MBKM Research Team of Class 2024 as part of the Microalgae Research team in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM, supervised by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc. has carried out research on “Production of Local Strain Microalgae Euglena sp. as a source of antioxidants and immunostimulants at PT. Indoalgae Aquaculture, Pasuruan”. This team consists of five members; Indira Amani Kurniawan, Laila Mei Marwadani, Renisha Windy Puspita Sari, Sri Setyaningrum, and Tizania Putri Langithari.

The MBKM Research team focuses on development and innovation in the cultivation of Euglena sp., especially local strains isolated from the Dieng plateau, Indonesia. Antioxidants produced by Euglena sp. can help protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of degenerative diseases and slowing the aging process. In addition, the immunostimulant properties of Euglena sp. can improve the immune system, help fight infections, and speed recovery from illness.

The research focused on variations in phosphate sources in Euglena sp. cultures, with the aim of optimizing growth conditions for Euglena sp. The treatment provided is expected to increase the antioxidant and immunostimulant content on a semi-mass scale. This research aims to find the most effective combination by varying phosphate sources to support the growth of Euglena sp. optimal and increase the production of antioxidant and immunostimulant content.

MBKM activities begin with equipment preparation, making growth media, and preliminary laboratory scale observations and collecting initial data information before being applied to semi-mass scale culture. Preliminary results show good growth data based on the parameters of cell number, cell density and biomass amount. Currently, research has reached the scale-up stage to a 50-liter capacity culture. Land planning is being prepared to continue increasing the scale of culture capacity up to 200 liters. Next, harvesting of Euglena sp. as well as various metabolites will be tested and characterized. Students also extracted samples to test antioxidant and immunostimulant properties. It is hoped that the experience gained from this MBKM activity can improve students’ skills and knowledge in carrying out their final assignments, as well as provide valuable knowledge to prepare them to become professional microalgae researchers in the future.

The issue of pathogens in rice plants is a focus of agricultural empowerment efforts in Indonesia. These pathogens cause disease outbreaks that lead to a decrease in rice productivity. To address this obstacle, some farmers tend to rely on pesticides without noticing the condition of the rice plants. As a result, their efforts were ineffective and posed a threat to environmental health due to chemical pollution from excessive pesticides.

Addressing this issue, Adzkiya Aqmaliza Rahmattillah and Sheva Rimma Dhanty, biology students from the class of 2021, innovated a smartphone-integrated smart scanning application based on Artificial Intelligence called ORYSMART. This application can detect diseases in rice plants and provide treatment recommendations, under the guidance of Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. ORYSMART was introduced at the FAPERTA FAIR (Futuristic and Prestige Research, Technology, and Art) 5 competition at Dhyana Pura University, Denpasar, Bali, on May 18-19, 2024. In its fifth batch, FAPERTA FAIR carried the theme “The Role of Young Innovators in Facing Global Competition to Welcome Golden Indonesia 2045.” At the event, Adzkiya and Sheva, with ORYSMART, won the Bronze Medal and the Favorite Poster Award in the Technology subtheme as a futuristic innovative solution that can help address diseases in rice plants. With its scanning and recognition capabilities, ORYSMART can detect the type, symptoms, causes, and handling solutions for rice plant diseases. The application offers advanced analysis that combines human and artificial intelligence, providing more accurate disease analysis and effective handling solutions. ORYSMART also facilitates access to consultations with experienced and reliable plant protection experts.

This application aimed to empower rice farmers in Indonesia to manage their fields better and more effectively. Therefore, ORYSMART is designed to be practical and easy to use, especially for users who are not yet familiar with the technology. This innovation is expected to be a significant step in agricultural empowerment in Indonesia, supporting national food security towards Golden Indonesia 2045. This innovation and idea also contribute to achieving SDG 2 (zero hunger) by improving rice productivity, the staple food for most Indonesians. [Author: Sheva Rimma Dhanty]

Oceans Day is an annual event organized by the Marine Study Group (KSK) Faculty of Biology UGM to commemorate World Oceans Day. This year, KSK Biogama had the opportunity to collaborate with Mr. Parvez Alam. Additionally, KSK Biogama invited children from the Al-Khusna Orphanage to join in a beach clean-up, learn about marine life, and recycle trash they collected. During the Oceans Day events, the UGM Marine Study Group held an open donation drive for the Al-Khusna Orphanage. A total of Rp2,015,116.00 was collected.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and supported this cause. On May 18, 2024, following the Oceans Day event at Slili Beach, Gunungkidul, the donations were delivered to the Al-Khusna Orphanage in Gunung Kidul in the form of cash and basic necessities. We believe that this assistance will be very meaningful for the children at the orphanage and will help them in their daily lives. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of others. [Author: KSK]

