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SDG 7 : Grow Affordable and Clean Energy

Strengthening Research Collaboration: NTU Singapore Visits Faculty of Biology UGM for CCUS Project

CooperationNews Release Friday, 21 February 2025

Yogyakarta, February 21, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a delegation from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, as part of a research collaboration under the NTU Singapore Institute of Research for Sustainability and Innovation (INSPIRASI) CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage) program. This research project has been ongoing since 2024.


The meeting, held in the KPTU Meeting Room at the Faculty of Biology UGM, was attended by Assoc. Prof. Marcos and his student, Tan Pei Ru, from the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering NTU. Also present were Prof. Dr.Eng. Ir. Arief Budiman, M.S., IPU., and Dr. Nugroho Dewayanto, S.T., M.Eng., from the Faculty of Engineering UGM. From the Faculty of Biology UGM, the meeting was attended by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, along with his master’s and doctoral students.

During the meeting, discussions revolved around research progress on the application of local strain microalgae for CO2 absorption and its utilization for biorefinery products. This collaboration aims to develop innovative solutions for sustainable carbon emissions management toward net zero emissions using microalgae.

In addition to the discussion session, the NTU delegation also conducted a field visit to several research facilities supporting this project, including the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), which serves as the DNA/RNA sequencing service center at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This visit not only focused on research developments but also resulted in an agreement that the Faculty of Biology UGM and NTU will implement a student exchange program as part of strengthening academic and research cooperation.

This research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that this collaboration will significantly contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through microalgae-based biotechnology innovations.

Lecturer of Faculty of Biology, UGM, wins Indonesia Toray Science Foundation (ITSF) Research Grant 2025

AchivementsNews Release Thursday, 30 January 2025

Jakarta, January 30, 2025 – Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a researcher and lecturer from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has successfully secured a research grant from the Indonesia Toray Science Foundation (ITSF) under the Science and Technology Research Grant (STRG) category for 2025. This grant is awarded in recognition of his innovative research proposal focusing on yeast biotechnology development for sustainable lipid-based energy production from Rhodotorula glutinis.
Ganies is one of the 18 national recipients of the STRG-ITSF grant in 2025 with his research titled “Yeast Bioengineering for Sustainable Lipid-Based Energy Production from Rhodotorula glutinis“. This research aims to optimize the utilization of microorganisms for bioenergy production as an alternative renewable energy source. Through genetic engineering approaches, this project is expected to provide innovative solutions in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and support the transition towards a sustainable green economy.

 

This grant is part of ITSF’s commitment to supporting scientific and technological advancements in Indonesia, which has been ongoing for 31 years since its establishment by Toray Industries, Inc., Japan. “I feel deeply honored and grateful to receive this research grant. The support from ITSF will greatly aid the development of my research, particularly in promoting the utilization of microorganisms as a more environmentally friendly renewable energy source,” said Ganies Riza Aristya.
The 31st ITSF awards ceremony was held at Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta, on January 30, 2025. The event was attended by prominent figures, including ITSF Chairman Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, Toray Industries, Inc. Chairman Akihiro Nikkaku, as well as representatives from the Indonesian government and leading academics.

 

This achievement further strengthens the role of UGM’s Faculty of Biology in driving research-based innovation to address global challenges, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and industrial biotechnology. The research contributes directly to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, by developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly bioenergy;
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through biotechnological approaches for efficient utilization of biological resources;
  • SDG 13: Climate Action, by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
This success further reinforces UGM’s Faculty of Biology’s position in promoting research-based innovation that not only has scientific impact but also offers real-world solutions to global challenges related to energy and the environment.

Faculty of Biology Student Team Wins 1st Place at the National Paper Competition in the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Festival 2024

AchivementsHeadlineNews Release Thursday, 26 September 2024

Yogyakarta, September 12, 2024 – A student team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has secured 1st Place in the Scientific Writing Competition at the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Festival 2024, organized by the University of North Sumatra (USU). The grand final of this prestigious national competition was held on September 11, 2024, at the USU Student Center in Medan.

 

 

The team, named MY HEART, consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (2021), Firchamy Vuqi Aulia (2022), and Raja Steve Sudjatmiko Panggabean (2023), under the supervision of Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. Their winning paper, titled “Optimization of Carbon Absorption Based on Photosynthesis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Through the PEPC1 Gene Approach to Increase Lipid Biomass as Renewable Biodiesel Raw Material,” presents an innovative approach to tackling global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions using genetically modified microalgae.

Their research highlights the alarming increase in CO₂ emissions, with global fossil fuel emissions rising by 1.1% in 2023 to 36.8 billion tons. The transportation sector, especially in Indonesia, is a significant contributor to these emissions. The team proposed a solution utilizing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a microalga capable of absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis and producing lipids, which can be used as a renewable raw material for biodiesel. By genetically modifying the PEPC1 gene in C. reinhardtii, the team demonstrated how the microalgae could enhance carbon absorption and increase lipid production, offering a more sustainable option for biodiesel production.

