**Jakarta, July 1-5, 2024** – Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, a lecturer from the Biology Department of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), has been invited to serve as a judge at the National Science Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Levels (OSN-P). The event, organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center, National Achievement Center, Secretariat General, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, took place from July 1 to July 5, 2024.

The National Science Olympiad at the provincial level (OSN-P) for elementary (SD/MI) and middle school (SMP/MTs) students was conducted using the Computer-Based National Assessment (ANBK) application. This innovative approach ensures a fair and efficient evaluation process, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of promoting quality basic education and fostering development.

Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono was among the 50 judges from various universities and institutions across Indonesia. His expertise in biology and commitment to educational development made him a valuable addition to the judging panel. The judges were tasked with evaluating the performances of 2,061 participants, a challenging yet rewarding responsibility.

The OSN-P aims to identify and nurture young talents in science, providing them with opportunities to excel and contribute to the nation’s development. By involving experts like Dr. Priyono, the event ensures that the assessment process is rigorous and credible, promoting a culture of excellence in basic education.

Throughout the five-day event, participants demonstrated their knowledge and skills in various scientific disciplines. The use of the ANBK application facilitated a smooth and transparent evaluation process, allowing judges to focus on the participants’ performance without technical hindrances.

Dr. Priyono expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the OSN-P, highlighting the importance of such events in inspiring young minds. “It’s an honor to contribute to the development of our future scientists. These young talents are the backbone of our nation’s progress,” he said.

The involvement of university lecturers and professionals in the judging process underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards in educational assessments. This collaboration between educational institutions and the government is crucial for achieving the SDGs related to quality education and sustainable development.

The OSN-P not only provides a platform for students to showcase their abilities but also encourages them to pursue careers in science and technology. This aligns with the broader goal of fostering innovation and development in Indonesia.

As the event concluded, the organizers expressed their gratitude to all judges, participants, and supporting institutions. The success of the OSN-P is a testament to the collective effort in promoting quality education and nurturing the next generation of scientists.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, the Social Community Department of BEM Biology UGM conducted the Visiting Village 1 as part of the Social Community Department work program. The activity was attended by 13 committee members from the Social Community Department and took place in Geger Hamlet, including a visit to the hamlet head house and location survey. This event aimed to establish cooperation and build relationships with the community in Geger Hamlet.

The event started at 8:30 AM and was led by Alifa Tafrinjiyah, the field coordinator. The event included a Q&A session to identify the current issues in Geger Hamlet, as information for subsequent events, Visiting Village 2 and 3. Next, there was a location survey in preparation for the upcoming event. The activity closed with group documentation, followed by a cleanup.

This event is expected to foster good relationships by maintaining strong ties. Strong relationships could strengthen connections, provide mutual support, and help in various situations, also foster empathy, tolerance, and togetherness, ultimately creating a harmonious and peaceful environment. [Author: BEM]

On Sunday, June 16, 2024, the Garden Architecture Study Group (KSAT) organized KSATalk, an online webinar with the theme Let’s Greening Your Minimal Space. The event aimed to educate participants on the steps and benefits of optimizing minimal space for home gardens. The event featured Anggia Sekar N as a speaker, a landscape architect, founder of Imah Flora and Tumpu Greenery. The event was attended by 61 participants from within and outside UGM.

KSATalk commenced with an opening and prayer led by Salsabila Nayla as MC, followed by speeches from Safina Suci Samara, chief organizer, and Anggi Nada Khoirul Ummah, Head of KSAT 2024. Proceeding to the main agenda, KSATalk guided by Endah Esthiningtyas consisted of a material presentation and Q&A session. The material covered the definition of minimal space, steps to create a garden from minimal space, and references to the garden concept. After the presentation, the event continued with a Q&A session where seven participants were allowed to ask questions. The event concluded with a documentation session and a closing prayer.

It is hoped that participants gain a deeper understanding of maximizing minimal spaces for home gardens and can effectively apply this knowledge to their own spaces. Additionally, it is expected that KSAT will continue to strengthen its roots to become a beneficial study group for the surrounding environment, academics, and the wider community.

