Professor Isnansetyo received the award along with two other UGM lecturers: Dr. Rachma Wikandari from the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP UGM) and Professor Ika Dewi Ana from the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM).

Professor Isnansetyo won the Best Innovation Award for his innovation on a waste-free process for utilizing brown seaweed to control fish and shrimp disease and produce biofertilizers. 

“This innovation is inspired by Indonesia’s rich marine resources, which researchers or industries have not widely explored,” he told reporters on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

According to him, brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae) contains a high alginate content and fucoidan. 

“Alginates can be applied in medicine, industry, food, feed, and fisheries,” he explained.

His research uses alginate and fucoidan compounds from brown seaweed for aquaculture. 

As a lecturer in the Department of Fisheries, Professor Isnansetyo uses alginates to enhance fish and shrimp immunity, while fucoidan improves fish vaccine effectiveness. 

“This research has produced several immunostimulant formulations based on alginate and fucoidan,” he said.

He hopes the research outcomes can be applied in the community by industries and fish farmers. 

The veterinary pharmaceutical industry can produce fish vaccines with adjuvants like fucoidan and immunostimulants. 

“These vaccines have been distributed to marine fish farmers to enhance fish immunity. We also collaborate with companies to commercialize these products,” he explained.

In the future, he hopes to continue the research to achieve more perfect results. 

One of his efforts is to upgrade the technology used to create vaccines and immunostimulants. 

Professor Isnansetyo revealed that his team had started developing nanoparticles in the form of nano-alginates and nanofucoidan. 

By creating nanoparticles, the effectiveness of the formulated products is expected to increase. 

“We aim to improve the quantity and quality of fishery production as a protein source to enhance public nutrition and health,” he said.

He acknowledged that his research utilizing brown seaweed is based on the concept of a zero-waste process. 

He is grateful for receiving the award for his research on brown seaweed utilization. 

In addition to the Hitachi Award, Professor Isnansetyo also received the 2023 Academic Leader in Maritime Affairs Award from the Directorate General of Higher Education. 

“I am proud to be part of UGM, as this award also reflects UGM’s nationally and internationally recognized reputation,” he added.

Author: Tiefany

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Photographs by: Firsto & Antara

Artikel UGM Researcher Develops Fish and Shrimp Immunostimulants from Brown Seaweed pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Throughout his career, Professor Masyhuri actively conducted strategic research, particularly on food security. 

The president honored him with the Adhikarya Pangan Nusantara Award for his contributions to national food security research. 

However, despite his accomplishments, there is still one unresolved concern. 

“I am still saddened because I have not yet found a concept that truly ensures farmers’ welfare,” he said during his retirement gathering, held warmly and modestly on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Agriculture UGM.

He emphasized that farmers’ welfare must be the top priority in agricultural policies, including ensuring adequate land ownership. 

He also highlighted the importance of technological innovation in agriculture, such as utilizing seawater for cultivation without reducing land productivity. 

“Indonesia must develop seawater irrigation technology so that dry and barren land can still be cultivated, rather than relying solely on freshwater,” he added.

Professor Masyhuri is known as a smart and dedicated academic who has worked for over 45 years in agricultural economics. 

Reflecting on his life journey, he recounted the challenges he faced, from being bullied in elementary school to sacrificing his choice of high school for his younger sibling. 

Each challenge, he said, only strengthened him. 

He also shared the unique story behind his decision to join Agriculture UGM.

“I was actually accepted into UGM’s Geodesy and Civil Engineering programs, but my father couldn’t afford to buy a drafting table. So, I steered toward agriculture, which was my third choice. It turned out to be the path meant for me,” he recalled.

The retirement gathering, attended by colleagues, students, and alumni from various universities, including Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN), Institut Pertanian (INSTIPER),  and other universities, was a memorable tribute to his long academic journey.

Dean of Agriculture UGM, Dr. Jaka Widada, deeply appreciated Professor Masyhuri’s dedication to education. He noted that Professor Masyhuri was a teacher and a mentor to many generations of agricultural economics experts in Indonesia. 