This research is a timely contribution to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and aligns with Indonesia’s goal of achieving Zero Emission by 2060. Furthermore, it supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) and Climate Action (Goal 13).

The competition attracted 226 teams from 79 universities and polytechnics across 27 provinces in Indonesia, making the MY HEART team’s victory a significant achievement. Their success underscores the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to fostering innovative, applicable research in the field of new renewable energy. This accomplishment also demonstrates Universitas Gadjah Mada’s dedication to advancing sustainable science and technology, in line with its SDG initiatives. [Author: K. William Hendri Panjaitan]

General Lecture and Strengthening Research Collaboration with Euglena Co. Ltd Japan

News ReleaseTak Berkategori Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a general lecture delivered by Dr. Kengo Suzuki, Co-Founder and Head of Research at Euglena Co. Ltd., Japan. The lecture, titled “Research and Development on the Functional Components Derived from Microalgae,” was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., with Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. as the moderator. It was attended by lecturers and students from UGM, Sanata Dharma University, Atmajaya University, and Ahmad Dahlan University.


The lecture provided in-depth insights into Euglena sp. research, covering strain isolation, purification, mass cultivation, and harvesting processes. Known for its resilience in low pH conditions, Euglena sp. holds significant potential for large-scale applications such as CO2 capture, phytoremediation, food supplements, animal feed, fuel, and fertilizers. Since 2018, Euglena Co. Ltd. has collaborated with the Faculty of Biology UGM to advance research on Euglena sp. isolation and cultivation in Indonesia, including genetic modification through polyploidization by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., and his team. The Faculty, along with researchers from the PUI-PT Mikroalga UGM led by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., has also discovered a local Euglena sp. strain ready for mass cultivation.

During their visit, the Euglena Co. Ltd delegation visited UGM’s microalgae cultivation facilities in Nogotirto and Minggir. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, emphasized the importance of strengthening research partnerships. The visit also included researchers from PT Jawa Power, who are interested in collaborating on microalgae research for fuel and CO2 capture with Euglena Co. Ltd and the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This collaboration aligns with the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to sustainable development goals. The Faculty is dedicated not only to advancing science and technology but also to applying sustainability principles in all aspects of research and education. This partnership aims to produce innovations with positive impacts on the environment and society. The Faculty of Biology UGM strives to become a leading center in microalgae research, integrating scientific knowledge with sustainable practices for a better future. This initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), reflecting the Faculty’s dedication to health, quality education, and access to clean energy.

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.

The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development Lecture Series Raises the Potential of Microalgae Bioprospecting

News Release Friday, 19 July 2024

Yogyakarta, 19 July 2024 – As part of the 2024 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development lecture series, the online lecture session continues after the previous lecture series on Wednesday (17/7) with researchers from Nottingham University. In this series, we present a microalgae expert from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. which carries the topic of microalgae biorefinery, in accordance with the theme promoted by ISC this year “Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity”.


Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, one of the lecturers at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM, acted as moderator this time. He introduced Dr. Eko is one of the researchers in the same laboratory and also the inventor of various innovations related to microalgae. His research collaborates with various sectors and researchers from other fields such as chemical engineering.

Dr. Eko explained his presentation entitled “Microalgae Biorefinery: Integration Biorefinery and Biofuel”. The scarcity of fuel from petroleum over time has become one of the backgrounds for the development of microalgae biofuel. In addition, commonly used fossil fuels cause an increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, which is one of the triggers for climate change. Microalgae have great potential as biofuel, which is able to supply energy to produce biofuel while reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere which is used in the photosynthesis process.

Apart from its potential as an alternative fuel, microalgae provide other bio prospective potential including cosmetics, potential food, and so on. Dr. Eko added that the extracted and purified algae biomass will produce various potential sustainable products: food, biodiesel, fertilizer, animal feed, chemicals and so on. This makes a major contribution to various sectors ranging from food security, health, energy, to tackling climate change.

The summer course participants were enthusiastic in attending all the lectures, it is hoped that through these activities students can contribute to innovation in the development of sustainable research products while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and biodiversity within it.

UGM Students Empower Sompok Village Women to Process Fruit Peel Waste into Eco Enzymes.

News ReleaseWaste Management Thursday, 11 July 2024

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly announces an event titled “Workshop on Eco Enzymes Production from Fruit Peel Waste.” This activity is part of the Community Service Program (KKN) coordinated by Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and led by Rizquita Brillianti, a student from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. The workshop took place at the SSB Pavilion in Dusun Sompok, Sriharjo. The workshop was attended by 20 participants from the Sompok Women Farmers Group (KWT) and the village head, Mrs. Nur Latifah.


The workshop is designed to teach the Women Farmers Group to transform fruit peel waste into eco enzymes. Eco enzymes could reduce the reliance on chemical products in daily activities, promoting eco-friendly products to decrease environmental pollution. This objective aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No.3 on Good Health and Well-being, SDGs No.6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, SDGs No.7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDGs No.12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. It is hoped that the Women Farmers Group will obtain new knowledge and support the efforts to preserve the environment sustainably.

