This research revealed that tea bags made from plastic materials have the potential to release millions of microplastic particles into the body. 

The reason is that when polymer-based tea bags are placed in hot water, the microplastic particles released can be absorbed by intestinal cells and enter the bloodstream.

Rafika Aprilianti, a microplastic researcher at the Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation (Ecoton), presented this discovery on Monday (Feb. 3). 

Five widely available tea bag products were also tested, all of which released microplastics when brewed.

Responding to these findings, Dr. Annisa Utami Rauf, a lecturer in the Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), stated that these results do not mean tea bags should immediately be banned. 

According to her, no established regulations specifying the acceptable level of microplastics in tea bags exist. Even the hanging string of the tea bag contains microplastic fragments. 

“To my knowledge, there is no established standard level. So, we don’t know, for example, if drinking it several times is harmful or if one drink is dangerous. However, microplastics are considered emerging contaminants,” she said.

For consumers who enjoy tea bags but are concerned about microplastics, she suggested switching to brewed tea filtered with a strainer or using loose-leaf tea.

To address the microplastic issue in tea bag products, she emphasized the importance of informing the public that tea bags indeed contain microplastics. 

“We first need to educate people about this issue, that the content does exist. Once they know, we can recommend that they should not consume it too frequently,” she explained.

Additionally, she suggested that there should be education for the public to raise awareness about microplastics. 

“Microplastics are actually present in every component, such as minerals and soil. However, tea bags enter the digestive system directly, and we don’t know the long-term effects. That’s what makes it dangerous because not all fragments can be excreted from the body,” Dr. Rauf said.

Nonetheless, she mentioned that not all tea bags are made from plastic; some are made from paper, which does not produce microplastics compared to plastic-based tea bags. In light of these findings, she recommended that the public be more mindful in selecting daily products, including tea bags. 

“It’s best to switch to paper tea bags or other environmentally friendly materials to reduce microplastic exposure,” she advised.

Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania

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Artikel UGM Expert Addresses Concerns Over Microplastics in Tea Bags pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This policy is based on an agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the Ministry of Health of Indonesia. 

Vice Dean of the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), Dr. Ahmad Hamim Sadewa, responded positively to this government initiative. 

“Of course, we at UGM welcome this policy. As the team is still being formed, we hope for a synchronized and harmonious collaboration,” Dr. Sadewa said on Friday (Feb. 7).

He acknowledged that the design for this joint selection process is not easy and still requires various plans. Therefore, FK-KMK UGM is still awaiting an official directive regarding the joint selection, meaning that the PPDS admission scheduled for March will still use each university’s respective scheme.

The joint selection policy for PPDS aims to increase the number of specialist doctors while also addressing their distribution across all regions of Indonesia. 

This effort has actually been underway since 2022 through several programs, such as increasing the student quota for undergraduate and specialist doctoral programs and adding new study programs. 

The specialist and subspecialist doctor programs have produced 4,000 graduates annually. Unfortunately, this number is still insufficient to meet the demand for specialist doctors in several regions. 

“The issue of equitable distribution is quite complex. It’s not just about PPDS, but also how to get specialist doctors to work in the regions,” Dr. Sadewa explained.

The affirmative pathway for program admission is a policy introduced to address the shortage of specialist doctors. Each region is allocated a minimum quota of 10%, prioritized for affirmative specialist doctor admissions. 

“This is aimed so that after graduation, they can return to work in their home regions,” he explained.

However, according to Dr. Sadewa, this policy has not fully resolved the issue of the shortage of specialist doctors. 

He added that most doctors tend to move to the cities after graduating and working for a few years in the regions. The low retention rate of specialist doctors is due to several factors, including infrastructure, incentives, and security issues. 

“Many are reluctant to continue working in the regions due to limited access, inadequate incentives, and security threats. These aspects are essential for doctors to work optimally,” Dr. Sadewa concluded.

He suggested that the government should consider security guarantees and complete medical facilities in regional healthcare services. 

Regarding the flow and aspects of competence tested in PPDS, Dr. Sadewa proposed adding assessments beyond general knowledge. He believes it is important for doctors to have good mental health stability in handling patients. 

“I think it would be useful to add tests to assess mental health and attitude, not just basic competencies. That’s important,” Dr. Sadewa added.

He also recommended two admission pathways for PPDS: joint selection and independent admission. Adding a new admission pathway would be easier than replacing the existing system. 