On May 20, 2024, the community service-partner village team of the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Dr. Dra. RR. Upiek Ngesti WA., DAP&E, M.Biomed conducted a meeting at Kledokan Hamlet Hall. The meeting was attended by about 50 people, including the head of Kledokan Hamlet, Mr. Punjul Santoso, members of the Rejosari Women’s Farming Group (KWT), the Rejosari Livestock Group (KP), the Karang Taruna youth group, the head of the Kledokan Family Welfare Development (PKK) group, and Mr. Herman Purwadi from the LPM Catur Tunggal.

The speakers at the event were Sari Dharmasiwi, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D; Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., Ph.D; and Woro Anindito Sritunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. The speakers gave brief educational sessions on food storage hygiene, dairy-based products, increasing protein intake through catfish farming in buckets (“budikdamber”), and essential oils for aromatherapy. Practical demonstrations will follow according to the meeting schedules of the PKK, Women’s Farming Group, Livestock Group, and Karang Taruna. The activity involved students from the Faculty of Biology, Nur Farah Susilowati and Ahmad Aris Budi R., and students from the Faculty of Agriculture, Irfan Putra Ramadhan and Aprilia Nur Safitri.

In Kledokan Hamlet, around 36 cows, including four dairy cows are independently raised. The availability of livestock feed is well-maintained due to the presence of fields planted for this purpose. The main issues farmers face are barn cleanliness and the suboptimal processing of manure. Although the livestock group has equipment for manure processing, it has not been used effectively. Therefore, education on barn management and assistance in manure processing is needed.

The meeting concluded with a visit to the livestock barns and demonstration plots of various vegetable plants. This activity supports the commitment of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being” and Goal 17: “Partnerships for the Goals.”

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the Faculty of Biology UGM Partner Village team conducted an educational session on homemade fever remedies for toddlers. This event took place at the Kledokan Hamlet Hall in Caturtunggal Village, alongside the POSYANDU (Integrated Health Post) activities. The session was attended by around 50 toddlers and their parents, as well as Mrs. Galina Tri Yohani, Head of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) and Coordinator of POSYANDU activities; Mrs. Marthin Sumarahayu, Head of the Rejosari Women Farmers Group (KWT), and other committee members.

The session featured Dra. Mulyati, M.Si as speaker, supported by the Faculty of Biology UGM Partner Village team, Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W. Astuti, Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D., and students from the Faculty of Biology: Nur Farah Susilowati, Kotimah, Ahmad Aris Budi Rohman, along with Irfan Putra Ramadhan from the Faculty of Agriculture. Dra. Mulyati discussed the benefits of nutmeg and shallots as first aid remedies for calming fussy toddlers and treating fever. She also explained how to prepare, mix, and apply these remedies to toddlers. The participants were enthusiastic about learning these new, simple, and practical techniques. The ingredients are easily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and usually available in the kitchen. The discussion was interactive, with numerous questions from participants.

This activity supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to improve community well-being sustainably, specifically supporting goal number 3, “Good Health and Well-being.”

On Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted training for the 2024 Buddy Counselors. These Buddy Counselors are students selected through a screening process by the Faculty of Biology’s Mental Health Team during the recruitment, held from February 12-16, 2024. They are tasked with providing emotional support and adequate counseling to fellow students in need. The Buddy Counselor program aims to help UGM become a Health Promoting University (HPU) with a focus on Mental Health and a Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment, which are the priorities of the UGM HPU activities. For 2024, Buddy Counselors are also assigned to mentor ten new students each during the PPSMB (Student Orientation).

This two-day training took place at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Kaliurang. The first session, held in the Faculty of Biology UGM Auditorium, began with a welcome speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, Prof. Budi stated that this training activity is a commendable initiative. Being a Buddy is a noble task, and those selected should be grateful as not everyone gets this opportunity. The Buddies are responsible for helping to achieve a balance in mental and physical health. According to the training theme, “Be a Listener, Understand Better,” Buddies must be good listeners. Just like waiting, being a listener requires patience. Those who can wait will achieve success. At the end of his speech, Prof. Budi announced that there would be an award for the best Buddy Counselor during the Dies Natalis ceremony. “There will be an award for the best Buddy, the best of the bestie,” concluded the Dean. Following his speech, the Dean inaugurated the 2024 Buddy Counselors of the Faculty of Biology UGM by presenting jackets to one of the Buddy Counselors.

