Cervical cancer ranked second most common cancer in Indonesia, with 36,633 reported cases in 2021, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Current cervical cancer treatment is chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery with side effects that can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, which produces E6 and E7 oncoproteins. These proteins interfere with programmed cell death (apoptosis), accelerate the cell cycle, and lead to cell immortality, resulting in cancer.

Combination Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste has shown potential as an alternative cervical cancer treatment. This discovery comes from research conducted by UGM students in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Science Research (PKM-RE). The team, consisting of Aditya Latiful Azis (Biology 2022), Asy Syifa Paras Ceria (Biology 2022), Shabrina Farras Tsany (Medicine 2021), Rahmalia Diani Saffana (Medicine 2021), and Faqih Fikri Nuryanto (Pharmacy 2023), under the supervision of Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, M.Sc., Ph.D., has explored the potential of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste as an alternative therapy for cervical cancer.

Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds contain potent antioxidants including polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, while Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste is rich in flavonoids and lycopene, which are cytotoxic to cancer cells. The herbal remedy derived from these two ingredients is predicted to have milder side effects.

“This research aims to utilize Indonesia’s natural resources for cervical cancer therapy. Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. peel wastes were selected due to their secondary metabolite content, which has potential anticancer properties. Additionally, the increasing production and consumption of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. lead to organic waste issues. We hope this research offers an eco-friendly and milder side effect alternative treatment,” said Aditya, the team leader.

The research conducted for four months involved various tests, including phytochemical screening, in silico studies, anti-inflammatory activity tests, cytotoxicity and antiproliferative assays using the MTT method, inhibition of HeLa cell migration, and apoptosis tests.
The result showed the combination of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste could inhibit inflammation, halt cancer cell migration, and trigger cell death (apoptosis).

The results of this study are expected to pave the way for cervical cancer therapy that harnesses Indonesia’s natural wealth and supports zero-waste initiatives. [Written by: Aditya Latiful Azis]

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM X Red Ant Tour HMPS Biology UIN Malang successfully held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with the theme “Expanding Relationships to Create Innovation in Organizations. The event attended by 59 members of BEM Biology UGM and 53 members of HMPS Biology UIN Malang.

Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM is a program organized by the Department of Public Relations and Networks, aimed at strengthening relationships and sharing knowledge with various organizations, both within and outside the Faculty of Biology UGM. This event served as a platform for both organizations to understand each other’s structures and work programs, evaluate performance, and foster camaraderie.

The event opened with speeches from Zulfa Mubarokatul Faiqoh, Chair of the Red Ant Tour HMPS Biology UIN Malang, and Rofina Rima Permatasari, Chair of Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM. Next were speeches from Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, Chair of BEM Biology UGM, and Sherly Nafisa, Chair of HMPS Biology UIN Malang.

Following the opening session, a 90-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held, where participants exchanged ideas and experiences based on their respective organizational roles. The event continued with an ice-breaking session, tree planting at the UGM Biology Forest and an exchange of souvenirs between the two organizations. The event concluded with documentation.

The event ran smoothly without any obstacles, thanks to the hard work and collaboration of the organizing committees from both parties, ensuring the success of this collaborative event.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, the BEM Biology Cabinet Padma Birawa organized the BEM Skill Sharing Moment (MOBIL) #1. The event took place at 4:00 PM in Room 1, Building B, Faculty of Biology, guided by Aditya Latiful Azis and Rima Arvisya Natania Putri. A total of 40 young BEM Biology staff members attended the event. The theme for MOBIL #1 was “Synergy in Action: Achieving More Together,” covering two main topics. The event began with a prayer and opening remarks from Field Coordinator, Achmad Nadhmi Arfa, followed by seminars.

The first seminar session featured speaker Lara Ayu Oktaviani, who presented on effective communication, time management, work professionalism, and conflict management. The session was engaging, incorporating Mentimeter to enhance participant involvement and employing the “written memory” technique to aid participants in concentrating on the material. The next session was led by Aghniya Faza Kencana and Firchamy Vuqi Aulia, who discussed the importance of SWOT analysis and its role in organizations.

