SDG 4 : Provide Quality Education

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SDG 4 : Provide Quality Education

Understanding How Plants Fight Back: The Plant Physiology Laboratory of UGM’s Faculty of Biology Hosts Training on Plant Stress Physiology Amid Climate Challenges

News Release Wednesday, 25 June 2025

The Plant Physiology Laboratory organized a three-day training on plant physiological responses to environmental stresses, held from Monday (June 23, 2025) to Wednesday (June 25, 2025). This activity was conducted in collaboration with the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC) of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM. The training utilized various facilities available at UGM as part of the university’s commitment to fulfilling the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the areas of education and community service. The event began with an opening speech by the Head of the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who emphasized that current environmental changes pose a real challenge to the sustainability of plant life, particularly in the agricultural sector and food security. “Understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses is becoming increasingly essential,” she added. The formal opening of the event was delivered by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. He highlighted that this training represents an excellent example of inter-laboratory collaboration, and emphasized that despite the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), “human talk” and hands-on training to enrich personal skills will never be fully replaced. “Through this training, participants are not only expected to gain scientific knowledge, but also to use this opportunity as a platform to build collaborative networks,” he remarked. He also added that the facilities available at the Faculty of Biology are open and accessible for broader utilization.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory, Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as well as representatives from sponsoring organizations, including Yayasan Satriabudi Dharma Setia (YSDS) and Panin Bank, PT Widya Life Science, PT Kairos Jaya Sejahtera, PT ITS Science Indonesia, and PT Ditek Jaya. The training was joined by both academics and professionals from various institutions, including Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, UKWMS Kampus Madiun, Universitas Kristen Artha Wacana, the Faculty of Animal Science UGM, Global Prestasi School Bandung, and PT. IMP 168.

On the first day, the topic of plant physiological responses to environmental stress was presented by Prof. Diah followed by practical analysis of Membrane Stability Index (ISM), Reactive Oxygen Species (H2O2), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and enzymatic antioxidants (Superoxide Dismutase/SOD and Catalase/CAT). The preliminary presentation related to the analysis practice was delivered by Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. and Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc. In addition to conventional methods, analysis was also carried out using a kit with a microplate reader which is supported by PT. Kairos Jaya Sejahtera.

The second day of the training featured a session by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., focusing on photosynthesis. Utilizing the LICOR instrument provided by the AGLC, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participants were able to obtain comprehensive analyses of photosynthetic parameters. Additionally, chlorophyll measurements were conducted using a SPAD meter and through acetone extraction methods. Proline content was also measured during the second day of training. On the final day, content related to phytoremediation was delivered by Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. Participants were introduced to heavy metal analysis, particularly mercury, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) available at the Biotechnology Laboratory. The analysis process was also supported by PT Ditek Jaya. Each day’s practical session was followed by a discussion and analysis of the results obtained, allowing participants to develop a more in-depth understanding. In addition to laboratory staff members Martono, S.T. and Asri Fajar Milasari, S.Si., the training was also supported by students (Ph.D. and undergraduate), namely Hana Widiawati, Hanif Fauzan Saputra, Maharani Pratiwi Salsabila A., Muhammad Reza Hendriansah, Rima Vegi Santika, and Adzkiya Aqmaliza Rahmatillah.

Moving forward, similar training programs are expected to be held regularly and sustainably, with increasingly diverse topics and strengthened cross-sector collaborations. This initiative also aligns with efforts to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (Goal 4), Climate Action (Goal 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17).

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.

Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology at UGM Earn “Unggul” Accreditation from LAMSAMA

News Release Monday, 16 June 2025

Yogyakarta, June 3, 2025, The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again received formal recognition for its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education. Two of its postgraduate programs—the Master’s Program in Biology and the Doctoral Program in Biology—have been awarded the highest accreditation status, “Unggul” (Excellent), by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Natural and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA). This recognition is based on Decree No. 134/SK/LAMSAMA/Akred/D/VI/2025, effective from June 3, 2025 to June 2, 2030, for the Doctoral Program in Biology, and Decree No. 144/SK/LAMSAMA/Akred/M/VI/2025, effective from June 5, 2025 to June 4, 2030, for the Master’s Program in Biology.

