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Faculty of Biology UGM Community Service Program Introduces Fish and Microalgae Diversity to Students of Kiyaran 1 Elementary School, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency to Support Quality Education (SDG 4)

Community ServiceNews Release Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Sleman, June 5, 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again conducted a Community Service Program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) as part of its commitment to supporting the improvement of basic education quality in local communities. The program, entitled “Community Service through the Enrichment of Biology Learning at Kiyaran 1 Elementary School, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency to Support Quality Education (SDG 4)”, was held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Kiyaran 1 Elementary School, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency.


The activity involved students of Kiyaran 1 Elementary School and was supported by lecturers and students from the Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was opened by the Master of Ceremony, Sidiq Permana Putra, S.Si., M.Sc., followed by welcoming remarks from the Principal of Kiyaran 1 Elementary School, Kristiana Widi Rahayu, S.Pd., and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc.

In his remarks, Prof. Eko Agus Suyono emphasized the importance of introducing biological sciences at an early age through engaging and contextual learning methods. Through this activity, students were expected to become more familiar with the living organisms around them and to develop curiosity toward science and the environment.

The main agenda of the program consisted of interactive educational sessions. The first session was delivered by Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., under the theme “Introduction to Ornamental and Food Fish.” During this session, students learned about various fish species based on their habitats, understood the differences between ornamental fish and food fish, and explored the nutritional benefits of fish for human health. The material was presented in simple language and supported by examples closely related to the students’ daily lives, making it easy to understand.

The second session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., with the topic “Introduction to Microalgae.” In this session, students were introduced to microalgae as microscopic organisms that play vital roles in aquatic ecosystems and life on Earth. Through engaging illustrations, students learned about photosynthesis, the role of microalgae as oxygen producers, their function as a food source for aquatic organisms, and their applications in health, energy, and environmental sectors. Students were also

encouraged to understand the importance of maintaining water quality to prevent algal blooms that may negatively affect aquatic life.

As a creative and enjoyable learning activity, the program continued with a fish and microalgae drawing and coloring competition for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Through this activity, students were given the opportunity to express their understanding and imagination regarding the topics presented. The participants demonstrated great enthusiasm, as reflected in their artworks, which showcased both creativity and a good understanding of fish and microalgae diversity.

As an output of the program, the community service team also developed an educational flipbook containing introductory materials on ornamental fish, food fish, and microalgae as a learning resource for both students and teachers. In addition, the team produced a documentary video capturing the entire series of activities, including educational sessions, interactive discussions, and the drawing and coloring competition. The flipbook and documentary video are expected to serve as dissemination tools that extend the impact of the program to a wider audience while supporting the sustainability of science and environmental education in schools.

This Community Service Program is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of scientific literacy and environmental education among younger generations. It is hoped that similar activities can continue to be carried out sustainably to foster students’ interest in science while cultivating environmental awareness from an early age.

The program also involved lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM, namely Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D., Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., and Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. The activity was further supported by doctoral students Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., and Catarina Retno Herani Setyati, as well as master’s students Tika Permatasari and Fahima Ellya Wulandari, who contributed to the successful implementation of the program.

#SDG 4: Quality Education #SDG 14: Life Below Water

#SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

UGM-Universiti Malaya Collaboration Encourages Increase in Strawberry Productivity and Strengthen Farmers Capacity in Banyuroto

Community Service Sunday, 7 June 2026

Magelang, Indonesia – Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. together with a research team from the Smart Genetics Research Group, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and international collaborators from Universiti Malaya consisting of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Dr. Chua Kah Ooi, and Dr. Lau Su Ee implemented genetics-based agricultural innovations and sustainable cultivation through Community Service Program Community Development Based on Applied Research and Community Empowerment with International Collaborators supported by the Equity Program of Gadjah Mada University. This program aims to improve the quality and productivity of Indonesian strawberries through the application of research technology and strengthening the capacity of farmers through international collaboration. This activity is a form of downstream research carried out by universities in order to provide direct benefits to the community while supporting sustainable agricultural development.