The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers and a group photo session. It is hoped that this event could provide the young members of BEM Biology with new insights and skills.

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Entomology Study Group (Kelompok Studi Entomologi, KSE) from the Faculty of Biology at UGM held Exploration (Eksber) and Entotalk. These activities aimed to enhance KSE members’ knowledge of insects, both theoretically and practically.
Exploration is an insect sampling activity carried out by active KSE members. This year, the event occurred at Mina Sejati Fish Pond in Sleman, Yogyakarta. The participants were enthusiastic, working across three sampling areas: the citrus orchard, the cornfield, and the fish pond. The collected insects were then preserved through a mounting process by each group. The event concluded with presentations of the sampling and mounting results by the groups.

In the afternoon, the event continued with Entotalk, led by Rahma Amalia and Inaya Dwiandra from KSE’s 25th batch. Themed “Dragonfly Diversity: Exploring the Structure and Function of Dragonflies in Ecosystems,” the session featured speaker Puji Lestari, S.Pd. She presented material on dragonflies, one of the Odonata Order widely found in Indonesia, highlighting their vital role in ecosystems, followed by an interactive Q&A session. The event concluded with a certificate awarded to the speaker and a group photo, marking the end of the Joint Exploration and Entotalk activities.

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Graduate Student Association (KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM held a Graduate Student Gathering (TAKSA) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with the theme “Break Your Limit, Make Your Own Way” aimed to foster relationship among graduate students. The event commenced at 7:45 AM WIB with opening remarks from the MCs, Aryan Mustamin, S.Si., and Umu Intan Kinasih, S.Si., followed by the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology March. Subsequently, opening speeches were delivered by Wahyul Fatwatulumam, S.Si., Chair of the KMP Faculty of Biology UGM; Dr. rer. Nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., Advisor of the KMP Faculty of Biology UGM; and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The TAKSA event was preceded with a talk show led by Dini Iman Sari, S.Si., featuring Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc. as the speaker. He highlighted the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to create new opportunities. He also stressed the value of recognizing one’s strengths, staying connected with close ones, and avoiding overthinking and unnecessary fear. Additionally, he urged the audience to embrace new experiences and take courageous actions, reminding them that achieving dreams requires hard work. The talk show concluded with a Q&A session.

The event then moved on to a sharing session and the presentation of the work programs and activities of each KMP division. Afterward, participants engaged in a game using the Quizziz app to determine the top three winners. That continued with a National Insight Test (TWK) game that involved three teams. The winner of the entire game round ends with the awarding of prizes. The closing of TAKSA ended with a prayer by Emi Suhaemi, S.Si., and photo documentation.[Author: KMP]

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Graduate Student Association (KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM held a Graduate Student Gathering (TAKSA) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with the theme “Break Your Limit, Make Your Own Way” aimed to foster relationship among graduate students. The event commenced at 7:45 AM WIB with opening remarks from the MCs, Aryan Mustamin, S.Si., and Umu Intan Kinasih, S.Si., followed by the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology March. Subsequently, opening speeches were delivered by Wahyul Fatwatulumam, S.Si., Chair of the KMP Faculty of Biology UGM; Dr. rer. Nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., Advisor of the KMP Faculty of Biology UGM; and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The TAKSA event was preceded with a talk show led by Dini Iman Sari, S.Si., featuring Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc. as the speaker. He highlighted the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to create new opportunities. He also stressed the value of recognizing one’s strengths, staying connected with close ones, and avoiding overthinking and unnecessary fear. Additionally, he urged the audience to embrace new experiences and take courageous actions, reminding them that achieving dreams requires hard work. The talk show concluded with a Q&A session.

The event then moved on to a sharing session and the presentation of the work programs and activities of each KMP division. Afterward, participants engaged in a game using the Quizziz app to determine the top three winners. That continued with a National Insight Test (TWK) game that involved three teams. The winner of the entire game round ends with the awarding of prizes. The closing of TAKSA ended with a prayer by Emi Suhaemi, S.Si., and photo documentation.[Author: KMP]

On Sunday, 18 August 2024, the Entomology Study Group (KSE) and Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) successfully conducted a collaboration event with the theme “Entomology and Orchid Collaborative Harmony”. This event is part of the KSE activity to explore each study group subject of interest.