“Currently, many universities still need to work on opening new study programs specifically for specialist/subspecialist doctors,” he said.

Dr. Sadewa stated that FK-KMK UGM supports the establishment of specialist and subspecialist education at several universities. 

Among other things, UGM assisted in opening a neurology study program at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman and an internal medicine study program at Universitas Islam Sultan Agung. 

“At FK-KMK UGM, we also assist several universities in establishing specialist doctor programs. This effort is to ensure it can be carried out together,” he concluded.

Author: Tasya

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Artikel Joint Selection Policy Aims to Boost Specialist Doctor Availability pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

During the inauguration ceremony, Professor Widyastuti delivered her inaugural lecture titled “Predicting the Risk of Severe Perioperative Critical Events to Improve Patient Safety in Pediatric Anesthesia Procedures.”

In her speech, Professor Widyastuti explained that perioperative critical conditions are respiratory, cardiac, allergic, or neurological complications requiring immediate intervention, which, if not promptly addressed, could lead to disability or death. 

Anesthesia procedures for adults and children differ, and these differences make pediatric anesthesia procedures more prone to complications that can result in disability or death. Thus, a special approach is required to predict risks and mitigate them. 

No predictive tools exist in Indonesia to forecast perioperative critical events in children. 

“This has motivated me to raise this topic, so it can become a reference for predicting perioperative critical events in children in the future,” she stated.

Professor Widyastuti outlined several factors influencing severe perioperative critical events in children. In general anesthesia, newborns are at higher risk of perioperative critical events compared to other age groups due to their developing anatomy. 

Data-based studies have shown that girls have a 25% higher risk of cardiovascular critical events compared to boys. 

“Other influencing factors include congenital anomalies, which involve structural or functional body abnormalities present from birth, the patient’s condition, and the type of anesthesia used,” she explained.

A recent systematic review of perioperative risk assessment tools from 10 studies found that the accuracy of prediction scores for severe perioperative critical events varied, with mortality rates ranging from 0.3% to 3.6%. 

These models use age at surgery, the need for mechanical ventilation within 48 hours before surgery, and oxygen support as the main predictors. 

Other factors are inotropic support, sepsis, emergency case status, the presence of a “do-not-resuscitate” order, preoperative blood transfusion, cancer, hematologic disorders, physical status, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation before surgery.

Using perioperative critical event risk prediction tools is crucial in improving post-operative clinical outcomes in pediatric patients. 

The latest development uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the risk of severe perioperative critical events. 

Several studies have shown the benefits of machine learning in mapping post-operative complication risk factors.

According to Professor Widyastuti, assessing critical event risk is essential to minimize such risks. This effort should prioritize younger children. 

“In Indonesia, there is a need for a standardized predictive tool to forecast the risk of perioperative critical events in children, as well as a simple and practical clinical guideline that is easy to use,” she emphasized.

The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, mentioned that Professor Widyastuti is one of 525 active professors at UGM and one of 72 active professors out of 102 professors that FK-KMK UGM has ever had.

Author: Jelita Agustine 

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Artikel UGM Professor Yunita Widyastuti Calls for Risk Prediction Tools in Pediatric Surgery pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In fact, understanding these benefits and prescribing exercise as part of disease management has been practiced for over 2,500 years in various parts of the world. 

However, over time, exercise has received less attention as a component of disease treatment and prevention. 

“Exercise is often considered merely as a form of entertainment, a way to fill leisure time, or to shape the body,” said Professor Denny Agustiningsih from the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), who was inaugurated as professor of sports physiology on Thursday (Jan. 30).

In her inaugural speech, “Does Exercise Always Bring Health Benefits?” Professor Agustiningsih presented various studies on factors contributing to the high incidence of chronic diseases, ultimately reemphasizing the importance of physical activity in the medical field. 

Researchers believe no other intervention, such as physical activity, can positively impact multiple organs and body systems. 

“In 2007, integrating physical activity into routine healthcare emerged as a way to prevent and treat chronic diseases. The main principle of this initiative stressed that exercise is not only a means to improve fitness but also an essential tool in preventing and treating various chronic diseases,” she explained.

According to her, exercise can indeed be an extraordinary means of maintaining and improving health, but it must be done wisely—following the right dosage and always paying attention to the body’s signals that require recovery time and repair. 