This achievement reflects the outcome of a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of academic program implementation, including institutional governance, the quality of human resources, outcomes-based curriculum, internal quality assurance systems, research output and performance, graduate relevance, and the programs’ contributions to the advancement of science and the resolution of strategic national and global issues.

The site assessment, conducted by the LAMSAMA assessor team from May 25 to 28, 2025, included a direct review of academic operations, research and learning facilities, and the active involvement of stakeholders, including alumni and external partners.

This accreditation strengthens the standing of both the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology as leading programs in tropical biology and reinforces the Faculty of Biology UGM’s efforts toward realizing its vision as a world-class, research-based higher education institution rooted in Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. This accomplishment also aligns with Universitas Gadjah Mada’s broader commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education.

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

Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025

Student Activities Tuesday, 10 June 2025

On Wednesday, 28^th of May 2025, Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, UGM. This event was held for all Formasigen’s members. This event was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as Formasigen’s supervisor lecturer. Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025 is aimed to evaluate the cabinet’s ministry program for the first half of the year. This event had 2 main sessions that were presentations about evaluation of programs that have been done in the first half of the year and Q&A from the audience.

Kegiatan diawali dengan presentasi dan evaluasi program kerja ketua dan wakil ketua. Selanjutnya, presentasi dan evaluasi program kerja dilanjutkan oleh Sekretaris, Bendahara, Kepala Divisi PSDM, Kepala Divisi Keilmuan, Kepala Divisi Kerumahtanggaan, Kepala Divisi Media dan Informasi, dan Kepala Divisi Humas dan Jaringan. Seusai presentasi, dilakukan sesi tanya jawab dan kesempatan evaluasi dari anggota yang hadir. Setelah dilakukan presentasi, kegiatan dilanjutkan dokumentasi dan makan siang. Dengan dilaksanakannya Evaluasi Tengah Tahun ini, diharapkan semua program kerja Formasigen Kabinet HomeoGenesis di setengah periode berikutnya dapat berjalan dengan lancar dan evaluasi dari program yang sudah berjalan bisa diterapkan.

The event was started by a presentation and evaluation of programs done by the chairman and vice chairman of Formasigen 2025 cabinet HomeoGenesis. Presentation and evaluation of programs were carried on by programs of each division from each head of division. After each presentation, the audience was given room to discuss and having Q&A session. The next activity was documentation followed by lunch. With the realisation of this event, we hope that all assigned programs can be held without any significant challenge for the remaining half of the year and the evaluations noted can be applied for a better program realisation. This Mid Year Evaluation also helps support the Sustainable Development Goals number 4 and 17 that are quality education and partnerships for the goals.

[Author: Formasigen]

Faculty of Biology UGM Initiates Orchid Research Collaboration on Dwarf Forma Bali with Udayana University and BRIDA Bali

Cooperation News Release Monday, 2 June 2025

Yogyakarta, June 2, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Biotechnology Laboratory, hosted a collaborative meeting with the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, and the Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of Bali Province on Monday, June 2, 2025. The meeting took place at the KPTU Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This meeting aimed to discuss a joint research initiative focused on utilizing biotechnology to develop a new variety of Bali-native orchids, known as Dwarf Forma Bali. The collaboration is expected to strengthen both conservation efforts and innovation in the development of regional ornamental plants through modern biotechnological approaches.

The Udayana University delegation was led by Dr. Gusti Ngurah Alit Susanta Wirya, S.P., M.Agr., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, accompanied by researchers Dr. Putu Sudiarta, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rindang Dwiyani, and Dr. Ida Ayu Putri Darmawati. From BRIDA Bali, Ir. I Nyoman Suarta, M.Si., Head of Regional Development Priority Division, attended along with several BRIDA staff members.

Representing the Faculty of Biology UGM were Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni; Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory; Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc.; Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., M.Sc.; as well as undergraduate and graduate students under the supervision of Prof. Endang, who have long been engaged in orchid research as one of Indonesia’s leading tropical plant resources.

