“The focus on enhancing antioxidant levels was chosen due to their positive effects on human health, such as inhibiting oxidation processes and preventing diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cancer,” Muttaqin explained at Animal Science UGM on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

Muttaqin utilized essential oils as the basis for his feed additive, employing nanoemulsion and saponification methods. 

Essential oils contain bioactive components that serve as antioxidants, antibacterial agents, immunomodulators, and anti-inflammatory agents. 

“The role of essential oils has the potential to reduce stress in chickens, optimize nutrient absorption, enhance productivity, improve meat quality, and boost the antioxidant content of the meat,” Muttaqin elaborated.

The research was conducted in vivo using broiler chickens to determine the most effective and efficient dosage for improving productivity and meat quality. 

The results showed that broiler chickens fed with the essential oil-based additive demonstrated increased productivity, with body weight rising by up to 8%, improved physical and chemical meat quality, and higher antioxidant content in the meat. 

Molecular data supported these findings, showing increased expression of antioxidant-related genes such as CAT, SOD-1, GPX-1, and NRF2.

“This research has significant implications: on the one hand, it enhances human health through improved meat quality and antioxidant content. On the other hand, the increased productivity of broiler chickens through the use of essential oil-based feed additives supports the advancement of the poultry industry,” Muttaqin stated.

Muttaqin’s groundbreaking research earned him the title of Best Researcher in the 2023/2024 Indofood Riset Nugraha (IRN) program. 

He was selected as one of the four Best Researchers in the program, surpassing 70 students from 46 universities across Indonesia in a tight selection process. 

The IRN program, launched in 2006, provides research funding to assist students in completing their final projects. 

The awards ceremony, which was themed Functional Food Research Based on Local Potential and Wisdom, was held on Nov. 25, 2024, at the Indofood Tower in Jakarta. It was held alongside the signing ceremony for the 2024/2025 IRN and National Food Symposium programs. In alignment with this theme, Muttaqin’s research focused on utilizing essential oils (EO) to improve the quality of poultry meat as a functional food under the guidance of Dr. Muhsin Al Anas.

“It is a great honor and achievement for me to stand alongside amazing individuals from across Indonesia. Dedication, commitment, and hard work in overcoming challenges have finally paid off. I am also happy that I can contribute to honoring my beloved alma mater through this achievement,” Muttaqin remarked.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel UGM Student Enhances Antioxidants in Broiler Chicken Meat, Wins Indofood Riset Nugraha Award pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This third-generation reproductive technology offers a strategic solution to accelerate the growth of livestock populations.  

Head of the Laboratory of Physiology and Livestock Reproduction, Professor Diah Tri Widayati, explained that IVF technology has the potential to significantly enhance livestock population growth while improving genetic quality and supporting national food security. 

“This technology improves the efficiency of producing high-quality embryos,” Professor Widayati stated during Tuesday’s Fapet Menyapa event (Nov. 19).  

Professor Widayati elaborated that IVF technology allows the use of oocytes (egg cells) derived from slaughterhouse ovaries. While ovaries are typically considered waste or byproducts, they can be repurposed to produce embryos through IVF technology.  

Animal Science UGM is one of Indonesia’s pioneers of IVF technology development. 

In collaboration with government research institutions such as the Cipelang Livestock Embryo Center and through researcher training programs, the faculty has optimized IVF techniques, including oocyte collection, in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization, and improving embryo culture media.

Currently, the IVF research focuses on local livestock species such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, and sheep. The use of oocytes sourced from slaughterhouse ovaries aims to enhance production efficiency. 

In the long term, IVF research could contribute to national food security while reducing dependence on livestock imports. 

Furthermore, this technology is widely applied in regions such as North and South America and Europe, where the global trend of in vitro-produced embryos (IVP) now exceeds naturally produced embryos (in vivo) through multiple ovulation and embryo transfer.  

“We aim to accelerate the genetic improvement of local livestock, strengthen national food security by ensuring a stable and high-quality supply of animal protein, and open opportunities for exporting superior embryos,” Professor Widayati explained.  

Another team member, Professor Sigit Bintara, added that besides using slaughterhouse ovaries, IVF technology could improve livestock production and quality when combined with sperm from superior livestock.