The event was opened by Regina Nilamsari (KSE) dan Zahra Afriani (BiOSC) as MC, followed by a presentation delivered by Fadhilla Eka (KSE) on Insect and their role in Orchid. The event then continued with a sharing session and a game session. The event also included a workshop on insect preservation and orchid propagation through the Keiki method. The activity concluded with a tour to the Taman Kupu-Kupu Wisdom Park UGM and documentation.

Thursday, August 8, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada held a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the implementation of outcome-based education for Doctor in Biology Study Program. This event held in hybrid manner, at the Cakra Kusuma Hotel and via zoom meeting. Attended by all lecturers for the doctoral program, the workshop aimed to enhance the quality of education within the Faculty of Biology UGM.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., emphasized the importance of understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the teaching and learning process. The event continued with a presentation delivered by Prof. Luke Daniels, Ph.D., from The College of Idaho, on Development of Doctoral Program to Address Global Challenges. Prof. Daniels highlighted the need for doctoral graduates to be innovative in their fields. Therefore, curriculum development must consider the strengths that already possessed by the university while also keeping pace with developments such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality of learning and research.

The 2nd session was delivered by the Director of Directorate of Academic Studies and Innovation (DKIA) UGM, Dr.Agr.Sc. Ir. Hatma Suryatmojo, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU. ASEAN Eng. The presented topic was “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Learning and Research”. Dr. Hatma commended the quick response of the Faculty of Biology to the advancements of the AI era in supporting educational and research, as well as community services.

In his presentation, Dr. Hatma highlighted the increasingly indispensable role of AI in teaching and learning activities. He explained AI can be effectively integrated to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. A point he emphasized was the role of lecturers in overseeing the use of AI to ensure its relevance. Lecturers obliged to stimulate and encourage students to understand and deepen their knowledge through further discussion. The Vice Dean, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., added that the Faculty of Biology UGM has already implemented the latest technology in drafting the Strategic Plan (Renstra) 2023.

The next session was conducted by the Head of the Sub-Directorate of Academic Studies DKIA UGM, Dr. Irwan Endrayanto, S.Si., M.Sc., on Simaster for Course Plan (RPKPS) and Portfolios. As an introduction, Dr. Irwan explained the standards of the learning process at Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasizing the importance of assessment in the learning process.
Effective and efficient assessment requires well-structured RPKPS. Technology, such as the Simaster plays a role in facilitating the creation and management of the document. During this session, Dr. Irwan was assisted by Andri Andreas Priyanto and Muhammad Lathif Febriyanto, S.Pd., who guided lecturers through the practical process of filling out and preparing RPKPS and portfolios using the Simaster.
This workshop demonstrates the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and the competence of lecturers in implementing the Tri Dharma of higher education particularly in the Doctoral Program, align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on providing quality and inclusive education (SDGs No. 4).

The second day of the PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024 took place on Thursday, August 1, 2024, featuring a variety of engaging activities and performances. Under the theme Bioadaptability: Realizing a Generation of Pioneer Innovators for the Nation, the activities were designed to shape the character of young biologists as agents of change through inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. The activity opened by Angga Firza and Birrul Qisty as Masters of Ceremony began with the Celebration Jingle Dance at 7:30 AM WIB.

The activity began with grouping the young biologists into four Action of Biologist groups: Functional Biology, Environmental Biology and Biodiversity, Medical Biology, and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Following this grouping, the Tour de Faculty began at 7:50 AM WIB. During this tour, students received presentations from various laboratories they visited. The Tour de Faculty intended to introduce them to the facilities of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada. After the tour, the young biologists continued their activities in the auditorium, where they received clues for the Actions of Biologists activities according to their previously assigned groups. Each group would solve the clues and discuss them among themselves. The young biologists representative then presented their creativity through posters.

