Indonesia’s native freshwater fish could support food security and a low-emission economy, provided they are developed without harming their ecosystems.

KUALA LUMPUR — Wader and seluang, small freshwater fish long known as a humble everyday dish on Indonesian tables, were presented as a promising future food source at an international scientific forum. Professor Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), shared the idea as an invited speaker at the 6th International Conference on Biodiversity (ICB) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

The conference is an international joint conference between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

In his presentation, Prof. Bambang explained that native freshwater fish biodiversity can bridge conservation, food security and sustainable economic development. Wader and seluang, he said, have the potential to move beyond local consumption and become part of sustainable blue food systems, that is, food sourced from aquatic environments.

He cautioned, however, that developing these fish requires care. Species identity, ecological roles, nutritional characteristics, and the sustainability of harvesting and production practices must all be carefully considered so that wild populations remain healthy.

Prof. Bambang outlined several priorities: biodiversity characterization, habitat protection, domestication and breeding, resource-efficient aquaculture, and appropriate food processing. The common practice of eating small fish whole may also offer distinct nutritional benefits. Economically, improvements in product quality, food safety and market access could strengthen community-based enterprises.

In the context of a net-zero economy, wader and seluang offer opportunities to improve feed and energy efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, make use of processing by-products and strengthen local value chains. Prof. Bambang stressed, however, that such environmental benefits must be demonstrated through life-cycle assessment rather than assumed simply because the fish are native or small.

“Wader and seluang show how Indonesia’s freshwater fish biodiversity can support nutritious food, resilient livelihoods and lower-emission food systems, without sacrificing ecological integrity,” said Prof. Bambang.

He called for an integrated approach linking biodiversity research, production innovation, environmental assessment and community participation.

The work aligns with several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land, which covers inland freshwater ecosystems).

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 November 2026 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on a Double Degree Programme at the 6th International Conference on Biology (ICB) in Kuala Lumpur.

The LoI was signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., and the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Azura binti Awang. The signing was witnessed by the Provost of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mutalib bin Leman; UGM’s Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc.; and the Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Sukirno, Ph.D.

The agreement builds on ten years of collaboration between the two institutions. Both faculties will now align curricula, credit recognition and student mobility, ahead of a formal Memorandum of Agreement.

“This double degree is a natural step after a decade of working together. Our students will learn in two academic cultures and graduate ready for the regional and global bioinnovation,” said Prof. Eko.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Azura said the programme brings together UGM’s strength in tropical biology and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia’s expertise in applied science and technology.

Looking ahead, both parties hope to enrol the first double degree cohort soon. They also plan to extend cooperation to postgraduate programmes, joint research in biodiversity and bioinnovation, and wider staff and student exchanges. The partnership is expected to become a model for ASEAN higher education cooperation in the life sciences.

The collaboration also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The double degree advances quality, internationally recognised education (SDG 4), while joint work in bioinnovation strengthens research and innovation capacity (SDG 9). The shared focus on tropical biodiversity contributes to the protection of life on land (SDG 15). Above all, the decade-long Indonesia–Malaysia partnership shows how universities can work together to achieve the goals (SDG 17).

Tags: #SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG15 #SDG17

Mount Merapi National Park Authority (Balai TNGM), in collaboration with the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a three-day training on collecting distribution and population density data for five taxa using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques on November 3-5, 2026. Ten Balai TNGM staff took part: eight forest ecosystem controllers and two forest police officers.

The training aimed to build staff capacity to design, carry out, and interpret eDNA-based biodiversity surveys as a complement to conventional monitoring. eDNA detects species from genetic material left in water or sediment, without capturing animals. The approach is non-invasive and well suited to hazardous terrain across the park’s 6,607.52 hectares.

The program focused on two common weak points: the quality of field sampling and the interpretation of results. Day one, held at the park authority’s meeting room and in the field, covered eDNA fundamentals, sampling design, and hands-on sample collection and preservation, contamination control, and chain of custody. Day two, at UGM’s Animal Systematics Laboratory, covered the path from sample to data, reading metabarcoding tables, diversity analysis, and the limits of conclusions that can be drawn for management. Day three consisted of DNA extraction, qPCR, and data analysis practice.

Participants worked in two groups of five, with about 40 percent of training time devoted to guided practice.

The training set targets of at least 80 percent of participants passing the practical sampling assessment, and the drafting of a concise field-ready eDNA sampling SOP and a one-year eDNA monitoring plan.

The activity supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, Life on Land. It equips field staff with a non-invasive method for monitoring biodiversity, helping the park gather species-presence data in a more standardized way. The partnership with a university also contributes to SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals. Long-term impact will depend on whether monitoring continues after the training.