A proper understanding of the benefits and risks, along with policies supporting safe and inclusive sports, will ensure that exercise truly brings health benefits to all individuals. 

“There is still much work to be done in promoting awareness campaigns about the importance of proper exercise and the risks of excessive exercise without making people afraid or hesitant to engage in physical activity,” she remarked.

Professor Agustiningsih noted the increasing efforts by the government, academics, and various community groups to promote exercise. 

Additionally, she observed the public’s growing enthusiasm for participating in and attending various sports-related events. This shows that society is becoming more aware of and attentive to the health benefits of exercise. 

Moreover, on social media, there are also groups of people who are highly enthusiastic about exercising and regularly share their activities online. 

On the other hand, reports of accidents and even deaths during exercise have surfaced, sparking various comments, both scientific and non-scientific. 

“We need to understand and address the other side of exercise, which requires careful attention to ensure that everyone can fully benefit from exercise as one of the pillars of health,” she said.

Author: Agung Nugroho

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Artikel UGM Professor: Physical Activity Can Prevent and Treat Chronic Diseases 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  

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

He believes Indonesia’s vast potential in herbal plants could replace chemical medicines in contemporary healthcare.

A lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) originally from Buleleng, Bali, Professor Kertia developed an interest in traditional remedies driven by the vast biodiversity of Indonesian herbal plants. 

Meanwhile, 90% of chemical medicine ingredients are still imported, which has been a growing concern for Professor Kertia in his research on traditional medicine. 

“Western standards should not constrain academics. If processed properly, medicinal plants can be highly effective and safe,” Professor Kertia remarked on Friday (Dec. 27) at UGM.

Professor Kertia regretted the lack of interest in utilizing traditional medical practices in healthcare. He noted that today’s society is increasingly suffering from conditions linked to unhealthy eating habits and junk food, such as diabetes, cholesterol, uric acid issues, and even life-threatening complications like stroke and heart disease. 

Unfortunately, traditional treatment methods for these ailments have long been abandoned in favor of modern medicine, which is considered more effective. 

“Many people experience stress and mental health problems because they forget the traditional wisdom of living simply and gratefully,” Professor Kertia added.

As the Chair of the Herbal Medicine Council in Yogyakarta and the Head of the Natural Medicine Development Team at Dr Sardjito Hospital FK-KMK UGM, Professor Kertia has been actively researching to develop herbal-based medicines. 

One of his studies focuses on traditional treatments for osteoarthritis, a chronic joint inflammation.

In comparing modern treatments using Piroxicam to traditional remedies with herbal plants like turmeric, ginger, and red onion, Professor Kertia found that while both have anti-inflammatory properties, the herbal treatment demonstrated a lower risk of slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. 

“I have conducted extensive research, including on turmeric, ginger, shrimp shells, soybeans, gooseberry, gotu kola, memory enhancement drugs, and the Yogyakarta Sustainable Health program, which serves as a guideline for health development in Yogyakarta,” he explained.

Beyond herbal medicines, Professor Kertia incorporates other traditional healing methods such as acupuncture, traditional massage, and meditation. 

He emphasized that these ancient healing practices passed down through generations as part of Indonesia’s local wisdom deserves to be preserved and further developed.

Professor Kertia’s dedication to traditional medicine has earned him the UGM Award in medicine and Indonesian culture. The award was presented by UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia at UGM’s Dies Natalis celebration on Thursday (Dec. 19).

Professor Kertia expressed his gratitude for the award, hoping it will motivate him and other researchers to conduct more in-depth studies on the potential of Indonesian traditional medicines and herbal plants as healing methods and means of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and values. 

“I am thankful that UGM recognizes the importance of public health through the wisdom of our ancestors, especially in herbal drinks and medicines,” he said.

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Artikel UGM Award Recognizes Professor Nyoman Kertia’s Work in Traditional Medicine Innovation pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

With additional funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the World Mosquito Program (WMP), the project is taking place in four cities: West Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Kupang. 

Previously, the Wolbachia project was conducted in Bontang and is scheduled for completion in early 2025.

The funding provided by DFAT is said to support the project’s expansion to new areas in the four cities next year. 

“This funding is complementary, supplementing the state budget (APBN) that has already been allocated. This money will be used to complete the project in these four cities next year,” explained Dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, Director of PKT UGM, on Monday (Dec. 16).

The additional funding from DFAT is channeled through the Partnership for Healthy Region Initiative scheme, which aims to support the sustainability of the Wolbachia-based dengue control program. 