The program with the theme “Development of Modern Integrated Farming through Smart Genetics Breeding Program Technology to Improve the Quality and Production of Indonesian Strawberries” was held at  the Inggit Strawberry Garden, Banyuroto Village, Sawangan District, Magelang Regency, Central Java. Banyuroto Village, which is located on the slopes of Mount Merapi and Merbabu, is one of the strawberry-producing areas that has developed as a community-based agrotourism destination. The potential of natural resources makes this area a strategic location for the application of research- and technology-based agricultural innovations. However, farmers still face a number of challenges in strawberry cultivation, including plant productivity that tends to fluctuate, fruit quality that is not uniform and optimal, and limited access to modern cultivation technology. Therefore, this service program is present as an effort to bridge the results of university research with the real needs of the community through the application of plant genetics technology and cultivation systems that are more efficient, productive, and sustainable.

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In response to these various problems, the service team applied  the Smart Genetics Breeding  approach as a genetic-based plant breeding technology developed from the research results of the research team. This technology utilizes the polyploidization method  to produce superior strawberry varieties that have better agronomic characteristics. The crops developed are expected to have larger fruit sizes, better quality, higher productivity, and stronger adaptability to environmental changes.

In addition to the development of superior seeds, this program also integrates the concept  of Modern Integrated Farming through the application of a more measurable and data-based cultivation system. Farmers receive assistance on the use of precision agriculture technology to support more effective land and crop management. This approach is expected to improve cultivation efficiency while helping farmers make more informed decisions based on field conditions.

Collaboration with the University of Malaya is one of the important components in the implementation of this programme. One of the topics introduced by the Universiti Malaya team is the use of hydroponic systems as an alternative cultivation method that is more efficient and adaptive to land limitations. The system is considered to be able to support plant growth in a more controlled manner while increasing the efficiency of water and nutrient use. The Universiti Malaya team also shared experiences related to the management and replacement of planting media in 2-5 harvest cycles to reduce the potential for environmental pollution due to excessive use of fertilizers and support a more environmentally friendly cultivation system.

According to Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, international collaboration provides great added value in the development of community service programs. “Through this collaboration, we not only implement the results of the research that has been developed at UGM, but also gain various new perspectives from the experiences of international partners. The exchange of knowledge is very important to produce solutions that are more innovative and relevant to the needs of farmers,” he said. This program also includes various mentoring activities for farmer groups, ranging from strengthening cultivation capacity, applying agricultural technology, to developing a more sustainable production system. Through these activities, farmers are expected to be able to increase productivity while understanding the importance of efficient resource management in agricultural business. The participatory approach applied also allows the community to be actively involved in the process of developing and applying technology.

This program is also in line with Gadjah Mada University’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the application of Smart Genetics Breeding technology and more sustainable cultivation practices, this activity contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through increasing productivity and the quality of agricultural products that support food security. This program also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through strengthening the capacity of farmers and increasing the productivity of farming businesses which has the potential to improve community welfare. Through the synergy between research-based innovation, community empowerment, and international collaboration, this program is expected to become a model of sustainable agricultural development that provides long-term benefits to the community and supports the development of Indonesia’s more advanced and competitive agriculture.

 

Faculty of Biology UGM Establishes Strategic Collaboration with CEBAR Universiti Malaya to Strengthen International Education and Research Partnerships

Cooperation Sunday, 7 June 2026

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has strengthened its international network through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, on 4 June 2026. This collaboration marks an initial step toward developing academic and research partnerships between the two institutions through a shared commitment to exploring opportunities in education, research, and human resource development.

The LoI was signed on behalf of the Faculty of Biology UGM by Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Director of CEBAR Universiti Malaya. The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Lau Su Ee, Executive Director of UM Agroforestry, and Dr. Chua Kah Ooi, Head of Academic Programmes at the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR). This agreement reflects the commitment of both institutions to strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation, and academic capacity development through a mutually beneficial partnership.

During the exploratory meeting and LoI signing ceremony, the Faculty of Biology UGM was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs; Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs; and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. The meeting served as an important milestone in opening broader opportunities for collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CEBAR Universiti Malaya, particularly in biotechnology, genomics, agriculture, and the development of advanced research technologies.