Report by: Animal Science UGM/Satria 

Author: Agung Nugroho  

Photo by: Animal Science UGM

Artikel Enhancing Livestock Productivity: UGM Researchers Develop High-Quality Embryos Through IVF Method pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The exhibition showcased a collection of research products by FT UGM faculty members, FT UGM downstream research projects, and student exhibitions. 

The exhibition will take place at the multifunctional hall of the Engineering Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) and run for a week, from Nov. 8 to 15, 2024, from 09.00 to 15.00 WIB.

One booth attracted visitors with an array of batik-patterned fabrics. These fabrics are the result of research dissemination by Dr. Edia Rahyuningsih from UGM’s Chemical Engineering Department. 

The primary product is a natural dye made from parts of merbau, tingi, jelawe, and tegeran trees. 

“This batik fabric is called Gamaindigo. We developed this dye from natural materials derived from wood, leaves, and even the roots of trees,” explained Heni, one of the Gamaindigo Batik enthusiasts.

Through a series of processing steps, the Gamaindigo dye proved to have good pigmentation and is relatively durable. 

Heni explained that one liter of dye could be used to dip fabrics multiple times to achieve optimal results. She also demonstrated the process of producing Gamaindigo Batik fabrics. 

“First, we create patterns like regular batik, using techniques like tying, stamping, or jumput. Then the fabric is dipped into the dye, dried, dipped again, and this process continues until the dye is fully absorbed,” Heni explained.

The dyed fabric must be soaked in alum or lime to ensure the color doesn’t fade easily and remains long-lasting. Gamaindigo sells this natural dye in two forms: liquid and powder. 

The price is also quite affordable: around IDR 50,000 per package, including the necessary additives. This natural dye can dye approximately 3 meters of fabric. It is also praised for being non-carcinogenic, making it more environmentally friendly than other textile dyes.

Research on mining materials was also presented in addition to Gamaindigo Batik. Gamahumat is an innovation in humic acid extraction from coal that can produce various residual products. 

Candra and Anton from the Gamahumat team explained that coal is a valuable commodity, but its utilization often leaves behind a lot of residue. The oxidation process of coal produces humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin compounds.

“Humic acid is used to enrich soil nutrients, so we use it as a (supplement) for fertilizers,” Candra explained. 

Gamahumat products have been implemented in the rice farming sector. As a result, rice produced without chemical fertilizers can achieve a quality nearly identical to regular rice. 

Candra added that the shape of the rice grains is slightly different, but once cooked, it tastes the same as regular rice.

“The idea behind this innovation is to maximize coal usage without leaving waste. Besides humic acid, other products from the process include fulvic acid and coal briquettes,” Candra added. 

This research supports the Coal Value-Added Enhancement Program (PNT) as regulated by Law No. 3 of 2020.

Not only were faculty members’ research products showcased, but students also took the spotlight at the exhibition. The Gadjah Mada Flying Object Research Center (Gamaforce) displayed various robotic works that have won national and international awards. Zulfa, a member of Gamaforce, explained the process of creating the robotic aircraft models developed by Gamaforce.

“We usually start our research in January and evaluate the products every two months. We often participate in competitions by August or September,” Zulfa said. 

The latest creation, called Fiachra Aeromapper, has autonomous mapping capabilities. This aircraft was developed to map remote and hard-to-reach areas, such as disaster zones.

Other Gamaforce aircraft include Rasayana, GMFC, Khageswara, Ashwincharra, Sayakawidya, and Virachakra. 

“We have won the Indonesian Flying Robot Contest several times, and we recently earned a medal in Turkey,” Zulfa continued.

FT UGM’s research product exhibition successfully showcased various campus innovations that can compete on a global scale. It is hoped that industry and society can utilize more research dissemination results.

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel FT UGM Hosts Research Product Exhibition by Faculty Members and Students pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Planted in July 2024, the ‘Gustave’ variety of tomatoes in the villages of Tonsewer and Tonsewer Selatan, Minahasa Regency, has been harvested five times with satisfying results.

A joint harvest event took place on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, with farmers, researchers, the Vice President of Technology & Acceleration at PT PGE (Tbk), the General Manager of PT PGE (Tbk) Lahendong Area, the Minahasa Regency Government, the West Tompaso District government, and local community leaders.

