Gerry, as he is commonly called, arrived in Antarctica as part of the Russian Antarctica Expedition (RAE) mission, which took place from February to July 2024. 

At the time, Gerry was pursuing a Master’s program in Paleogeography at Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. 

“From the beginning of my studies, I was already offered to join the program, but we had to know what we would be researching,” said Gerry Wednesday (Jan. 22).

He chose to specialize in geomorphology and was an expert in radar interpretation. His participation in the Antarctica expedition made Gerry the first Indonesian and ASEAN national to join the RAE, which has been running for 69 editions. 

He departed with the RAE team aboard the Russian research vessel Akademik Tyroshnikov. The ship sailed for three weeks, stopping briefly in Cape Town, South Africa, before continuing to Antarctica.

Gerry and the RAE team were required to use helicopters for mobilization, with the research team returning to the ship daily. He was stationed at Mirny Station, one of the oldest monitoring stations in Antarctica.

Gerry’s research involved reconstructing a new atlas of King George Island for the Russian government. 

He simplified existing variables into geomorphological mapping that could be applied with specific characteristics. In addition, Gerry and his team discovered a 130-million-year-old wooden fossil. 

“This can prove that Antarctica was once covered in greenery, just like other parts of the Earth,” said the Geography and Environmental Science alumnus.

The unpredictable conditions in Antarctica required careful work planning. According to Gerry, even shower schedules had to be regulated, and time was reset daily, meaning the day’s hours could shift forward or backward. 

Gerry added that the direction of the Qibla also changed daily. Strong winds reaching up to 300 km/h further aggravated these conditions, often forcing Gerry and his team to spend nights at the station.

Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan, a lecturer in the Department of Geological Engineering at UGM, also faced challenges during his exploration of Antarctica from November 2016 to March 2017. 

Dr. Nugroho, as we refer to him, often experienced persistent itching and had to take daily medication to prevent allergic reactions. The situation worsened due to the absence of heating in the tents, which forced him to wear three layers of clothing at all times.

“We couldn’t even take a shower,” Dr. Nugroho joked.

Even the feces produced had to be brought back, as the extreme temperatures prevented decomposer bacteria from surviving. The feces were later brought back to the ship and incinerated.

Dr. Nugroho never imagined he would set foot on the southernmost continent on Earth. His journey began in 2010 when he pursued his PhD in Japan. 

Japan, a country that regularly conducts expeditions and invites other Asian researchers to Antarctica through the Japan Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE), presented this opportunity. 

He applied to the program in 2011, but it was canceled after the March 2011 tsunami struck Japan. 

“I had already applied, but the program was closed, and the funds were redirected for post-tsunami recovery,” said Dr. Nugroho.

He was only contacted again in 2015, after completing his doctoral program, and promptly underwent a selection process involving an interview and health check. He then joined five Japanese researchers and two others from Mongolia and Thailand.

Being a researcher in Antarctica meant preparing for all possible scenarios. For a month, he underwent intensive training on using equipment in the snow, dressing appropriately, surviving in emergencies, setting up tents, cooking, and managing sanitation.

Antarctica’s conditions are vastly different from those found anywhere else in the world. He remembered Antarctica as not feeling like part of Earth due to its pristine whiteness stretching as far as the eye can see.

“I joined an eight-member geology team. At that time, Antarctica was in summer, so the sun shone 24 hours a day, with nighttime temperatures of around -5 degrees and daytime temperatures of -2 degrees,” he recalled.

The silence added to the surreal atmosphere. Dr. Nugroho remembered hearing only his team’s voices and the sounds of melting ice due to climate change, occasionally encountering penguins and Weddell seals.

The entire JARE 58 team comprised 80 members, 35 of whom were researchers. The research was divided into ten topics: meteorology, atmospheric science, terrestrial biology, oceanography, geophysics, geodesy, and geology. The study lasted four months, from Nov. 27, 2016, to Mar. 22, 2017. 

However, according to Dr. Nugroho, effective research could only take place for 30 days due to the extreme weather conditions. Frequent windstorms forced the research team to wait for better conditions.