About Mount Merapi National Park Authority

Balai TNGM manages a 6,607.52-hectare protected area in Sleman (Yogyakarta) and Magelang, Boyolali, and Klaten (Central Java), at elevations of 600 to 2,968 meters above sea level. The area serves as a water catchment and as habitat for wild plants and animals.

Lichen is a mutualistic symbiotic organism composed of a fungus and an alga. As a composite life form, lichen plays vital ecological roles and holds broad potential for various applications, such as pharmaceuticals, food resources, and natural dyes. In an effort to support biodiversity research and environmental conservation, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in partnership with the Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM) Authority, conducted collaborative exploratory research to map the species diversity of foliose lichen in the TNGM region. Beyond enriching scientific data, this collaboration represents a concrete implementation of the UGM Faculty of Biology’s curriculum in producing excellent Bachelor of Science (S.Si.) graduates in Biology. Led by UGM Faculty of Biology lecturer Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si., the study involved three undergraduate students: Aan Nur Risla Wardana, Adha Nurkholifah, and Dwi Pramesti Wahyuningtias. The research aimed to reveal the species diversity of foliose lichen and examine the relationship between environmental factors and their abundance in the Mount Merapi area.

The study on foliose lichen comprised two main stages: field exploration and laboratory analysis, conducted from May to December 2026. Sampling was carried out on the southern slopes of Mount Merapi, specifically at Klangon Hill in the Cangkringan Resort and Deles Indah in the Kemalang Resort of Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM). These locations were chosen for their diverse mountain forest habitats, which offer high potential for foliose lichen growth. Field data collection utilized the cruising method paired with abiotic factor measurements, including light intensity, temperature, and air humidity. The collected specimens were subsequently identified at the Plant Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, through morphological and anatomical characterization, simple spot testing for chemical compounds, and molecular-based identification.

This collaborative research also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education, biodiversity conservation, and academic partnerships. The activity aligns with SDG 4 – Quality Education, through student involvement in field research-based learning. Students gained hands-on experience in sampling, species identification, environmental parameter measurement, and ecological data analysis. The study further supports SDG 15 – Life on Land, by documenting foliose lichen diversity to enrich biodiversity data in the Mount Merapi region. This information is expected to serve as valuable supporting data for future research on terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity conservation efforts. Additionally, the collaboration between lecturers and students reflects the spirit of SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating cooperation in research execution, scientific skill development, and strengthening academic contributions to environmental studies.

The growing plastic waste crisis is an environmental challenge requiring innovative, sustainable solutions. Waste management requires not only the implementation of the 3Rs Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce but also the development of innovative materials that can be safely returned to the environment. The Return to Earth approach developed by PT Greenhope Indonesia is one effort to provide plastic solutions based on biodegradable materials and biopolymers, serving as alternatives to conventional plastics.

This vision aligns with the research conducted by the Smart Genetics Research Group, led by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The research focuses on the development of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer with potential applications as a raw material for biodegradable plastics, using a recombinant yeast-based microbial cell factory. The research is funded through the Link & Match Grant and supported by the 2026 Research Commercialization Program for Model and Prototype Testing, which promotes the translation of laboratory-based research into more applicable technological developments.

As part of strengthening university–industry collaboration, the UGM research team has been working with PT Greenhope Indonesia since 2023, with the current phase focusing on completing a product prototype in November 2026 at PT Greenhope Indonesia’s Main Factory in Tangerang. The activity involved UGM student researchers Ihsanul Fikri Alfarizel and Diva Septiani, under the supervision of principal researcher Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., together with the PT Greenhope Indonesia research team.

The collaboration aimed to further develop bioplastic resin based on PHB produced by recombinant yeast. PHB resin developed through research at the Faculty of Biology UGM was brought to PT Greenhope for purification, material development, and further testing in collaboration with the Greenhope research team. The four-day collaboration resulted in five key outputs:

1. Purified industrial PHB resin as a reference material.
2. Purified recombinant yeast-derived PHB resin developed through UGM research.
3. Industrial PHB biofilm with its dimensions and thickness characterized.
4. Recombinant yeast-derived PHB biofilm with its dimensions and thickness characterized.
5. Product packaging prototype, representing an initial material design for applications such as instant noodle seasoning sachets.

These five outputs represent an important initial step in bridging laboratory-scale research with the material development needs of industry. The transformation of PHB resin into biofilm and subsequently into a packaging prototype demonstrates the potential of recombinant yeast-derived PHB for further development as a more sustainable plastic material.

The collaboration between UGM and PT Greenhope Indonesia will continue through further research and testing, with the long-term goal of developing biodegradable plastic products based on PHB produced by recombinant yeast. This effort is expected to help reduce dependence on conventional plastics while strengthening the commercialization and application of biotechnology research in Indonesia.