The researchers involved in developing this innovation to utilize geothermal byproducts include Dr. Pri Utami (geothermal expert, Department of Geological Engineering), Dr. Ronny Martien (nanotechnology expert, Faculty of Pharmacy), Dr. Ngadisih (soil and water conservation engineering expert, Faculty of Agricultural Technology), and technicians and junior researchers Teguh Triyana, and Muhammad Fatih Fauzi.

Dr. Ngadisih explained that the Katrili booster nourishes the soil, strengthens plant cell walls, protects plant surfaces, and reduces water loss. 

“Laboratory tests have also shown that plants treated with Katrili fertilizer and booster produce fruits free from heavy metals. Moreover, tomatoes remain fresh even after long-distance transport,” said Dr. Ngadisih in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. 

Novi Purwono, General Manager of PT PGE Lahendong Area, stated that the Lahendong geothermal working area not only generates electricity but also serves as a hub for geothermal-based innovations that can improve the welfare of the local community. 

Purwono explained that Katrili has proven to help tomato plants grow taller, become more resistant to pests, and produce large, thick-fleshed, sweet-tasting tomatoes.

Furthermore, she mentioned that partner farmers, who are members of the Kerapatan Gereja Protestan Minahasa Farmer Group and the Gereja Masehi Injili Minahasa Farmer Group, reported that even though the tomatoes were planted during the dry season, they grew perfectly.

The Acting Regent of Minahasa, Noudy Tendean, has appreciated the synergy between the UGM Geothermal Research Center and PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (Tbk). 

According to him, the Katrili liquid booster innovation has solved the fertilizer scarcity problem for the people of Minahasa, where many rely on agriculture for their livelihood. 

“We hope that Katrili can be applied to cultivate other leading Minahasa commodities, such as chili, shallots, legumes, and rice,” he said.

Author: Tiefany  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel UGM Research Team Utilizes ‘Katrili’ to Boost Tomato Crop Production pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Through a collaborative study with the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM), the Sikka Regency Development and Planning Agency (Bapperida) held an initial Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the Study on the Development of the Master Plan for the Sikka Geopark at the Sikka Regency Office on Friday (Oct. 25).

Agus Hendratno, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Engineering’s Geological Engineering Department and head of Puspar’s expert team, stated that Sikka’s geological uniqueness possesses extraordinary value in terms of formations, geometry, and the history of Quaternary and Tertiary volcanic landscapes. 

According to Hendratno, the Maumere Bay Marine Nature Park (TWAL) has long been renowned, as has Mount Egon, which attracts special interest tourists who climb the volcano to observe the volcanic phenomena at its active crater. 

“It is only fitting that all parties be actively involved in promoting the Sikka Geopark’s National Geopark initiative to a global level,” he said.

Nevertheless, Hendratno emphasized that the development of this geopark must be based on the three core pillars of geoconservation: conservation, education, and economic empowerment. 

From the geoheritage mapping identification, he highlighted two geological dimensions that strengthen the uniqueness of the Ancient Volcanic Geopark in Sikka Regency: the marine and terrestrial dimensions.

Further, Hendratno stressed that the earthquake and tsunami that struck Maumere Bay, Sikka Regency, on Dec. 12, 1992, left geological traces that should be a source of learning. 

In Koja Doi Village, part of the ancient volcanic island chain in Maumere Bay, remnants of earthquake and tsunami damage and ground subsidence due to liquefaction can still be found. 

This village is near the epicenter of the 7.8 magnitude tectonic earthquake on Babi Island (an ancient volcanic island).

“The cracks in the shallow waters around Babi Island are still visible from a boat when crossing to visit the Pangabatang Islands for marine tourism. The fault lines in the shallow waters of Babi Island have now become a diving spot for both international and domestic tourists,” he explained.

Fitrinita Kristiani, Assistant I of Government and Social Welfare in Sikka, welcomed Bapperida’s initiative to promote the potential of the Sikka Geopark as a means to introduce Maumere on a global scale. Through this study, she hopes to elevate local potential. 