Dr. Nugroho explained that the geology team’s daily routine involved collecting metamorphic rock samples from various research locations. They explored eight geological survey points: Akebono, Akarui, Tenmodai, Skallevikhalsen, Rundvageshtta, Langdove, West Ogul, and Mt. Riiser Larsen. 

“We sought to uncover metamorphic rocks, the oldest rocks on Earth, dating back 3.8 billion years, found in Antarctica. We aimed to reconstruct and detail previously existing data on Antarctica’s metamorphic rocks, including their composition, age, and the processes that formed them,” he explained.

During the expedition, he encountered only two types of rocks at the research locations: metamorphic and granitoid rocks, or a combination of both, known as migmatite. Rocks with a honeycomb structure, formed by wind erosion in the dry climate, were also commonly found. 

Dr. Nugroho noted that the rocks he found were similar to those in Sri Lanka. According to him, Antarctica and Sri Lanka once comprised the same landmass.

Gerry and Dr. Nugroho’s participation in exploring Antarctica as UGM alumni marks their names in history, as only four Indonesians have ever set foot there. 

This notable achievement contributes to UGM’s vision of becoming a global university. Both expressed hope that their efforts would not end with them. 

“I hope other UGM friends can continue to Antarctica,” Gerry said.

He also hoped that the Indonesian government would take an interest in Antarctica, which is located in the same ocean as Indonesia. He mentioned that everyone needs to know that when Antarctica faces challenges, the whole world, including Indonesia, will be indirectly affected. 

Therefore, Indonesia should establish a dedicated Antarctic research institution to be present and directly study Antarctica.

Echoing Gerry’s sentiments, Dr. Nugroho urged UGM and Indonesia to respond quickly to strategic issues like geopolitics and climate change, which are closely linked to Antarctica’s current existence. 

“Antarctica is like a time machine that stores the Earth’s past and could provide information to address future challenges, so we need to be prepared,” Dr. Nugroho concluded.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos: Gerry & Nugroho

Artikel UGM Alumni Gerry & Nugroho Advance Research Through Antarctica Exploration pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Minister of Forestry of Indonesia, Raja Juli Antoni, stated this following his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. 

The proposal has sparked various reactions from the public. Experts at UGM collectively recommended that, as of now, there is no urgency for the government to open new land massively, even though the policy aims to increase food availability. 

Instead, they urged the government to improve the current agricultural system, which is considered suboptimal.

These views emerged during the Pemikiran Bulaksumur seminar organized by the UGM Board of Professors, titled “Debate, Dilemmas, and Solutions for the 20 Million Hectares of Forest for Food Policy,” on Thursday (Jan. 16).

Professor Subejo, an agricultural socio-economic policy observer, noted that many factors affect the stability of food production, which is disrupted by inefficient fertilizer use, limited agricultural equipment, and insufficient agricultural irrigation.

Moreover, the agricultural sector faces the challenge of an aging farmer population, with few young people interested in farming. 

“The government’s task is to encourage young Indonesians to enter the agricultural sector for regeneration,” he explained.

Additionally, Professor Subejo stated that the competency level of human resources in the farming sector remains low, as most farmers have only completed elementary school education. 

“All these factors must be addressed and managed properly, as they will significantly impact Indonesia’s future food security,” he said.

The plan to convert 20 million hectares of land into energy sources is also considered unnecessary at present. The current palm oil forests can still meet the demand for palm oil or bioethanol-based energy.

Furthermore, forest land clearing brings numerous side effects, and within the framework of sustainable development, it is crucial to consider the balance of biodiversity and food availability.

Professor Widiyatno from the UGM Faculty of Forestry stated that the government does not need to open new land by damaging forests but can instead utilize already unproductive or degraded forest land. 

Moreover, the government has committed to reducing carbon emissions to less than 198.27 million tons by 2025. 

“Land clearing would be more appropriate if it utilizes degraded forests, making them productive and beneficial for both food and the environment,” he emphasized.

Regarding the current food project proposed by the government, Professor Widiyatno acknowledged that similar programs have existed since colonial times and have the potential to create traumatic vulnerability. 