On Friday (5/7), the Health Promoting University (HPU) team and Faculty Counselors Faculty of Biology UGM Counselors organized a training session for Buddy Counselors to prepare their skills for assisting new students in 2024. This year’s Buddy Counselor team is the second cohort following the establishment of the peer counselor team, called Buddy Counselors, by the HPU team and Faculty of Biology Counselors last year.

The Buddy Counselor 2024 team consists of 28 active students who received training and inaugurated on May 20, 2024. The training session was guided by Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., a psychologist from the Faculty of Biology UGM . This activity is part of the HPU Faculty of Biology’s work program, chaired by Titin Fauziah, SE., MBA. The Buddy Counselors supported by the Faculty Psychologist and assisted by Faculty Counselors, including Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Rachman Siregar, M.Biotech., and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si.

The Buddy Counselors received training in active listening skills, life goal mapping, and practical sessions in active listening. This team will work alongside the PPSMB Faculty of Biology guides in assisting the 2024 new student cohort. The Buddy Counselor program is the first of its kind in the Faculty of Biology, aimed at helping new students adapt to their new environment, academic life, and all its intricacies. The team provides academic orientation and tracking the mental health of new students to minimize risks throughout their studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

“Active listening begins with our willingness to listen to the counselee’s story, paraphrasing, summarizing, clarifying, and providing support. We should focus on the counsellee,” explained Yudhis. “We hope that this new student assistance program becomes a tradition in our faculty, helping new students smoothly transition from high school to university life,” expressed Titin in her remarks. This assistance also facilitates the Faculty Counselors’ efforts in identifying mental health issues early and preparing measures to prevent self-harm and suicide.

[PkM – MBKM] Yogyakarta, June 25, 2024, the Community Service Team of the independent learning independent campus Program (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology, guided by Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., along with three students, Nindya ‘Aisyah Cahyaningrum, Mohammad Farrel Rayyan Pratama, and Daffa Patria Putra Dewanto conducted their first series of PkM-MBKM activities in the Punthuk Kepuh Tourism Village. The event theme was “Optimization of Fruit Plant Cultivation Practices through the Application of Garden Landscape Architecture in the Yard Areas of Katongan Village’’, aimed to provide information and knowledge to the community on how to care for fruit plants in the Punthuk Kepuh tourism village and introduce simple home-scale hydroponic techniques. The event was held at Punthuk Kepuh Tourism Village Hall, began at 4:00 PM and ended at 6:30 PM’. Twenty residents attended the event, including the neighborhood leaders, the village tourism manager (Mr Riski), and the village head.

The activity involved socialization on fruit planting and home-scale hydroponic farming techniques by invited speakers, Mr. Yusuf Sulaiman and Mr Ahmad Muhlisin from PT Indigen Karya Unggul. The event commenced with a welcome speech by Mr Riski, the village tourism manager, followed by speeches from the neighborhood leaders and the village head. The event continued with presentations from invited speakers. The first presentation was delivered by Mr Yusuf Sulaiman. He shared his expertise on fruit planting, including suitable fruits to grow, watering and fertilizing techniques, and pest control measures post-fruiting. Mr. Ahmad Muhlisin led the second session on hydroponic farming, covering the essential tools and materials, the nutrients needed for hydroponic plants, and the types of plants best suited for hydroponic systems. Participants also learned about hydroponic planting and care for beginners. Mr Muhlisin also demonstrated how to grow plants hydroponically using a simple home hydroponic kit.

After the socialization, participants asked to complete a post-test and attendance check. The event concluded with a group photo. It hoped that this socialization will provide the local community with knowledge about fruit planting and care, and develop modern hydroponic farming systems to optimize the home yard areas.

Yogyakarta, 3 July 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) of the Republic of Indonesia consisting of the BAPPENAS Forestry Directorate Team. The discussions and field visits related to research and development of genetic resources for biodiversity in Indonesia. The visit was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM, also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, lecturers from various laboratories at the Faculty of Biology, as well as Head of the Agrotechnology Innovation Center UGM, Alan Soffan, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D.

