SDG 3 : Establish Good Health and Well-Being

Arsip:

Capacity Building Enhancement by BBSPJIKKP through Microbiological Testing Training on Water and Wastewater at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM

News Release Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Yogyakarta, July 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly hosted a training program entitled “Microbiological Testing of Water and Wastewater” held from July 21–24, 2025 at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity was organized in collaboration with the Center for Standardization and Industrial Services of Leather, Rubber, and Plastics (BBSPJIKKP), Yogyakarta.

The training was attended by technical staff and laboratory analysts from BBSPJIKKP, aiming to enhance their capacity in microbiological testing for clean water and industrial wastewater in accordance with environmental quality and public health standards. The training materials covered sampling methods, culturing techniques of microbial indicators, coliform, such as Escherichia coli, and interpretation of results based on national and international regulations.

Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech., as Head of Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, warmly welcomed this activity as part of the university’s commitment to academic contribution and community service in strengthening human resource capacity within the industrial sector. “We hope this training will have a real impact on improving water testing quality in Indonesia, and become the first step toward sustainable collaboration between academia and industry,” he stated.

This training also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through the strengthening of microbiological testing as part of environmental health surveillance; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by improving the quality of testing for both industrial and domestic wastewater; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through institutional collaboration to build capacity and share knowledge.

This initiative is a clear demonstration that synergy between higher education institutions and government agencies can drive innovation, quality improvement, and sustainability in environmental management in Indonesia.

Genomic Innovation for Health and Environmental Sustainability The 2025 National Seminar on Tropical Biology Collaborates with Jogja MultiOmics Update

News Release Sunday, 20 July 2025

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada successfully held the 9th Seminar Nasional Biologi Tropika (SNBT), which this year was integrated with the Jogja MultiOmics Update (JMU), an initiative by the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF). Taking place at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM, the seminar carried the theme: “Genomic Innovation for Health and Environmental Sustainability”.

This event became a strategic event to strengthen research collaboration across institutions and sectors, along with the rapid development of multi-omics technology and the urgency of its utilization in the tropical context.

In his speech, Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized that as a megabiodiversity country, Indonesia has a great responsibility in the development of genomic technology. “We hope this seminar can create strategic synergy, research network formation, as well as policies and curricula that support the advancement of Indonesian tropical science,” he said.

Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, said that science-based transformation requires integrative and multidisciplinary approaches. “Genomics is the entrance to answer health, environment, and bioindustry issues scientifically and collaboratively. This forum is a realization of UGM’s spirit to develop solutions from local roots with global standards,” he said.

Director of Kemendikbudristek Resources, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Suning Kusumawardani, S.T., M.T., highlighted the importance of human resource capacity building in genomics and bioinformatics. “We must be the main actors, not just users of technology. Academic and industrial collaboration such as with the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) is the right step towards sustainable innovation,” she emphasized.

SNBTxJMU 2025 presented 15 national speakers in Lightning Talk and Topic Island sessions, and was attended by more than 200 participants from various backgrounds of students, lecturers, researchers, practitioners, and students from various institutions in Indonesia.

The speakers came from various institutions, including: BB Biomedicine and Health Genomics (BGSi) of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Faculty of Medicine UGM, SITH ITB, BRIN, IPB University, to biotechnology companies such as Nalagenetics and Nusantics. The three main topics discussed in the parallel sessions were Clinical Omics, Plant & Animal Omics, and Environmental & Microbial Omics.

The event also featured a showcase of UGM’s multi-omics technology platform and industry partners, as well as introducing NGS services from IGF. Also supported by PacBio-DKSH Scientific Indonesia, Oxford Nanopore Technology- CV Dynata Creative Image, Shimadzu – PT Ditek Jaya, Sciex-Cytiva PT Laborindo Sarana, Panin Bank and Yayasan Satriabudi Dharma Setia (YSDS), as well as media partners such as Biou.id, Synbio.id, INBIO, Genbinesia, and Block71 Indonesia.