During the discussion session, the UGM Biotechnology Laboratory team presented their recent research progress, including:

Development of miniature orchid varieties using the CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing system
Identification and analysis of model plants to support miniature orchid development
Characterization of the ERECTA gene structure, which plays a role in orchid morphology regulation

This meeting marked an important step in strengthening research synergy between universities and regional research institutions in supporting the development of local genetic resources through innovative scientific approaches. It is hoped that the collaboration will not only result in superior orchid varieties but also enhance the role of scientific research in regional development and biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.

Gentalk 6 by Formasigen: Detection of Leptin Gene (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) Genetic Variation in People with Obesity

Student Activities Monday, 2 June 2025

On Friday, 16th of May 2025 at 1-2.30 PM, Gentalk 6 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. This program is targeted for all Formasigen members and Biology UGM students in general. Gentalk is an active discussion and sharing session between alumni or senior student and Formasigen’s member about the undergraduate thesis they are working on. In this Gentalk edition, the speakers are Maylisa Andini and Enjang Sekaryati, Faculty of Biology UGM students batch 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. for their undergraduate thesis.

This program started with an opening from the Master of Ceremony, Muhammad Rafi Fairuza, as the head of the Public Relation Division of HomeoGenesis Cabinet. The next activity is a presentation about “ Detection of Leptin Gene (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) Genetic Variation in People with Obesity”. In this session, presenters explain about the cause of obesity, methods used for detecting Leptin gene (LEP) and Leptin receptor (LEPR) variation, genes that regulate appetite, and genes associated with obesity . After that, is the Q&A session followed by closing from the master of ceremony. Through Gentalk, we hoped that this could be a good start to create a vessel for an interesting and beneficial discussion. We also hope that this program can give a better understanding about all the research done by all the lecturers and their students in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biologi UGM. This research also hoped to help actualize the 3^rd Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is Good Health and Well-Being. [Author: Formasigen]

Education and Action: MBKM Community Service Team 2025 of Biology, UGM Introduces the Benefits of Herbal Plants in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community Service News Release Friday, 30 May 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) 2025, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., has successfully conducted a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Sleman. Under the theme “Improving Family Health through Cultivation and Processing of Herbal Plants”, the program aims to raise awareness and promote the use of herbal plants within the local community—supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. The initiative involved five active undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biology, UGM grade 2022.

The activities began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents to assess their perceptions and habits regarding herbal plant usage. The results revealed that most residents are familiar with and regularly use herbal plants in their daily lives. This provided a strong foundation for the team to continue with further educational outreach, particularly on the types and benefits of herbal plants—supporting SDG 4: Quality Education at the hamlet level. The enthusiasm of the community confirmed that this grassroots approach is effective in unlocking local potential for health improvement.

The next phase of the program included an educational seminar and herbal plant distribution, held at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam on Sunday, May 24, 2025. The session was presented by Chelsy Ammara Septiani and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, covering the introduction to herbal plants, their benefits, and their role in preventing degenerative diseases. A lively and interactive Q&A session followed, with participants showing interest in innovative uses of herbal plants such as modern herbal beverages and aromatherapy candles. This response reflects a growing community awareness of responsible consumption and production, in line with SDG 12.

The event concluded with the distribution of herbal plants—including pandan, cat’s whiskers/Java tea, bilimbi, and bay leaf—to encourage continued cultivation and conservation of these plants within the community, thus contributing to SDG 15: Life on Land. The program will continue in the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, focusing on both physical and mental health. It is hoped that the PkM-MBKM program will continue to bring tangible benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet and serve as a model of collaborative service between academia and society through partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17).

Authors:
Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Syifa Aneira, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa

LAMSAMA On-Site Assessment for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada

News Release Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Yogyakarta, 28 May 2025 — The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has received an on-site accreditation assessment by the Independent Accreditation Institute for Natural Sciences and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA) for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology on 26–27 May 2025. This assessment is part of a strategic initiative to obtain formal recognition of academic quality achievements and to reinforce the status of these study programs as leading institutions of higher education in the biological sciences.

