for families and environmental sustainability can be established and sustained.

Presenting Integration Innovation of Activated Sludge Method in the WasteWater Treatment Facility (IPAL) at TPST Piyungan, Student of Faculty Biology Win 1st Place in National Essay Competition

Achivements Headline News Release Waste Management Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Biology students at Gadjah Mada University (S1) made another achievement at the national level by winning 1st place in the National Essay Competition. This achievement was achieved by Rima Arvisya Natania Putri, Reny Ras Ninta Br Tarigan, dan Gafra Favian Ratmoro, a student at the Faculty of Biology class of 2022 under guidance of Dr. Miftahul Ilmi . This national-level essay competition was organized by Department of Biology Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Student Executive Board with the Theme “Optimizing the Role of Smart, Proactive, and Innovative Young Generations in Facing the 5.0 Revolution as an Effort to Realize Indonesia Emas 2045”. The competition opened on 1 July 2023 and the winners were announced on October 24, 2023.

In this competition the team took the subtheme Ecotechnology with the title “ Integration of Activated Sludge Method in the WasteWater Treatment Facility (IPAL) at TPST Piyungan, Yogyakarta”. The team discusses water as a source of life for all living organisms on earth. Unfortunately, the water around Piyungan Wastewater Treatment Facility are contaminated by Leachate from suboptimal processing. Based on Research By Kartikasari et al. (2020), shown that after undergoing aeration treatment, the quality of leachate in the Piyungan Landfill still does not meet the established quality standards. The research results indicate the content of the leachate as follows: TSS 235 mg/L, BOD 241 mg/L, COD 3511 mg/L, TN 700 mg/L, Hg 0.1015 mg/L, Cd 0.035 mg/L, Cr 0.021 mg/L. The standard limits are TSS 100 mg/L, BOD 150 mg/L, COD 300 mg/L, TN 60 mg/L, Hg 0.005 mg/L, Cd 0.1 mg/L, Cr 0.1 mg/L. This comparison of data indicates the suboptimal performance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) applied in the Piyungan Landfill. These contents can be highly dangerous when in direct contact with living organisms.

Given this issue, there is a need for the development of the activated sludge method to treat leachate more efficiently and effectively, with the aim of removing organic contaminants and hazardous chemicals contained within it. The innovation brought by this team involves the development of the activated sludge method with the optimization of land use, utilization of flocs, provision of biomass storage tanks, and the use of PAC as a clarifying agent. Thus, it is hoped that this innovation will be able to create a Wastewater Treatment Facility that meets the standards, thereby restoring the quality of water to a better state and enhancing the self-sufficiency of the community in support of the realization of Indonesia Emas 2045. [Author: Reny Ras Ninta Br Tarigan]

Socialization on the Production of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) and Eco-Enzyme to the Residents of Pajangan, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman

Community Service Headline Waste Management Tuesday, 17 October 2023

On Sunday, October 15^th, 2023, the team of Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka-Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (MBKM-PkM) 2023 Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted another socialization activity for the residents in Pajangan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta, regarding the production of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and eco-enzyme. This socialization was organized to encourage the community to manage organic waste into something beneficial, such as liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and eco-enzyme. The speakers for this socialization were the MBKM-PkM 2023 team, consisting of five undergraduate students of Faculty of Biology, Unviersitas Gadjah Mada, class of 2020, they were Arba’ Ramadhani Artik, Arneta Yuvita, Ester Dewanti Yovita Wardani, Fadiah Sri Rahayu, and Zidni Meirizka Utami, under supervision Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. and the partner mentor Ms. Nurini Aru Sudarsi. The MBKM-PkM 2023 team conducted the socialization with the theme “Caring for the Earth Starts from Our Kitchen.” This theme included two main topics: liquid organic fertilizer and eco-enzyme. The first topic covered the importance of macro and micro nutrients for plants, the definition of organic and inorganic fertilizers, the differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers (chemical), the advantages and disadvantages of organic and inorganic fertilizers, the production process of liquid organic fertilizer, as well as its application. The second topic explained the concept of eco-enzyme, its advantages and disadvantages, its benefits, the production process of Eco-enzyme, as well as its application.

