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Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology at UGM Earn “Unggul” Accreditation from LAMSAMA

News Release Monday, 16 June 2025

Yogyakarta, June 3, 2025, The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again received formal recognition for its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education. Two of its postgraduate programs—the Master’s Program in Biology and the Doctoral Program in Biology—have been awarded the highest accreditation status, “Unggul” (Excellent), by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Natural and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA). This recognition is based on Decree No. 134/SK/LAMSAMA/Akred/D/VI/2025, effective from June 3, 2025 to June 2, 2030, for the Doctoral Program in Biology, and Decree No. 144/SK/LAMSAMA/Akred/M/VI/2025, effective from June 5, 2025 to June 4, 2030, for the Master’s Program in Biology.


This achievement reflects the outcome of a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of academic program implementation, including institutional governance, the quality of human resources, outcomes-based curriculum, internal quality assurance systems, research output and performance, graduate relevance, and the programs’ contributions to the advancement of science and the resolution of strategic national and global issues.

The site assessment, conducted by the LAMSAMA assessor team from May 25 to 28, 2025, included a direct review of academic operations, research and learning facilities, and the active involvement of stakeholders, including alumni and external partners.

This accreditation strengthens the standing of both the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology as leading programs in tropical biology and reinforces the Faculty of Biology UGM’s efforts toward realizing its vision as a world-class, research-based higher education institution rooted in Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. This accomplishment also aligns with Universitas Gadjah Mada’s broader commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education.

Following in the Footsteps of L.B. Holthuis: Seven New Endemic Freshwater Lobster Species Discovered in Papua

News Release Monday, 16 June 2025

Hidden beneath the lush rainforests of Papua, Indonesia lies a biodiversity treasure trove still waiting to be explored. For crustacean researchers, the island’s rivers and lakes represent a scientific frontier rich with undiscovered species.


More than 50 years after legendary Dutch carcinologist Lipke Bijdeley Holthuis (1921 – 2008) mapped much of the world’s freshwater crayfish diversity, a new generation of scientists is continuing the quest.

In a recent study published in Arthropoda (MDPI), researchers Christian Lukhaup (Independent Researcher, Germany), Rury Eprilurahman (Universitas Gadjah Mada – Indonesia), and Thomas von Rintelen (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin – Germany) successfully described seven new species of freshwater crayfish from the genus Cherax, all of which are endemic to the regions of West Papua.

“Papua holds the greatest diversity of freshwater crayfish in the world, yet many species remain scientifically undescribed,” said Rury Eprilurahman.

“Our goal is to help establish a valid taxonomic foundation while promoting the protection of these increasingly vulnerable species,” he added.

New Species from Papua’s Hidden Rivers

The seven newly described species originate from various remote regions of West Papua:

  1. Cherax veritas — Misool Island, Raja Ampat

  1. Cherax arguni and Cherax kaimana — northern Kaimana district

  1. Cherax nigli — southern Kaimana

  1. Cherax bomberai — Fakfak

  1. Cherax farhadii and Cherax doberai — Teluk Bintuni region
Each species exhibits distinctive morphological traits. The shape of the chelae (claws), the length and structure of the rostrum (snout), striking body coloration, and overall body proportions set each apart from its close relatives.

“These species can be clearly distinguished from each other, both morphologically and genetically,” the researchers wrote in their publication.

DNA Reveals Unique Lineages

To further validate their discoveries, the team performed mitochondrial DNA analyses using the 16S rRNA gene fragment.

Results revealed that the seven new species represent genetically distinct lineages, supporting their classification as separate species.

“This is crucial, as some species may look deceptively similar. Without molecular analysis, we risk misinterpreting their evolutionary relationships,” Eprilurahman explained.

By combining classical morphology with molecular systematics, the researchers ensured a scientifically sound and responsible approach to species identification.

Aquarium Trade as a Starting Point

Intriguingly, some of the initial specimens were obtained through the aquarium trade.

“Many of these species first appeared in the aquarium hobby market in Europe or Jakarta,” Rury noted.

“From there, we traced their origins and collaborated with local contacts in Papua to confirm the natural habitats.”