“He has produced many graduates who are now making significant contributions nationwide. His character is a role model for all of us, consistent in dedication and service,” he said.

For students and colleagues, Professor Masyhuri was known for his vast knowledge and his passion for sharing it. 

His teaching style was distinctive. He brought thick textbooks to class, delivered material enthusiastically, and always posed thought-provoking questions.

“Initially, he seemed strict and quiet, but during mentoring sessions, he turned out to be very friendly and humorous. He was critical in discussions, highly committed to developing the institution, and always embedded valuable lessons in every case study,” recalled a former student.

A colleague and representative of the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Professor Dwidjono Hadi Susanto, added that Professor Masyhuri was a remarkably diligent academic. 

His journey from undergraduate to doctorate was a testament to his hard work and determination. 

“He pursued his education at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños directly to a Ph.D. program, skipping the master’s level, which is very rare. He also received a World Bank scholarship and has won eight prestigious academic awards, including from the United States,” he said.

Despite his impressive achievements, Professor Masyhuri’s focus on academics led him to delay personal matters. 

“He was so focused that he forgot to marry. It wasn’t until he nearly completed his Ph.D. that he was asked to return home to be matched with a partner,” Professor Susanto jokes, prompting laughter from the audience.

At the end of the event, attendees offered prayers and best wishes for the professor to enjoy his retirement with happiness, health, and peace. 

“His legacy of kindness and contribution will always live on in our hearts,” said one alumnus.

That day, Professor Masyhuri officially retired, but his legacy in Indonesian academics and agriculture will continue to thrive. His dedication, knowledge, and spirit will inspire future generations.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel Professor Masyhuri Retires After 45 Years of Dedication to Agricultural Economics and Farmers’ Welfare pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

On Tuesday (Jan. 21), Professor Murti delivered a speech in front of an audience that filled the Senate Hall of the UGM Central Office titled “The Importance, Challenges, and Solutions to Horticulture Problems through an Effective Plant Breeding Program.”

Professor Murti explained that horticultural plants play a significant role in providing healthy food, vitamins, and minerals and in recreational activities for the community. 

They also contribute to food security, environmental sustainability, beauty, therapy and medicine, recreation, genetic diversity, labor absorption, and the economy.

Achieving food security through horticultural production often faces challenges such as pest attacks, low productivity, poor quality, rapid spoilage, long supply chains, changing consumer preferences, and a decrease in land area. 

Professor Murti argued that one way to improve production and quality is by using superior varieties with high productivity and quality that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. 

“Efforts to produce superior varieties can be carried out through conventional breeding methods combined with the latest methods, such as genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and genome editing,” he added.

Challenges also arise from consumers who want sweeter tastes and more attractive colors, such as mangoes with blushing skins and low fiber, seedless watermelons, medium-sized and sweet papayas, and fruits with high antioxidants. 

New and distinctive colors, tastes, and textures will continue to attract consumer interest and create international market opportunities. 

“Therefore, plant breeders must be precise in understanding the characteristics of the products according to the targeted market segment,” he said.

Plant breeding activities must also consider consumer preferences, product purposes, and supply chain actors according to their market segments.

Breeders must be observant in determining the key characteristics of the products they will produce without neglecting other quality standards.

“Quality improvement in line with market demands can be done through plant breeding by utilizing appropriate genetic resources,” he explained.

Professor Murti believes that horticultural farming is more intensive than food crops, making horticultural farmers risk-takers. For instance, farmers exert considerable effort, such as using large amounts of pesticides to control pests to ensure high-quality harvests. 

However, increased pesticide use results in pest resistance, leading to the emergence of new biotypes and environmental pollution. 

The growth of global trade in planting materials and fresh produce also increases the risk of foreign pests and pathogens entering and spreading in new environments.