This collaborative initiative also contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the development and commercialization of bioplastic technology; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through the development of more sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic materials; and SDGs 13, 14, and 15, through the development of biodegradable materials with the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste. Furthermore, the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT Greenhope Indonesia represents an implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by bringing together academic research capacity and industrial expertise to develop bioplastic solutions with real-world applications.

Yogyakarta, November 3, 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Guest Lecture featuring Dr. Erhan Yalçındağ from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Division of Epidemiology, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, on Monday afternoon (2/11). Hosted at the Auditorium Biologi Tropika, Faculty of Biology UGM, the lecture carried the theme “Genetic Application in Biomedical Research: From Gen to Health and Animal Health – Tools, Insights and Real-World Applications.”

The event commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. In his remarks, he expressed his appreciation for Dr. Erhan Yalçındağ’s visit and the opportunity to share research knowledge and experience with the Faculty of Biology UGM academic community.

During the lecture, Dr. Erhan Yalçındağ discussed the application of genetic approaches in biomedical and animal health research, with particular emphasis on non-invasive sampling strategies to support infectious disease surveillance. The presentation covered various sampling methods, the use of genetic markers, and genomic analysis approaches to identify and understand viral characteristics. One of the examples discussed was environmental surveillance of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), including monitoring viral evolution, distribution patterns, and risk assessment. The application of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oxford Nanopore technologies was also highlighted as part of efforts to develop surveillance methods that provide more comprehensive genomic insights.

Beyond serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, the event also marked an initial step for the Faculty of Biology UGM in exploring potential research collaborations with University of Edinburgh. One of the key areas of interest for future collaboration is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR remains a major global health challenge that requires strengthened research efforts, science-based approaches, and multidisciplinary collaboration to support prevention and control strategies.

Through this event, the Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that the knowledge exchange and academic connections established will lead to concrete collaborative initiatives, particularly in biomedical research, animal health, and AMR. This initiative also reflects the Faculty’s commitment to strengthening the internationalization of education and research while contributing to addressing global health challenges.

The event also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through strengthening health-related research, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through academic knowledge exchange, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the development of international partnerships and research collaborations.

The Laboratory of Animal Structure and Developmental (SPH), Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted an educational visit for 51 students from SMPIT Muhammadiyah An Najah, Klaten, accompanied by eight teachers, on Monday, October 26, 2026. This activity was organized as part of their Biology curriculum, specifically focusing on animal histology and anatomy through a hands-on laboratory practicum and direct observation.

The session began with opening remarks from the Head of the Laboratory, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, M.Kes. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of animal body structures and the relationship between the structure and function of organs through practical, experience-based learning. A key highlight was a dissection practicum involving tilapia, guided by 10 students from the Laboratory of Animal Structure and Development, ranging from undergraduate to master’s and doctoral levels. Through this exercise, the students were introduced to animal dissection procedures that adhere to the principles of animal welfare. Furthermore, the students studied the topography of the animal’s body and learned to identify the arrangement and location of various internal organs within the tilapia.

To further their understanding of animal body structures, the students also examined histological slides of several types of organs. This allowed them to identify the cellular and tissue components that make up these organs through microscopic observation. Consequently, biological concepts, previously studied only theoretically in the classroom became more tangible through direct observation and hands-on practical experience.

This initiative is expected to enhance the students’ knowledge, practical skills, and overall interest in Biology and the broader life sciences. These laboratory-based learning activities also serve as a form of support for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 Quality Education by providing contextual and interactive learning experiences that foster the development of students’ competencies.

Beyond the benefits for the students, these activities reflect the role of higher education institutions in supporting the educational process at the secondary school level. The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, UGM and SMPIT Muhammadiyah An Najah Klaten is expected to strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and promote the sustainability of science-based educational programs. This effort aligns with SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in supporting sustainable development. Through these educational initiatives, the Laboratory of Animal Developmental Structure at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, contributes to expanding access to applied science learning while strengthening the synergy between universities and schools to enhance the quality of education.

Contributors: Sefi Nur Anggaeni, S.Si. and Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes.

Yogyakarta, 29 October 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a delegation from Curtin University, Australia, on Thursday (29 October) to explore opportunities for academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The delegation consisted of Priya Saracik, Global Partnerships Consultant, and Dr. Hendra Gunosewoyo from Medicinal Chemistry, School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Curtin University.

The visit was received by Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas and Matin Nuhamunada, Ph.D. as Office of International Affairs Faculty of Biology. The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to introduce their respective academic and research strengths and identify potential areas for future collaboration.

Discussions on research collaboration highlighted two promising areas: natural products and biodiversity, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These areas offer opportunities to explore joint research initiatives by leveraging the complementary expertise and research capacities of both institutions. The collaboration is expected to foster interdisciplinary research and contribute to scientific advancements in biodiversity-based research and addressing global health challenges, particularly antimicrobial resistance.