Institutions present included national and international universities such as UI, ITB, IPB, UIN, Khon Kaen University, as well as leading biotechnology institutions and companies in Indonesia such as PT Genetika Science Indonesia, PT Moosa Genetika Farmindo, PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia, PT Bio Farma (Persero), PT Widya Genomic Nusantara, and PT Widya Teknologi Hayati, PT Saraswanti Indonesia Genetech, PT. PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi, and also representative from Indonesian Genomic Association.

SNBTxJMU 2025 activities support the achievement of SDGs, especially SDGs 3 (healthy life) through Clinical Omics innovation, SDGs 4 (quality education) through strengthening academic capacity and curriculum, SDGs 9 (industry and innovation) through collaboration with the biotechnology sector, as well as SDGs 13 and SDGs 15 through Environmental & Microbial Omics sessions that focus on biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring.

SNBTxJMU 2025 is expected to be an important supporting system in building a sustainable Indonesian genomics and also multiomics research and innovation ecosystem that has a real impact on society and the tropical environment.

Before the closing of the event, the best presenters were announced from the SNBT presenter participants, namely Kinasih Prayuni, M.Si. from Universitas YARSI, and Imam Bagus Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. from Faculty of Agricultural Technology UGM. In addition, the best pitching winner from the SNBTxJMU pre-event held by IGF was also announced, namely Assyfa Atha from IGEM UGM and Alim El Hakim from The Master of Medical Science program UGM. In order to enliven the event, appreciation was also given to participants who had participated in uploading stories through the Instagram platform.

The activity was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., who also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the participants and the collaborative spirit that was built during the event. He also invited all participants to return to participate in the upcoming SNBTxJMU in 2026.

#GenomicInnovation #SDGsIndonesia #TropicalScience #UGMForTheNation #Bioinformatics #GenomicsForSustainability #UGMGlobalImpact #ScienceForLife #SDGs3 #SDGs4 #SDGs9 #SDGs13

Innovation in Mosquito Control: Biological Approaches and Essential Oils for a Healthier Environment in Dusun Belimbing Sari

Community Service Saturday, 19 July 2025

The Community Service program of the UGM Faculty of Biology was held again on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Balai Dusun Belimbing Sari in Caturtunggal Village, Depok, Sleman. Under the banner “Mosquito Vector Control through Biological Approaches and the Use of Essential Oils,” the event welcomed 35 enthusiastic local PKK members to participate in a series of engaging lectures and hands‑on sessions.

The Desa Mitra Caturtunggal teaching team included Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A., B.Sc., DAP&E, M.Biomed (Animal Systematics Laboratory); Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D (Biochemistry Laboratory); Nur Indah Septiani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D (Animal Structure & Development Laboratory); and Sari Darmasiwi, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D (Microbiology Laboratory).

Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A. opened the program with an in‑depth overview of mosquito species and the dangerous vector‑borne diseases they transmit—such as dengue fever and malaria—along with their habitat and life cycle. She detailed biological control strategies using fish and other predators, physical measures via the “3M” method (emptying, covering, burying), and preventive chemical fogging. Her comprehensive presentation gave participants a clear understanding of the need to integrate multiple control methods.

The second session, led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., dove into the use of essential oils as natural mosquito repellents. In a style both lighthearted and informative, Dr. Woro defined what essential oils are, introduced various plant sources—such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, and basil—and outlined two practical approaches: planting repellent species in home gardens and crafting natural room fresheners. Participants were keen to follow her simple distillation steps and discuss how to apply them at home.

The highlight of the day was the hands‑on workshop, where attendees created aromatic sachets from dried ingredients—clove buds and stems, star anise, and lemongrass—packaged in rustic burlap bags. These sachets proved easy to make, cost‑effective, and both decorative and functional as mosquito deterrents. Light conversation and sharing of tips on preserving the scent for longer added warmth and camaraderie to the event.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM puts into practice its Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly community service, while also supporting the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‑being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It is hoped that the knowledge and skills gained will foster sustainable mosquito control efforts in Dusun Belimbing Sari and strengthen the community’s environmental health.