Effective management of organic waste is crucial at present, given the issues related to the limited space for waste disposal at the Piyungan Final Disposal Site in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Producing liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) and eco-enzyme is one way to manage organic waste such as food scraps, vegetable waste, fruit waste, and leaves, turning them into something beneficial for the environment. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) can be used to nurture plants without worrying about chemical effects on them. Meanwhile, eco-enzyme can serve not only as a fertilizer component but also as a detergent or cleanser and pest control for plants. The production of LOF and Eco-enzyme doesn’t require significant costs; it mainly relies on organic waste from the kitchen, water, molasses solution (brown sugar, palm sugar, coconut sugar), and EM4 solution.

This socialization received a positive response and enthusiasm from the residents of Pajangan Hamlet who actively participated in the discussion sessions with the speakers. It is hoped that the socialization by the MBKM-PkM 2023 team will raise awareness and engagement, particularly among the residents of Pajangan Hamlet, in environmentally friendly practices by managing kitchen and organic waste and turning them into something useful for the environment. (SDGs 3).

The Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM Supports the Adiwiyata Program at SMKN 2 Yogyakarta

Headline News Release Waste Management Monday, 16 October 2023

Yogyakarta, October 12, 2023. The Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology actively participates in guiding the management of organic waste to support the National Green School Program (Adiwiyata) at SMK N 2 Jetis Yogyakarta. Adiwiyata Schools are environmentally conscious institutions that aim to create a healthy, clean, and beautiful environment. The Adiwiyata program aims to shape environmentally conscious and culturally aware schools capable of participating in and implementing environmental preservation efforts and sustainable development for the benefit of both present and future generations. “This year, SMK N 2 Jetis Yogyakarta has received recognition as a National-level Adiwiyata School,” stated the Head of School, Mr. Dodot Yuliantoro, S.Pd., MT.

The one-day workshop held on Wednesday, October 12, 2023, was attended by the School Principal, Vice Principal, Adiwiyata Teachers, Adiwiyata Students, and school cleaning staff. The workshop covered (1) General waste management presented by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes, who is also the Chairman of the Organic Waste Management Task Force at the Faculty of Biology UGM (2) Organic waste processing through various methods such as Vermicomposting, Fermentation (Bioferti 2023), POC production, and maggot cultivation using the stacked bucket method, as well as eco-enzyme production presented by Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., who is also an Expert on the Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology (3) Practical composting using the Bioferti 2023 probiotic, with guidance from Suharjito and Danang from the Waste Management Task Force at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Participants showed great enthusiasm in attending the workshop and engaging in hands-on practice of organic waste processing, including shredding, mixing with the Bioferti 2023 probiotic with specific compositions, and using the starter culture. “Composting organic waste using Bioferti 2023, a probiotic from the Faculty of Biology, can degrade organic waste in about 7 to 14 days, and the resulting fertilizer meets the standards for community use,” said Suharjito during the compost-making practice. Guidance on organic waste processing will continue until the school’s cleaning staff and Adiwiyata program are self-sufficient in waste management.

The accompanying program by the Organic Waste Management Task Force at SMKN 2 Jetis, Yogyakarta, is one of the efforts to realize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes that the school will become self-reliant in managing both organic and inorganic waste (shp, 2023).

The Organic Waste Management Task Force of the Faculty of Biology at UGM Addresses Waste at Giwangan Market

Headline News Release Waste Management Monday, 16 October 2023

On Thursday, October 12, 2023, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology UGM visited Giwangan Market in Yogyakarta to survey the infrastructure capacity and waste volume for organic waste management efforts. The task force, led by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., consisted of expert team members Sukirno, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., and Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., along with task force members Suharjito and Danang. The team was received by Kelik Novidwyanto Wibowo, SE, the Head of TPS3R at Giwangan Market, along with Susilo and R. Dody Winardono, who oversees the market’s cleanliness under the Trade Department, and Agus from an NGO. This visit was a follow-up to the Tripartite meeting between the Faculty of Biology at UGM, TPS3R Giwangan Market, and SONJO, a Yogyakarta-based group currently focused on addressing the garbage emergency on October 6, 2023. These meetings were also attended by the Lestari NGO, Agus Hartono, and the Management of the Waste Bank Association in Yogyakarta, Mustakim. The visit began with the Head of TPS3R providing information about the volume of market waste and how it has been managed to date, the challenges faced, and plans for organic waste management.