In addition to research collaboration, both institutions also explored the possibility of establishing an undergraduate double-degree program for students enrolled in the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Biology and Biomedical Sciences. This initiative aims to expand international academic pathways, provide students with broader learning experiences, and strengthen the global competitiveness of graduates from both institutions.

The visit marks an important step toward establishing a stronger partnership between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Curtin University. Through continued discussions and follow-up initiatives, both institutions aim to translate these opportunities into concrete collaborative programs in education and research.

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through research addressing antimicrobial resistance; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the exploration of international double-degree opportunities; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through research on natural products and biodiversity; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened international collaboration in education and research.

Yogyakarta, 28 October 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a delegation from Da-Yeh University (DYU), Taiwan, for an Information Session introducing academic collaboration opportunities between the two institutions. The session highlighted two programs: the 3+1+1 Bachelor-Master Fast Track Program in Biomedical Sciences and the INTENSE Program in Environmental Engineering.

The information session was delivered by Prof. Lee Shih-Chieh, Dean of the Office of Foreign Affairs, Da-Yeh University; Prof. Lin Yong-En, Director of the University Development Division, Da-Yeh University; and Aqilas Vierdan, Manager of the Office of International Affairs, Da-Yeh University. The delegation introduced the 3+1+1 Bachelor-Master Fast Track Program, which enables students to complete their bachelor’s degree in four years before pursuing a one-year master’s degree at Da-Yeh University. The program offers opportunities to earn an international master’s degree, access advanced learning and research facilities, develop international academic networks, and receive scholarship support based on academic performance and research publication achievements.

The delegation also presented the INTENSE Program, an industry-academia collaboration initiative supported by the Taiwanese government to develop international talent in response to industry needs. One of the programs relevant to the Faculty of Biology UGM is the Environmental Safety Engineering Practice Program for the Technology Industry under Environmental Engineering. The program offers various benefits, including scholarships, a monthly living allowance of at least NT$10,000 during the study period at DYU, and internship opportunities with a guaranteed minimum monthly salary of NT$28,000. Students may also gain employment opportunities with partner companies upon graduation.

Following the information session, the delegation participated in a discussion with the Faculty of Biology UGM leadership, attended by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc.; Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas; and Matin Nuhamunada, Ph.D., along with representatives from Taiwan Center Indonesia. The discussion focused on the technical implementation of the Fast Track and INTENSE programs, including academic arrangements and student participation mechanisms. Beyond educational collaboration, both institutions also explored opportunities to initiate joint research activities and develop academic mobility programs for students and academic staff from Da-Yeh University to the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This meeting marks an important step toward strengthening international collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Da-Yeh University, particularly in advancing higher education, research, and industry-oriented academic development. The initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through expanded access to international learning opportunities; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through student capacity building and career opportunities; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through stronger academic-industry collaboration; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international partnerships in education and research.

Ain Sokhna, Egypt | October 21, 2026

The fifth day of the 3rd International Scientific Conference: One Health 2026, held at the Stella Di Mare Grand Hotel in Ain Sokhna, Egypt, featured active participation from students and faculty members of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Organized by Badr University in Cairo (BUC), the conference brought together academics, researchers, and students from various countries to strengthen the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

During the Emerging Voices session, six UGM students from Indonesia presented their research topics alongside students from Leipzig University, Germany, and Badr University in Cairo, Egypt. The UGM student presenters included Natasyabrina (class of 2024), who discussed microplastics and heavy metal contamination in Indonesian coastal waters; Salma Farah Yumna (class of 2023), who presented on viruses affecting chili pepper plants; Amarthya Aulia Vadela (class of 2024), who addressed anthrax; Aditya Ilham Alim (class of 2024), who explored the potential of endophytic fungi in combating antimicrobial resistance; Muhammad Humam Rafi’i (class of 2024), who discussed African swine fever in babirusas in Sulawesi; and Nauval Rajwa Raysendra (class of 2023), who highlighted the potential applications of bacteriophages in biotechnology.

UGM faculty members also contributed to the scientific discussions. Dr. Sukirno presented on insect diversity and its relevance to One Health, while Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono discussed the application of wildlife DNA forensics in supporting One Health initiatives in Indonesia during the Synergies & Systems session. Meanwhile, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono participated as a panelist in Panel Discussion 2: Innovations in One Health Training, contributing perspectives on the development of innovative approaches to One Health education and training.

This international academic engagement supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the advancement of integrated One Health approaches, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through student engagement and academic training, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)through cross-border and interuniversity collaboration.

The participation of UGM students and faculty members is expected to further strengthen international academic networks, promote interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and empower the next generation of scientists to become key contributors to the advancement of One Health initiatives in Indonesia.