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SDG 5 : Gender Equality

The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development Officially Opens, Presenting Expert Panelists from Various Countries

News Release Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Yogyakarta, 29 July 2024 – The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development: Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity is officially opened. This annual event organized by the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, started its offline agenda after opening its online session Monday (15/7) which was followed by a series of guest lectures from various experts from around the world.

At least 33 offline participants took part in the opening of the International Summer Course (ISC), located in the Seminar Room, Library and Archives Building, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The participants consisted of 27 international students and 6 local students. Coupled with online participants, this year ISC succeeded in attracting 58 participants from 14 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India and Egypt.

“Let’s leverage our collective wisdom to foster biodiversity for a greener, more resilient world,” said Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM in his speech, Monday (29/7).


Ir. Wiratni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. as Secretary of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and Relations at UGM then delivered her remarks. She expressed her welcome and appreciation for the arrival of participants from various countries to take part in the summer course this time. ISC was officially opened by awarding pins and hats to two participant representatives by Dr. Eko and Dr. Wiratni, followed by a Kalimantan traditional dance performance by postgraduate students from the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The next series of offline lectures was held after the opening of ISC on Monday morning, presenting speakers from various countries. The lecture series began with the first panel presentation by Dr. Siti Fatimah from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, and Dr. Alona Linatoc from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, moderated by Ludmilla Fitri Utari M.Si.. The two panelists delivered material on the topic of ethnobotany, highlighting the interaction and role of the ecosystem environment and humans in it. Ethnobotany emphasizes the various cultures of various regions and how the people in them use local plants and their ecosystems (SDG 15).

The second panel presented two panelists from the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany, Dr. Ahmed El Wahed and Prof. Uwe Truyen with moderator Dr. Abdul Rahman Siregar. Both delivered material related to maintaining biodiversity for sustainable health “One Health”. Both touched on The One Health Joint Plan of Action through collaboration involving various parties, researchers from various parts of the world to alleviate world health problems (SDG 3).

The next panel related to natural products and bioprospecting was presented by Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas from the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Dr. Nor Ismaliza from Tunku Abdul Rahman University, Malaysia, moderated by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D. Dr. Nuning and Dr. Nor delivered an interactive presentation regarding the use of various natural materials into products with potential economic value (SDG 15 and 8).

The final panel, entitled Genetic Bioresource, was delivered by Konsorn Srikulnath, Ph.D. from Kasetsart University, Thailand, moderated by Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti. He explained about the research unit at his institution “Animal Genomic and Bioresource Research Unit” (AGB Research Unit) which focuses on studying animal genomics including bulls (genetic monitoring), chickens (increasing gene varieties), fish and crocodiles (SDG 14 and 15).

All participants were enthusiastic in attending the series of openings and lectures. The activities will be continued with cultural trips and field lectures with various interesting destinations related to the big theme of this year’s summer course, bioprospection. The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development is expected to become a forum for collaboration between students, lecturers and researchers, and become a discussion forum for increasing the potential for sustainable education and research (SDG 4 and 17).

Tamarind Seeds: A Promising Antivenoms for Deadly Calloselasma rhodostoma Snake Bites

AchivementsNews ReleaseStudent Activities Monday, 29 July 2024

The Averin team (Antivenom use Tamarind) from UGM discovered the potential of tamarind seeds (Tamarindus indica) as an alternative treatment for ground snake (Calloselasma rhodostoma) bites. This research was conducted by Oktaviani Nisa Hanafiah (Veterinary Medicine), Fauzela Azira Ainaya (Biology), Fani Nur Maftukhah (Pharmacy), Rahmadina Nur Azizah (Pharmacy), and Khansa Fortuna Putri (Veterinary Medicine). The research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and Universitas Gadjah Mada. It hoped that this support will help address the issues of access and cost of snake bite treatment.


“This research aims to provide a theoretical foundation and preclinical data on the effectiveness of T. indica seed extract against C. rhodostoma snake bites. The results of this study could contribute to alternative treatments, reducing mortality rates from C. rhodostoma bites in Indonesia,” said Oktaviani.

Oktaviani emphasized the importance and urgency of this research. “According to WHO data, Indonesia experiences around 135,000 snake bite cases annually, with a mortality rate of 5-10%. The C. rhodostoma snake is a significant cause of death in Java. However, the Antivenom Serum (SABU) for these snake bites is not widely available and remains expensive,” Oktaviani added.

