A community service program titled “Community-Based Production of Superior Local Chicken and Catfish Seedlings” was held on November 29, 2025, at the Baiturrahim Masjid in Tegalrejo Hamlet, Ngesrep Village, Boyolali Regency. The event was officially opened by Ms. Siti Fatonah, a representative of PT. Pertamina Patra Niaga. This program, which has been running for approximately four months, is a collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and PT. Pertamina Patra Niaga, emphasizing community empowerment in the livestock and aquaculture sectors. The activity supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through knowledge transfer, mentoring, and multi-sector collaboration.

During the event, Dr. med.vet.drh. Hendry Saragih, M.P. delivered a presentation on proper management practices for free-range chicken husbandry. He highlighted the importance of maintaining chicken health through effective feed management, sanitation, disease prevention, and proper coop construction. Participants also received guidance on selecting superior local chicken breeds to enhance productivity and strengthen the sustainability of community-based livestock enterprises. The program was facilitated by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. In addition, Ms. Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. distributed educational leaflets on proper catfish farming techniques, including pond preparation, selecting high-quality catfish fry, water quality management, and efficient maintenance practices—knowledge crucial for promoting responsible aquaculture in line with SDG 12.

The activity was attended by eight residents representing the Tegalrejo Hamlet farmer group, who participated enthusiastically and actively discussed challenges and strategies related to effective chicken and fish farming. To conclude the event, participants and speakers conducted a field visit to the model chicken coop and catfish ponds constructed by the local community. Through this program, it is expected that residents will be able to implement productive and sustainable farming practices while strengthening local partnerships as a tangible contribution to SDG 17, ultimately supporting improved economic welfare and village-level food security.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Hendry Saragih, Nur Indah Septriani

The production of natural TOGA soap from lemongrass by the Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) team Faculty of Biology UGM 2025, chaired by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. in the second phase of the PkM-MBKM program in Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Wirokerten, Banguntapan, Bantul through the production of soap using TOGA (Family Medicinal Plants) as raw material. This activity is a continuation of the PkM-MBKM program that was previously implemented from February to June 2025. The team involved five students, namely Swastikhansa Parahita Sulistyaningrum, Afrina Syah Putri, Isna Kuminingrum, Asitya Fitri Miadi, and Amyra Asa Nurhanifa, with the aim of increasing public awareness about the use of TOGA plants through the innovation of TOGA-based soap, especially lemongrass, which is easily available, as an effort to support skin health and can be used by various groups, including children. This event marked the fifth and final activity of the PkM-MBKM program in RT 001 Kepuh Kulon. It was held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the residence of the RT Head, Mr. Zamzuri. The event was enthusiastically attended and carried out by 20 society and Mr. Sunartono, the Head of Kepuh Kulon Hamlet, who opened the event by emphasizing the importance of utilizing TOGA for family health and encouraging residents’ independence in continuing the program of making natural soap from easily available TOGA. Prof. Rina also highlighted the benefits of the innovative soap made from lemongrass and olive oil, which is safe for children and healthy for the skin, while stressing the importance of community solidarity in enhancing creativity and the local economy.

The community service activities included socialization on making lemongrass soap and practicing making natural soap from lemongrass, as well as socialization on digital marketing. The socialization on making lemongrass soap was carried out by providing information on what medicinal plants are, their uses, their contents and benefits when used as ingredients for natural soap (lemongrass), the tools and materials needed, and how to make the soap. The digital marketing socialization was carried out by providing information about the objectives of digital marketing, creating an account on one of the online selling platforms, how to sell online, and tips on how to make products known to the wider community. After the workshop, there will be a quiz for residents and door prizes will be given out. At the end of the activity, participating village partners will be given souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their participation.

The PkM-MBKM team provided a set of soap-making tools that are expected to be used for practice and as souvenirs as a form of appreciation or proof of participation for village partners. The 2025 PkM-MBKM program is expected to provide information on processing TOGA into products that are beneficial to health and can improve the community’s economy. This activity supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

2 : Zero Hunger

8 : Decent Work and Economic Growth

12 : Responsible Consumption and Production

15 : Life on Land

17 : Partnerships for The Goals

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

Yogyakarta, February 13, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a release ceremony for the participants of the Sakura Science Exchange Program 2025 in the Yamagata University, Japan, on Thursday, February 13, 2024. The event, which was held in a hybrid manner, was attended by a number of faculty leaders, staff, and student participants of the program.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in his remarks conveyed the importance of maintaining the good name of Indonesia and Universitas Gadjah Mada in front of the program participants. “Students are representatives of Indonesia and Universitas Gadjah Mada. During this program, you are asked to always maintain a disciplined attitude, be punctual, and help each other as participants. This is important to reflect the values ​​upheld by UGM,” he said.