Development of Superior Local Chicken Breeds through the Wedomartani Village Partnership Program

Community Service News Release Friday, 18 July 2025

The Wedomartani Village Partnership Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an socialization on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Kalurahan Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, focusing on the development of superior local chicken breeds. This activity was a follow-up initiative from the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Kalurahan Wedomartani, supported by the KKN-PPM UGM Period 2 of 2025, Unit YO019 (SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).

The socialization opened with remarks from Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., representing the Wedomartani Village Partnership Team, Faculty of Biology, UGM. On this occasion, as a speaker Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., delivered a presentation titled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chickens Based on Community Empowerment in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman.” The socialization emphasized the importance of developing superior local chicken breeds by paying attention to various key aspects such as feed quality, animal health, cage management, and maintenance practices.

During the session, the speaker provided updated and relevant information on the proper techniques for local chicken farming, beginning with the selection of high-quality breeding stock. The event, held at Kalurahan Wedomartani, was attended by the Head of Wedomartani Village (Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto), the Village Secretary (Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd.), the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani (Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E.), representative from Faculty of Biology, UGM (Prof. Dra. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Ph.D.) and representatives from farmer groups across several hamlets in Wedomartani. Participants showed strong enthusiasm for the program and actively engaged in discussions and raised questions, especially regarding chicken maintenance practices.

The speaker highlighted that raising chickens offers two key benefits. First, it helps reduce household waste through the use of organic waste as chicken feed. Second, the eggs produced can improve household nutrition and help address stunting—supporting SDGs No. 2 (Zero Hunger), No. 3 (Good Health and Well Being), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, to fully achieve these benefits, the chickens must be kept healthy. The speaker emphasized three main factors for raising healthy local chickens: the use of varied feed sources such as maggots and kitchen waste, proper cage management, and an appropriate vaccination program.

This outreach activity is expected to serve as an initial step toward empowering the community to independently cultivate local chicken breeds. With the knowledge gained, residents can begin applying more effective breeding and production techniques in their environment. Going forward, similar programs should continue to be implemented sustainably in order to expand their impact. It is hoped that this initiative will contribute to improving community welfare while also supporting local food security. (Contributors: Lintang Gitacahyani and Ardaning Nuriliani)

FACULTY OF BIOLOGY ATTEND THE RI-SING UNIVERSITY NETWORK FACULTY IMMERSION PROGRAM AT NANYANG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY- SINGAPORE

News Release Friday, 18 July 2025

Singapore (July 16th), The RI-SING University Network Faculty Immersion Program is a collaboration between five leading universities in Indonesia (UGM, UI, ITB, IPB, and ITS) and five universities in Singapore: Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). This program aims to strengthen collaboration and build relationships between universities in Indonesia and Singapore. The Faculty Immersion Program held from July 14-16, 2025, at NTU Singapore, aimed to explore research and project collaborations between NTU and five leading Indonesian universities in the fields of food science, food security & agritech, and sustainability in the life and social sciences.

This program was well-planned and engaging, managed by NTU International Engagement, with a professional staff overseeing the program’s rundown. Twenty-five participants from five universities were invited to attend presentations and discussions with schools leaders at NTU. The first day was filled with introductions to the entire NTU International Engagement team, INSPIRASI (Associate Prof. Dalton Tay), and resource persons who would present research materials. The second and third days were filled by schools leaders, including: Prof. Md. Saidul Islam from the School of Social Sciences; Prof. Viswanathan S. from the Business School; Prof. Peter Preiser from the School of Biological Sciences; Prof. Yusuf Ali from Experimental Medicine; Associate Prof. Tan Lay Poh from the School of Materials Science and Engineering; Associate Prof. Janice Lee, Dr. Shawn Lum, Assistant Prof. Yi Wen Zeng, and Assistant Prof. Pierre Taillardat from the Asian School of Environmental Science. NTU also provided opportunities for program participants to visit the INSPIRASI Laboratory, the Vertical Farming Laboratory at Sky Green, the Botanical Garden of Singapore, the MSE Laboratory, and the Tropical Ecology Laboratory.