“We are confident that the diverse geological potential, both under the sea and on land, is rich in educational value. We also believe that the unique culture of the ethnic groups in Sikka will enhance the geoheritage products spread across 19 sites,” she said.

Dr. Destha Titi Raharjana, a member of the Puspar UGM team, added that the diversity and uniqueness of the rocks, or geodiversity, and the supporting potential of cultural diversity will strengthen the storytelling aspect of the geopark development model. 

Thus, he said, the regency government, through the Tourism Office, needs to produce a guidebook on the toponyms and legends of potential geoheritage sites. 

“This pocketbook will later serve as a reference to enrich the knowledge of tour guides in Sikka Regency,” he added.

Kurnia Fahmy Ilmawan, a researcher at Puspar UGM, explained that the geological heritage in Sikka Regency spans from the sea floor to the mountain peaks across eight subdistricts: Paga, Mego, Magepanda, Palue, Bola, Doreng, Waigete, and East Alok. 

This condition shows the wealth of geological heritage that must be wisely managed for conservation, education, and the economic empowerment of the local community. The geological heritage has influenced the culture and livelihood of the people in Sikka Regency.

One geosite included in Sikka Regency’s geoheritage is Ogor Paret Beach in Woloterang Village, Doreng Subdistrict. Ogor Paret Beach is a rocky beach formed by an andesitic lava flow that solidified quickly due to contact with seawater during cooling and is exposed to massive compressive faults. 

“Recognizing the natural beauty and geological uniqueness of Ogor Paret Beach, the Tourism Awareness Group has begun to develop Ogor Paret as a tourist attraction. The development of this master plan is expected to positively impact the community and the surrounding area of the Ogor Paret geoheritage site,” he explained.

Regarding cultural diversity, Arkan Syafera, an assistant researcher, discovered that Sikka’s cultural wealth is the result of activities by various ethnic groups in Maumere, namely the Sikka-Krowe, Lio, Bajo, Palue, Tana-ai, and Muhang ethnic groups, which are further divided into sub-ethnicities. 

Each ethnic group is unique in terms of language or dialect, weaving motifs, dances, rituals/ceremonies, folklore, and more.

Some of these have already been performed against the backdrop of geosites, such as the poem that developed around the Hokor Lava Dome Cliff geosite, which reads: “Hokor Watu Apar, guman gogo leron tolor, tubu nane rebu, kota nane korak, ponun puan helang ilin, ga ata maten gateng ata moret.” 

(Hokor, the stony village, night falls – day tumbles, walled in iron, laid out on shells, the origin of the djinn from the mountains, devouring the dead, challenging the living). 

This poem tells the story of the Hokor people, who inhabited a stone village and were always victorious in battle. This later inspired the Bebing Dance as a symbol of heroism in their ancestors’ struggle to defend their territory in Hokor.

In Syafera’s view, such cultural products make geosites more interesting to visit, enjoy, and study. Additionally, local creative products such as woven fabrics, cocoa, coffee, and others can be developed as geoproducts to complement the geotrail that will be formulated. 

The Sikka Regency government has designated its woven fabrics as a Geographical Indication product. 

“I believe it is also important to include information on geobiodiversity, presenting the diversity of endemic flora and fauna, to complement the geopark that Sikka Regency is proposing to the central government,” said Syafera.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photo: Shutterstock

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Center for Tourism Studies Designs Master Plan for Ancient Volcanic Geopark in Sikka Regency pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

One of the regional languages currently being researched by a team from UGM is the Enggano language, spoken on Enggano Island, North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. It is now at high risk of extinction.

Professor Wening Udasmoro, a researcher of the Enggano language from the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), stated that the Enggano language is becoming increasingly vulnerable to extinction, as only about 30% of the Enggano people still use it in their daily lives. 

“I observed several tribal leaders in Enggano. Ironically, they did not recognize the Enggano language written by foreigners. This indicates that the pronunciation and articulation of the Enggano language are very distinct from other languages in general,” said Professor Udasmoro.

This speech was delivered during the Talk Show “Synergy and Action in Efforts to Preserve Regional Languages” and the screening of the film Senja Kala Bahasa Enggano at the Soegondo Auditorium, FIB UGM, on Wednesday (Oct. 23).

Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, a linguist from FIB UGM, explained that the Enggano language is under serious threat, with the number of speakers decreasing. 

Although she has never been to Enggano, Dr. Firmonasari said she has supervised students researching the extinction of this language. 

She cited recent data from the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), which shows that eleven languages in Indonesia are endangered, and the loss of one language means the loss of invaluable cultural heritage. 

“There may be a need for preservation efforts so that we can strategize to save endangered languages,” she remarked.

UGM anthropologist Professor Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra expressed a similar view, emphasizing the need for strategies to address the situation, such as systematically teaching regional languages in schools. 

“There must be teachers willing to become regional language instructors. Unfortunately, many people who use regional languages do not know their grammar,” he stated.

He noted that regional language textbooks need to be developed comprehensively. With 700 regional languages, many teachers are needed to teach these languages. 

However, only a few people have in-depth knowledge of regional grammar. One solution he proposed is establishing a language museum where people can learn and listen to conversations in regional languages. Additionally, ethnoscience can be utilized to enrich knowledge about these languages.

Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo, Director of Academic Studies and Innovation at UGM and producer of the documentary Senja Kala Bahasa Enggano, stated that they made the documentary because there are many ways to convey important messages to the public, one of which is through audiovisual media. 

Documentary videos, in particular, are highly relevant, especially for younger generations who prefer visual content. 

“From this perspective, the documentary on the Enggano language serves not only as a means of education but also as a tool for advocating the preservation of endangered cultures and languages,” he said.

Moreover, the Enggano language was chosen because Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) partners with the Bengkulu Provincial Government to promote various aspects of Enggano Island. 

Through this collaboration, Enggano Island is used as a field laboratory for UGM, allowing various research and community service programs to be conducted there. 

“Through the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), UGM students are also involved in gathering information and understanding the cultural and linguistic conditions on the island,” he added.

The documentary Senja Kala Bahasa Enggano portrays the Enggano language in a critical state, with a declining number of speakers. 

The tribal leader, or Papuki, in Enggano, conveyed this. He noted that parents in the community often use Indonesian daily, resulting in their children rarely being exposed to the Enggano language.

Author: Lintang

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Enggano Language on the Brink of Extinction pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In 2020, there were 36,633 cases of cervical cancer reported in the country, making it the second most common cancer after breast cancer and the third deadliest cancer overall.

Currently, cancer treatment is limited to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, chemotherapy drugs commonly used for cancer treatment often come with side effects that reduce patients’ quality of life. 

This underscores the need for alternative cervical cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

In response to this, five students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), members of the Cisaheal team, consisting of Aditya Latiful Azis (Biology 2022), Asy Syifa Paras Ceria (Biology 2022), Shabrina Farras Tsany (Medicine 2021), Rahmalia Diani Saffana (Medicine 2021), and Faqih Fikri Nuryanto (Pharmacy 2023), conducted a study under the supervision of lecturer Dr. Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung. 

Their research aimed to explore the potential of herbal medicines for cervical cancer treatment. The study focused on the combination of extracts from pondoh snake fruit seeds (Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss) and pomelo peel (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.).

This research was funded by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek RI) through the Student Creativity Program in Exact Sciences Research (PKM-RE).

Azis explained that pondoh snake fruit seeds and pomelo peels were well-grounded when selecting anti-cervical cancer agents. Snake fruit seeds contain polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids with antioxidant properties. 

Meanwhile, pomelo peel contains flavonoids and lycopene, known for their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. 

“Herbal remedies as alternative therapies are believed to have fewer side effects than modern drugs,” said Azis in a statement to the press on Thursday (Sep. 12).

He added that the combination of pondoh snake fruit seeds and pomelo peel has the potential to serve as an alternative cervical cancer treatment with minimal side effects. 

Both parts of the fruit contain secondary metabolites that show promise in cervical cancer treatment. Additionally, the production and consumption of snake fruit and pomelo are on the rise annually in Indonesia.

“The waste from these fruits has the potential to increase the amount of organic waste. We hope that this research can help expand alternative cervical cancer treatments using eco-friendly and low-side-effect materials,” stated Azis, the team leader.