Land clearing impacts environmental balance and the social conditions of affected communities. Indigenous peoples living near forests, for instance, have often been given false promises and hope by the government. Various methods are used to acquire their land. 

“Ultimately, this only causes internal conflicts within communities due to land control politics. Their land is taken, but their welfare is not improved,” he said.

UGM anthropologist Dr. Laksmi Adriani Savitri urged the government to reassess the plan to open 20 million hectares of forest to avoid potential conflicts with Indigenous peoples or communities living around the forest. 

“Our society wants to be invited to sit down and talk as equals,” she stated.

Author: Jelita Agustine

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Experts Urge Government to Reassess Plan to Open 20 Million Hectares of Land pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Furthermore, the president’s comparison of palm oil plants to natural forest plants was considered misleading. 

The Dean of UGM’s Faculty of Biology and Chair of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, strongly rejected the expansion of palm oil plantations, which could threaten the return of forest destruction and biodiversity loss. 

“We strongly oppose the president’s plan. Numerous studies have shown that palm oil plantations cannot serve as wildlife habitats, and biodiversity is almost non-existent in these plantations,” said Professor Daryono in a statement sent to journalists on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.

According to him, extensive palm oil plantations with monoculture models have proven to increase human-wildlife conflicts and reduce the populations of protected species such as orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and Sumatran tigers. 

“Flora and fauna, particularly those under protection, are increasingly threatened due to deforestation caused by palm oil plantation expansion,” he explained.

Additionally, President Prabowo should implement Presidential Instruction No. 5 of 2019 on the cessation of new permits and the improvement of the management of primary natural forests and peatlands. 

“From this Presidential Instruction, an area of 66.2 million hectares of forest and peatlands, equivalent to the size of France, can be saved from destruction,” he said.

Professor Daryono also emphasized that the government should remain consistent in enforcing regulations, particularly Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2023 on the integration of biodiversity conservation into sustainable development. 

Furthermore, he argued that Prabowo’s statement equating palm oil plants with forest plants was misleading to the public, as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has already issued regulations clarifying that palm oil is not a forest plant. 

“Ministerial Regulation No. P.23/2021 clearly states that palm oil is not considered a plant for forest and land rehabilitation,” he noted.

Finally, he urged the president to be more cautious when expressing his opinions to avoid causing public controversy or misleading statements. 

He suggested that the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) should formulate policies, especially those with significant impacts on society, the environment, and global implications, with the involvement of relevant ministries, experts, practitioners, and civil society. 

“This way, the impacts of new policies on society, the environment, and the national economy can be predicted,” he explained.

Similarly, Professor Hadi Ali Kodra and Dr. Wiratno, advisory board members of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index Committee (IBI)-KOBI, reminded the government to remain committed to global interests through the ratification of various international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, among others.

According to them, Indonesia is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, alongside Brazil and Congo. 

Combined with its marine waters, Indonesia is home to the Coral Triangle, placing the country at the forefront globally. 

The vast biodiversity in Indonesia should be protected, not destroyed through deforestation.

Indonesia is home to 125 million hectares of state-owned forest areas surrounded by 27,000 villages. 

In conservation areas covering 26.9 million hectares, more than 16 million farming families reside in over 6,700 villages. 

“Thus, the conservation of forests directly impacts the safety and well-being of millions of farming families,” they concluded.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Photo: Freepik and Econusa

Artikel UGM Expert Warns Against Deforestation Risks of Palm Oil Expansion pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

A total of 7,500 seedlings were planted in the UGM Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) located in Tlogotuwung Village, Tuwung Hamlet, Randublatung District, Blora Regency, Central Java Province.

The tree planting event, “One Tree, A Thousand Benefits: Greening the Earth for a Sustainable Homeland,” aimed to restore ecosystems and preserve nature through tree planting to support environmental sustainability. 

“This activity, attended by almost 300 participants, mostly from the 2023 cohort, is expected to be a learning and research platform for students as a future asset, particularly in the workforce,” said Dr. Winastuti Dwi Atmanto, the supervising lecturer, Friday (Dec. 27).