The tamarind seed extract was tested in vivo against C. rhodostoma venom, showing that in the group treated with tamarind seed extract, the hemorrhagic area was significantly smaller compared to the group treated with snake venom alone. Therefore, T. indica shows promise as a new treatment for snake bites, especially for C. rhodostoma. Our dedication to this research drives us to continue exploring nature’s potential to enhance human life, Oktaviani stated. These findings were presented at the National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on July 20, 2024. [Author: Fauzela Azira Ainaya]

Training and Competency Test for Orchid Planting Practitioners Successfully Held at UGM Biotechnology Competency Test Center

News Release Saturday, 27 July 2024

Yogyakarta, July 25, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully conducted training in Orchid Cultivation and a competency test for Orchid Planting Practitioners qualification. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., officially opened the training on July 22, 2024. The training had 16 attendees, while the competency test saw participation from 22 individuals hailing from different regions across Indonesia, comprising academics, practitioners, alumni, and students. The event successfully enhanced the participants’ knowledge and skills in orchid cultivation.


The intensive three-day training, from July 22 to 24, 2024, focused on orchid planting techniques, from preparing planting media to caring for mature plants. The training materials were presented by orchid experts, including Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., and Aries Bagus Sasongko from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Ixora Sartika Mercuriani from Yogyakarta State University, and Eniek Sulistyanti, an experienced orchid practitioner. The training covers theoretical and practical sessions on planting bottled orchid seedlings, repotting, grading, sorting orchids, and post-harvest handling of orchids. The training was a collaboration between the Laboratory of Biotechnology Faculty of Biology UGM and Orchid Enthusiasts Association (PAI) DPD DIY.

“This training aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in orchid cultivation, thus contributing to the development of the orchid industry in Indonesia,” said Prof. Dr. Budi during the opening ceremony.

After the training, participants took the competency test held at the Biotechnology Competency Test Center, Faculty of Biology UGM, on July 25, 2024, with assessors from the National Agriculture Professional Certification Agency (LSP) Malang, Drs. Surini Santosa, M.Si., Ari Setyowati, M.P, and Drs. Kaswan Badami, M.Si. The exam assesses participants’ competencies, consisting of 24 competency units required by orchid planting practitioners. Coordinator of the Biotechnology Competency Test Center, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., welcomed the enthusiasm of the competency test participants, marking the first batch for Orchid Planting Practitioner competency at the Biotechnology Competency Test Center, Faculty of Biology UGM.

“Competency certification is important for orchid cultivation business actors, as it can enhance the competitiveness of their products in the market,” said Drs. Surini Santoso, M.Si., in his speech as Director of the LSP Agriculture Malang. The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs officially opened the Competency Test. He stated, “Besides the competency for Orchid Planting Practitioners, the Biotechnology Competency Test Center also holds Competency Tests for other competencies such as Plant Tissue Culture and invites participants to take the competency test scheduled for late 2024.”

The competency test results announced on Thursday afternoon showed that all participants were recommended as competent. Responding to the recommendations, all participants were happy and hoped to continue orchid cultivation activities in their respective places. (A.B. Sasongko)

Contributing to Increasing Biosecurity Innovation and Biodiversity Conservation, Faculty of Biology UGM Holds the 8th National Seminar on Tropical Biology

CooperationHeadline Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Yogyakarta, 20 July 2024 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 8th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on 20 July 2024. This year, the seminar was held in a hybrid with “Biosecurity Innovation and Tropical Biodiversity Conservation” theme. This event, which was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, aims to provide a platform for academics, researchers, practitioners and students to discuss current issues and innovative solutions in biosecurity and biodiversity conservation in tropical regions. This seminar activity began with a report from Dr. Siti Nurbaiti as chair of the 2024 SNBT Committee, followed by remarks by Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, Director of Research representing the Rector of UGM and opened by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono. M.Agr.Sc., as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This seminar was attended by around 100 participants from 21 institutions in Indonesia. On this occasion, an MoU was also signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT. Rentokil Indonesia. It is hoped that this collaboration can be a form of synergy between academics and industry, especially regarding the issue of biosecurity and Indonesian biodiversity.


As the first keynote speaker, Ir. Medrilzam from BAPPENAS raised the topic “The Role of Government Policy for Biodiversity Conservation”. In his presentation, Ir. Medrilzam delivered the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP), the Indonesian government’s strategy for preserving biodiversity, and how these policies are expected to shape people’s behavior towards a positive nature.

As the second speaker, Drs. Heri Susanto from PT. Rentokil Indonesia discussed “The Role of Biological Science and Digital Technology in Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Pest Control”. In this session, Drs. Heri Susanto conveyed the exploration of the integration of biological science with digital technology to develop pest control methods that are more effective and environmentally friendly.