Through this LoI, both institutions agreed to explore various forms of collaboration, including the exchange of students, faculty members, and researchers; collaborative research and scientific publications; the organization of seminars, conferences, symposia, and summer courses; academic staff exchanges as visiting lecturers; adjunct professorship appointments; and the exchange of academic information and resources. These initiatives are expected to strengthen institutional capacity while enhancing the quality of education and research at both institutions.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CEBAR Universiti Malaya is also one of the outcomes of the Joint Supervision Phase 2 Equity Scheme 2026, under the research project entitled “Genome Characterization and Functional Gene Analysis of Indonesian Commercial Sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) Based on Whole Genome Sequencing to Support National Sugar Self-Sufficiency.” The project is being carried out by Master’s students of the Faculty of Biology UGM, namely Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., Sabrina Labista Wibowo, S.Si., and Oliv Nurul Kanaya, S.Si., under the supervision of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

This partnership is aligned with both institutions’ commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening educational capacity and international academic exchange; SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through research and innovation aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting national sugar self-sufficiency; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the application of genomics and biotechnology in research; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening strategic international collaboration among higher education institutions. This partnership is expected to make a meaningful contribution to scientific advancement, food security, and sustainable development in Indonesia and beyond.

Fostering Global Academic Collaboration through Joint Supervision and International Guest Lectures in Omics and Biotechnology

News Release Sunday, 7 June 2026

Grant Program through Joint Supervision Stage 2 Equity Scheme 2026 successfully organized a Guest Lecture entitled “Advances in Genomics and Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Life Science” on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, from 09.00–12.00 WIB at the MMA Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity was part of an effort to strengthen international academic collaboration while enhancing research capacity and higher education in the fields of plant omics, biotechnology, and sustainable life sciences. The grant program is led by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Principal Investigator (PI), with Widhi Dyah Sawitri, S.Si., M.Agr., Ph.D. as a team member.

The Guest Lecture featured three international speakers from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, namely Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Dr. Lau Su Ee, and Dr. Chua Kah Ooi. In the first session, Dr. Tan delivered a presentation entitled “How Banana Plants Cope with Drought: Insight into Morphological and Molecular Responses,” discussing the morphological and molecular responses of banana plants to drought stress as well as the importance of genomic approaches in developing stress-tolerant crops.

Dr. Lau presented a topic entitled “Drought Responses of Pandanus and the Biostimulant Potential of Oil Palm Wood Vinegar,” which explored the drought responses of pandanus plants and the potential of oil palm wood vinegar as an environmentally friendly biostimulant to support sustainable plant growth. This presentation provided insights into the integration of biotechnology and biological resource utilization to support sustainable and climate-adaptive agriculture.

In the final session, Dr. Chua Kah Ooi presented research on bacterial community characterization and the identification of novel bacterial species in Asian weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) using microbiological and molecular approaches. In addition, Dr. Chua introduced opportunities for postgraduate study programs at Universiti Malaya as well as potential international research collaborations for students and academics. The event was attended by 105 participants consisting of students, lecturers, researchers, and academics from various fields of agriculture, biotechnology, and biology. Participants showed great enthusiasm during both the presentation sessions and interactive discussions with the international speakers.

As part of the implementation of the Academic Internationalization Reinforcement Grant Program through Joint Supervision, the activity was continued with an academic discussion session related to the development of research conducted by students of the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM. Three master’s students, namely Tiara Putria Judith, Oliv Nurul Kanaya, and Sabrina Labista Wibowo, presented and discussed their research directions focusing on major omics topics in sugarcane, including genomics research development, biotechnology, and molecular approaches to support sustainable agriculture. Discussions with the international speakers served as a platform for scientific exchange, research feedback, and the strengthening of international academic collaboration in supporting the implementation of the Joint Supervision scheme. Through this activity, students gained insights into research methodology development, opportunities for cross-institutional research collaboration, as well as the enhancement of academic capacity and international scientific publication.

In addition to supporting the advancement of science and technology, this activity also aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through strengthening sustainable agricultural innovation, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through improving higher education quality and international collaboration, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through biotechnology research and innovation development, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through studies on plant responses to drought stress as an impact of climate change.

Faculty of Biology UGM Hosts Dr. Cecilia Winata from Poland for Guest Lecture on Circulatory System Development

News Release Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Yogyakarta, 29 May 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a guest lecture for the Animal Structure and Development course coordinated by Dr. Luthfi Nur Hidayat. The lecture featured Dr. Cecilia Winata, an Indonesian researcher and academic currently based in Warsaw, Poland, who delivered a presentation entitled Basic Development of the Circulatory System.


During the lecture, Dr. Winata discussed the early developmental stages of the circulatory system in vertebrates, including the formation and differentiation of cardiovascular tissues during embryonic development. The presentation provided students with a comprehensive understanding of how the heart and blood vessels develop as essential organ systems supporting growth and survival.