Universitas Gadjah Mada, as a member of the RI-Sing University Network Faculty Program consortium, sent five lecturers to this program, one of whom was Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Si. from the Faculty of Biology. Dwi, in addition to her expertise in sustainable agriculture, is also a member of the Faculty of Biology’s Organic Waste Management Task Force and a member of the Waste Management Team at PIAT UGM. Dwi took this opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with Prof. Dalton from INSPIRASI. INSPIRASI is a collaborative research and education program initiated by the Ministry of Education of Singapore (MOECRT) and the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education for five raising universities: Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), University of Indonesia (UI), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Institute of Technology Surabaya (ITS), and NTU. INSPIRASI focuses on smart and sustainable campuses, integrated sustainable waste management systems, and research into environmentally friendly campus technologies. The integrated sustainable waste management program overlaps with the organic waste management programs of the Faculty of Biology and PIAT UGM. Dwi explained that the waste management practices of the Faculty of Biology UGM and the utilisation of waste for organic farming are based on her research. INSPIRASI is interested in establishing a waste management collaboration at UGM.

The INSPIRASI program also offers undergraduate students from UGM to participate in an undergraduate immersion program, a program conducted at both universities. The first three years of study are conducted at UGM (the home university), followed by one year at NTU, resulting in a degree from UGM. This program can be continued with a Postgraduate Immersion program, which involves students adding a year at NTU and earning a Master’s degree from NTU. The NTU Doctoral Program (PhD) also accepts students from INSPIRASI members through two scholarship schemes: the LPDP-NTU PhD Scholarship, which awards 30 doctoral students per year, and the NTU PhD scholarship scheme.

Prof. Preiser from the School of Biological Sciences is offering research collaborations in the molecular mechanisms by which malaria parasites adapt to environmental change and research in food security. Meanwhile, Prof. Jennice Lee and her team are offering research collaborations in biodiversity, peatland restoration, and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, Prof. Pooi See Lee, NTU’s Vice President of International Engagement, stated, “We sincerely hope this program will foster research collaborations between NTU and five leading universities in Indonesia.” Wanda Preiser, NTU’s Head of Office International Engagement, added, “If you contact one of our researchers, please let us know so we can assist you.” “We will report the results of this meeting to our Dean and hope for research and project collaboration with NTU, particularly regarding waste management at UGM,” Dwi concluded in response to Wanda’s request.

This faculty immersion program supports SDGs 3 (Good Healthy and Well Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals). (DUS)

Leipzig University and UGM Faculty of Biology Explore Research and Dual Degree Collaboration

Cooperation News Release Monday, 14 July 2025

Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a visit from academics of the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany. The delegation, consisting of Dr. Ahmed Abd El Wahed and Prof. Uwe Truyen, was warmly received by the leadership of the Faculty of Biology UGM during a meeting held at a local restaurant in Yogyakarta.

The visit was officially hosted by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, accompanied by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni), Dr. Matin Nuhamunada, M.Sc. (Secretary of the Office of International Affairs), and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech. (Head of the Microbiology Laboratory).

In his remarks, Prof. Budi expressed appreciation for the strong relationship that has developed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Leipzig University, especially through collaborations in research, training, and the organization of the International Summer Course. The visit also served as an opportunity to personally greet ten biology students from UGM who will participate in the International One Health Workshop at Leipzig University this August.

Prof. Uwe and Dr. Ahmed conveyed their enthusiasm for returning to Yogyakarta. During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for further collaboration, including an initiative to develop a dual degree program. They also explored plans for an international research collaboration involving Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., from the Microbiology Laboratory, focusing on microbiome analysis in Komodo dragons and capacity building at the Komodo Island National Park Office, supported by a research grant from the European Union. This discussion was a follow-up to a previous field visit by the German delegation to Labuan Bajo.

Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the potential for collaborative research in bioinformatics to support the development of dry-lab-based research, aligning with the expertise of researchers at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This meeting is expected to further strengthen sustainable international academic networks and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Training and Assistance for ‘Amanda’ Women Farmers Group in Cultivating Yard Plants

Community Service Monday, 23 June 2025

Front yard utilization for the cultivation of functional plants with market value could contribute to improve entrepreneurial independence. In a series of 2025 PKM-MBKM activities with the Amanda Women Farmers Group as partners, training and mentoring of outdoor plants cultivation were carried out on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The UGM PKM-MBKM team led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. accompanied by students from the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2022: Jovanka, Khansa Fauziah Rachman, Samantha Sonya Putri, and Dhea Amelia, delivered the materials and practices on how to germinate, transplant, and nurture rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf).

Rosella, butterfly pea, ginger, and lemongrass are grown in several stages. In rosella and butterfly pea, good seeds are selected by soaking them in water and taking the sinking seeds. Seeds that sink are put into in a seedling tray with planting media and watered daily. After the seeds germinate for approximately 1-2 weeks and the main stem is strong enough, the plants are transferred to a 25×25 poly bag containing planting media. Watering is done every day and fertilizing every 2 weeks with NPK fertilizer dissolved in water. The process of ginger cultivation is carried out by selecting ginger rhizomes that have good quality and cleaning them from the remaining soil. Gingers are put into a container containing wet cloth covered with another wet cloth. This process is carried out until the shoots appear on rhizome (approximately 2 weeks) and continued with the planting process in a 35×35 polybag containing planting media. As for lemongrass, the initial process carried out is pruning the upper leaves and soaking lemongrass in water until they grow roots. This process lasts approximately 1 week and is followed by planting lemongrass in a 35×35 polybag with planting media. Lemongrass and ginger were watered daily and fertilized once a week with NPK dissolved in water.

The activity received a very positive response from the members of the Amanda Women Farmers Group who enthusiastically followed the entire series of events, from the material delivery to hands-on practice. This enthusiasm can be seen from the many questions asked during the discussion session, as well as the liveliness of the participants when trying to perform germination and transplanting techniques independently. In addition, this activity also became a space for interaction that strengthened the relationship between the implementation team and partner communities, creating a collaborative and mutually supportive atmosphere (SDG 17). Through a participatory and applicable approach, it is hoped that this activity will not only provide new knowledge and skills, but also be able to build community independence in utilizing front yard productively by cultivating plants with high market value to improve family food security and community welfare in a sustainable manner (SDG 8).

Strengthening Alumni Ties: Genza Education Collaborates with UGM Biology Faculty for Education and Lustrum XIV

News Release Friday, 20 June 2025

Yogyakarta, June 20, 2025 — In a continued effort to strengthen collaboration in the field of education, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a strategic partnership meeting with PT Genza Edukasi Indonesia on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The meeting, held in the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology, marked an important step toward building cooperation to support student development in the field of biology.

The meeting was attended by M. Syamsul Maarif, President Director of PT Genza Edukasi Indonesia, and Agung Supriyawan, Director of Marketing & IT at PT Genza Edukasi Indonesia. Representing the Faculty of Biology UGM were Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty; Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Chair of the 14th Lustrum Committee; Titin Fauziah, S.E., MBA., Head of the Administrative, Financial, and General Affairs Team; and Annisa Mawarni, S.Si.

In a warm and collaborative discussion, several key areas of partnership were explored. These included the implementation of the Genza Olympiad, support in providing competition judges, organizing “Road to UGM” student visits to the Faculty of Biology, and the development of educational publication materials targeted at school students.

Beyond programmatic collaboration, Genza Education also expressed its commitment to contribute funding to support the 14th Lustrum of the Faculty of Biology UGM, set to take place this year. This donation serves as a meaningful gesture of alumni support, as M. Syamsul Maarif, the President Director of Genza Education, is an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology, class of 1994.

Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono welcomed the collaboration with great enthusiasm. “We truly appreciate the support from Genza Education, particularly in relation to the 14th Lustrum and efforts to introduce UGM Biology to the younger generation. This is a tangible example of how alumni contribute to the advancement of their alma mater,” he stated.