UGM Students Empower Sompok Village Women to Process Fruit Peel Waste into Eco Enzymes.

Community Service Thursday, 11 July 2024

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly announces an event titled “Workshop on Eco Enzymes Production from Fruit Peel Waste.” This activity is part of the Community Service Program (KKN) coordinated by Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and led by Rizquita Brillianti, a student from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. The workshop took place at the SSB Pavilion in Dusun Sompok, Sriharjo. The workshop was attended by 20 participants from the Sompok Women Farmers Group (KWT) and the village head, Mrs. Nur Latifah.


The workshop is designed to teach the Women Farmers Group to transform fruit peel waste into eco enzymes. Eco enzymes could reduce the reliance on chemical products in daily activities, promoting eco-friendly products to decrease environmental pollution. This objective aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No.3 on Good Health and Well-being, SDGs No.6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, SDGs No.7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDGs No.12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. It is hoped that the Women Farmers Group will obtain new knowledge and support the efforts to preserve the environment sustainably.

Student Team From Gadjah Mada University Faculty of Biology Wins 3rd Place in CEWAMA Research Competition

Achivements Wednesday, 3 July 2024

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2024 – A team of students from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University has achieved remarkable success by winning 3rd place in the CEWAMA Research Competition organized by the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic Curug. This national competition ran from May 29 to June 25, 2024, for the scientific writing phase and concluded with final presentations on July 1, 2024.

The team, named “ALNOCO” (Algae Non Carbon), consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (class of 2021), K.H. Mahadhevy Ryrathna Vidhantyka (class of 2022), and Aqil Muhammad Hafiz (class of 2021). Under the guidance of Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc., and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., they presented a paper titled “INNOVATION OF POME AS A MICROALGAE (Neochloris oleoabundans) SUBSTRATE FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF RENEWABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT FUEL DERIVATIVES.”

In their work, the ALNOCO team addressed the issue of alternative bioavtur from microalgae biomass by utilizing waste POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) as a growth substrate. The biomass of N. oleoabundans, which is rich in lipid content, can be used as an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative for aircraft fuel. The growth and lipid content of N. oleoabundans are influenced by various factors, including optimal nutritional content (N:P:C). POME waste provides the necessary N:P:C levels for N. oleoabundans to grow and accumulate lipids in its cells.

This innovation has significant potential to support environmentally friendly bioavtur production before 2030, with the support of all parties involved in the next stages of testing, including preparing a roadmap for commercialization, However, further discussion is needed to optimize the growth of microalgae in POME waste and extract lipids for making aircraft fuel that minimally pollutes the air. Additionally, the use of microalgae and POME as alternative options has been proven to be safe to process, fulfilling the need for a clean energy transportation system, which will positively impact the environment.

The competition was attended by 56 teams from various universities across Indonesia. The achievements of the ALNOCO team demonstrate their commitment to developing innovative and applicable research. This success also showcases the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the development of sustainable science and technology, aligning with UGM’s SDGs goals in the renewable energy field.

MBKM Research Team, Faculty of Biology UGM Develops Microalgae Euglena sp. Local Strains as a Source of Antioxidants and Immunostimulants

Community Service Thursday, 6 June 2024

MBKM Research Team of Class 2024 as part of the Microalgae Research team in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM, supervised by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc. has carried out research on “Production of Local Strain Microalgae Euglena sp. as a source of antioxidants and immunostimulants at PT. Indoalgae Aquaculture, Pasuruan”. This team consists of five members; Indira Amani Kurniawan, Laila Mei Marwadani, Renisha Windy Puspita Sari, Sri Setyaningrum, and Tizania Putri Langithari.


The MBKM Research team focuses on development and innovation in the cultivation of Euglena sp., especially local strains isolated from the Dieng plateau, Indonesia. Antioxidants produced by Euglena sp. can help protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of degenerative diseases and slowing the aging process. In addition, the immunostimulant properties of Euglena sp. can improve the immune system, help fight infections, and speed recovery from illness.

The research focused on variations in phosphate sources in Euglena sp. cultures, with the aim of optimizing growth conditions for Euglena sp. The treatment provided is expected to increase the antioxidant and immunostimulant content on a semi-mass scale. This research aims to find the most effective combination by varying phosphate sources to support the growth of Euglena sp. optimal and increase the production of antioxidant and immunostimulant content.

MBKM activities begin with equipment preparation, making growth media, and preliminary laboratory scale observations and collecting initial data information before being applied to semi-mass scale culture. Preliminary results show good growth data based on the parameters of cell number, cell density and biomass amount. Currently, research has reached the scale-up stage to a 50-liter capacity culture. Land planning is being prepared to continue increasing the scale of culture capacity up to 200 liters. Next, harvesting of Euglena sp. as well as various metabolites will be tested and characterized. Students also extracted samples to test antioxidant and immunostimulant properties. It is hoped that the experience gained from this MBKM activity can improve students’ skills and knowledge in carrying out their final assignments, as well as provide valuable knowledge to prepare them to become professional microalgae researchers in the future.