Bekti Andari, WMP Asia Project Manager for Communication & Engagement, stated that the pilot project implementation of Wolbachia technology in five cities has been progressing well. However, some activities could be improved with additional funding support. 

“The funding from DFAT is used to fill the gap in the activities that have been outlined,” she said.

Further, Andari explained that the DFAT funding had been allocated for specific activities, including project management, community engagement, consumables, bucket placement and monitoring, data and mapping management, mosquito egg production at Udayana University, and cross-sectoral issues using the GEDSI approach (gender equality, disability, and social inclusion). 

“We must ensure that this program also benefits vulnerable communities,” she added.

The DFAT funding complements the government budget funds that were previously used. 

This is certainly good news for the pilot project initiated by the Ministry of Health with the support of PKT UGM, which is expected to be a complementary method for reducing the number of DBD cases in Indonesia, especially in areas where the project is being implemented.

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Artikel Fighting DBD, UGM Applies Wolbachia Technology in Four Major Cities pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The government has allocated IDR 10,000 per portion, with meals tailored to the capabilities of each region. 

“From a planning perspective, I believe IDR 10,000 per child is feasible. Of course, its implementation must be continuously monitored, evaluated, and improved,” said Dr. Toto Sudargo, a nutritionist from UGM, during an interview at the UGM campus on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. 

Dr. Sudargo described the free nutritious meal program as a noble initiative, highlighting that not every country can undertake such a large-scale program. 

He explained that with the budget provided, each region can design menus based on the availability of local resources and natural wealth. 

“Some regions still rely on rice, while in areas like Papua, alternatives like sago, papeda, or corn can be used. For carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, options such as fish, eggs, meat, or other plant-based sources can be adjusted according to regional resources,” he elaborated.

Regarding the allocated IDR 10,000 per portion, Dr. Sudargo believes this cost can be reduced through cross-subsidies and by minimizing additional expenses such as school transportation costs. 

He suggested preparing meals in areas close to the schools to achieve this.

In addition to nutritional and cost aspects, the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) lecturer emphasized the role of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the National Nutrition Agency in overseeing the program’s implementation. 

This oversight ensures the program meets nutritional requirements and maintains food safety until it is consumed.

Dr. Sudargo also stressed the importance of optimizing the presentation of meals. 

He noted that meals should align with children’s preferences to minimize or eliminate food waste. 

“It’s okay if the portions are small, but the meals should be made appealing so children like them and are willing to eat,” he added.

Dr. Sudargo underscored that the MBG program must be implemented thoughtfully, as it directly impacts children—the golden generation of the nation’s future. 

He urged the government to prioritize the quality of the food over the quantity provided. 

“When we provide meals for children, the government must avoid focusing solely on profit or cost efficiency,” he emphasized.

Dr. Sudargo expressed hope that the program would run successfully with the support and involvement of various stakeholders, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the media, and the community. 

These parties, he said, play a vital role in ensuring the program’s continuous improvement. 

“This is a nutrition program for the nation’s future generation. Let’s all work together to refine and support one another to meet the nutritional needs of Indonesian children,” he concluded.

Author: Lazuardi

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Artikel UGM Nutrition Expert: Free Nutritious Meal Menus Must Be Carefully Designed pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” to call on the global community to prioritize universal access to healthcare services, especially for HIV prevention, treatment, and care without discrimination.

HIV management, particularly the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission, is one of the main priorities in Indonesia. The national prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in Indonesia continues to rise. 

“Currently, the figure stands at 0.3 percent, with an estimated 230,000 mothers living with HIV,” explained Professor Ari Probandari, Wednesday (Dec. 4), the principal investigator of the MENJAGA Study team, a collaboration between UGM’s Center for Tropical Medicine (PKT), Sebelas Maret University, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and the University of New South Wales.

In the context of HIV elimination, antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role as the primary platform for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV in pregnant women. 

“Mother-to-child HIV transmission can be prevented. The condition is that pregnant women must undergo HIV testing early and start antiretroviral therapy (ARV) if necessary,” stated Professor Probandari.

Adequate ANC coverage can help achieve the 95-95-95 initiative set by WHO. The goal is 95% ANC coverage, 95% HIV/syphilis/hepatitis B testing coverage for pregnant women, and 95% treatment coverage for those who test positive for HIV/syphilis/hepatitis B.