Prof. Budi as Dean of the Faculty of Biology welcomed the field visit from BAPPENAS, especially as support for the curation of genetic resources for biodiversity is very necessary for ecosystem sustainability. He, accompanied by Dr. Eko delivered a profile of the Faculty of Biology. He underlined the concern in the world of biology regarding biological curation through the establishment of a new study program at the Faculty of Biology, the Profession Program for Biodiversity Curator (PKKH).

Alan as Head of the Center for Agrotechnology Innovation UGM (PIAT) also welcomed BAPPENAS’ visit. He said that PIAT would also support efforts to manage Indonesia’s biodiversity in the future. BAPPENAS colleagues also plan to visit the PIAT UGM area in Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.

Farida Yulistianingrum, S.Si., ME, MPP, from BAPPENAS, revealed that BAPPENAS is aware of the potential of Indonesia’s biodiversity and genetic resources. The BAPPENAS visit aims to explore data, information and views of experts/academics and agencies regarding gaps in the development of the genetic resource axis. These development efforts will then be continued with mapping and analysis of biodiversity in each region. Farida is also aware of the challenges related to research at the tertiary level, including regulations that are considered not support the implementation of research.

“Resource management is not yet connected, each is mostly kept at the level of individual university researchers,” said Prof. Budi. He also expressed the concerns that prompted the formation of the Indonesia Biodiversity Index (IBI) in 2019. IBI collaborates with the Indonesian Conservation Communication Forum (FKKI) and various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Indonesia to collect and share biodiversity data. Prof. Budi emphasized that there is a lot of data produced by Indonesian researchers, but it is spread in the form of thesis, books, and so on. This data curation effort has been ongoing for four years, and by 2024 alone they have produced no less than 11,000 pieces of information on species status and trend data.

Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, who is under the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, further added that the culture collection of various microbial genomes in Indonesia is still limited. The largest collection is currently managed by the Indonesian Culture Collection Laboratory (InaCC) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), while other collections are managed by researchers at various universities in Indonesia. This culture is only 0.4% of the total culture collection in the world.

Dr. Eko, with his microalgae research focus under the Biotechnology Laboratory, also conveyed the urgency in curating these cultures, including the expensive costs of maintaining cultures including human resources who can manage cultures, as well as the absence of databases, especially bioprospection databases. According to him, this database is crucial for the country’s progress, especially the contribution to various industries such as pharmaceuticals, and so on.

BAPPENAS also recognizes the limitations of policies/regulations from central to regional which still focus on economic value. Proposals regarding incentive regulations for conservation efforts or biodiversity credits in the regions still need to be evaluated as support for biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, the model for biodiversity credit focuses more on terrestrial areas and is limited to marine areas.

The next discussion continued on concerns regarding the management of biodiversity databases in various scientific fields; entomology, wildlife and various plants are the focus of research at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Efforts to manage genetic resources are considered to be an emergency concern so that efforts are needed to manage the Indonesian database index sustainably, including the proposed biodiversity index which is a regional performance achievement.

The field visit was followed by a visit to the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT) UGM.It is hoped that the discussion between BAPPENAS and the Faculty of Biology UGM will contribute to observation, development of biodiversity governance and related regulations, so that Indonesia can become more independent in managing its biodiversity.

Caving is an activity that includes exploration of the cave system that can build up teamwork and physical health. Caving requires constant communication to ensure team safety and to overcome obstacles. Caving involves climbing, crawling, walking, and even swimming, providing an effective full-body workout. Caving also provides insights into geology, biology, and ecology, offering hands-on learning experiences, elevating our love for nature, and raising awareness for environmental conservation. In addition, caving offers unusual adventure and exploration. Every cave is unique, providing ever-new adventures and discoveries. The thrill of exploration and curiosity can be exhilarating and satisfying.

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, coinciding with Pancasila Day, Matalabiogama conducted a caving activity at Cerme Cave, a historic site and tourist attraction located in Srunggo Hamlet, Selopanioro Village, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency. Cerme Cave sits 500 meters above sea level, with a cave length of approximately 1200 meters. Cerme Cave offers the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites and features waterfalls, underground rivers, and springs flowing along the cave.