The first session on Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment delivered by Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR), Ph.D., known as Bu Iyik, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law UGM and serves as the Chair of the POKJA Zero-Tolerance Bullying, Violence, and Harassment HPU UGM, as well as the Head of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) at UGM. Her presentation covered:

Besides delivering the material, participants also learn to resolve violence cases that occur at UGM, which is followed with great enthusiasm by all participants.

The second session on Mental Health was conducted in the meeting room of Wisma Pesanggrahan PU, Kaliurang. This session was delivered by Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., Psychologist from the Faculty of Biology UGM. Mas Yudhis provided insights on how Buddy Counselors should handle counselees, from listening, questioning, to giving advice.

After a break, the evening featured a discussion on the work program to be implemented over a year. Participants were divided into two groups, and each group must present their discussion results, which then summarized by the Mental Health Team consisting of Psychologist Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., and Faculty Counselor Lecturers, Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., as well as PIC HPU Faculty of Biology UGM, Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. To conclude the training, there was a bonding activity involving a bonfire and gift exchange among participants. The next morning, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, all participants went trekking around Kaliurang.

This training is an effort by the Faculty of Biology UGM to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well-being, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“A rose blooms since yesterday, Growing beside the moringa tree. Welcome, dear guests, to the Inauguration and Training of Buddy Counselors.”

Genoveva Ristining Tyas and Ridho Nur Alam, undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, class of 2022, succeeded in achieving Gold Medal, 2nd Place in Poster, and 2nd Place Overall in an National Essay Competition held by Universitas Jenderal Soedirman under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. Their essay, submitted with the subtheme “Agriculture,” titled “Innovation of Biofertilizer with Halotolerant Bacteria and Eco Enzyme for Bioremediation of Unproductive Coastal Areas”.The innovation of biofertilizer with halotolerant bacteria combined with eco enzymes derived from the utilization of organic household waste and bagasse presents a sustainable solution in managing household organic waste and industrial waste.

By integrating biofertilizer, utilizing coastal land for shallot cultivation, and optimizing eco enzyme products, innovative, sustainable, productive, and environmentally friendly agriculture can be realized. This innovation plays a significant role in optimizing land productivity and increasing shallot commodity yields in Indonesia. It can impact the fulfillment of shallot consumption for the Indonesian population and potentially increase the national per capita income. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in No Poverty (SDGs 1), Zero Hunger (SDGs 2),Good Health and Well-being (SDGs 3) Affordable and Clean Energy (SDGs 7), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDGs 12), thereby supporting Indonesia’s vision for Golden Indonesia 2045. [Author: Genoveva Ristining Tyas]

the Gebang Hamlet, Jetis, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, is the inadequate management of animal waste (kohe) from cattle and goats. Faculty of Biology UGM through the Community Service – Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) 2024 activity, led by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, with members Angela Puspa Larasati, Hanifa Nazaila F, and Nindya Dayita Hapsari held the meeting with the Wedomartani Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) team, represented by Joni Martono, Rujito, and Gatot Satriya, at Warung Goeboeg Pentjeng, Gebang. The meeting was to initiate the implementation of activities in managing and utilizing animal waste to produce organic fertilizer. Prior to the meeting, a discussion was held to align the perceptions between the head of Pokdarwis Wedomartani, Langgoso Aswin Poetra, and the head of the PkM MBKM team, especially regarding the implementation of activities. This activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goals 13 and 17, Land Ecosystems and Partnerships to Achieve Goals.

The dominant livestock in the Gebang Hamlet are cattle and goats. Currently, animal waste is only collected near the pens, left to dry, and not optimally utilized. Additionally, there is an abundance of bamboo plants in the Gebang hamlet, which produce bamboo leaf litter. Bamboo leaf litter also serves as a medium for the growth of Trichoderma fungus, which has benefits as a biological fertilizer and biofungicide. The meeting discussed strategies for processing and producing organic fertilizer that can be utilized by farmers. It was agreed to process kohe, consisting of cattle and goat waste, along with bamboo leaf litter. This activity will begin with the production of prototype fertilizer products consisting of 6 variants. These prototype variants will be tested on chili plant seedlings to observe their growth. Subsequently, the selected variant of kohe fertilizer products, based on the best growth test results on chili plants, will be produced on a larger scale. To optimize the production of fertilizer on a larger scale, appropriate technology is needed using simple machinery equipment. The nutrient content and potential of these kohe fertilizer variants in supporting chili plant growth will also be tested.