Dr. Atmanto explained that the 2024 Tree Planting event by the UGM Faculty of Forestry encompassed land preparation, seedling production, and planting. 

The planting took place in nine blocks within the KHDTK UGM area in Getas Village. Each block contained various types of seedlings that would serve as boundary plants and filler plants. 

“The seedlings used in this planting are nurtured by the 2023 cohort from the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Management Program, and the nurturing process has been ongoing since March,” she explained.

She added that the tree seedlings planted included 984 Casuarina equisetifolia (beach she-oak), 1,313 Casuarina junghuhniana (mountain she-oak), 671 Mimusops elengi (Spanish cherry), 97 Swietenia mahagoni (mahogany), 914 Artocarpus heterophyillus (jackfruit), 274 Syzygium polyanthum (Indonesian bay leaf), 264 Hopea odorata (merawan), and 81 Eucalyptus. 

Other species included 60 Pouteria campechiana (canistel), 314 Sterculia foetida (peanut tree), 475 Pometia pinnata(matoa), 103 Anacardium occidentale (cashew), and 63 Tamarindus indica (tamarind).

Additionally, 12 Durio zibethinus (durian), 17 Sapindus rarak (soapberry), 2 Terminalia catappa (tropical almond), 20 Samanea saman (rain tree), 2 Annona muricata (soursop), and 11 Adenanthera pavonina (red sandalwood) were also planted during the event.

She further explained that collected seeds were sown in seed beds, a method used to grow seeds with optimal nutrients before being transplanted. In addition to self-maintained seedlings, Perum Perhutani donated 1,500 teak (Tectona grandis) and 1,000 Indigofera seedlings. 

“The seedlings were obtained by gathering seeds from fruiting trees and also through contributions from participants who brought seedlings from their respective regions after the semester break,” Dr. Atmanto added.

Earlier, the seedlings were nurtured on land owned by Dr. Winastuti in Yogyakarta. The Tree Planting Committee then transported them to the planting site on Dec. 6, 2024, using two pick-up trucks. 

During the planting event, participants were divided into several teams to plant the seedlings across nine blocks.

The planting began with the staking of boundary plants, with planting distances of 1 m × 1 m for Indigofera seedlings, 2 m × 2 m, and 3 m × 3 m for other filler plants. 

The event was attended by Dr. Dwiko Budi Permadi, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Rohman, a UGM Faculty of Forestry lecturer, and representatives from the Ngawi Forest Management Unit (KPH).

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Students Plant 7,500 Tree Seedlings in Randublatung, Blora 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.

The conference, which brought together 528 delegates from 39 countries, representing 76 universities and 37 research institutions, served as a platform for academic exchange in ornithology across Asia, promoting research and conservation efforts. 

Ornithology, as a field, focuses on the study of bird physiology, evolution, and behavior.  

Organized by the International Ornithology Union (IOU), the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the International Zoological Society, the China Ornithological Society, and the Avian Research journal, the event awarded Dudi Nandika the “First Prize Poster Award” and Dwi Agustinathe “First Prize Presentation Award.” 

Both also received Travel Awards from the AOC Committee.  

Nandika, a doctoral student at UGM’s Faculty of Biology, presented his research titled “Recent Data Analysis of Feeding Guilds in Bird Communities as Bioindicators for Manusela National Park Management in Maluku.”

His study explores bird population data and species composition in Manusela National Park, intended to support area management and inform policy decisions regarding bird species conservation.  

Nandika explained that the research was motivated by the alarming threat of illegal hunting in Maluku, where 86% of confiscated wildlife is bird species. 

He emphasized the ecological importance of birds in ecosystems and the urgent need for policies to protect avian species in the park. 

“Illegal hunting poses the greatest threat to wild birds in Maluku. Of the wildlife seized by the Natural Resources Conservation Agency, 86% are birds,” Nandika stated on Monday (Nov. 25).  

The bird species in Manusela National Park represent various habitat types and elevations. Their ecological roles make them vital indicators of environmental health and habitat changes. 

“Effective policies are needed to protect bird species in Manusela National Park,” he added.  