The guest lecture was attended by undergraduate biology students enrolled in the Animal Structure and Development course. In addition to introducing fundamental concepts of circulatory system development, Dr. Winata also explained several examples of developmental abnormalities that may arise during embryogenesis.

During the discussion session, one student asked whether congenital heart malformations could be influenced by environmental factors. Dr. Winata explained that, in addition to genetic factors, various environmental influences during embryonic development, including exposure to certain substances, maternal health conditions, and nutritional factors, may contribute to the occurrence of congenital heart defects.

This guest lecture reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to enriching students’ learning experiences through direct engagement with international scholars and researchers. The activity provided valuable insights into circulatory system development and its significance in developmental biology and health sciences.

The event also contributed to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by enhancing understanding of human health and development, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the provision of high-quality education involving international experts, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international academic collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and researchers abroad.

Guest Lecture by Prof. Luke Daniels on Basic Understanding of the Nervous System

News Release Wednesday, 20 May 2026

The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada held an international guest lecture in the Animal Structure and Development course featuring Prof. Luke Daniels as the guest speaker. The lecture was conducted on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 07.15 to 08.55 WIB and was attended by approximately 210 students.


During the session, Prof. Luke Daniels delivered a lecture entitled Basic Understanding of Nervous System, which discussed the fundamental concepts of the nervous system in animals, including neuronal structure, nerve impulse transmission mechanisms, and the coordination of the nervous system in supporting organismal functions. The material was presented in an engaging and interactive manner, enabling students to better understand the basic principles of neurobiology.

Throughout the lecture, students actively participated in lively question-and-answer discussions. Many students showed great enthusiasm by asking questions related to the development and functions of nervous systems across various animal groups, as well as their applications in modern biological studies. The interactive discussion created a dynamic academic atmosphere and encouraged students to think critically about the topics presented.

This guest lecture was part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to strengthening international academic exposure and enhancing the quality of learning through global collaboration. Through the participation of international scholars, students are expected to gain broader perspectives and deeper insights into the advancement of biological sciences, particularly in the field of animal structure and development.

In addition, the activity also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

Professor from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Delivers Guest Lectures at Faculty of Biology UGM

CooperationNews Release Tuesday, 12 May 2026

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a guest lecture featuring Bernhard Grimm from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany. In addition to students enrolled in the Plant Physiology course, lecturers and students from other programs also attended the lectures, which were held on April 23 and May 7, 2026. The teaching team of the Plant Physiology course was also present, including Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si, Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si. who served as the host for Prof. Bernhard Grimm’s visit to the Biotechnology Graduate Program at UGM through the 2026 UGM EQUITY Grant.


The event on April 23, 2026, was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs (P2MKSA), Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. In his remarks, he emphasized that the guest lecture was an important part of strengthening international academic collaboration and broadening students’ global perspectives. “This activity provides a valuable opportunity for all participants to gain insights into plant physiology from different perspectives,” stated Prof. Eko. He further added that Prof. Bernhard Grimm’s return visit to the Faculty of Biology UGM reflects the continuity of a collaboration that is highly expected to continue developing in the future. The Head of the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., also expressed her gratitude to Prof. Grimm and Prof. Yekti for the opportunity to organize a public lecture for the Plant Physiology class.

In his first lecture session, Prof. Grimm presented various types of phytohormones, including cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. He explained their characteristics, mechanisms of action, and diverse roles in coordinating plant growth and development. By incorporating examples from related research studies, the lecture became even more engaging and insightful. Plant hormones are not merely ordinary growth regulators, but rather a complex communication system that determines how plants respond to their environment. During the second lecture, Prof. Grimm discussed the role of light in the morphogenesis of higher plants. He explained how light intensity, direction, and duration act as signals perceived by photoreceptors and influence plant development, including growth direction, stomatal opening, and flowering. The students showed great enthusiasm by raising various questions, including discussions on up-to-date research related to the lecture topics. “I hope this public lecture can be well understood by all students, and I wish you success in your future studies,” said Prof. Grimm at the end of his lecture.

The organization of this guest lecture represents one of the Faculty of Biology’s efforts to realize its vision of becoming a globally recognized, excellent, and innovative higher education institution in biology, particularly tropical biology. The Faculty of Biology UGM continues to demonstrate its commitment to equipping students with global scientific perspectives that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by expanding access to knowledge from international experts, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening international academic collaboration.