To prove the efficacy of the combination of pondoh snake fruit seeds and pomelo peel extract, Adit and his team conducted several tests, including phytochemical screening and in silico testing.

They also conduct anti-inflammatory activity testing, cytotoxicity testing, antiproliferation testing using the MTT assay, HeLa cell migration inhibition testing, and apoptosis testing. 

The study was conducted over four months. Their research results demonstrated that the combination of pondoh snake fruit seeds and pomelo peel extract exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, inhibited HeLa cell migration, and induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells.

“The combination of pondoh snake fruit seeds and pomelo peel extract can serve as an alternative therapy for cervical cancer by harnessing nature’s potential,” said Tsany, a team member.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel UGM Students Investigate Snake Fruit and Pomelo Peel as Anti-Cancer Agents pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The pandemic disrupted patients’ access to healthcare facilities, caused financial difficulties due to job loss, and diverted healthcare workers’ focus from handling COVID-19.

These were some findings from The Domino Study, presented during the Policy Dialogue titled Epidemic/Public Health Emergency, held in a hybrid format on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at El Hotel Malioboro.

The Domino Study was conducted by the UGM Center for Tropical Medicine, the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Sebelas Maret, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), and the London School of Health Tropical Medicine.

One of the lead researchers of The Domino Study, Professor Ari Probandari, explained that the study, which was conducted over more than two years, examined HIV and TB services in Yogyakarta and Bandung before and during the pandemic. 

These two cities were chosen due to their high number of cases. The team collected data from the TB and HIV information systems in these areas.

The study found a 38 percent decrease in patients undergoing TB tests. Yet, case detection is a key element in eliminating TB in Indonesia. 

“The failure rate of TB treatment also increased by one and a half times,” the professor of public health added.

A decline in services also occurred in HIV treatment, including the number of patient visits to healthcare facilities and the number of patients who started and continued HIV therapy. This qualitative study also uncovered findings such as the loss of financial capability, which led some patients to stop treatment. 

“Although the government covers treatment costs, patients still incur expenses for treatment,” she explained.

Based on these findings, the researchers proposed several recommendations, including expanding health insurance coverage for patients who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Dr. Endang Lukitosari, Head of the HIV & PIMS Task Force at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, emphasized that the findings from this study are crucial for raising awareness to anticipate emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We also need to implement service diversification to ensure uninterrupted patient care,” she said.

Responding to the findings through direct field review, Dr. Tiffany Tiara Pakasi, Chair of the TB Task Force at the Ministry of Health, addressed the issue of drug shortages during the pandemic. 

“Regarding drug shortages, we were competing globally,” she remarked.

Dr. Ira Dewi Jani, Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at the Bandung City Health Office, appreciated the research findings for advocacy to the local government. 

“We felt the impact of the pandemic, but it needs to be scientifically proven,” she explained.

The Head of the P2P Data Management & Health Information Systems Division at the Yogyakarta City Health Office, Dr. Lana Unwanah, stated that the pandemic had overwhelmed everyone. 

However, it also offered lessons on the need to remain creative and innovative in making breakthroughs in various areas. 

“I am also grateful that during the pandemic, TB management in my area received support from Zero TB Yogyakarta, an initiative from the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), which primarily focused on active case detection using mobile X-rays,” she said.

In conclusion, Professor Probandari emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder synergy in readiness to face future emergencies. From the study, we hope to draw lessons from the past pandemic to prepare for future challenges.

Author: Dita

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Post-Pandemic TB and HIV Services Need Improvement pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Addressing this environmental issue, a research team from the Department of Chemical Engineering, UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM) has successfully developed an innovative biodegradable packaging plastic called “Kemurai.”

Kemurai is a breakthrough in polypropylene-based packaging plastic that degrades much faster than conventional plastic. 

“This research idea emerged in 2018, driven by the growing concern over the increasing amount of waste, especially plastic waste, which takes a long time to decompose,” said Dr. Yuni Kusumastuti, the team coordinator, on Wednesday (Aug. 28) at UGM’s Chemical Engineering Laboratory.

To tackle the plastic waste problem, Dr. Kusumastuti, in collaboration with Dr. Moh. Fahrurrozi and Dr. Teguh Ariyanto, formulated plastic with components similar to conventional plastics but with an estimated degradation time twice as fast as regular plastic. 