The MENJAGA Study was conducted in Bandung City and Bogor Regency. Its aim is to help the research team assess the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of continuous quality improvement (CQI) interventions in increasing antenatal testing coverage for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. 

The core of CQI is actively involving healthcare providers to identify issues in the service process and find simple solutions that can be directly implemented. 

“Many of our colleagues from the health department and community health centers (puskesmas) have been actively involved,” explained Ira Dewi Jani, MD, Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) at the Bandung City Health Office.

In early November, CQI meetings were held in both areas to discuss progress during the seven-month intervention phase. 

Bandung City’s Rusunawa Community Health Center reported that in June 2024, HIV/syphilis/hepatitis B testing coverage for pregnant women reached 34%, targeting 339 pregnant women. 

The CQI team at the health center aimed to raise this coverage to 75% by the end of the intervention in September 2024. At the end of the intervention, the health center exceeded the target, achieving 85% coverage. 

This success was attributed to interventions such as partnerships with private health networks or independent midwifery practices within the health center’s service area.

The health center provided reagents in this collaboration, while the network reported the tests conducted at their locations. 

As a result, Rusunawa Health Center increased its coverage numbers and improved its record-keeping and reporting systems, making them more organized and systematic. Other health centers experienced similar benefits. 

“We are grateful to be one of the health centers directly involved in this study,” said Ike Puri Purnama Dewi, MD, Head of UPTD Kopo Health Center, Bandung City.

She noted that they gained a deeper understanding of problem analysis. Moreover, the key success indicators of the planned activities became easier to identify. 

The MENJAGA Study is currently in the end-line data collection stage and is evaluating the intervention processes implemented at each health center. The goal of this study is to assist healthcare services in increasing HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B testing coverage. 

“Through this study, we hope the research team can contribute to achieving triple elimination—eliminating HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B in Indonesia,” said Professor Probandari.

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Artikel Antenatal Testing Helps Prevent HIV Transmission from Pregnant Mothers to Children pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Some of them have just arrived for their lectures. In the southern corner of this campus is a three-story building dominated by bright white paint. 

A bit unique, a statue of a prehistoric human stands on the front terrace of the building, which is named the T Jacob Building, home to the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum.

Upon entering the museum area, visitors are greeted by the warm atmosphere of display lights, highlighting an illustration of the Earth’s transformation from its formation to the present day. The images displayed stand tall as if telling visitors how, billions of years ago, the Earth was formed by a massive explosion. 

This explosion resulted in a cloud of dust and other materials floating in the void, colliding with each other, forming bonds, and eventually creating the cluster we now know as Earth.

Scientists believe that the Earth initially took the form of a hot, unstable sphere with a high surface temperature. About 2.5 billion years ago, the Earth was devoid of life, with volcanoes spewing various materials. 

However, these conditions eventually gave rise to the hydrosphere and atmosphere that supported the first life on Earth. The earliest organisms were single-celled and then evolved into multicellular forms. From there, animals and plants with more complex systems emerged. 

The Earth’s life cycle began with the appearance of ancient creatures like dinosaurs, which later became extinct around 65 million years ago.

Life returned to normal slowly after the dinosaurs’ extinction. During this period, the first prehistoric humans appeared. This raises a question next to the Earth’s story: Who are humans? Who are we?

Another wall in the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum narrates the story of how, long ago, a scientist observed that birds had different types of beaks. From this, the understanding emerged that different beak shapes were adapted to the bird’s diet.

This did not only apply to birds but also to other animals, such as ancient elephants and tigers. This scientist, Charles Darwin, later proposed the theory of evolution.

The same process is believed to have occurred with prehistoric humans before they evolved into modern humans, now labeled as Homo sapiens or wise humans. A skull model is neatly displayed in one corner of the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum. 

It is named Lucy, a fossil of Australopithecus afarensis found in Ethiopia in 1974. Researchers believe Lucy is an ancestor of Homo or the ancestor of modern humans. Other prehistoric human fossils are exhibited in the same display, such as the Nutcracker Man, known for his large teeth and sturdy jaw.

The museum also exhibits a reconstructed skeleton of the Java Man, a female prehistoric human who is believed to have lived in Java tens of thousands of years ago. Her bones are almost complete, with the skull, ribs, and bones of the hands and feet, along with strands of hair still attached. 

This collection is preserved in a transparent box, making it more special than the others.