While not ideal, the aquarium trade occasionally provides an early clue to the existence of undescribed species.

Nevertheless, Rury emphasized that all field sampling and data collection were conducted ethically and following conservation permits.

Vital for Conservation Efforts

This discovery is significant not only for taxonomy but also for conservation.

West Papua is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity, yet its ecosystems face mounting threats from deforestation, mining activities, infrastructure development, and illegal wildlife trade.

By enhancing the region’s species inventory, the findings will contribute to more targeted and effective conservation planning.

“If we don’t even know which species are present, how can we protect them?” Rury asked.

“With this knowledge, we can push for more sustainable management of freshwater habitats.”

Much More Yet to Be Discovered

While seven new species have now been formally described, the researchers believe Papua’s Cherax diversity is still vastly underexplored.

“Papua is incredibly vast. There are countless rivers, lakes, and cave systems that remain unexplored,” Rury said.

“I’m confident we will continue to discover new species in the future.”

The same team has previously described other species, including:

  • Cherax warsamsonicus (2017)
  • Cherax alyciae and Cherax mosessalossa (2018)
  • Cherax wagenknechtae (2022)
  • Cherax rayko and Cherax phing (2024)

This highlights Papua’s status as a global hotspot for freshwater crayfish diversity.

Continuing the Legacy of Holthuis

Since Holthuis pioneered the study of the world’s freshwater crayfish in the mid-20th century, modern tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and advances in molecular systematics now offer unprecedented insights.

But fieldwork remains irreplaceable.

“There is no substitute for direct exploration in nature,” Rury emphasized.

“Papua still holds many mysteries, and we have only scratched the surface.”

Through a combination of field exploration, global collaboration, and rigorous science, today’s researchers — following in the footsteps of L.B. Holthuis — continue to unveil new chapters in our understanding of Indonesia’s extraordinary freshwater biodiversity.

The discovery of seven new endemic freshwater lobster species in Papua supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), by contributing to biodiversity conservation and highlighting the ecological value of freshwater habitats. It also aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through the protection and sustainable use of inland aquatic biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing baseline data essential for assessing ecosystem vulnerability to climate change. Furthermore, the research aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of modern scientific methods in taxonomy, and with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by showcasing collaborative efforts among international researchers and local institutions.

Reference:

Lukhaup C., Eprilurahman R., von Rintelen T. (2025). Seven New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western New Guinea, Indonesia Arthropoda 3(2):10. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-3323/3/2/10

Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025

Student Activities Tuesday, 10 June 2025

On Wednesday, 28th of May 2025, Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology, UGM. This event was held for all Formasigen’s members. This event was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as Formasigen’s supervisor lecturer. Mid Year Evaluation of Formasigen 2025 is aimed to evaluate the cabinet’s ministry program for the first half of the year. This event had 2 main sessions that were presentations about evaluation of programs that have been done in the first half of the year and Q&A from the audience.


Kegiatan diawali dengan presentasi dan evaluasi program kerja ketua dan wakil ketua. Selanjutnya, presentasi dan evaluasi program kerja dilanjutkan oleh Sekretaris, Bendahara, Kepala Divisi PSDM, Kepala Divisi Keilmuan, Kepala Divisi Kerumahtanggaan, Kepala Divisi Media dan Informasi, dan Kepala Divisi Humas dan Jaringan. Seusai presentasi, dilakukan sesi tanya jawab dan kesempatan evaluasi dari anggota yang hadir. Setelah dilakukan presentasi, kegiatan dilanjutkan dokumentasi dan makan siang. Dengan dilaksanakannya Evaluasi Tengah Tahun ini, diharapkan semua program kerja Formasigen Kabinet HomeoGenesis di setengah periode berikutnya dapat berjalan dengan lancar dan evaluasi dari program yang sudah berjalan bisa diterapkan.

The event was started by a presentation and evaluation of programs done by the chairman and vice chairman of Formasigen 2025 cabinet HomeoGenesis. Presentation and evaluation of programs were carried on by programs of each division from each head of division. After each presentation, the audience was given room to discuss and having Q&A session. The next activity was documentation followed by lunch. With the realisation of this event, we hope that all assigned programs can be held without any significant challenge for the remaining half of the year and the evaluations noted can be applied for a better program realisation. This Mid Year Evaluation also helps support the Sustainable Development Goals number 4 and 17 that are quality education and partnerships for the goals.