“There needs to be synergy across scientific fields to accelerate plant breeding efforts, resulting in more hybrid varieties, lower plant breeding and hybrid seed production costs, increased farmer income, and higher national horticultural production that will meet demand, as well as faster solutions to agricultural issues related to breeding,” concluded the new professor.

With Professor Murti’s appointment, the Chair of the UGM Board of Professors, Professor M. Baiquni, stated that the new professor became one of 524 active professors at UGM and one of 30 active professors from the 62 professors ever owned by the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel New UGM Professor Highlights Plant Breeding Technology as Key to Boosting Agricultural Production pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Number: 326/UN1/SU/Set-SU/HM.02.01/2025

Clarification Regarding Administrative Issues in the Promotion Process of UGM Lecturer 

Dr. Noer Kasanah

Yogyakarta, January 19, 2025 – Social media has been buzzing with the controversy surrounding Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), which has been perceived as obstructing the promotion of lecturer Dr. Noer Kasanah from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, to the rank of professor. 

The individual concerned claimed to have been systematically impeded when applying for a promotion at the Department of Fisheries, UGM Faculty of Agriculture. Through its University Secretary, Directorate of Human Resources, Legal and Organizational Bureau, and Public Relations and News Division, UGM firmly states that these allegations are ‘untrue.’

The delay in the promotion process was in full accordance with UGM’s administrative procedures, as well as the prevailing rules and regulations.

The promotion process at UGM involves a series of evaluations covering various aspects, including academic performance, research contributions, community service, as well as integrity, ethics, and conduct as stipulated in the Lecturer Code of Ethics based on the applicable rules and regulations.

UGM has collected data and conducted fact-finding regarding the complaints raised by the individual in question, which can be used to verify the validity of their statements. Additionally, UGM has compiled a chronology of events beginning in 2011, when the individual was accepted into the Faculty of Agriculture. 

Previously, the individual served as a lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM. However, due to issues with professional relations among fellow lecturers at the faculty, the individual was reassigned to the university for further placement.

Through Rector’s Decree Number 1596/PII/SK/KP/2011 dated July 6, 2011, effective August 1, 2011, the individual was reassigned to the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. By the time the individual applied for a promotion in 2023, they had been serving at the Department of Fisheries for approximately 12 years.

The issues or cases that have occurred since 2012 follow the same pattern as when the individual was at the Faculty of Pharmacy, specifically concerning professional relations, not only with lecturers but also with students. The individual’s claims about favoritism and the non-alignment of academic disciplines were not the reasons for the temporary refusal of the individual’s promotion to professorship. 

The individual had been entrusted with responsibilities such as Secretary of the Aquaculture Study Program, Seminar Committee of the Aquaculture Study Program, and involvement in various committees. This shows that the Department of Fisheries provided the individual with career opportunities without discrimination, contrary to their statements.

Between 2012 and 2015, the individual had issues mentoring students, made derogatory posts about colleagues and UGM on their social media (Facebook) account, and refused to participate in certain departmental activities. As a result, on December 16, 2015, the Department of Fisheries decided to return the status of the individual to the Faculty of Agriculture, where they were eventually placed at UGM’s Integrated Agrocomplex Laboratory to minimize the negative impact. 

From 2016–2020, the Department of Fisheries attempted to mentor the individual in hopes of improving their behavior while continuing to assign them tasks related to UGM’s tri-dharma (three pillars) of higher education. However, the mentoring efforts failed, as the individual continued to have issues with student mentoring (power relations and bullying) and interactions with colleagues. They undertook overseas trips without permission from the department and made further posts distorting the facts about the department and study program’s conditions and policies. 

The Head of the Department of Fisheries issued a Warning Letter on November 21, 2016, to serve as a deterrent. Nonetheless, the individual continued their behavior, leading to another Warning Letter issued on December 29, 2020. Afterward, no behavioral improvements were observed, and further indications of issues with student mentoring (power relations and bullying) arose.