The exploration was participated by Matalabiogama members, namely Baehaki, Rendy, Sulthon, Angela, Adrian, Sebayang, Dharma, Yara, Hanan, Ahmad, & Risma. Participants departed from the Faculty of Biology UGM at 08.30 WIB and safely arrived at Cerme Cave at 09.30 WIB. Participants were ready to enter the cave under the guidance of a local tour guide, Mr. Sumarah at 10.30 WIB. The course lasted for four hours. The participants encountered various cave biota, including cave shrimp (Gammarus pulex), cave crickets (family Rhaphidophoridae), cave spiders (Amblypygi), two species of bats, and eels (Genus Anguilla sp.). Residents consider encountering eels as a sign of good fortune for visitors due to their infrequent appearances. “We may only see these fish once a month,” said Mr. Sumarah. In addition to the cave biota, participants observed various geological beauties of Cerme Cave, including stalactites and stalagmites, several springs, and shimmering calcite crystal ornaments adorning the cave walls. The exploration ended at 14.30 WIB, and by 15.30 participants returned home.

This activity benefits Matalabiogama members, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships, physical health, biological understanding, healing, and enhancing members’ cave exploration skills. It hoped similar activities would continue, potentially collaborating with other organizations [Author: Matalabiogama].

The PkM-MBKM 2024 Team from the Faculty of Biology consisting of Cinta Louisa, Rr. Liliane Gemma and Hasna Zuhaida collaborated with the MBKM 2024 Research Team from the Faculty of Biology consisting of Muna Sa’adah and Vincencio Valdy Putra Sasangka, under the guidance of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes., has begun the MBKM 2024 program with the partner PKBM Ibnu Hajar Kebon Pasinaon in Sirahan, Salam, Magelang, Central Java. The themes of this activity include [1] Coordination of Planning and Strengthening, [2] Literacy Program Activities at the Community Learning Park (TBM) as a community empowerment activity center Kebon Pasinaon for monoculture and polyculture stingless Klanceng bee cultivation to strengthen the village economy and introduce environmental sustainability (monoculture and polyculture) to support the cultivation and products of Meliponiculture (Honey, Bee-pollen, Propolis).

The first activity was held online via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2024, with Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. as the speaker. This session discussed the outputs of MBKM Research and community service, the types of bees under study (Klanceng bees), and their products. The second activity, held on Friday, February 12, 2024, focused on Klanceng bee cultivation, including Klanceng bee products introduction, sources of Klanceng bee seeds, colony transfer techniques, and the introduction of Klanceng bee cultivation sites. On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the team visited Kebon Pasinaon at PKBM Ibnu Hajar, Sirahan, Magelang, for an introductory meeting. The team was warmly welcomed by representatives of PKBM Ibnu Hajar, and discussions related to program plans followed. Further, the team explored existing potentials at PKMB Ibnu Hajar.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Sawitsari Research Station, a field learning was conducted with materials: 1. Splitting Klanceng bee colonies, 2. Harvesting and collecting the bee products (honey, raw propolis, and Klanceng bee pollen). Colony splitting aimed to enhance Klanceng bee cultivation processes, increasing the number of colonies and ultimately producing more products. Raw propolis is a resin bee product used as a base material for hive construction. Meanwhile, bee pollen is the pollen from flowers stored in pollen pockets by worker bees as food reserves for the bee colony. The harvesting of raw propolis and pollen is done by taking the pockets located at the base of the nest. Pollen is distinguishable by its lighter color and denser texture. Propolis is obtained by squeezing Klanceng honey and taking the remaining nest materials. This propolis, still mixed with pollen, honey, and other debris, is called raw propolis. Once the propolis, pollen, and honey collected in the necessary amounts, they are stored for future activities during partner village visits, with the agenda of Klanceng bee cultivation workshops and product harvest demos (honey and propolis) in collaboration with PKBM Ibnu Hajar Kebon Pasinaon in Sirahan Village, Salam – MGL.

The Beekeeping and Product Harvest Demo Workshop was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Joglo Hall Kebon Pasinaon PKBM Ibnu Hajar, with an additional agenda on Maggot Cultivation following the initial discussion during the first visit, with additional support from final-year students, Rahmadhandhi, and one staff from the Entomology Laboratory, Rio Tri Rahmawati.