Kelik mentioned that Giwangan Market has been producing around 2 tons of organic waste daily. Data on the management of organic waste at Giwangan Market since January 2023 shows a decrease in the volume of waste handled until September 2023. TPS3R Giwangan has been managing organic waste using biopores created around the market. The compost produced from these biopores takes a long time to decompose. The Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM is offering a simple technology to handle organic waste, including the production of compost with the help of the Bioferti 2023 probiotic, making eco-enzymes from fruit waste, and producing POC (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) with the assistance of Black Soldier Fly larvae. Making compost from organic waste with the Bioferti 2023 probiotic formula from the Faculty of Biology at UGM has been proven to degrade organic waste in about 7 to 14 days, with organic fertilizer contents of N (2.70%), P (0.62%), and K (68.3%) meeting organic fertilizer standards.

During this visit, the task force provided 5 liters of Bioferti 2023 and committed to supporting the management of organic waste at Giwangan Market. Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto expressed, “TPS3R Giwangan Market is currently best suited to process organic waste into compost using the Bioferti 2023 application. Furthermore, infrastructure for maggot cultivation can be established as the next solution for waste processing, with maggot yields being marketable as fish feed. Also, fruit waste can be used to make eco-enzymes.” This was stated after the survey at TPS3R. The accompanying program by the Organic Waste Management Task Force at TPS3R Giwangan Market is part of the effort to realize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Kelik added, “We hope that the Faculty of Biology at UGM and TPS3R Giwangan Market can establish a Cooperation Agreement as an elaboration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) already in place between the Trade Department of the DIY Regional Government and UGM.”

Community Empowerment in Pajangan, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta through Yard Optimization

Headline Waste Management Monday, 16 October 2023

On Sunday, 8th October 2023, the Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology, UGM 2023, 5 undergraduate students of Faculty of Biology, UGM class of 2020, namely Arba’ Ramadhani Artik, Arneta Yuvita, Ester Dewanti Yovita Wardani, Fadiah Sri Rahayu, and Zidni Meirizka Utami supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. and Ms. Nurini Aru Sudarsi as the partner mentor have carried out the socialization activities to the residents in Pajangan, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The theme of the socialization was “Improving the Community’s through Optimizing of Vacant Land”. This program aims to engage the community to improve the economic condition of the family by utilizing vacant land in the yard area of the house to plant vegetables, fruits, herbs, and several medicine and functional plants or also called “TOGA”. In this activity, we invited Mr. Panggih Dwi Atmojo, S.T. as a speaker. He is an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, UGM who is currently active as an agro economic practitioner as well as the founder and owner of Agro Edukasi Caping Merapi Yogyakarta which is located at Kenayan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The given presentation discussed topics about food gardening, including vegetable garden cultivation, as well as rising fish, chickens, and other small livestock to meet daily food needs. He also discussed about urban farming, which is the method of farming in the city or on limited land. In addition, the speaker also emphasized that the use of vacant land as a food garden can provide various other benefits, such as the community can provide traditional medicine independently, add decoration to the garden, provide refreshing activities through gardening, obtain healthier food that is free from chemical fertilizers, and produce biofertilizer which can be obtained through composting, eco lindi, and manure systems. This can also serve to overcome the problem of handling organic waste.

This socialization was attended by around 20 residents and received a very positive response, even some residents were very enthusiastic and directly involved in the discussion session together with the speakers.

Innovation in Vermicomposting Technology: Biology Students Win First Place in National Scientific Writing Competition at Brawijaya University 2023

Achivements Headline News Release Waste Management Friday, 29 September 2023

A team of Biology students at Gadjah Mada University (S1) made another achievement at the national level by winning first place in the National Essay Competition, led by Ghefira Nur Fatimah along with Jauza Hanifah Azzahra, Meinawa Amaliah, Fadilla Nur Hidayat, and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi. This national-level essay competition was organized by Brawijaya University from June 1st to September 13th, 2023, with the theme “Collaborative Nation-Building through Applied Technology Innovation towards Self-Reliant Indonesia,” . This event encompassed various stages, including the submission of works, assessment, finalist announcement, video presentation submission, video presentation assessment, and winner announcement.