The individual applied for a promotion at the Department of Fisheries on February 8, 2023. A departmental meeting was held on March 3, 2023, during which it was decided to form an Ad Hoc committee to investigate alleged violations of the Lecturer Code of Ethics. Three days later, the department’s leadership coordinated with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture regarding the meeting results, and on March 8, 2023, the Ad Hoc committee commenced its work. 

The department sent a letter to both the dean and the individual regarding the promotion application, stating that the individual was “not recommended” for it. At the end of March 2023, the department submitted its objections to the promotion application, along with evidence, to the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.

On May 10, 2023, a departmental meeting was held to present the Ad Hoc committee’s investigation results. It was agreed that the individual would be returned to the Faculty of Agriculture, effective May 31, 2023. In early June 2023, the dean summoned the individual to communicate the results, but they responded that they were ill and would be bringing a lawyer to the meeting. 

However, on June 12, 2023, the individual, through their lawyer, instead sent a first legal notice (Somasi I) to the Department of Fisheries and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. The Department of Fisheries issued a response to the legal notice on June 23, 2023, which was followed by a second legal notice (Somasi II) from the individual on July 9, 2023. The Department of Fisheries and the Faculty of Agriculture responded to the second legal notice on July 18, 2023.

The individual then submitted a request for public information disclosure to Yogyakarta’s Regional Information Commission (KID). On July 25, 2023, KID summoned the Rector of UGM as the respondent to the individual’s lawsuit. Within a month, on August 18, 2023, KID held a hearing and ruled that the dispute was outside KID’s jurisdiction. This led the individual’s lawyer to file a Registration Deed of Dispute with the Central Information Commission (KIP) of the Republic of Indonesia, with UGM as the respondent.

In response, KIP conducted an adjudication hearing, ruling that UGM must provide the minutes of the Department of Fisheries meeting, redacting the names of individuals who provided opinions. UGM refused to disclose the entire document, as protecting the parties who had expressed their opinions was necessary. The individual did not accept KIP’s decision and filed an appeal with the State Administrative Court (PTUN) in Jakarta. PTUN ruled that all of the individual’s claims were rejected and upheld KIP’s decision.

On August 30, 2023, the individual sent a letter to the lecturers of the Department of Fisheries that included provocations and threats, while portraying themselves as a victim. This behavior persisted, with the individual making additional derogatory, threatening, and personal intimidation, all while belittling the institution. 

Over the past two semesters, the individual has been subject to ethical sanctions after being examined by the University Honorary Council (DKU) based on Rector’s Decree Number 1554/UN1.P/KPT/DSDM/2024, effective from April 1, 2024. 

The individual’s behavior has harmed the Department of Fisheries, the Faculty of Agriculture, and UGM as a whole through their social media posts, which do not reflect good ethics, professionalism, or integrity as a lecturer from 2012 to 2023. 

The issue at hand is not related to credit points, as the individual claimed, but rather to numerous violations of the Lecturer Code of Ethics. The violations have entered the realm of ethics and indiscipline.

Contact Information:

Public Relations and News Division, UGM

Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta

Phone: +62 (274) 588 688

E-mail: humas@ugm.ac.id, pemberitaan.humas@ugm.ac.id

Artikel UGM Clarifies Administrative Issues Regarding Dr. Noer Kasanah’s Promotion pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

While this program has great potential to enhance students’ cognitive abilities by providing nutritious meals, its success heavily depends on proper food management and transparent governance. Without this, the program risks becoming a target for corruption.

This issue was highlighted during a discussion at Pojok Bulaksumur, titled Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG): A Review from Nutrition, Policy, and Food Supply Chain Perspectives, held on Jan. 17 in the Hallway of UGM’s Central Office. 

The event, organized by the Secretariat of UGM, featured three UGM experts: Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo from the Department of Public Policy Management, Professor Subejo from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, and Dr. Toto Sudargo from the Department of Health Nutrition.

Dr. Toto Sudargo emphasized that the MBG program has significant potential to enhance students’ cognitive development if managed well. However, the program also requires proper food preparation to ensure nutritional value. 