The third speaker, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D. delivered material on “The Role of Fungi in Biosecurity and Biodiversity Conservation”. The focus of this discussion is the role of fungi as biosecurity agents in maintaining biodiversity, as well as how fungi can be used in conservation efforts.

The plenary session of the three speakers was enlivened with questions from seminar participants ranging from biodiversity protection related to infrastructure developments to opportunities for food source options with high nutrition from the variety of diversity that Indonesia has to meet food needs and in terms of handling. pest. The seminar activities were continued with parallel sessions filled with presentations by the participant speakers on various research titles, which were carried out offline and online.

The 8th SNBT in 2024 was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs. In his closing remarks, he said that SNBT is a forum for increasing understanding of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation through in-depth discussions with experts in the field, thereby inspiring innovation and collaboration between academics, researchers and practitioners in efforts to protect biodiversity, encourage policy development and new strategies that can be implemented to preserve the environment and support the sustainability of tropical ecosystems. It is also hoped that this national seminar will create synergistic cooperation between the participants who attend, which is expected to be a positive thing that can build and provide more impact regarding issues related to the topic of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation in the future. Furthermore, this seminar plays a role in implementing several points of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 6. Access to clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean and energy, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 13. Climate change action, 14. Maintaining marine ecosystems, 15. Maintaining land ecosystems and 17. Partnerships for the goals.

UGM LECTURERS PARTICIPATE IN FGD ON GENDER ROLES IN PUBLIC SERVICE AT BBPSIK YOGYAKARTA

News Release Wednesday, 10 July 2024

Tuesday (9/7), the Center for Standard Testing of Forestry Instruments (BBPSIK) held a Forum Discussion Group (FGD) on Gender Roles in Public Services at the BBPSIK Cendana Room Jl. Student Army Hall Km. 15, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Sc., M.Sc. invited as special representatives from Gadjah Mada University together with a student, Delia Sawanda Syarifatullah to provide input regarding public services at BBPSIK. Dwi and several lecturers at UGM have routinely sent students to carry out Practical Work (KP) at BBPSIK in recent years so that they know BBPSIK’s service standards so far.

This FGD presented speakers Aan Eddy Antana, ST, M. Eng. from The Handicraft and Batik Center and Indiah Ratna Dewi, S.Si. from The Center for Standardization and Services for the Leather, Rubber and Plastic Industry (BBSPJI). Henri Supriyanto, S.Hut.T, MAP. present as an internal speaker. A total of 120 offline and online participants attended this FGD. In his speech, the Head of BBPSIK, Dwi Prabowo Yuga Suseno, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D, expressed his hope, “This FGD was held as a basis for implementing public services, to gain understanding between organizers and facility users regarding gender mainstreaming at BBPSIK”.

Aan conveyed the public service standards at The Handicrafts and Batik Center which have taken into account the excellence of men and women in public services. Women excel in the areas of good interaction and empathic value while men excel in problem-solving and systemization and competitive value. In this arena, efforts are made to balance the ratio between men and women in this hall. Similar to Aan’s presentation, Indiah said that there were efforts to achieve a balanced male-to-female ratio in her agency as well as efforts to internalize gender mainstreaming in her center. “Currently we should be proud, the Gender Development Index in Yogyakarta has reached 96.9%,” said Indiah. Henri as a resource person from BBPSIK conveyed BBPSIK’s vision to internalize public services based on gender equality. “We learn from these two agencies and want to hear input from the invitees who are stakeholders, partners, and users of our services,” said Hendri in his presentation.

The speaker’s presentation was followed by an interactive discussion from the audience. Dwi conveyed his experience of sending KP students to BBPSIK and asked about the possibility of sending KP students to the Crafts and Batik Center and BBSPJI. “In 2024, the KP agenda at our faculty will be held between July and August, how will BBPSIK and these two centers anticipate the large number of KP enthusiasts in this institution,” asked Dwi in the forum. Henri, Aan, and Indiah answered in the same way that these three bodies would accept practical work students in their institutions with open arms. Still they needed to consider the registration time, which should be six months before inplementing of the KP. “It will be straightforward  for us to allocate students to each lab if you are willing to send us a letter six months before the implementation of the KP,” Henri expressed his hope. “We will add student supervisors in each of our labs so that the quota can increase every year for KP,” said Aan, providing a solution.