Faculty of Biology UGM Promotes the Empowerment of KWT “Lestari” through Waste Management Education and Sustainable Integrated Farming

Community ServiceNews Release Monday, 11 May 2026

On Saturday, 9 May 2026, the Community Service Team (PkM) of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., carried out the first activity of its community engagement program entitled “Empowering the Women Farmers Group (KWT) ‘Lestari’ through Waste Management Education and the Development of Integrated Plant Cultivation to Achieve Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12)”. The activity was held in Mertosanan Kulon, Potorono Village, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The team, consisting of Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., also involved students from various academic levels, namely Winda Fionita Nur Safitri, Layly Salsabila, Alfonsus Fidel Pandu Ekanto, and Miftahurrozi from the undergraduate program; Noor Laila Safitri, S.Si., from the master’s program; as well as Fatimatuzzahra, S.Pd., M.Sc. from the doctoral program.


The event began with opening remarks from Prof. Diah, who expressed her appreciation for the participation of KWT “Lestari” in this community service initiative as a collaborative effort to support village development and improve the local economy. The Head of Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, Mrs. Atik Mudawamah, S.Ag., also delivered remarks and shared her concerns regarding current environmental issues, particularly waste management. She stated that the existence of a TPS 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Management Facility) in Mertosanan Kulon is an important asset for the community. According to her, the waste collection schedule based on waste type could help improve local waste handling practices. Through this program, she hoped that more residents would become motivated to participate in and utilize the TPS 3R facility.

The opening session was followed by the signing and handover of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Faculty of Biology UGM and KWT “Lestari”, presented by Prof. Diah to the head of KWT “Lestari”. Prior to the presentation sessions, participants from KWT “Lestari” completed a pre-test to assess their initial understanding of waste management and integrated farming development. The program socialization was then delivered by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who introduced the team members and explained the objectives as well as the planned activities throughout the community service period. She emphasized that environmental issues have become an important challenge that must be addressed collectively. Through education, mentoring, and continuous assistance, the program aims to encourage the community to independently implement sustainable environmental practices in the future.

The next session focused on waste management education, delivered by Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho and Fatimatuzzahra, S.Pd., M.Sc. The materials covered included the introduction of organic and inorganic waste, the dangers of microplastics, hazardous and toxic waste (B3), and the concept of waste banks. In addition to revisiting the principles of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) participants also received explanations regarding the importance of waste sorting at the household level and the environmental risks associated with open waste burning. Prof. Andhika explained that waste can enter water bodies such as rivers, and disposing of waste directly into rivers is not a solution but may instead contribute to flooding. He further noted that plastic particles or microplastics may be ingested by fish and could potentially affect human health when consumed through the food chain.

The activity was attended by members of KWT “Lestari”, the Head of Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, the Head of the KKB of Mertosanan Kulon, and representatives of the community police officer (Bhabinkamtibmas) of Potorono Village. Throughout the event, participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm through interactive discussions and various questions related to waste management and environmental concerns faced by local residents. As a form of appreciation, the PkM team distributed door prizes during the event. Additional appreciation was also given to participants who achieved high pre-test scores and those who proposed ideas for future community service activities. As a follow-up to this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM Community Service Team plans to conduct further activities in June 2026, including training on compost production and the utilization of maggots for organic waste management.

Overall, this program supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. The initiative is expected to enhance the knowledge and skills of KWT “Lestari” members in waste management and sustainable household farming practices, while also contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Ethnobotany Lecture at the Museum of Kedhaton, Yogyakarta: Unveiling the Beauty of Javanese Rituals from the Perspective of Plant Diversity and Symbolism in the Human Life Cycle

News ReleaseStudent Activities Wednesday, 6 May 2026

On 5 April 2026, undergraduate (S1) students enrolled in the Ethnobotany course (Class A) at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a field lecture activity at the Kedhaton Museum in Yogyakarta. This field lecture is based on contextual, experiential and resource-based teaching and learning approaches. It connects course material with real-world contexts, such as museum collections and historical objects, to enhance active engagement, direct observation and critical thinking among students. The Ethnobotany course (Class A) is lectured by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini M.Sc. and Ludmilla Fitri Untari S.Si., M.Si.