Meanwhile, Agustina, a master’s student from UGM’s Faculty of Biology, presented her research, “Aligning Cockatoo Conservation Efforts with Local Huaulu Customary Wisdom on Seram Island, Maluku, Indonesia.” 

Her study examines conflicts between the Huaulu indigenous community and the government. The Huaulu people traditionally hunt cockatoos to use their crests in cultural ceremonies, which conflicts with the government’s conservation efforts.  

“This research was conducted to find a peaceful solution to this conflict,” Agustina explained. 

The study identified a compromise that satisfied both parties: the use of naturally shed cockatoo feathers in traditional ceremonies. This allows the Huaulu people to uphold their customs without hunting the birds, thereby supporting conservation goals. 

“This agreement aligns cockatoo conservation efforts with the Huaulu community’s local wisdom,” she noted.  

Agustina expressed hope that conservation efforts in Maluku would succeed in restoring endangered species populations. 

“By reactivating the seli kaitahu customary practice to manage hunting and forest use in indigenous territories, we can help depleted wildlife populations recover,” she said.  

The Dean of UGM’s Faculty of Biology, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, applauded the two students’ achievements and stressed the importance of their research for Indonesia’s communities. 

He noted that the students have long been active in bird conservation, particularly of parrots, and that this conference provided them with opportunities to promote their work, expand their networks, and deepen their expertise globally.  

Author: Hanif  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Two UGM Students Win International Awards for Parrot Population Study in Manusela National Park pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In addition to developing new and renewable energy, mangrove forest conservation holds significant potential for reducing the carbon emissions produced in Indonesia. 

However, recording mangrove carbon stocks requires specialized expertise. Therefore, UGM trained 80 researchers and carbon absorption recorders from various regions across Indonesia.

“Mangroves have the potential to store carbon, acting as carbon sinks. They store carbon both in the trees and in the soil beneath. In fact, the soil holds more carbon—about 70-80 percent of the carbon absorption occurs in the soil,” said UGM Faculty of Geography lecturer Professor Muhammad Kamal.

This speech was delivered during the Ecosystem-Based Approach (Eba) Training for Mangrove Conservation and Mangrove Surface Carbon Stock Mapping to Support Indonesia’s Folu Net Sink 2030 Program at Hotel Santika Yogyakarta on Wednesday (Nov. 20).

According to Professor Kamal, mangroves’ ability to store carbon, both in the mangrove trees themselves and in the soil where they grow, makes them highly potent in reducing Indonesia’s carbon emissions.

He mentioned that Indonesia possesses significant mangrove resources that must be preserved. Mangrove forests can significantly increase carbon absorption, positioning Indonesia to play a substantial role in mitigating climate change and global warming.

However, mapping and recording the carbon stock produced by mangroves has not been fully mastered due to the need for specific skills and expertise. 

“We are providing training on the ability to estimate and calculate the amount of carbon stored in mangrove trees,” said Professor Kamal.

He explained that the 80 participants, who came from various institutions, could bring the skills they had acquired back to their respective regions and use them to calculate the amount of carbon absorbed by mangroves in their areas. 

This way, the reduced carbon emissions due to mangroves across various regions in Indonesia can be tracked.

Professor Kamal hopes that the preservation of mangrove trees will continue and that mangroves’ carbon absorption will become a significant contribution from Indonesia on the international stage in addressing climate change issues.

Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, noted that this training is not limited to theory and practice but also involves enhancing human resources and developing the participants’ talents. 

According to him, this training is a strategic effort for Indonesia in environmental management. 

“The key to this training is sustainable land management. All vegetation can thrive if the landscape is well-maintained,” said Dr. Hadmoko.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kusdamayanti, Head of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Training Center, emphasized the importance of training in improving human resource quality. 

The diversity of the training participants brings advantages as they come from various regions. 

“Hopefully, the participants can apply what they have learned in their respective areas,” she said.

UGM’s Faculty of Geography, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) of the Republic of Indonesia, organized the Landscape Dynamics Modeling Training for Sustainable Environmental and Natural Resource Management. 