[Author: Formasigen]

GAMA AYAM Distributes Incubators and Breeding Chickens to Support KWT Srikandi Mrican

CooperationNews Release Monday, 2 June 2025

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – February 19, 2025 – As part of its continued commitment to community empowerment, the GAMA AYAM team has provided an egg incubator and breeding chickens to the Srikandi Women Farmers Group (KWT Srikandi Mrican). This initiative, under the Pertamina Foundation’s PF Sains Implementation Program, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable local chicken farming.


The distribution ceremony was held at the KWT Srikandi Mrican demonstration plot and coincided with the group’s monthly meeting. The symbolic handover was carried out by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., on behalf of the GAMA AYAM team, and received by Ms. Nur Handayani, Chair of KWT Srikandi Mrican. Also in attendance were Mr. Heru, a representative of MAHAR chicken breeders from Condong Catur, along with GAMA AYAM team members Dian Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. and Yusuf Febrianta.

This program is expected to significantly boost chicken farming efforts at the KWT demonstration site. The introduction of incubator technology is a step forward in improving hatch rates and increasing the availability of day-old chicks (DOCs), enhancing the group’s capacity to achieve egg self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs No.9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through the introduction of scalable agricultural technology; SDGs No.11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by empowering urban women farmers in productive agriculture; and SDGs No 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering collaboration between GAMA AYAM and KWT Srikandi Mrican. By supporting these SDGs, the partnership contributes to a broader mission of building resilient, self-sufficient communities and a more sustainable world.

Gentalk 6 by Formasigen: Detection of Leptin Gene (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) Genetic Variation in People with Obesity

Student Activities Monday, 2 June 2025

On Friday, 16th of May 2025 at 1-2.30 PM, Gentalk 6 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. This program is targeted for all Formasigen members and Biology UGM students in general. Gentalk is an active discussion and sharing session between alumni or senior student and Formasigen’s member about the undergraduate thesis they are working on. In this Gentalk edition, the speakers are Maylisa Andini and Enjang Sekaryati, Faculty of Biology UGM students batch 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. for their undergraduate thesis.


This program started with an opening from the Master of Ceremony, Muhammad Rafi Fairuza, as the head of the Public Relation Division of HomeoGenesis Cabinet. The next activity is a presentation about “ Detection of Leptin Gene (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) Genetic Variation in People with Obesity”. In this session, presenters explain about the cause of obesity, methods used for detecting Leptin gene (LEP) and Leptin receptor (LEPR) variation, genes that regulate appetite, and genes associated with obesity . After that, is the Q&A session followed by closing from the master of ceremony. Through Gentalk, we hoped that this could be a good start to create a vessel for an interesting and beneficial discussion. We also hope that this program can give a better understanding about all the research done by all the lecturers and their students in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biologi UGM. This research also hoped to help actualize the 3rd Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is Good Health and Well-Being. [Author: Formasigen]

Education and Action: MBKM Community Service Team 2025 of Biology, UGM Introduces the Benefits of Herbal Plants in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Friday, 30 May 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) 2025, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., has successfully conducted a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Sleman. Under the theme “Improving Family Health through Cultivation and Processing of Herbal Plants”, the program aims to raise awareness and promote the use of herbal plants within the local community—supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. The initiative involved five active undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biology, UGM grade 2022.


The activities began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents to assess their perceptions and habits regarding herbal plant usage. The results revealed that most residents are familiar with and regularly use herbal plants in their daily lives. This provided a strong foundation for the team to continue with further educational outreach, particularly on the types and benefits of herbal plants—supporting SDG 4: Quality Education at the hamlet level. The enthusiasm of the community confirmed that this grassroots approach is effective in unlocking local potential for health improvement.