The team took the subtheme Food and Agriculture Processing Technology, with their work titled “Organic Capsule Fertilizer Made from Household Organic Waste as a Manifestation of Circular Economy and Environmental Conservation.” Their scientific work was motivated by the escalating issue of waste accumulation in Indonesia, a country that generates approximately 21.2 tons of waste per year, predominantly consisting of household waste such as food waste, dry leaves, wood, tree branches, and food industry waste. Among the household waste types employed by Ghefira and her team was the mangrove crab shell waste (Scylla serrata). The mangrove crab’s body is primarily composed of its shell, accounting for about 80% of its weight, with the remaining 20% being edible flesh. They selected the mangrove crab shell due to its biocompatible, biodegradable, low toxicity, easy synthesis, and safe application properties.

In their innovation, Ghefira and team implemented two technologies: vermicomposting and microwave technology. This combination transformed organic waste into an innovative product: water-soluble organic capsule fertilizer. The organic fertilizer was crafted from household organic waste, while the water-soluble capsule shell was created from mangrove crab shells. The vermicomposting technology was utilized in the production of organic fertilizer involving the use of earthworms, specifically Eisenia foetida and Eisenia Eugeniae, in composting organic matter. The end result of vermicomposting technology is vermicompost, a mixture of worm castings and compost.

The microwave technology was used in producing water-soluble capsule shells using mangrove crab shell material. Chitin compounds found in mangrove crab shells can be transformed into chitosan for capsule shell production. The chitosan from mangrove crab shells has a large molecular weight, necessitating the application of microwave technology to produce chitosan with high deacetylation degree and low molecular weight, ensuring high solubility in water. The process for making chitosan capsule shells involves several sequential steps, including sample preparation, chitin isolation (deproteinization, demineralization, and decolorization processes), chitosan synthesis (repeated deacetylation using microwave), production of Glucosamine Hydrochloride (GLcN HCl) (via hydrolysis and centrifugation processes), and finally, capsule shell formation using modified capsule molds.

Through these two technologies, they produced water-soluble organic capsule fertilizer with numerous advantages. The use of fertilizers that previously required mixing various components may now be simplified through the capsule form, making application on plants more convenient. Individuals need not worry about measuring fertilizer quantities, as the organic capsule fertilizer already contains all necessary elements for plants in a complete and precise manner. Additionally, the capsule form facilitates storage due to its relatively small size, saving storage space. The water solubility of the organic capsule fertilizer is relatively fast, preventing residual waste during use. Therefore, the organic capsule fertilizer implements a circular economy system and is anticipated to contribute to environmental conservation.

Senate Open Conference 2023 Faculty of Biology, Highlights the Importance of Innovation in the Central Role of Future Biology

Headline News Release Thursday, 21 September 2023

Yogyakarta, 19 September 2023 – Faculty of Biology UGM held the 2023 Senate Open Conference at the Tropical Biology Auditorium with the title “Synergy in Innovation to Create Superior and Achievement Biology”. The Senate Open Conference was also part of celebrations for the 68th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The Conference was attended by the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology including senate, dean, lecturers, staffs and student representatives, as well as invited guests, alumni, partners and Dharma Wanita Faculty of Biology UGM.

Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as Chair of the Faculty of Biology UGM Senate opened the Senate Conference and continued with singing the national anthem “Indonesia Raya”, followed by “Hymne Gadjah Mada”, and “Biology March” as well as a joint prayer led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, Ph.D.

Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D., Chancellor of Universitas Gadjah Mada also attended the Senate Open Conference and delivered her opening remarks. “There is great potential for support from biological sciences to support various sectors such as health, agriculture, food and other advanced products. “The presence of technology that disrupts life also influences and encourages various innovations, including new biotechnology and biomolecular studies,” said Prof. Ova in her speech (20/9). The UGM Chancellor also said that the phenomenon of future technological development requires us to be open in scientific development so that collaboration across scientific disciplines is necessary for innovation leaps in the future.