This also included the Ecosystem-Based Approach (Eba) Training for Mangrove Conservation and Surface Carbon Stock Mapping, aimed at supporting Indonesia’s Folu Net Sink 2030 Program. The event took place at Hotel Santika and Hotel Porta on Nov.19-22, 2024.

The 4-day training consists of three days of theoretical lessons, while practical lessons will take place on the fourth day. On the third day, participants will practice data acquisition in landscape dynamic modeling. After the data collection, participants will discuss their findings.

Authors: Hanif and Tiefany

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photo: Freepik

Artikel UGM Trains 80 Researchers to Track Mangrove Carbon Stocks for Indonesia’s Emission Reduction Goals pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This launchment was held in Wilderness Zone B of the Central Government Core Area (KIPP), IKN. 

The inauguration of this educational and research forest, which will be managed by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was marked by the president signing a certificate on Sukai wood, witnessed by the UGM Rector and several ministers.

The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that UGM’s Wanagama Nusantara initiative focuses on developing a multidisciplinary educational and research forest. 

This forest is located within the Central Government Core Area of IKN and covers 621 hectares. 

“Through the inauguration of the Wanagama Nusantara forest, UGM is committed to contributing to the realization of IKN as a smart forest city through the Wanagama Nusantara concept,” Professor Emilia said.

The rector hopes Wanagama Nusantara will support IKN’s vision of being a forest city, one of President Joko Widodo’s priorities, as mandated by Article 22 of Law No. 3 of 2022. 

Wanagama Nusantara’s existence is part of UGM’s commitment to supporting the development of IKN as a sustainable city. 

“We hope Wanagama Nusantara will become the window to the tropical world, with key programs including the development of forest education zones, the establishment of the Institute for Future Life, restoration, reforestation, and enrichment planting,” she added.

As an educational and research forest, the UGM Rector explained that Wanagama Nusantara integrates various disciplines and faculties at UGM. 

The forest is also expected to become a model for tropical rainforest restoration, managing hydrology and microclimate in IKN, and conserving native species of tropical rainforest plants from extinction.

Additionally, Wanagama Nusantara will serve as a facility for developing several scientific clusters that support the IKN ecosystem. 

UGM also plans to establish the Institute for Future Life as an educational and research facility within Wanagama Nusantara, using a smart and green building concept.

Pungky Widia Rianto, Director of Forestry and Water Resources Development at the IKN Authority, added that Wanagama Nusantara covers 621 hectares in total, with an initial development of 28 hectares.

In the future, he mentioned that there will be an expansion with deforestation carried out according to specific zones, such as tropical forests, energy forests, pharmaceutical forests, and eco-tourism forests. 

“In addition to serving researchers and students, this forest will also be open to the general public and students at all educational levels,” he explained.

After the launch of Wanagama Nusantara, President Jokowi, along with several ministers, symbolically planted trees and released several birds. They were followed by ministers, the UGM Rector, students, partners, and the surrounding IKN community. 

Notable figures present at the event included Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya, Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, and Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi.

Another was the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Agus Subiyanto, and the Chief of the Indonesian National Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with leaders from UGM and its faculties.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afif

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel President Joko Widodo Launches Wanagama Nusantara Forest pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

However, public awareness of these culturally significant trees is limited, partly due to the lack of information available. In addition to cultural trees, several rare tree species in Yogyakarta have been prioritized for conservation at the provincial level. 

To address these challenges, a team from UGM’s Student Creativity Program in Innovative Work (PKM-KI) has developed the Integrated System of Tree Information (ISTI) tool that detects tree disturbances using sound and vibration sensors.

The development of ISTI was funded by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) of the Ministry of Education and Culture. 

The team is composed of three students from the Faculty of Forestry and two from the Faculty of Engineering. It is led by Safiera Anindya Syaafiyana from the Forestry program, with members Muhammad Hisyam (Electrical Engineering), Perwira Akhdan Zumarsyah (Information Technology), Septia Maharani Sinaga (Forestry), and Zaini Silvia Aryani (Forestry).

Syaafiyana explained that the tool integrates software and hardware to serve as an information medium for cultural and rare trees in Yogyakarta. 