“Consuming nutritious food, like protein from eggs, is crucial for brain development. However, the presentation must also be appealing to encourage children to eat,” he stated.  

He illustrated how well-prepared egg dishes, such as omelets or scrambled eggs, could offer additional calories and benefits. He emphasized that quality should be prioritized over quantity. 

“What matters is that the children eat and the food isn’t wasted. Meals should not end up as trash,” he added.  

Professor Subejo highlighted the importance of utilizing local food ingredients for the MBG program. He pointed out that relying on imported staples like wheat poses a significant challenge that needs immediate attention. 

“Indonesia has abundant local carbohydrate sources like cassava, corn, and sago. By leveraging these, we strengthen food security and empower local farmers,” he explained.  

Professor Subejo also suggested empowering villages as the base for distributing nutritious meals. He proposed that the distribution process would be more efficient and tailored to community needs if villages were granted authority to manage funds and create menus using local ingredients. 

“This approach can also minimize the risk of food spoilage due to long distribution routes,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo stressed the need for transparency and accountability in managing the program’s substantial budget to ensure its effectiveness. He warned that corruption risks must be addressed through rigorous oversight involving all levels of society. 

“The allocated budget of IDR 71 trillion per year, targeting 19.4 million children, must be carefully monitored. We cannot allow corruption or misuse of funds for other purposes,” he said.  

The three UGM experts agreed that the MBG program represents a long-term investment requiring sustained commitment from various stakeholders. Dr. Sudargo noted that similar programs in India only showed significant results after over a decade of implementation. 

“This program must continue uninterrupted, regardless of government changes. If consistent, Indonesia can achieve substantial improvements in health, cognitive abilities, and the achievements of future generations,” he stressed.  

The two-hour discussion concluded with high hopes for the MBG program’s success. The experts called on all societal elements to support and oversee its implementation.

“This is an investment in future generations. If the program succeeds, Indonesia will have healthier, smarter, and globally competitive citizens,” Dr. Sudargo concluded.  

Author: Bolivia  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel Free Meal Program Could Boost Student Cognitive Skills, Demands Strong Oversight pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This decision, announced after a limited meeting in late December led by the president and several related ministers, is part of the government’s effort to boost food self-sufficiency by focusing on increasing domestic production.

Responding to this target, UGM Professor of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Subejo, said that achieving the goal of halting imports is not easy, given that the agricultural sector and the marine and fisheries sectors supporting food security still face many unresolved challenges. 

“Considering import data on strategic commodities in recent years, it seems that the stop-import program within a year is very difficult; a range of three to four years is more realistic,” said Professor Subejo on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

According to him, the ambition to stop importing rice, corn, sugar, and salt is commendable and should be appreciated, although it will have a highly complex impact on national food security. 

Data from recent years show that imports of these four strategic commodities remain high; for example, rice imports still reach 3 million tons per year, while corn imports approach 1 million tons per year. 

Sugar imports even reach an impressive figure of 4 million tons per year. 

A similar situation exists with salt imports, which reach 2 million tons per year—a significant irony considering that 63 percent of Indonesia’s territory is water with an extensive coastline. 

“To address this shortfall, domestic production capacity and food sector resilience must increase significantly with various prerequisites, such as availability of production land, infrastructure, access to inputs, financing, human resources, technology, and innovation, as well as adequate governance and institutions,” he explained.

Regarding the availability of production land, Professor Subejo is concerned about the tiny scale of farming. 

The 2023 Agricultural Census data shows that farmers managing land as small as 1,000 square meters number only 7 million. 

Although this represents an increase of about 70 percent compared to 10 years ago, limited extension services and farmer human resource capacity, coupled with other problems, result in low production efficiency and relatively stagnant productivity levels. 

“Opening new agricultural lands that have high suitability on a limited and manageable scale must be done gradually,” he elaborated.

Additionally, irrigation infrastructure is crucial in determining whether farmers can successfully plant agricultural commodities. 