The next phase of the program included an educational seminar and herbal plant distribution, held at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam on Sunday, May 24, 2025. The session was presented by Chelsy Ammara Septiani and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, covering the introduction to herbal plants, their benefits, and their role in preventing degenerative diseases. A lively and interactive Q&A session followed, with participants showing interest in innovative uses of herbal plants such as modern herbal beverages and aromatherapy candles. This response reflects a growing community awareness of responsible consumption and production, in line with SDG 12.

The event concluded with the distribution of herbal plants—including pandan, cat’s whiskers/Java tea, bilimbi, and bay leaf—to encourage continued cultivation and conservation of these plants within the community, thus contributing to SDG 15: Life on Land. The program will continue in the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, focusing on both physical and mental health. It is hoped that the PkM-MBKM program will continue to bring tangible benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet and serve as a model of collaborative service between academia and society through partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17).

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

Collaboration between PKM-MBKM Faculty of Biology UGM and the Women’s Economic Movement (GEMI): Training on Making Compost Fertilizer with the Berkeley Method in a Compost Bag

Community Service Wednesday, 28 May 2025

The Community Service Team – Independent Campus Learning Program (PKM-MBKM) of Faculty of Biology UGM 2025 led by three lecturers, namely Novita Yustinadiar, M.Si, Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D., and Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Ph.D., together with 11 students have carried out the third activity in a series of PkM-MBKM programs in partnership with the GEMI Sharia Cooperative (Gerakan Ekonomi Kaum Ibu). The third activity was carried out in Panggungharjo Village, Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. This team involved three students, namely Anisah Qurrotu’Ainii (Chairperson), Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Secretary), Alma Puska Falasyifa (Treasurer) and the help of 8 other students with a theme entitled “Application of Zero Waste System in an Effort to Realize a Clean, Healthy and Green Environment in Members of the Economic Movement of the Mothers (GEMI) Yogyakarta”. This PkM-MBKM program supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGS 3 (Good health and well-being), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 15 (Maintaining Land Ecosystems). This program is planned to take place for two semesters with a total of 6x direct counseling to GEMI partners.


Socialization and practice activities were carried out on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 09.00–12.00 WIB at the home of one of the GEMI members. This activity was attended by GEMI members and waste bank members. Before the practice, there was a pre-test to map the participants’ understanding before participating in the material presentation, followed by a material presentation related to organic waste and exposure related to compost fertilizer with the Berkeley method in a compost bag, then continued with demonstrative practices by a team of students and accompanying lecturers related to making compost bags.

The event continued with a question and answer session and quizzes related to the material that had been delivered. The women participants seemed very enthusiastic about asking and also answering the questions asked. There was a two-way discussion between the organizers and the participants who participated in the activity. As a form of appreciation, active participants were given gifts in the form of tumblers and bags as a form of circular economy and zero waste to reduce the use of plastic bags and bottles. The event was then closed and continued with a joint documentation session.

Designing of the MBKM Village Development Program: Optimization of Tlatar Fruit Garden as a Fruit Center and Tourism Village

Community Service Wednesday, 28 May 2025

On April 13, 2025, students of the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Village Development program again demonstrated real contributions in developing the potential of tourism villages through the design of sustainable agriculture-based programs and empowerment of local resources in the tourist destination village of Kabut Kebonalas Manisrenggo Klaten. This discussion activity was carried out by Nurhayati, together with her team, namely Tiara Syifa Wididevani, Putri Ramadhanti, and Mirmastu Lintu Nirmala Wasti, under the guidance of Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. This discussion was carried out directly with Mr. Drs. Suwadi as the the secretary of Kebonalas and also as the Head of POKDARWIS Kabut Kebonalas, as a form of initial collaboration in the implementation of the integrative program between MBKM and KKN PPM UGM for the period June 20–August 2025. This activity also involved Mr. Yousuf Sulaiman, S.IP as a practitioner. The main focus of the program is the management and optimization of the Tlatar Fruit Garden through an educational approach, sustainable agriculture, and innovation based on local biodiversity.


The scope of the program includes greenhouse management as a center for education and production of horticultural plants, especially eggplant and melon plants. In addition, this activity will also provide education related to fertilization techniques and care for starfruit and longan plants. The MBKM program also encourages the use of local plants as alternative food sources, such as cincau leaves and moringa leaves which have the potential to become processed products with high economic value.