The team also developed a website that is accessible at (http://app.isti.online) containing articles, distribution maps, and details about cultural and rare trees like the Mentaok and Sawo Kecik. 

“Location points also complement the distribution of tree species on a digital map,” Syaafiyana said in a statement to reporters on Thursday (Aug. 22).

The tool can also remotely monitor these culturally significant and rare trees. It functions as a detector for illegal logging and can identify disturbances to the trees using sound and vibration sensors. 

Additionally, the detector sends signals to nearby residents if a tree is cut down or dies, and the website provides real-time updates. 

“Our team worked cohesively, and every member contributed their expertise based on their respective academic backgrounds,” Syaafiyana noted.

A team member, Muhammad Hisyam, hopes this innovation will significantly benefit environmental and cultural conservation efforts in Yogyakarta. 

“Early detection can help prevent illegal logging, making conservation efforts for these valuable trees more effective,” he emphasized.

Hisyam added that the development of ISTI’s information platform on the website is expected to become a vital reference for the public and researchers interested in Yogyakarta’s biological and cultural wealth.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Students Develop Conservation Tool for Rare Trees in Yogyakarta pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

With his full membership, Dr. Priyono hopes to enhance the handling of wildlife crimes in Indonesia, a country known for its extraordinary biodiversity and a hub for illegal wildlife trade.

Dr. Priyono shared that through this membership, he aims to collaborate with international experts to develop more effective methods for addressing wildlife crimes and supporting efforts to conserve endangered species in Indonesia. 

“My main motivation for joining SWFS is to expand my professional network and access the latest knowledge in wildlife forensic science, particularly in DNA approaches,” Dr. Priyono stated in his remarks to reporters on Wednesday (Aug. 21).

As Indonesia is a center of global mega biodiversity, tackling wildlife crimes is increasingly complex. According to him, illegal wildlife trade often involves confiscated goods that are not intact, making it difficult to identify them morphologically. 

“Skills in DNA testing are crucial,” he emphasized.

Becoming a full member of SWFS is not easy. Dr. Priyono had to undergo a rigorous selection process, which included assessing his portfolio in wildlife forensic DNA and securing at least two recommendations from international wildlife forensic experts. The biggest challenge he faced was meeting the high standards set by SWFS. 

“My involvement in assisting various cases with agencies such as the Indonesian National Police Headquarters, the Police Intelligence and Security Agency, and the scientific work that has been published helped me secure this full membership,” he revealed.

Dr. Priyono’s expertise in forensic DNA identification techniques did not emerge overnight. Before becoming a lecturer at UGM, he was deeply involved in wildlife conservation with various NGOs. 

“Wildlife forensic DNA technology is not new in global conservation, but it has not been widely adopted in Indonesia due to limited human resources and facilities,” he explained.

With his academic background, Dr. Priyono aims to contribute scientifically to support legal actions against wildlife trade violations in Indonesia. He shared that his team uses forensic DNA techniques to analyze forensic evidence from wildlife cases. 

“We use DNA techniques to identify species and confirm whether the evidence comes from protected species,” he explained. 

One of his most memorable cases was successfully identifying the geographical origin of smuggled elephant tusks. 

“The results of this analysis played a crucial role in the legal process and supported conservation efforts by providing strong scientific evidence,” he added.

As a full member of SWFS, Dr. Priyono is now involved in developing wildlife forensic standards, sharing knowledge, and participating in global projects. 

He plans to develop a project to create a comprehensive wildlife forensic database in Indonesia and enhance local capacity through training and workshops. 

“These activities are expected to strengthen law enforcement and conservation efforts by providing better tools for forensic analysis,” he hopes.

Despite facing significant challenges, such as limited facilities and technology and the lack of an endemic wildlife DNA database, Dr. Priyono remains optimistic about the future of wildlife forensics in Indonesia. 

With international support and stronger collaboration, he believes that local capacity in handling wildlife cases will continue to improve. 

“Support from international institutions and the experience I gain from SWFS membership will bolster conservation and law enforcement efforts in Indonesia,” Dr. Priyono concluded.

Author: Dita  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Biology Lecturer Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono Becomes Member of International Wildlife Forensic Science Society pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.