The idea involved adding an additive to the plastic’s base material. 

“We added pro-oxidant and bio-additives to the polypropylene base material, enabling the plastic to undergo structural changes under specific environmental conditions, breaking down long-chain molecules into simpler compounds that are easier to degrade,” Dr. Kusumastuti explained.

According to her, adding these additives does not compromise the strength of conventional plastics. Kemurai retains the same strength and durability as conventional plastics, with the added benefit of being more environmentally degradable.

However, Dr. Kusumastuti emphasized that the Kemurai product is still incomplete. The product must undergo several stages, such as testing its degradation time. They are also exploring other formulations for Kemurai by combining them with natural materials. 

“We also need to reduce production costs so that the price of Kemurai is not significantly different from conventional plastic, making it easier for the public to transition to Kemurai,” she said.

As the Kemurai process continues, Dr. Kusumastuti hopes that Kemurai will eventually collaborate with industry partners who share similar innovations, enabling the product to be marketed and used widely. 

“This will accelerate the commercialization of modified polypropylene-based packaging plastic that degrades faster than conventional plastic, ultimately benefiting our environment,” she concluded.

It is worth noting that the research on this biodegradable plastic product received funding through the Matching Fund Kedai Reka from participants of the 2023 Program Dana Padanan (PDP) by the Ministry of Education, which has been curated. 

The research has also collaborated with PT Pertamina’s Research & Technology Innovation (RTI) division.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Researchers Develop Biodegradable Packaging Plastic pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

As part of the younger generation’s contribution to combating climate change, a team of UGM students has developed an innovative Carbon Capture technology from corncob waste.

The Zifacture team, participating in the Student Creativity Program–Exact Science Research (PKM-RE), successfully utilized a composite material of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 doped with activated carbon from corncob waste to adsorb CO2. The research was conducted through experimental studies and density functional theory (DFT).

The Zifacture team, supervised by Dr. Fajar Inggit Pambudi, a lecturer from UGM’s Department of Chemistry, comprises five students from various study programs. 

The team is led by Agatha Novi Febriyanti (Chemistry, class of 2022), with members Ahmad Mahat Madani (Chemistry, 2022), Risma Khoirunnisa Supriadi (Chemistry, 2022), Reza Pramban Danu (Chemical Engineering, 2022), and Dave Alexander Natanael (Chemical Engineering, 2023).

Agatha Novi Febriyanti explained that Carbon Capture technology is designed to help trap carbon gases before they reach the atmosphere. 

“We saw the potential of corncob waste, which is often overlooked. We combined it with ZIF-8 because research on metal-organic frameworks is currently trending in material synthesis,” Febriyanti said in an interview on Thursday (Aug. 22) at the UGM Campus.

Febriyanti added that the Zifacture team discovered the potential of corncob waste to become activated carbon, which can function as an adsorbent. However, the combination of corncob waste with ZIF-8 to produce carbon capture has not been explored. 

According to the Zifacture team, this innovation has high potential due to the abundant availability of corncob waste. 

“ZIF-8 has a zeolite-like topology with a high specific surface area, microporous structure, and good chemical and thermal stability,” she stated.

Ahmad Mahat Madani, another team member, mentioned that while adsorbent innovations have been developed in various products, such as zeolite, activated charcoal, tea waste, and peanuts, the use of ZIF-8 and corncob waste is considered more environmentally friendly because it requires less energy compared to other adsorbents. 

“Its ability to absorb heat and its stable content also makes it more favorable,” Madani explained.

The research was not only conducted in the laboratory. The Zifacture team also applied computational input using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. This step was undertaken to study the research at a molecular level. 

“The research has been completed experimentally, and the computational analysis is in the final stages. We hope this research can contribute to future carbon capture technology development,” Reza Danu added.

Climate change is primarily driven by the excessive release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, generated by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial emissions. 

CO2 absorbs radiation at infrared wavelengths, leading to increased atmospheric carbon and, consequently, higher temperatures trapped on Earth. 

The Zifacture team’s findings represent a contribution from the younger generation to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in addressing climate change.

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Students Develop Carbon Capture Technology from Corncob Waste pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.