The assessment commenced on Monday, 26 May 2025, at the Biologi Tropika Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, with an official opening delivered by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bambang extended a formal welcome to the LAMSAMA assessment team and articulated the expectation that this process would serve as a meaningful opportunity for reflection and internal evaluation.

“We hope this assessment will provide constructive feedback to enhance the quality of both programs,” stated Prof. Bambang.

The LAMSAMA assessment panel consisted of distinguished academics and experts in the field of biology representing various universities across Indonesia. The Master’s Program in Biology was assessed by Prof. Dr. Yosephine Sri Wulan Manuhara, M.Si., and Prof. Amin Setyo Leksono, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., while the Doctoral Program in Biology was evaluated by Dr. Sony Heru Sumarsono and Prof. Dr. Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih, M.Si.

During the two-day evaluation, the assessors conducted a comprehensive review of multiple academic and supporting components, including curriculum structure, pedagogical processes, human resources, facilities and infrastructure, research outputs and scholarly publications, as well as tracer studies. The assessment also incorporated interviews with program leadership, faculty members, students, alumni, and stakeholders employing graduates, in order to gain an extensive understanding of the quality and relevance of the programs offered.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM aspires that the outcomes of this assessment will provide strategic and constructive guidance to strengthen academic governance and advance sustainable quality improvement. Accreditation by LAMSAMA not only serves as formal external validation of the accomplishments achieved but also as an impetus for continued innovation and contribution to the advancement of tropical biology, with significant societal and environmental impact. This aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education.

The Grand Opening of the Lustrum XIV and 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM: A Joyful Start with a Cheerful Fun Walk!

News Release Saturday, 17 May 2025

[Yogyakarta, 16 May 2025] – Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially launched Lustrum XIV celebration alongside the commemoration of its 70th Anniversary. The opening was enlivened by a Fun Walk, enthusiastically participated in by lecturers, administrative staff, members of the Biology chapter of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan, and student representatives—all of whom are integral parts of the Faculty’s long and meaningful journey. Carrying the theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity,” the celebration marks the beginning of a series of events for the 2025 Lustrum XIV. This activity aims not only to celebrate the Faculty’s achievements but also to foster unity and optimism as it looks toward the future with renewed spirit.

The event began with an energetic morning aerobics session led by a professional instructor, joyfully joined by all participants. In this meaningful moment, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, delivered an opening speech. He expressed gratitude for the Faculty’s outstanding accomplishments over the past 70 years, while also inspiring all participants with a forward-looking vision to continue advancing the field of biology and contributing to society and the nation. The opening prayer was then led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., invoking blessings and success for the entire Lustrum XIV series, and for the continued prosperity of the Faculty of Biology UGM community.

The symbolic opening of Lustrum XIV was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Dean, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. (Chair of the Academic Senate), Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chair of the 2025 Lustrum XIV Committee), and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. (Chair of the Opening Ceremony). This symbolic act represented more than a formal gesture—it signified the start of a new chapter in the Faculty’s history, full of innovation and dedication. The ribbon cutting was followed by the Fun Walk, which took place around the UGM campus area. This moment of togetherness was captured with a group photo in front of Balairung UGM. After the joyful walk, participants enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere over delicious refreshments, creating a warm and lively gathering. The festivity continued with live musical performances by the Dean, faculty members, and staff, enriching the sense of unity and celebration. This opening event of Lustrum XIV also reflects the Faculty’s active contribution to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle, improving participants’ physical and mental health, and promoting awareness of the importance of physical activity in daily life; SDG 4 (Quality Education): as part of a higher education institution, the event reinforces educational values and builds a strong sense of academic community; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): through collaboration among the academic community, alumni, partners, and the broader public, the Faculty demonstrates its commitment to advancing shared goals, including sustainable development. As a joyful finale to the event, a door prize drawing session was held—one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Cheers and laughter erupted with each number called, adding excitement and delightful surprises for the participants. Let us continue to nurture life with freshness and vitality, providing space to grow and innovate—Biology for Environment and Humanity.

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