During this period, the Faculty of Biology UGM sent 16 students, consisting of 8 students who received scholarships and 8 students who were self-funded. The departing students will take part in training at Yamagata University and get the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture. During the program, participants will be accompanied by Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., and guidance from Prof. Jun Yokoyama, who will guide them while in Japan.

The event was also attended by the Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D., OIA Manager, Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D., and the Coordinator of Academic and Student Affairs, Emi Dwi Suryanti, M.Sc. along with staff and students participating in the program.

The Sakura Science Exchange Program 2025 is an important opportunity for students of the Faculty of Biology UGM to develop their knowledge and skills through international collaboration and introduction to the rich Japanese culture.

With this program, the Faculty of Biology UGM hopes to continue to strengthen international cooperation, open wider learning opportunities, and form students who are ready to contribute at the global level.

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, a community service activity titled “Training on Health Beverage Production from Garden and Community Service Evaluation” was held at the Mrican Village Meeting Hall. The event was attended by members of the Srikandi Women Farmers Group, led by Mrs. Nur Handayani. The training and educational sessions were delivered by Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A., DAP&E, M.Biomed., accompanied by Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., and Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D.

During the training, participants produced a health beverage based on “herbal plant concoctions with medicinal benefits,” branded as “TomSel”, an abbreviation of “tombo kesel” (Javanese for “cure for exhaustion”). The product will be showcased at the upcoming Research Day event hosted by the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Alongside the preparation of the health beverage, the session also covered techniques for creating attractive and sustainable packaging, as well as strategies for effective marketing.

The activity included a feedback session where community members, represented by Srikandi group members, shared their impressions with the Desa Mitra (Partner Village) service team as part of the evaluation. The event concluded with a visit to the demonstration garden.

This initiative exemplifies the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to implementing and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: (SDG 3) Good Health and Well-Being, (SDG 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (SDG 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (SDG 12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (SDG 15) Life on Land, and (SDG 17) Partnerships for the Goals.

Through sustainable collaboration with Srikandi Women Farmers Group, the Faculty of Biology aims to foster healthy and prosperous living. The Desa Mitra team’s dedication and teamwork ensured the event’s vibrancy and success.

Partnering with Srikandi for a healthier life,
A prosperous dream free of strife.
The Desa Mitra team, committed and strong,
Making this event lively all along.

Sustainable greetings from the Faculty of Biology!

[Written by the Research Day Committee]

Yogyakarta, September 25, 2024 – A student team from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada achieved remarkable success by winning 3rd place in the ALCOFE XVIII 2024 Scientific Writing Competition, organized by Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in person at the Werkudara Hall of the UNS Library. This national-scale competition took place from June 27 to July 17, 2024, for registration and abstract submission, followed by the full paper submission phase from July 27 to August 17, 2024, in two waves. The finalists were announced on August 26, 2024, after the full paper submission, and the competition concluded with the Grand Final presentation on September 24, 2024, followed by a field trip, awarding session, and farewell on the next day, September 25, 2024.

The team, named “CIRCEL US” (Circular Economy of Edible for Us), consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (2021), K.H. Mahadhevy Ryrathna Vidhantyka (2022), and Adi Citra Prima Pranata (2022), under the guidance of supervisor Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D. They presented a research based paper titled “Potential of Edible Packaging Biofilm from Cocoa Peel Waste as a Substitute for Food Packaging Plastic.”

In their paper, the CIRCEL US team addressed the issues of 651 million tons of cocoa produced in 2022, which has become one of Indonesia’s important export commodities, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings besides oil and gas. Most cocoa fruit utilization focuses only on the seeds for chocolate production, leaving cocoa peel as waste. Cocoa peel waste (CPW) or LKK (in Indonesia: Limbah Kulit Kakao) is one of the plantation wastes that is rarely utilized. However, cocoa peel contains high levels of fat and complex carbohydrates (cellulose content) at 37%, making it suitable as a biomaterial for edible film, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The nutrient content of CPW is quite good, with dry matter at 88%, crude protein at 11.71%, crude fiber at 20.79%, fat at 11.80%, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) at 34.90%.