Based on rice planting index data, which is less than 1.5, this means rice fields are only planted 1.5 times per year nationally, primarily due to limited water availability. 

He emphasized that if large- and medium-scale infrastructure projects across provinces and micro-irrigation at the village level receive priority for development and revitalization, the potential for increasing the planting index is very high. 

For instance, increased production can be achieved by introducing rice varieties that are adaptive to limited water resources, such as Padi Gamagora 7, which was developed by UGM.

Given the public’s dependence on imported rice, corn, sugar, and salt, he warned that if a significant increase in domestic production does not accompany the food import ban, it could worsen short-term food security, cause food price hikes, and add inflationary pressure. 

This would reduce the purchasing power of the public, especially low-income groups. 

To prevent these negative impacts, the stop-import policy must be accompanied by mitigation measures, in addition to boosting domestic production capacity, such as diversification and strengthening distribution systems for rice, corn, sugar, and salt. Social policies and food assistance must also benefit vulnerable communities. 

“If appropriate measures do not support the stop-import policy, it could lead to social tensions, economic instability, and other negative impacts on the community’s overall welfare,” Professor Subejo added.

He stated that the success of this stop-import policy heavily depends on collaboration between the government, the private sector, and farmers, who must support each other to ensure increased agricultural productivity, food security, and stability in domestic food prices. 

The private sector and investors are considered critical in supporting the government’s stop-import policy. 

The private sector and investors can contribute through partnerships with farmers by consistently purchasing agricultural products or providing technology training and guidance. 

“The private sector can also invest in agricultural technology, such as using the Internet of Things (IoT), post-harvest processing, and storage to facilitate distribution, as well as providing financial assistance,” he said.

Professor Subejo also reminded the audience that the government’s stop-import policy for strategic commodities could affect Indonesia’s trade relations with its key import partner countries. 

However, the process will be smoother if the policy is implemented gradually and consistently and if increased efficiency in production and competitiveness of domestic products can be demonstrated. 

If this policy supports domestic production and reduces dependency on imports, Indonesia can strengthen its food security. 

“With high production efficiency, economically and factually, national products should indeed be able to compete with products from any other country,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Expert Highlights Need for Stronger Irrigation and Farmer Resources to Support Food Import Ban pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The fisheries sector contributed $27 billion to GDP in 2019, created 7 million jobs, and provided over 50% of the country’s animal protein needs.  

According to Dr. Jaka Widada, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), Indonesia’s vast potential necessitates skilled human resources to manage the fisheries sector effectively and sustainably. 

“We need fisheries graduates ready to advance Indonesia’s fisheries sector,” said Dr. Jaka Widada during the regional conference and inauguration of the Yogyakarta Regional Board (DPD) of the Indonesian Fisheries Graduates Association (ISPIKANI) at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, on Sunday (Dec. 22).  

Dean Widada emphasized that ISPIKANI, established on May 12, 1984, is a professional organization in the fisheries field. It serves as a forum for fisheries graduates to contribute ideas for advancing fisheries development in Indonesia and to mobilize fisheries graduates to drive fisheries development. 

He hoped ISPIKANI would serve as a solution-oriented organization that prioritizes professionalism, working alongside the government and other fisheries stakeholders to advance the sector. 

“Synergy is crucial. It is no longer feasible to take a reductionist approach; synergy among various fisheries professions is essential,” the dean stated.  

One hundred fisheries graduates from the Yogyakarta Special Region attended the regional conference and inauguration of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta. Participants represented diverse professions: educators, researchers, bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, and fisheries observers. 

Sulhan Anwar, the initiator of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta, said the conference was an opportunity to strengthen the vision and mission of fisheries graduates. He hoped ISPIKANI would become a home for fisheries graduates to contribute to society. 

“I strongly encourage all members to continue synergizing and supporting ISPIKANI’s work programs,” he added.  

Dr. Agus Suherman, the Chair of DPD ISPIKANI, welcomed the regional conference and inauguration of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta. He highlighted that today’s challenges are not about military conflicts but food security. 