The signing of the inscription for the inauguration of the MSIBC (Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center) Building was then carried out. The signing was carried out by the Chancellor of UGM, Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D. and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., accompanied by Prof. Chairil Anwar from the Board of Trustees UGM and Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as Chair of the Senate Faculty of Biology UGM.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology then delivered his remarks as well as the Annual Report of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He explained that the Faculty of Biology has demonstrated its position on the international stage, demonstrated by obtaining ASIIN accreditation since 2018 and successfully maintaining its position at 501-550 in the world for Biological Science, as well as the best in Indonesia based on the QS World Ranking. The Faculty of Biology has also carried out visitations for ASIIN reaccreditation for Bachelor’s degrees and ASIIN accreditation for Master’s programs, and is being prepared for ASIIN accreditation of Doctoral programs in 2024. In 2023, the Biology Faculty has graduated 3 students from the International Undergraduate Program which has been accepting students since 2019.

“Biology as a branch of science continues to develop following the stages of the industrial revolution. One of the instruments is metaverse which relies on more complex system applications such as AI, virtual reality, augmented reality,” Prof. Budi added in his speech (20/9). He also highlighted the multi-dimensional crisis due to climate change and global political dynamics. The development of biology towards the metaverse will be a great opportunity in overcoming this problem. This is also in line with support for the achievements of the Sustainable Development Program (SDGs), especially in improving the quality of inclusive education (SDG 4), handling climate change (SDG 13), preserving ecosystems on land and water (SDG 14 and SDG 15).

In his annual report, the Dean of the Biology Faculty also highlighted international exposure which was greatly increased during this period as an effort for the Biology Faculty to become internationally known and improve student experience. This is demonstrated by exposure in the form of student exchange activities and double degrees for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs.

Improving the quality of education in accordance with SDG 4 is also demonstrated by the plan to open the Bachelor to Masters Fast Track Program and the Life Curator Professional Study Program (PKKH). Prof. Budi also conveyed student achievements including 50 national level achievements and 4 international level achievements in this period, as well as the Faculty of Biology which has the first Biotechnology Competency Test Center (TUK) in Indonesia in collaboration with LSPS and BNSP. Also presented were financial reports, improvements in infrastructure and facilities to support the tri dharma of higher education including the MSIBC Building which was launched on the same day as the Senate Open Conference, an organic waste management program which was participated in by various groups as an effort to create an environmentally friendly campus and support the implementation of SDGs, especially in improving the quality of healthy life (SDG 3).

Next, we presented the achievements of research studies, international publication achievements of Faculty of Biology lecturers, and the development of journals published by the faculty, including the Journal of Tropical Biotechnology and Biodiversity (JTBB) which is indexed by Scopus Q4 and the Berkala Ilmiah Biologi which already has an ISSN. Data on increasing community service and cooperation at both international and national levels, visiting professors and alumni activities were also presented. Prof. Budi also conveyed the implementation of the 7th National Tropical Biology Seminar and the 6th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development which were attended by hundreds of participants from various institutions and countries.

The next scientific speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc., Minister of State Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia and Chair of the Board of Trustees Universitas Gadjah Mada. “Biology studies have great potential. Indonesia is rich in natural resources, vast areas, extraordinary biological riches” Prof. Pratikno started his scientific speech (20/9). Prof. Pratikno highlighted future challenges in the form of a food crisis and increasing food needs in line with the increase in population, especially in third world countries with population growth above one percent. Increasing food production capacity needs to be done to avoid hunger in the future, but this is faced with the challenges of decreasing the amount of agricultural land, climate change, long droughts, rising sea levels which can cause crop failure. He conveyed that the role of biology is very vital in the use of technology to overcome these challenges. The use of alternative energy, namely bio-energy such as bio avtur and bio diesel, is considered to be able to support a green economy to reduce emissions and environmentally friendly sustainable development.