The revitalization of the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum at UGM offers visitors glimpses of the past and features interactive technology. One of them is a high-tech screen that illustrates a prehistoric human skeleton. 

Visitors can stand in front of the screen, and its sensors detect their movements. Instantly, the screen mirrors the visitor’s movements onto the prehistoric human body. 

The text on the screen explains how physical differences between prehistoric and modern humans allow modern humans to move more gracefully and agilely than their ancestors.

Another interactive feature is a touchscreen that maps archaeological sites around the world. Visitors can simply select a continent, and discovery points will appear. Further details of each site will appear based on the visitor’s selection. 

For example, in Indonesia, one can select the Sangiran Site, one of the most important sites for uncovering the mystery of prehistoric humans. Sangiran was a center of civilization in ancient times and holds invaluable treasures for science. 

The Von Koenigswald fossil is the right jawbone of Homo erectus. Through Sangiran, the figure of T. Jacob introduced us to the ancient inhabitants of Java Island.

The Figure Behind the Prehistoric Human Collection

The name T. Jacob may be unfamiliar to most UGM students today. However, he was a key figure in UGM’s development. Professor Teuku Jacob served as the Rector of UGM from 1981 to 1986.

According to the book Rectors of Universitas Gadjah Mada: An Educational Biography, he graduated from the UGM Faculty of Medicine (FK UGM) in 1956. The following year, he pursued further studies at the University of Arizona, followed by Howard University.

His dedication to UGM began with his role as a lecturer. It did not take long for him to rise to the position of Secretary of FK UGM from 1973 to 1975 before becoming Dean in 1975. Professor Jacob was appointed as Rector of UGM in December 1981. 

In his biography, Aprinus Salam describes the Aceh-born man as a scholar with vast knowledge. This is evident from the various titles he held, the works he produced, and the diverse professional relationships he maintained. 

Professor Jacob is recognized as an expert in fields such as cultural anthropology, environment, archaeology, biology, paleoanthropology, biopolitics, polemology, and more.

Professor Jacob devoted much of his life to science, but his asthma prevented him from tolerating the smell of corpses. As a result, he chose to specialize in physical anthropology. 

His dedication to this field led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the Homo erectus fossil in Sangiran in 1962 and Homo floresiensis in Liang Bua, Flores Island. Professor Jacob’s discoveries disproved the hypothesis that Java Man engaged in headhunting as part of cannibalism practices.

Establishing the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum at UGM is a way to continue preserving knowledge about who we are and introducing it to the public. 

More than that, this museum is a tribute to Professor Jacob’s invaluable contributions to UGM and the world of science. He embarked on a journey in search of answers to the question of who we are.

The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that the existence of the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum is expected to advance knowledge in medicine, biology, paleoanthropology, and anatomy. 

According to Professor Emilia, this museum, the only Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum in Indonesia, serves as a center of excellence with a collection of fossils that will be preserved and utilized for scientific development. Visitors can gain visual references and a unique learning experience from this museum. 

“It will certainly spark curiosity, which is beneficial in the process of honing scientific knowledge,” she explained.

The Dean of FK-KMK UGM, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, explained that the museum’s recent revitalization pays tribute to Professor Teuku Jacob, a prominent figure in paleoanthropology at UGM whose name is enshrined in the museum building. 

The former UGM Rector was known for his humility, down-to-earth nature, and significant contributions, which aligned with the concept of simplicity and became the foundation of the museum’s revitalization.

Professor Mahendradhata then described three sets of statues in front of the museum. The first is a statue of Homo erectus, and the second is a statue of Homo sapiens, symbolizing the end of discrimination based on race or ethnicity. 

“The third statue is our main icon, the end encounter of primates, a symbolic meeting of two primate children from different eras, representing the journey of human evolution,” he said.

Professor Mahendradhata also explained that the Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum is integrated with the Anatomy Museum, which aims to make the faculty a leading center in human anatomy studies. 

The museum is expected to become a place where history, science, and education unite, providing a comprehensive learning experience for students, researchers, and the public. 

“These two museums are not merely spaces for storing artifacts and collections, but they serve as a bridge between the past and the future, continuously connecting us in our efforts to understand evolution, history, and the human body,” Professor Mahendradhata concluded.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photographer: Firsto

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Bio-Paleoanthropology Museum: A Tribute to Teuku Jacob and Human Evolution pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.