He urged DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta to initiate breakthroughs and implement programs that collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve food sovereignty in Indonesia. 

“In 2025, we plan to hold a National Coordination Meeting (RAKORNAS) to devise faster and more precise strategies to address fisheries sector issues,” he explained.  

Dr. Suherman added that the establishment of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta completes the DPD ISPIKANI network across Java Island. With the formation of DPD ISPIKANI Yogyakarta, the organization now has 31 regional boards nationwide. 

The forum appointed Professor Alim Isnansetyo, Head of the Fisheries Department at UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture, as chair for the Yogyakarta chapter for the 2024-2028 term.  

Professor Alim Isnansetyo affirmed his commitment to implementing programs for institutional development and introducing ISPIKANI to fisheries graduates. 

“We need to enhance the fisheries industry’s contribution to increase interest among new students. Especially with issues in the fisheries sector in Yogyakarta aligning with the region’s vision of among tani dagang layar, where the government aims to position the sea as a front yard,” he stated.  

He further explained that ISPIKANI could collaborate with the government to enhance maritime potential and improve community welfare. 

“Empowering and tapping into this potential could significantly enhance people’s livelihoods,” he concluded.  

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Fisheries Graduates Association Expected to Advancing Fisheries Industry in Yogyakarta pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In addressing this challenge, UGM has downstreamed the innovation of the Gadjah Mada Gogo Rancah 7 (Gamagora) rice variety into the product Presokazi Premium Rice. Professor Taryono, the lead researcher, explained that the Presokazi rice innovation is aimed at addressing nutrient deficiencies.

Nutrient deficiencies, such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), in children and pregnant women can hinder children’s growth and lead to stunting. 

Rice, the Indonesian people’s staple food, offers a promising option due to its affordability and high accessibility. Presokazi rice is produced from the cultivation of the Gamagora 7 rice variety using Super Smart Fertilizer (SSF), another innovation by PIAT UGM. 

“The concept and research on biofortification, which involves enhancing the nutritional content of food through cultivation, has long been conceived, but the Presokazi rice project only began in 2023,” Professor Taryono explained on Friday (Dec. 27).

After recognizing its strategic value, a team of food researchers from the Department of Agricultural Cultivation, UGM Faculty of Agriculture, conducted the development research of Presokazi rice in collaboration with the private sector. 

The Gamagora 7 rice variety was initially developed to address climate change issues affecting farmers’ harvests. Compared to other rice types, Gamagora 7 is more resistant to environmental conditions and climate change. 

It continues to grow in dryland and rain-fed fields, proving resilient against pests such as brown planthoppers. 

Additionally, Gamagora 7 has a shorter harvest period of approximately 104 days and a potential yield of up to 9.8 tons per hectare, making it an attractive option for farmers to cultivate this nutrient-rich variety.

According to Professor Taryono, despite its original purpose, Gamagora 7 coincidentally produced high-quality, soft-textured rice that is rich in protein. 

“The use of soil conditioner from agricultural waste-based super-smart fertilizers was able to increase the iron and zinc content,” he stated. 

The research was implemented directly on community land in Klaten, Central Java, and Ngawi, East Java, leading to the idea of creating the premium rice product Presokazi.

Professor Taryono acknowledged that the process of downstream research to become a commercial product was not easy. It required high additional production costs in soil conditioning, planting, and harvesting processes. 

Significant costs were also incurred in developing the SSF fertilizer mixture. Additionally, there were challenges garnering farmers’ interest in growing Gamagora 7 rice, as it is still relatively new and unfamiliar to the public.

So far, the downstream of Gamagora 7 research has collaborated with two industries, namely PT Tunas Widji Inti Nayottama (TWINN) and PT Agri Sparta. With its various advantages and benefits in addressing agro-complex issues, Professor Taryono hopes that Presokazi rice will attract industrial interest for commercialization. 