This FGD ended with the signing of the FGD Minutes. Dwi, representing UGM and BBPSIK service user, had the honor of signing the A Post Event Report and was also responsible for overseeing the implementation of gender equality-based public services at BBPSIK.

This activity is a manifestation of the SDGs Healthy and Prosperous Life (SDGs 3), Gender Equality (SDGs 5), Reducing Inequalities (SDGs 10), and Partnerships to Achieve Goals (SDGs 17). (DUS)

 

UGM Biology Lecturer Judges at National Science Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Levels

News Release Monday, 8 July 2024

**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.

Buddy Counselor Training for New Student Assistance

News Release Monday, 8 July 2024

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] Klanceng Bee Cultivation and Harvest Processing at PKBM Ibnu Hajar Kebon Pasinaon in Sirahan, Salam, Magelang

Cooperation Tuesday, 2 July 2024

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.

Application of Bioinformatics for Strengthening The PUAPT Food Security Program: The Lecturers from Faculty of Biology UGM Enhance Skills with NGS Training at GSI

News Release Tuesday, 2 July 2024

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.



Day 1: Introduction to ONT Platform and Basic Bioinformatics

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.

Day 2: Advanced ONT Features and Data Processing

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.

Day 3: Metagenomic Analysis and Final Project

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.

Importance of NGS Analysis in Supporting Biosecurity Topics to Achieve Food Security

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.

Faculty of Biology Lecturer Participates in Book Review on Smart Waste Management with Community in Sidokarto, Godean

Community ServiceWaste Management Monday, 1 July 2024

Joglo Donowarih, Sidokarto, Godean, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta – On Friday, June 28, 2024, the DIY Regional Library and Archives Office hosted a book review titled “Smart Waste Management with Community” in Sidokarto, Godean. The event drew 120 participants from 7 villages in the Godean sub-district interested in becoming catalysts for waste banks and adopting zero waste practices.


The event was prompted by the closure of the Piyungan Landfill, which led to increased community incineration of waste, heightened air pollution, and potential health risks. In response, the DIY Regional Library and Archives Office organized a book discussion led by Mr. Ir. Twaistrisna Hepiprana S.Pt., M.M., IPM., with opening remarks by Mr. Rakhmat Sutopo, S.E., Head of Static Archive Management at the Regional Library and Archives Office, and a speech by Mr. Sofyan Sertyo Darmawan, ST., M.Eng., a member of the DIY Provincial DPRD.

The book “Smart Waste Management with Community,” authored by Esaputri Purwandari, Yomi Windri Asni, Umdatul Qori’ah, and Muzna Nurhayati, was presented by Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development, Faculty of Biology UGM. It discusses practical waste management approaches based on the experiences of the GEMI cooperative. The discussion highlighted the book’s relevance, clarity, and direct applicability, showcasing successful waste bank initiatives and their effective strategies. The presenter emphasized key points, integrating biological insights, experiences from Japan’s zero waste initiatives, and practical experiences in organic and non-organic waste processing during Community Service in Dusun Sendari.

The discussion continued with a presentation by Mrs. Esaputri Purwandari, S.E., CFP., one of the book’s authors, who shared practical experiences in composting using various accessible methods such as pottery composters, stacked bucket composters, and managing inorganic waste through waste banks, as well as soap-making from used cooking oil to add economic value to waste and enhance community livelihoods.

Interactive discussions during the book event allowed participants to share their experiences and challenges in waste management. Community members expressed keen interest in learning about composting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics. The discussion underscored the importance of basic environmental literacy and the application of the 5R principles: Refuse (rejecting single-use items), Reduce (minimizing single-use consumption), Reuse (reusing products), Recycle (processing recyclables), and Rot (composting organic waste) to tackle waste issues. It also highlighted three harmful waste practices to avoid: burning waste, burying plastics and metals, and dumping waste into the sea. These practices remain prevalent in the DIY community, necessitating heightened awareness campaigns about their environmental and legal repercussions as stipulated in Law Number 18 of 2008 on Waste Management, which prohibits improper waste burning and carries penalties of imprisonment or fines.

The event aimed to boost community literacy and awareness of sustainable waste management practices. The DIY Regional Library and Archives Office distributed the book for free as an initial step toward achieving these objectives. Similar successful events have been held in various sub-districts across DIY, contributing to broader efforts to disseminate knowledge and skills in effective waste management. The event aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Environmental Sustainability), 3 (Air Pollution), 4 (Basic Literacy), and 5 (Empower Girls), focusing on education for sustainability and community empowerment.