It is noted that plastic consumption in Indonesia can reach 22.5 kg per person per year (excluding the large total population), with most plastic waste coming from food and beverage product consumption in 2022. The application of edible biofilm or EPB using organic waste is one effort to promote a circular economy and environmental conservation by minimizing the addition of plastic packaging in nature. Edible Packaging Biofilm (EPB) can be utilized in various sectors, such as food wrapping. By processing cocoa peel waste into more valuable EPB, it is hoped to improve the community’s economy and create a green environment with environmentally friendly and easily degradable products, thereby reducing daily plastic packaging usage.

EPB from LKK can produce renewable food packaging that is free from plastic materials, significantly reducing plastic-dominated waste when applied sustainably. Support and supervision from environmental agencies and the government fully influence the production flow and consumption effects of EPB, as well as the changes in impact when returned to the environment. The large number of Indonesians replacing plastic packaging with EPB-based packaging will accelerate the sustainability cycle in reducing plastic waste. In this case, EPB can be modified over time so that it can be developed and officially recognized by the local government that natural packaging derived from organic waste meets safety standards for consuming food along with EPB packaging.

Based on reviewed research sources, it has been proven that EPB has the potential to replace plastic packaging and reduce individual dependency on contributing to plastic waste. The processing of EPB packaging is organically sourced and easily implemented through the utilization of cocoa shell waste (LKK). After the consumption of EPB products, it can be considered an important foundation as a reinforcing factor for the principles of a circular economy and in line with global efforts in developing new renewable energy to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) points 8, 12, and 15, namely obtaining decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

This competition was participated by 84 teams from 51 public and private universities from all provinces across Indonesia. The achievement of the CIRCEL US team demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative and applicable research. This achievement also proves that the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada continues to strive to contribute to the development of sustainable science and technology, in line with UGM’s SDGs goals in building intersectoral synergy to face the challenges of the circular economy in the modern era. [Author: K William Hendri Panjaitan]

#SDGs
#TridharmaUniversitasGadjahMada
#InternationalCollaboration

SDGS point tags: SDG 4, 8, 9, 12, 17

In an effort to enhance the quality of human resources and strengthen the Tridharma of Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2024, one of the faculty members of the Faculty of Biology, Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., received funding to participate in a Professor Exchange Program between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the National Chengchi University (NCCU) College of Science, Taiwan. On this occasion, Dr. Ganies was accompanied by two Fast-track Master’s students, Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, S.Si., and Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty, S.Si. This program is funded by the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations. The activity is supported by a proposal entitled “Increasing the Production of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a Biodegradable Biopolymer Plastic through Recombinant Plasmid Transformation.”

The Joint Supervisor visit to NCCU Taiwan took place from May 27th to June 1st, 2024. This program is one of the collaborations between Universitas Gadjah Mada and National Chengchi University in the form of professor exchanges. The activity began with an introduction session by the dean of the College of Science (Professor Hsing Luh) followed by introductions and research topic presentations by the representatives from UGM’s Biology department, Dr. Ganies. The results of this visit included the establishment of short-term and long-term collaboration agreements, including the signing of a memorandum of agreement, mentoring, research development collaboration and publication, also the creation of an international community.

With this program, it is evident that the Faculty of Biology is committed to supporting efforts to strengthen Universitas Gadjah Mada’s ranking in the field of outstanding sciences related to UGM’s contributions to knowledge and humanity. This goal is related to SDG number 8 on education. By providing easier international access, this program can also expand Universitas Gadjah Mada’s international cooperation and future orientation. Our gratitude goes to Professor Hsing Luh, Professor Chih-Kai Yang, Professor Ming-Huan Chan, Professor Shau-Kwaun Chen, and all the staff of the College of Science NCCU, who have provided us with the opportunity to collaborate in the 2024 Joint Supervisor activity.