This partnership is expected to be the beginning of a sustainable collaboration and an inspiration for other alumni and partners to contribute to the advancement of education alongside the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Dutch Master’s Student Completes Research Internship at Faculty of Biology UGM

News Release Friday, 20 June 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recently concluded a collaborative internship program with Jens van Bijsterveld, a Master’s student from the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), the Netherlands. Over the past five months, Jens has been engaged in a research internship focused on genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of Rasbora lateristriata, a freshwater fish species native to Yogyakarta.

During his time in Yogyakarta, Jens was supervised by a team of distinguished mentors: Prof. Dr. Fons Verbeek and Prof. Dr. Herman P. Spaink from Leiden University, as well as Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji and Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat from the Faculty of Biology UGM.

At just 22 years old, Jens already shows a strong enthusiasm for bioinformatics and research. His journey to UGM began when he expressed an interest in conducting his Master’s thesis abroad. With the support of his supervisor Prof. Verbeek, and through a connection with Prof. Spaink, Jens was introduced to the research team at UGM. “Like I said, I was lucky,” Jens shared.

Jens took part in a project to generate a reference genome for Rasbora lateristriata. It was a valuable opportunity to turn theory into practice. “After learning so much theory about genome sequencing and assembly algorithms, I really enjoyed finally applying it in a real research context,” he explained.

This internship also played a significant role in affirming Jens’s passion for research. “I already knew I enjoyed doing research back in Leiden, but the experience at UGM truly showed me how much I love being part of the scientific process—no matter where it’s conducted,” he said. Jens also emphasized the benefits of international experience in academia, especially in an increasingly global research environment.

Jens gained a wide range of experiences—not only scientific, but personal and cultural. From navigating Yogyakarta traffic on a motorbike to adapting to a more flexible concept of time, he found the learning experience went far beyond technical skills. “In the Netherlands, we often fixate on punctuality, while life here is much more relaxed and adaptive—which I actually love,” he noted. He even picked up a new hobby: making jewelry!

Jens expressed his deep appreciation for the people he worked with during his internship. “I absolutely loved everyone here. No complaints,” he said warmly. Although initially surprised by Yogyakarta’s bustling urban life and unfamiliar environment, he soon grew fond of the city’s character and lifestyle. “Compared to other Indonesian cities I visited, Yogyakarta is surprisingly well-organized, and the abundance of cozy cafés and restaurants was a big plus.”

Beyond the lab, Jens immersed himself in Indonesian culture. “I truly loved the food—especially lotek and the weird tofu that Luthfi makes,” he joked. One of his favorite memories was a long motorbike trip to the beach, where he experienced everyday life in Java along the way.

As his internship comes to an end, Jens reflects on the kindness of the people he met and the experiences he gained. “What I’ll remember most are the amazing interactions I’ve had with everyone here,” he said. He encourages other international students to take up similar opportunities—but with an open mind and a willingness to embrace cultural differences. “It’s an amazing experience, but be prepared for how different life is here compared to Europe. It takes some getting used to.”

The Faculty of Biology UGM is proud to have hosted Jens van Bijsterveld and looks forward to fostering more international research collaborations in the future.

Following in the Footsteps of L.B. Holthuis: Seven New Endemic Freshwater Lobster Species Discovered in Papua

News Release Monday, 16 June 2025

Hidden beneath the lush rainforests of Papua, Indonesia lies a biodiversity treasure trove still waiting to be explored. For crustacean researchers, the island’s rivers and lakes represent a scientific frontier rich with undiscovered species.

More than 50 years after legendary Dutch carcinologist Lipke Bijdeley Holthuis (1921 – 2008) mapped much of the world’s freshwater crayfish diversity, a new generation of scientists is continuing the quest.

In a recent study published in Arthropoda (MDPI), researchers Christian Lukhaup (Independent Researcher, Germany), Rury Eprilurahman (Universitas Gadjah Mada – Indonesia), and Thomas von Rintelen (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin – Germany) successfully described seven new species of freshwater crayfish from the genus Cherax, all of which are endemic to the regions of West Papua.

“Papua holds the greatest diversity of freshwater crayfish in the world, yet many species remain scientifically undescribed,” said Rury Eprilurahman.