The next session started at 12:30 PM with talks from the Health Promoting University (HPU) Campaign and the Sharia Bank, moderated by Mrs. Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. The HPU presentation was delivered by Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., and Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., Psychologist of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. This presentation aimed to provide knowledge and information about the roles and facilities offered by HPU. The Sharia Bank presentation was delivered by Ana Murtiati, S.TP., discussing the facilities provided by BSI to avoid online loans. The session concluded with a discussion session.

After the talk, the young biologists participated in a KRS (Course Registration System) simulation guided by Angga Firza and Birrul Qisty, assisted by Mrs. Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si., M.Sc., the Coordinator of Academics and Student Affairs. Next was an introduction to all Study Groups/Organizations within the Faculty of Biology at UGM. This introduction featured profile videos and a fashion show by each Study Group/Organization, showcasing their respective symbols, including the Student Executive Board (BEM), Student Senate (SEMA), Congregation of Muslim Biology Student (JMMB), Christian Student Fellowship (PMK), Catholic Student Association (KMK), Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC), Marine Study Group (KSK), Entomology Study Group (KSE), Landscape Architecture Study Group (KSAT), Herpetology Study Group (KSH), Formasigen, and the Nature Enthusiastic Group (MATALABIOGAMA).

At 2:30 PM, the winners of the Action of Biologist presentations were announced, with the Environmental Biology and Biodiversity group as winners. Awards were also given for the most interactive, innovative, and expressive students: Muhammad Haikal from the Rhinoceros group was the most interactive, Salsabila Dwira Syaikhah from the Elephas group was the most innovative, and Anasya Prapti Citra from the Aquilaria group was the most expressive.
The closing session featured remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, concluding with the striking of a gong to mark the end of the event—the closing ceremony enlivened by Mefi, the PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024 mascot. The event officially ended at 2:55 PM, and the young biologists directed to the volleyball court for a celebratory formation, involving creating a symbol representing Metamorphoself using three colors. After the formation, Angga Firza and Birrul Qisty bid farewell, followed by a performance from Syrinx, signaling the end of the second day of PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024. [Public Relations Division of PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024]

Plant embryology is a crucial parameter in botanical studies, including systematics, evolution, and biotechnology related to plant somatic embryogenesis. The natural or in vitro formation and development of embryos can analyzed through anatomical approaches. Analyzing plant anatomy requires special treatment and preparation of samples, necessitating a platform for discussion and training to update methods and share information.

The Plant Structure and Development Laboratory (SPT) at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, as part of its community service and to open collaborative opportunities, welcomed four researchers from PT. BISI International, Kediri, for a training and networking visit. These researchers, Esti Sri Lestari, S.Si., M.Sc., Ida Wilujeng Abidah Ubudiyah, S.Si., Lina Wahyu Hapsari, S.P., and Rahmawati Amaliah, S.Si., come from the Department of Biotechnology. The training took place over eight days, from August 22 to 31, 2024.

Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., head of the SPT Laboratory, welcomed the participants, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, officially opened the event on Monday, August 22, 2024, at the SPT Laboratory, Building B. In his opening remarks, the vice dean emphasized the importance of research collaboration in the current era. The training included lectures/discussions on plant microtechnique and embryology, hands-on practice preparing embryology slides, analysis, and independent lab work. Lectures were given by Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory, with independent work supported for three days by lab assistant Ms. Prapti.

Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc., officially closed the event on Wednesday, August 31, 2024. In his closing remarks, he reiterated that the goal of this training extends beyond the eight days and should serve as the beginning of future research collaborations. He encouraged participants to share the benefits of the training widely and provide feedback to the Faculty of Biology, especially the SPT Laboratory, for any improvements.

This training supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in fostering partnerships and cooperation (SDG 17), and aims to benefit the general welfare of Indonesian society (SDG 3). Additionally, it aligns with the government’s program to enhance the quality of education (SDG 4).

Hopefully, this training became a kickstart of collaboration and research partnership between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT BISI International. The knowledge and technical skills gained during the training would be valuable for participants and related institutions.