Prof. Pratikno then said that the contribution of biology to human health stems from the closeness of the study of biology to medicine at the time of its founding. The development of health science towards precision medicine, which aims to increase the accuracy of diagnosis for each individual, places biological science as central along with medical science. Initiation of the development of biomedical science as an initial embryo involving various scientific disciplines within it and continuing to develop towards leading technology including involving the use of AI, VR and management of Big Data in the form of a bio-repository.

“Biology has a central role in developing research and knowledge in various fields, food, energy and biomedicine,” said Prof. Pratikno when ending his scientific speech. He stated that biology is a science that continues to develop and can become a vital science in Indonesia’s progress.

The Senate Open Conference ended with a closing remarks by the Senate Chair of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. It is hoped that the Open Conference as part of the celebration of the 68th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology can trigger the enthusiasm of the academic community so that the Faculty of Biology can continue to develop and provide benefits to the nation and state.

Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology Initiate Collaboration with TWC Borobudur

Headline News Release Waste Management Wednesday, 13 September 2023

On Friday, September 8, 2023, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM visited the Borobudur Temple Tourist Park (TWC) in Magelang. The purpose of this visit was to explore collaboration in the organic waste management at both Borobudur and Prambanan TWCs. Leading the visit was Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., accompanied by task force members including Dr. Sukirno, M.Si., Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Mulyanto, ST.MM, Rujito, and Danang.

The departure of the Organic Waste Management Task Force team was based on the recommendation of the SONJO (Sambatan Jogja) WA Group initiator, Rimawan, SE., M.Sc., PhD., to the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Subsequently, the Dean tasked the Organic Waste Management Task Force to meet with stakeholders at TWC Borobudur, namely Kristiono Wibowo (Operations Manager), Sumardi (Assistant Manager Merchant Area), and Agus Susanto (Assistant Manager PAK Maintenance). The Organic Waste Management Task Force was invited to visit the Waste Management Area of Borobudur and Manohara, which processes approximately 10 tons of leaf litter waste daily. This organic waste is transformed into compost within 30 days. Following discussions, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology and TWC Borobudur concluded that the decomposition process from leaf litter to compost was still too lengthy.

The Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM proposed the use of Bioferti 2023 to expedite the organic waste processing at TWC Borobudur. “Currently, Bioferti 2023 produced by the Faculty of Biology has proven to decompose organic waste into compost within 14 days,” stated the Task Force Chair, Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto. In addition to compost production, TWC Borobudur also has adequate equipment for briquette production. These briquettes are then distributed to power generation units in Cilacap, Central Java, as part of a collaboration with CSR PLN Jateng.

Essentially, the Organic Waste Management Task Force from the Faculty of Biology at UGM has a mission to enhance the quality of the Universitas Gadjah Mada environment, making it clean, orderly, and free from environmental pollution caused by organic waste. This mission aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 12, responsible consumption and production, number 13, climate action, and concurrently realizes SDGs number 14, sustainable cities and communities.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM Takes an Active Role in Waste Management

News Release Waste Management Monday, 28 August 2023

On Monday 7 August 2023, a group of waste management tour participants coordinated by SONJO, a humanitarian movement focused on aiding communities visited The Faculty Of Biology UGM. The group, consisting of 25 participants, arrived at the Faculty of Biology UGM around 9:30 AM and was promptly received by the Dean and the faculty members. This visit to the Faculty of Biology at UGM was part of a series of visits that had previously taken place at the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.

During his welcoming speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude for the participants’ visit. “The issue of waste actually originates from humans themselves, so it’s up to humans to solve it,” Prof. Budi stated. Furthermore, Prof. Budi elaborated that the Faculty of Biology UGM engages in daily waste management across a substantial area, including organic waste from the Biology Forest. Over time, the Faculty of Biology has made discoveries in waste management, such as expediting compost production.Following this, a video demonstrating the waste management procedures carried out at the Faculty of Biology at UGM was played.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were taken to the field to witness the waste management processes firsthand, which included:

Composting and maggot cultivation
Production of POC/Biofertilizer and ECO enzymes
Vermicomposting process

The waste management tour participants are scheduled to continue their visit for a period of 3 days until Wednesday (8/9/23), with participants from hospitals and religious boarding schools.

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