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2024 – Two lecturers from the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in advanced training on the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform organized by Genomic Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI). This three-day training covered theoretical and practical aspects of using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform. Participating in this training is a part of the commitment to advancing bioinformatics research in Indonesia. The implementation of High-Performance Computing (HPC) to process large biological datasets aligns with UGM’s research goals, and this training equips researchers with the necessary skills to effectively utilize these advanced tools.

The first day of the training consisted of theory and practical sessions. The theory session introduced participants to the ONT platform, the latest NGS technology that uses electrical current through nanopore proteins. There was also a demonstration of using the minKNOW software for ONT and EPI2ME LABs for post-NGS data processing. The practical session introduced basic bioinformatics programming using bash, including file systems, post-NGS data reading, file management, software management using Mamba, and de novo alignment techniques.

The second day continued with the theory session on the advantages of ONT over other platforms, particularly the Adaptive Sampling concept, which makes ONT flow cells more efficient and the data obtained more specific. The practical session included assembly, variant calling, annotation, and an introduction to Biopython, a Python package for bioinformatics data processing. The second day training concluded with a lab visit to observe the sequencing infrastructure at GSI Lab.

The final day focused on practical sessions and the final project. Participants learned about 16s Metagenomic Analysis using EPI2ME Labs through the Command Line Interface (CLI). The training concluded with a final project, where participants processed ONT fastq (.fastq) files into bam (.bam) files for further analysis using R Studio or Python.

Advancements in NGS tools have significantly enhanced research in life sciences, allowing for more specific and in-depth studies. Understanding the genetic material of organisms is crucial for comprehending their activities and life processes. This is evident in the rapid progress of precision medicine, which reveals individual uniqueness through genetic analysis.

In the PUAPT research program, the Faculty of Biology UGM has mandated biosecurity in land and water management within the Food Security working group. These tools are invaluable for studying the rhizosphere microbiome community, microbe-plant interactions, the impact of microbiomes on fertilizer and pesticide usage, and gene expression differences in food crops under specific land and water management treatments. NGS analysis plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts to achieve sustainable food security, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No.2 of zero hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and SDGs No.13 related to combating climate change to support sustainable agriculture.

The Klanceng Bees Propolis MBKM Research 2024 team has begun their research activities under the guidance of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes.. The team consists of Muna Sa’adah and Vincencio Valdy Putra Sasangka. This activity builds upon previous research to enhance studies on Klanceng bees propolis. The partner for this activity was PKBM Ibnu Hajar, Sirahan, Salam, Magelang.

The MBKM Research team collaborated with the MBKM-PkM team, which includes Cinta Louisa, Rr. Liliane Gemma, and Hasna Zuhaida. The first activity was held online via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2024, with Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. as the speaker. This session discussed the outputes of MBKM Research and community service, the types of bees under study (Klanceng bees), and their products. The second activity, held on Friday, February 12, 2024, focused on Klanceng bees cultivation. On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the team visited Kebon Pasinaon at PKBM Ibnu Hajar, Sirahan, Magelang, for an introductory meeting. The team was warmly welcomed by representatives of PKBM Ibnu Hajar, and discussions related to program plans followed.

As the initial activity of the MBKM program, colony splitting of Klanceng bees, raw propolis sampling, and Klanceng bee pollen collection were carried out. This took place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Sawitsari Research Station. The colony splitting aimed to strengthen the cultivation process of Klanceng bees, with the expectation of increasing the number of colonies and, consequently, the production of bee products.

Raw propolis, a resin used as a construction material for the hive, was collected. Pollen, the flower’s pollen stored in pollen baskets as a food reserve for the bee colony, was also harvested. These were collected by taking the pollen baskets located at the base of the hive. Pollen is distinguishable by its lighter color and denser texture. Propolis was obtained by extracting Klanceng honey and taking the remaining hive material. This propolis is still mixed with pollen, honey, and other debris, hence referred to as raw propolis. After obtaining the required amounts of propolis, pollen, and honey, they were stored for further research in the future.