To support the success of these activities, the head of the PkM MBKM team stated, “These activities will run smoothly if there is synergy between the PkM MBKM team and the team from Pokdarwis Wedomartani. To facilitate the activities, it can start by scheduling the implementation time at each stage, by writing down the activities in detail. Additionally, joint commitment is needed to achieve the goal of producing organic fertilizer from kohe waste in the Gebang Hamlet.” In the discussion, many suggestions and ideas were presented by Pokdarwis team members, which were well received by the MBKM students, including efforts to find references to support these ideas. The initiation meeting for these activities proceeded smoothly and optimistically.

In order to introduce and strengthen community service cooperation with partner villages, the PkM-MBKM Team chaired by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si, M.Si. together with Hanif Fauzan Saputra, Salma Nur Majidah, Maharani Pratiwi S.A., M. Reza Hendriansah, Rima Vegi Santika, Eka Nur Oktavia, Adzkiya Aqmaliza R., and Agra Daffa Putra conducted socialization activities for the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, Banguntapan Sub-District, Bantul Regency, DIY on Saturday, 4th of May 2024, from 15:30 to 17:00. This activity was attended by the women of the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Amanda.

The activity was guided by Agra Daffa as the MC, who started with opening remarks and student introductions. The event continued with speeches from Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si. M.Si., followed by a speech from Mrs. Marwati, the chairwoman of the KWT Amanda. The PkM MBKM Team delivered socialization material related to the introduction of Circular Waste Management, including: (1) the potential of maggots for organic waste management, (2) introduction to aquaponics systems, and (3) catfish and vegetable cultivation using aquaponic methods.

The delivery of this material sparked enthusiasm among the women to learn more about waste management utilizing integrated maggot aquaponics systems. Although not very familiar with maggots, they were very interested in learning and implementing this system in their daily lives, especially as maggots can help minimize household waste issues. During the discussion session, Mrs. Marwati, the chairwoman of KWT Amanda, asked about the concept of maggot cultivation, including preparation of maggot growth media, utilization of organic waste in maggot production, and application and utilization of maggots for fish feed. Additionally, some group members of KWT Amanda inquired about the aquaponics system concept, including cultivation preparation, considerations, and factors affecting aquaponic productivity. Mrs. Marwati also expressed her hope for guidance and direction from Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si. M.Si. and students in realizing the sustainability implementation of the program to support the empowerment of entrepreneurial independence of KWT Amanda and contribute to the improvement of community economy (SDG 8) and promotes well-being (SDG 3).

With the implementation of this activity, we hope for the sustainability of PkM MBKM activities in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village. After this socialization activity, it is hoped that the next activities can directly implement the concept of circular waste processing by the KWT Amanda. This activity also aims to build camaraderie between the residents of Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, and the PkM MBKM Team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

[PkM – MBKM]- Yogyakarta, March 9, 2024 – The Community Service Team of the Independent Learning – Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology 2024 in Sendari Hamlet, led by three lecturers, Novita Yustinadiar, M.Sc., Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D., and Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Ph.D., along with 13 student members, has implemented the first program in the series of PkM-MBKM activities in Sendari Hamlet. This first program focuses on the theme of OneHealth, aiming to address intricate public health issues by integrating aspects of human, animal, and environmental health. This program took place in Sendari Hamlet, Cebongan, Tirtoadi, Sleman, DI Yogyakarta, started from 15:30 to 17:30 WIB, at the residence of the Head of RT.03. The main objective of this socialization is to empower the community of Sendari Hamlet, Cebongan, Tirtoadi, Sleman by applying the concept of OneHealth in daily life to enhance personal and environmental health.

This socialization was attended by the women members of PKK and was opened with a welcoming speech by Mrs. Nelvi, representing the women of Sendari Hamlet. She expected that this socialization would be conveyed in an easily understandable and would benefit the improvement of public health in Sendari, followed by a speech from Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si. She explained that the PkM-MBKM program had been initiated since last year and would be continued with various future programs.

The material was delivered by Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who explained infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as the prevention, such as effective waste management, healthy and balanced dietary habits, stress management, adequate rest, regular physical activity, and so on. Participants were also asked to schedule weekly physical activity and guided in planning balanced suhoor and iftar menus. The PkM-MBKM team also provided solutions related to stress management through breathing exercises and energy gymnastics. The activity concluded with door prizes for active participants with high pretest scores. The hope is that this socialization will broaden insights to the participant and contribute to transforming the family lifestyles to be healthier.