A total of 31 students, supervised by Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si., attended sessions delivered by two invited speakers: the Head of the Kedhaton Museum (RA Siti Amirul Nur Sundari, Carik Kawedanan Radyo Kartiyoso) and a member of the museum’s expert staff (Mas Jajar Praba Hanendra). A lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Zuliyati Rohmah (S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng.), was also present.

During the session, the students studied the diversity of plants and their symbolic meanings in various Javanese rituals that represent the life cycle. These rituals include those performed during the early stage of the life cycle, which covers pregnancy and birth. This stage consists of the Mapati ceremony (held in the fourth month), the Mitoni/Tingkeban ceremony (held in the seventh month), the Brokohan ceremony, the Sepasan ceremony (held over five days), the Puputan ceremony (where the umbilical cord is detached), the Selapanan ceremony (held after 35 days), and the Tedak Siten ceremony (held when the baby takes its first steps). The middle stage of the life cycle covers adulthood and marriage, and includes circumcision, the Nontoni and proposal ceremony, the Siraman and Midodareni ceremony, the wedding ceremony (akad) and the Panggih ceremony. The final stage of the life cycle covers death and the returning journey, which represents the end of the cycle. These rituals aim to pray for God’s protection, express gratitude, and show respect to the universe. These rituals aim to ensure safety, express gratitude and show respect. By studying the symbolic meanings of the plant species used in these ceremonies, students gain an understanding of the spiritual values embedded in Javanese rituals. These spiritual values reflect the interrelationship between humans, between humans and the universe, and between humans and God the Almighty.

This local Javanese wisdom, passed down through generations, constitutes a highly valuable cultural asset that should be preserved for future generations. Students can play an active role in conserving this traditional knowledge and preventing its disappearance in modern society. Furthermore, in addition to preserving ethnobotanical knowledge, the Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton Yogyakarta) has undertaken various efforts to conserve rare plant species of high historical and cultural value.

These efforts support the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential, field-based learning; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by utilising cultural heritage sites as educational media; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging the responsible use of natural resources; SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening environmental literacy and fostering closer human–nature relationships; SDG 15 (Life on Land) by raising awareness of biodiversity; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting collaboration among institutions to enhance the quality of education. – Ludmilla –

Ethnobiology Field Course of UGM’s Master of Biology Program at Prambanan Temple: Integrating Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage through Classical Javanese Reliefs

News ReleaseStudent Activities Monday, 4 May 2026

Yogyakarta, April 25, 2026 – The Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a field course for the Ethnobiology subject at the Prambanan Temple area on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This activity is part of strengthening contextual learning, integrating an interdisciplinary approach between biology and culture.


The course is under the academic coordination of Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., who serves as the course coordinator, with Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. as one of the lecturers facilitating the implementation of this field course. In her capacity as coordinator, Prof. Ratna Susandarini plays a strategic role in designing the direction of learning, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes, and comprehensively integrating ethnobiological approaches into the Master of Biology curriculum.

This activity utilizes temple reliefs as a source of scientific data to explore human–fauna relationships from historical and cultural perspectives. Students conducted direct observations of animal representations depicted in reliefs illustrating the stories of Ramayana and Krisnayana, two important narratives in classical Javanese tradition.

Through this activity, students not only identified the morphological forms of fauna depicted in the reliefs but also analysed their symbolic, ecological, and cultural meanings. This approach demonstrates how past local knowledge systems recorded human interactions with biodiversity in visually rich and meaningful forms.

In her statement, Dr. Rohmah emphasized that ethnobiology provides space for students to understand biodiversity more holistically. “Temple reliefs serve as cultural archives that document how past societies observed, recognized, and assigned meaning to the fauna around them. This represents a form of knowledge that remains highly relevant to be studied in the context of modern biology,” she stated.

This activity also supports the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), particularly in strengthening critical analytical skills, interdisciplinary synthesis, and interpretation skills based on field data.

Furthermore, this activity contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education): through experiential, field-based learning. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): by utilizing cultural heritage sites as learning resources. SDG 15 (Life on Land): by increasing awareness of biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action): through strengthening environmental literacy and human–nature relationships.

This activity reaffirms the commitment of the Master’s Degree Program in Biology at UGM to delivering integrative, contextual, and sustainability-oriented biological education, positioning culture as an essential component in understanding life systems.
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