#SDGs
#JointSupervisor2024
#DirectorateOfPartnershipsAndGlobalRelations
#TahirFoundationUGM
#FakultasBiologiJointSupervisor

The Community Service Team – Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology UGM for the year 2024, chaired by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., has successfully conducted a series of Community Service activities at Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Wirokerten, Banguntapan, Bantul. The MBKM PKM program supports SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 2 No Hunger, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. The team, consisting of four students, namely Nurindah Musarofah, Hasna Nabila Kusumastuti, Cindy Adisty Rudi Ananda Putri, and Amalia Rizky Fauzi, focused on the theme of simple hydroponic cultivation technology to enhance community food independence. This program is designed to span two semesters. On the even semester, PkM-MBKM activities were conducted on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB at the residence of Mr. Zamzuri, the Head of RT 001 Kepuh Kulon. The activities included socialization and practical demonstrations of simple hydroponic cultivation utilizing a wick system. The event was warmly received by 22 residents of RT 001 Kepuh Kulon, as well as Mr. Sunartana, the Head of the Kepuh Kulon Hamlet. In his address, Mr. Sunartana expressed his hope that this program would evolve into a sustainable initiative to address local challenges, urging community members to support its continuity. Mrs. Rina emphasized that the program aims to bolster community food independence by maximizing limited land resources through hydroponic cultivation and encouraged residents to adopt hydroponic practices at their homes.

Socialization activities included providing information on the concept and benefits of hydroponics, suitable plant species for hydroponic cultivation, various hydroponic techniques, types of fertilizers and equipment, and procedures for implementing wick system hydroponics. The wick system was chosen for its simplicity, minimal requirement of tools and materials, and low maintenance costs. During the practical session, residents were divided into four groups of 6-8 individuals, each accompanied by a student mentor to facilitate independent practice. Participants engaged in activities such as seed selection, planting in rockwool, preparation of nutrient solutions, and transplanting seedlings. It is hoped that the residents’ enthusiasm and newly acquired skills will contribute to the sustainability of the program. Additionally, the PkM-MBKM team distributed sets of hydroponic tools to enable residents to continue practicing hydroponic cultivation at home. The PkM-MBKM program will be continued in the odd semester Academic Year 2024/2025 in September with activities to process hydroponic harvests into products that can be used for community food independence.

#SDG 1 No Poverty, #SDG 2 No Hunger, #SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, #SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA — February 19, 2024 — A team of lecturers led by a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an engaging Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with millennial farmers from Kalurahan Karangmojo, Kapanewon Karangmojo, Gunungkidul Regency. This event is part of the Faculty of Biology’s initiative to encourage dialogue and collaboration between the academic world and field practitioners to enhance sustainable agriculture.

The FGD was held on February 18, 2024, in the meeting room of the Agricultural Extension Center of Kapanewon Karangmojo. The participating millennial farmers represented various backgrounds and experiences in agriculture, ranging from organic farmers to advanced technology farmers. They shared ideas, experiences, and challenges they face in running agricultural businesses in the modern era. The team of lecturers facilitating this FGD was an interdisciplinary inter-faculty team, including members from the Faculty of Biology (Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng., and Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si.), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (Umi Mahnuna Hanung, S.Si., M.Si.), and the Faculty of Pharmacy (Dr. Cintya Nurul Apsari, S.T.P., M.Si.).

The discussions held during the FGD and field visits covered various topics, including the use of technology in agriculture, organic farming practices, natural resource management, and marketing strategies for agricultural products. The results of these discussions will form the basis for developing more relevant and responsive educational, research, and community service programs tailored to the needs of millennial farmers.

The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that this FGD will be the beginning of a sustainable partnership between the university and millennial farmers, bringing tangible positive impacts to the advancement of the agricultural sector in Indonesia. This activity is closely related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. The dialogue and collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and millennial farmers can increase farmers’ productivity and income (SDG 1: No Poverty) and support sustainable agriculture that enhances food security and nutrition (SDG 2: Zero Hunger). This initiative also develops more relevant educational programs for millennial farmers (SDG 4: Quality Education), supports economic growth and job creation in the agricultural sector (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), and encourages innovation and modernization of agricultural practices (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The focus on organic farming practices and natural resource management supports sustainable production and consumption (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production), and the sustainable agriculture discussed in the FGD contributes to climate change mitigation (SDG 13: Climate Action). Furthermore, the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and millennial farmers is a concrete example of partnerships that support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

The team of Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology UGM 2023 that chaired by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D. and involved two students, namely Galuh Kirana Mahadewi and Laila Uswatun Chasanah, carried out again a series of Community Service activities in Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Wirokerten, Banguntapan, Bantul. This activity is a continuity of the PkM-MBKM activities that have been carried out previously from February to June 2023.