This discussion is the first step in preparing for the implementation of KKN with the theme “Optimizing the Potential of Tourism Villages in Manisrenggo through the Integration of Health, Agriculture, and Digitalization in the Development of Local Potential Based on Biodiversity to Support Sustainable Development Goals.” The theme was raised in line with the MBKM program which is oriented towards sustainable agriculture and supports the SDGs for dealing with hunger, SDGs for poverty, SDGs for health, and SDGs for terrestrial ecosystem conservation. Through this program, it is hoped that Kebon Alas Village can become an example of developing an integrated agricultural and health-based tourism village, while also encouraging food independence and improving community welfare through empowering local potential.

LAMSAMA On-Site Assessment for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada

News Release Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Yogyakarta, 28 May 2025 — The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has received an on-site accreditation assessment by the Independent Accreditation Institute for Natural Sciences and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA) for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology on 26–27 May 2025. This assessment is part of a strategic initiative to obtain formal recognition of academic quality achievements and to reinforce the status of these study programs as leading institutions of higher education in the biological sciences.


The assessment commenced on Monday, 26 May 2025, at the Biologi Tropika Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, with an official opening delivered by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bambang extended a formal welcome to the LAMSAMA assessment team and articulated the expectation that this process would serve as a meaningful opportunity for reflection and internal evaluation.

“We hope this assessment will provide constructive feedback to enhance the quality of both programs,” stated Prof. Bambang.

The LAMSAMA assessment panel consisted of distinguished academics and experts in the field of biology representing various universities across Indonesia. The Master’s Program in Biology was assessed by Prof. Dr. Yosephine Sri Wulan Manuhara, M.Si., and Prof. Amin Setyo Leksono, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., while the Doctoral Program in Biology was evaluated by Dr. Sony Heru Sumarsono and Prof. Dr. Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih, M.Si.

During the two-day evaluation, the assessors conducted a comprehensive review of multiple academic and supporting components, including curriculum structure, pedagogical processes, human resources, facilities and infrastructure, research outputs and scholarly publications, as well as tracer studies. The assessment also incorporated interviews with program leadership, faculty members, students, alumni, and stakeholders employing graduates, in order to gain an extensive understanding of the quality and relevance of the programs offered.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM aspires that the outcomes of this assessment will provide strategic and constructive guidance to strengthen academic governance and advance sustainable quality improvement. Accreditation by LAMSAMA not only serves as formal external validation of the accomplishments achieved but also as an impetus for continued innovation and contribution to the advancement of tropical biology, with significant societal and environmental impact. This aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education.

MBKM Songgo Manisrenggo Team Conducts Moringa and Black Grass Jelly Planting Activities in Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village

Community Service Saturday, 24 May 2025

On May 12, 2025, students from the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka program demonstrated their commitment to developing the potential of tourism villages through activities focused on environmental conservation and local food empowerment. This initiative was led by Nurhayati and her team, Mirmastu Lintu Nirmala Wasti, Tiara Syifa Wididevani, and Putri Ramadhanti, with support from Eben Ariesto Purnama Jati and Mazaya Tijani Ulayya, under the supervision of Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D..


The primary activity involved planting moringa along the riverbanks. This strategic location was chosen to prevent erosion, reinforce the area’s natural boundaries, and create a living fence. Furthermore, the highly nutritious moringa leaves, particularly their protein content, can be processed into vegetables and used as a complementary food source to combat stunting.

In addition, the student team planted black grass jelly seedlings in the Tlatar fruit garden area. The mature grass jelly leaves will serve as raw materials for refreshing and healthy traditional grass jelly drinks, with the aim of bolstering agro-tourism and local culinary offerings in the Kabut Kebonalas area.

This planting initiative garnered considerable support and enthusiasm from local residents, who actively participated in the planting process. This collaboration between students, supervising lecturers, and the village community exemplifies a synergistic approach to building a sustainable, healthy, and self-reliant tourism village.

Through this program, it is envisioned that the Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village will continue to thrive by prioritizing local values, environmental sustainability, and community food security, thereby contributing to the achievement of the SDGs related to hunger management, poverty reduction, health, and terrestrial ecosystem conservation.