“Several companies are interested in using the Presokazi rice development technology, and there are even private companies interested in directly marketing the rice,” he concluded.

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Launches Presokazi Premium Rice to Help Combat Stunting pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event also included a photography competition and awards for groups that collected the most trash and showcased the best creativity. For the cleanup, the 50 participants were divided into several groups and provided with tools such as trash bags, brooms, trash rakes, and baskets for waste collection.  

Professor Alim Isnansetyo, Head of the Fisheries Department at UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized that this community service activity, involving students, lecturers, and staff, reflects a tangible effort to preserve ecosystems while offering participants a refreshing break after final exams. 

“After exhausting exams, this beach cleanup offers a chance to unwind and contribute positively to the environment,” he stated.  

The initiative received strong support and participation from the Pantai Baru tourism group and residents who joined the cleanup effort. By involving the local community and tourism groups, the activity aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment, especially in coastal areas.  

Dr. Eko Setyobudi, Head of the Fisheries Science Master’s Program at UGM, highlighted the activity’s importance as a learning opportunity and a practical application of knowledge related to marine and coastal ecosystems. 

“As a generation involved in fisheries and marine sciences, preserving the marine ecosystem is a shared responsibility. We hope this activity makes a real contribution,” Dr. Setyobudi explained.  

The cleanup proceeded smoothly and effectively, covering the entire beach area. The event concluded with a social gathering, during which each group presented entertainment such as songs, poetry, pantun (traditional rhymes), and charades.  

Suwandi, an activist and Head of the Pantai Baru Tourism Group, expressed his gratitude to the UGM Fisheries Science students. He acknowledged that Bantul’s coastal areas often face waste accumulation, especially from river estuaries, which peaks between December and February. 

“This beach cleanup is a significant help for us as beach managers, especially in maintaining the cleanliness of the coastal area,” he said.  

As a result, the activity not only succeeded in cleaning the coastal area but also provided an educational experience for participants about the importance of environmental cleanliness. The initiative demonstrated a collective commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment. 

“This program not only serves as a learning opportunity but also represents a tangible contribution from the academic community to coastal environmental sustainability,” Suwandi concluded.  

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Graduate Students of Fisheries Science Conduct Beach Cleanup at Pantai Baru pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

She was selected during The 4th AsiaBlight International Meeting, held on Nov. 28–29, 2024, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The Potato International Center (CIP) – China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP) and the Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences organized the event.

In addition to Indonesian representatives, regional representatives from Vietnam, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan attended the AsiaBlight meeting.

In her statement to reporters on Tuesday (Dec. 10), Dr. Widiastuti explained that AsiaBlight is an open community focused on potato late blight disease. It is dedicated to environmentally friendly control and management of this disease to support the development of sustainable research in the Asia-Pacific region. 

“This community was established in 2014 in Nepal and consists of researchers, government workers, industry professionals, farmers, and all users collaborating to improve the management of potato late blight in the Asia-Pacific region,” she said.

Dr. Widiastuti’s participation in the international meeting aimed to systematically review the current situation of late potato blight, discuss disease prevention and management and exchange thoughts on the research activities conducted by each participant. 

Potato late blight is a globally significant disease that caused a plant disease epidemic in Ireland in 1845.

Dr. Widiastuti explained that the disease led to a great famine in Ireland, resulting in significant loss of life and forcing many Irish people to migrate to other countries or continents. 

According to her, this disease also marked the establishment of the field of plant pathology, which has proven crucial in contributing to global food security to this day. 

“Ideas for collaboration over the next three years were also discussed at the meeting,” she said.

Potato late blight continues to be a major concern for plant disease researchers worldwide, given that potatoes are a nutrient-rich crop that contributes to food security in many countries, especially those with high levels of malnutrition, including the Asia region. 

“This crop can adapt to extreme conditions and produce more food per unit of water than other crops,” she added.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Artikel Potato Late Blight Disease Draws Attention from Asia-Pacific Researchers pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.