The first activity of this PkM MBKM phase II was held on Sunday, October 8^th 2023 from 09.00 to 11.00 WIB at the house of the neighborhood head of Kepuh Kulon RT 001, Mr. Zamzuri, and attended by 18 people of Kepuh Kulon RT 001. The activity on that day was packaging the compost and eco enzymes that had been made previously. First of all, Galuh and Laila gave a short explanation and demonstration about how to harvest and package the compost and eco enzyme. The compost was harvested by dried it for a while. After that, the compost could be packaged in a customized plastic ziplock. Unlike the compost, eco enzymes must be filtered between the fruits that are used and the water and then packaged in 250 mL bottles as much as 60 bottles. The compost that have been made is used for plant fertilization, while the eco enzyme is used for washing dishes, cleaning floors, repelling pests, cleaning vegetables and fruit from pests, and cleaning glass or glass surfaces. The compost and eco enzymes that are already packed and labeled are given to the Head of Wirokerten village and the Head of Hamlet. Hopefully, the skills of the women residents of Kepuh Kulon RT 001 in making compost and eco enzymes can become a reference in managing daily household waste, so that they can reduce the accumulation of waste and can make household waste more useful.

The second activity was about utilising used cooking oil (UCO) that become household waste into aromatherapy candles. It was held on Sunday, October 29^th 2023 from 09.00 to 12.30 WIB at the house of the neighborhood head of RT 001 Kepuh Kulon, Mr. Zamzuri, and attended by 18 people of Kepuh Kulon RT 001. In this activity, the used cooking oil was made into solid aromatherapy candles and liquid aromatherapy candles. Tools and materials that used for making solid aromatherapy candles were used candle wick, wood holder, tea filter, plastic basin, pan, measuring cup, stove, cement pot, saucepan, cutting board, knife, spoon, used cooking oil, stearic acid, crayon, and essential oil, whereas the tools and materials that used for making liquid aromatherapy candles were glass cup, tissue paper, the cover of pudding cup, five different food colouring, water, used cooking oil, and essential oil. During the practice of making aromatherapy candles, we produced 100 solid aromatherapy candles and 25 liquid aromatherapy candles. All of them were distributed and could be used by the residents of Kepuh Kulon RT 001. Hopefully, the utilisation of UCO into aromatherapy candle could be one of the solution for reducing oil waste that can cause an environmental pollution and also could be a micro/small/medium enterprises (MSMEs) business idea for Kepuh Kulon RT 001 residents. The aromatherapy candles also distributed to the Head of the Hamlet, and the Head of Wirokerten Village. It is hoped that this PkM-MBKM program can provide new knowledge for Kepuh Kulon RT 001 residents in processing and utilizing household waste into more useful products.

On Sunday, 8th October 2023, the Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology, UGM 2023, 5 undergraduate students of Faculty of Biology, UGM class of 2020, namely Arba’ Ramadhani Artik, Arneta Yuvita, Ester Dewanti Yovita Wardani, Fadiah Sri Rahayu, and Zidni Meirizka Utami supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. and Ms. Nurini Aru Sudarsi as the partner mentor have carried out the socialization activities to the residents in Pajangan, Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The theme of the socialization was “Improving the Community’s through Optimizing of Vacant Land”. This program aims to engage the community to improve the economic condition of the family by utilizing vacant land in the yard area of the house to plant vegetables, fruits, herbs, and several medicine and functional plants or also called “TOGA”. In this activity, we invited Mr. Panggih Dwi Atmojo, S.T. as a speaker. He is an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, UGM who is currently active as an agro economic practitioner as well as the founder and owner of Agro Edukasi Caping Merapi Yogyakarta which is located at Kenayan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The given presentation discussed topics about food gardening, including vegetable garden cultivation, as well as rising fish, chickens, and other small livestock to meet daily food needs. He also discussed about urban farming, which is the method of farming in the city or on limited land. In addition, the speaker also emphasized that the use of vacant land as a food garden can provide various other benefits, such as the community can provide traditional medicine independently, add decoration to the garden, provide refreshing activities through gardening, obtain healthier food that is free from chemical fertilizers, and produce biofertilizer which can be obtained through composting, eco lindi, and manure systems. This can also serve to overcome the problem of handling organic waste.

This socialization was attended by around 20 residents and received a very positive response, even some residents were very enthusiastic and directly involved in the discussion session together with the speakers.