“Our goal is to help establish a valid taxonomic foundation while promoting the protection of these increasingly vulnerable species,” he added.

New Species from Papua’s Hidden Rivers

The seven newly described species originate from various remote regions of West Papua:

Cherax veritas — Misool Island, Raja Ampat

Cherax arguni and Cherax kaimana — northern Kaimana district

Cherax nigli — southern Kaimana

Cherax bomberai — Fakfak

Cherax farhadii and Cherax doberai — Teluk Bintuni region

Each species exhibits distinctive morphological traits. The shape of the chelae (claws), the length and structure of the rostrum (snout), striking body coloration, and overall body proportions set each apart from its close relatives.

“These species can be clearly distinguished from each other, both morphologically and genetically,” the researchers wrote in their publication.

DNA Reveals Unique Lineages

To further validate their discoveries, the team performed mitochondrial DNA analyses using the 16S rRNA gene fragment.

Results revealed that the seven new species represent genetically distinct lineages, supporting their classification as separate species.

“This is crucial, as some species may look deceptively similar. Without molecular analysis, we risk misinterpreting their evolutionary relationships,” Eprilurahman explained.

By combining classical morphology with molecular systematics, the researchers ensured a scientifically sound and responsible approach to species identification.

Aquarium Trade as a Starting Point

Intriguingly, some of the initial specimens were obtained through the aquarium trade.

“Many of these species first appeared in the aquarium hobby market in Europe or Jakarta,” Rury noted.

“From there, we traced their origins and collaborated with local contacts in Papua to confirm the natural habitats.”

While not ideal, the aquarium trade occasionally provides an early clue to the existence of undescribed species.

Nevertheless, Rury emphasized that all field sampling and data collection were conducted ethically and following conservation permits.

Vital for Conservation Efforts

This discovery is significant not only for taxonomy but also for conservation.

West Papua is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity, yet its ecosystems face mounting threats from deforestation, mining activities, infrastructure development, and illegal wildlife trade.

By enhancing the region’s species inventory, the findings will contribute to more targeted and effective conservation planning.

“If we don’t even know which species are present, how can we protect them?” Rury asked.

“With this knowledge, we can push for more sustainable management of freshwater habitats.”

Much More Yet to Be Discovered

While seven new species have now been formally described, the researchers believe Papua’s Cherax diversity is still vastly underexplored.

“Papua is incredibly vast. There are countless rivers, lakes, and cave systems that remain unexplored,” Rury said.

“I’m confident we will continue to discover new species in the future.”

The same team has previously described other species, including:

Cherax warsamsonicus (2017)
Cherax alyciae and Cherax mosessalossa (2018)
Cherax wagenknechtae (2022)
Cherax rayko and Cherax phing (2024)

This highlights Papua’s status as a global hotspot for freshwater crayfish diversity.

Continuing the Legacy of Holthuis

Since Holthuis pioneered the study of the world’s freshwater crayfish in the mid-20th century, modern tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and advances in molecular systematics now offer unprecedented insights.

But fieldwork remains irreplaceable.

“There is no substitute for direct exploration in nature,” Rury emphasized.

“Papua still holds many mysteries, and we have only scratched the surface.”

Through a combination of field exploration, global collaboration, and rigorous science, today’s researchers — following in the footsteps of L.B. Holthuis — continue to unveil new chapters in our understanding of Indonesia’s extraordinary freshwater biodiversity.

The discovery of seven new endemic freshwater lobster species in Papua supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), by contributing to biodiversity conservation and highlighting the ecological value of freshwater habitats. It also aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through the protection and sustainable use of inland aquatic biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing baseline data essential for assessing ecosystem vulnerability to climate change. Furthermore, the research aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of modern scientific methods in taxonomy, and with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by showcasing collaborative efforts among international researchers and local institutions.

Reference:

Lukhaup C., Eprilurahman R., von Rintelen T. (2025). Seven New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western New Guinea, Indonesia Arthropoda 3(2):10. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-3323/3/2/10

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