On Monday 7 August 2023, a group of waste management tour participants coordinated by SONJO, a humanitarian movement focused on aiding communities visited The Faculty Of Biology UGM. The group, consisting of 25 participants, arrived at the Faculty of Biology UGM around 9:30 AM and was promptly received by the Dean and the faculty members. This visit to the Faculty of Biology at UGM was part of a series of visits that had previously taken place at the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.

During his welcoming speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude for the participants’ visit. “The issue of waste actually originates from humans themselves, so it’s up to humans to solve it,” Prof. Budi stated. Furthermore, Prof. Budi elaborated that the Faculty of Biology UGM engages in daily waste management across a substantial area, including organic waste from the Biology Forest. Over time, the Faculty of Biology has made discoveries in waste management, such as expediting compost production.Following this, a video demonstrating the waste management procedures carried out at the Faculty of Biology at UGM was played.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were taken to the field to witness the waste management processes firsthand, which included:

1. Composting and maggot cultivation
2. Production of POC/Biofertilizer and ECO enzymes
3. Vermicomposting process

The waste management tour participants are scheduled to continue their visit for a period of 3 days until Wednesday (8/9/23), with participants from hospitals and religious boarding schools.

Yogyakarta, August 24, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was enlivened by the visit of 15 alumni from the Class of 1969. The purpose of this visit was to celebrate nostalgia and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie.

The warm welcome of these alumni was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, in the Biologi Tropika Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This visit became an extraordinary moment to build networks among the alumni and the academic community of the Faculty of Biology.

Dean Budi Setiadi Daryono expressed, “We are honored and delighted to welcome back the alumni of the Class of 1969 to our campus. Their visit is a tangible testament to the enduring spirit of the Faculty of Biology UGM within our alumni.”

Furthermore, the Vice Deans provided explanations about academic developments, research, and new facilities at the Faculty to the alumni. The visit also included a campus tour, visiting Room IV, one of the classroom spaces that is still active and used to reminisce about the beautiful moments during their studies and share interesting stories. A highlight of the visit was the tour to Biomart, where the alumni could observe innovative products derived from waste processing at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Faculty of Biology UGM has produced various sustainable and environmentally-friendly products, such as compost fertilizer from leaf litter, probiotic fertilizers, and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF). The enthusiasm of the alumni was evident as they witnessed the tangible contributions of the Faculty of Biology UGM in addressing environmental challenges, which have recently garnered attention in the city of Yogyakarta.

The visit of the alumni from the Class of 1969 to the Faculty of Biology UGM today serves as evidence that the academic spirit and camaraderie remain deeply ingrained in every facet of the development of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, responded to the waste emergency situation in Yogyakarta following the closure of the Piyungan Final Disposal Site (TPA), which has been the main landfill for final disposal in the Yogyakarta Province (DIY) area. Based on a circular letter from the Regional Secretariat of the DIY Government, the Piyungan Regional TPA will no longer receive waste services as of July 23, 2023 to September 5, 2023 due to the fact that the amount of waste is full and exceeds capacity. Universitas Gadjah Mada through the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Dentistry responded by following up on waste management at UGM internally where the coordination of organic waste management is carried out by the Faculty of Biology while the coordination of inorganic waste management is carried out by the Faculty of Dentistry.

As of Thursday, 27 July 2023, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., has coordinated with the Chancellor of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., and Director of DPKM (Directorate of Community Service) Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. dr. Rustamaji, M. Kes. It has been agreed that the Faculty of Biology will manage internal organic waste from Universitas Gadjah Mada in the form of leaf and twig litter. The collection of organic waste will be coordinated at each unit point in all UGM areas to be enumerated first and then sent and managed by the Faculty of Biology to become organic compost. Meanwhile, organic waste in the form of food scraps, fruit and vegetables will be managed by the UGM Argotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT).

The management of leaf litter and twigs in the Faculty of Biology has been going on for a long time in the Biology Garden Area, Faculty of Biology. The chopped organic waste will be processed into compost and then supplied to consumers in collaboration with PT. Pagilaran. The establishment of the Waste Management Center as a response to the closure of the Piyungan TPA will then be coordinated with Soenarwan Heri Purwanto, S.Si., M.Kes. and the waste management team from the Faculty of Biology.

This waste management initiative is a form of commitment from the Faculty of Biology UGM to contribute to the sustainability environment, especially in UGM’s internal environment. It is hoped that this management program will be useful in the long-term settlement of internal waste at UGM in particular and in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) in general.