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.

UGM Biology lecturer Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya is researching the fungus Rhodotorula glutinis, commonly known as red yeast, as an alternative energy source. 

This fungus can be found in various environments and isolated from air, soil, grass, lakes, seas, food, fruits, human skin, and human waste. 

This research aims to optimize the use of microorganisms for bioenergy production as a renewable energy source to replace fossil fuels.

Dr. Aristya mentioned the potential of red yeast as an alternative energy source. Red yeast has great potential due to its ability to accumulate and produce large amounts of lipids. 

“In some cases, lipid accumulation in R. glutinis can reach 72.4%, making it a potential lipid producer for energy sources,” she told reporters on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

Its ability to produce large amounts of lipids comes from a biosynthetic pathway that allows this microorganism to convert various carbon sources into high-value compounds, including lipids or other biopolymers. 

The development of lipid products can go beyond biofuels to biopolymer products such as bioplastic polymers like polyhydroxybutyrate.

“Optimizing the synthesis of essential compounds in this red yeast can be done through process, genetic, or metabolic engineering,” he explained.

Dr. Aristya said the selection of red yeast or R. glutinis as research material is based on its ability to accumulate high levels of lipids, particularly triacylglycerol (TAG), which can be converted into energy in the form of biofuel. 

“R. glutinis was also chosen because of its ability to grow on various substrates,” he said.

Not stopping there, red yeast’s ability to produce lipids over 15% of its dry cell weight, it can also metabolize various compounds used as carbon sources, such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, organic acids, glycerol, raw materials, industrial by-products, and wastewater.

It is important to note that this fungus produces and accumulates lipids in large amounts when nitrogen is limited but carbon is sufficient. 

Under such conditions, the yeast redirects its metabolism to lipid biosynthesis as an energy reserve in the form of Triacylglycerol (TAG).

The resulting lipids can be extracted and converted into biodiesel as an energy source. 

“The lipids obtained from the yeast cells will be converted into biodiesel through transesterification, reacting TAG with methanol to produce biodiesel as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). The biodiesel obtained can be used as energy,” she said.

Research on the genetic engineering of this microorganism has been ongoing for eight years. 

For this research, Dr. Aristya and her team received a research grant from the Indonesia Toray Science Foundation (ITSF) under the Science and Technology Research Grant (STRG) category. 

With her work titled ‘Yeast Bioengineering for Sustainable Lipid-Based Energy Production from Rhodotorula glutinis,’ Dr. Aristya was one of 18 recipients of the STRG-ITSF award in 2025 on Jan. 30 in Jakarta.

Author: Jelita Agustine  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Artikel UGM Lecturer Studies Potential of Red Yeast for Alternative Energy Source pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This award was granted for her dedicated research on microprotein developed from soybean boiling water.

Dr. Wikandari has been conducting research on microproteins for approximately four years. According to her, microproteins are an alternative protein with nutritional content between meat and soybeans. 

Its amino acid content is also more complete than that of soybeans. Microprotein itself is made from the mycelium of tempeh mushrooms grown in a liquid medium. 

The harvested texture resembles dough, making it easy to shape into forms like meatballs or sausages. 

“However, there is still a need for development to make the texture of the harvested product similar to chicken meat,” Dr. Wikandari said on Tuesday (Feb. 4).

Regarding her expertise in food processing, Dr. Wikandari mentioned that this microprotein’s advantages go beyond its nutritional value. 

The production process is relatively short, taking just two days, and the yield can be up to one kilogram. Moreover, the reactor needed is only 1×1 meters in size, making it space-efficient. 

“The enzymes it contains can grow on various substrates, such as soybean boiling water,” she explained.

She added that in addition to its nutritional benefits, microprotein production can help address the waste problem generated by the tempeh industry and increase income for tempeh vendors. 

Currently, Dr. Wikandari is working on a sterilization model for the medium, and further research is being conducted on the reactor to simplify it for commercialization.

Dr. Wikandari’s research not only led her to win the Hitachi Award but also earned her several other awards, including the L’Oreal – Unesco for Women in Science National Fellowship 2024 Award Academy.

Dr. Wikandari noted that this award motivated her even more to continue making tangible contributions to society. She acknowledged that introducing this research to the public posed its challenges. 

The lecturer explained that Indonesian society tends to be resistant to new food products, a phenomenon known as food neophobia. However, the mushrooms used in microprotein are the same as those found in tempeh, so there is no need to be concerned about consuming microprotein products. 

“It does need to be cooked beforehand, as it contains RNA that could potentially cause gout, but the microprotein product is safe to consume, just like tempeh,” she said.

In December 2024, Dr. Wikandari introduced microprotein to the public by collaborating with a chef to prepare it as spaghetti. The public response was positive, and many enjoyed the microprotein dish. They remarked that its texture was similar to sausage.

Dr. Wikandari hopes that the research on alternative food potential she has developed can help solve societal problems by exploring and utilizing local food resources.

Author: Jelita Agustine

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos by: Firsto and Shutterstock

Artikel Investigating Microprotein Benefits in Tempeh Mushrooms, Dr. Rachma Wikandari Wins Hitachi Award pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This is exemplified by the achievements of two of its alumni, Gerry Utama and Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan, who successfully explored Antarctica for international research missions.

UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia praised the two researchers’ accomplishments during a meeting on Monday (Feb. 2). 

She believes that the work of Dr. Nugroho and Gerry, as they are commonly called, will motivate other scientists in Indonesia. 

Professor Emilia stated that their success proves that Indonesia, particularly UGM, possesses human resources that are on par with those of other developed nations. She promised to encourage UGM’s involvement in further research and policies related to Antarctica. 

“Research is always dynamic. I think there will be a need for a laboratory or an Antarctic Study Center that we can develop because there’s great potential in this field. If we can contribute positively to the nation and the world, UGM will support it,” said Professor Emilia.

Regarding the Antarctic Treaty System, which 58 countries have signed, Professor Emilia acknowledged that much coordination is still required with the Indonesian government officials. 

The Antarctic Treaty is an important instrument for a country to actively participate in extensive exploration of Antarctica. 

Although Indonesia has yet to declare its readiness to sign the Antarctic Treaty, Professor Emilia stated that UGM is always prepared to support the process. 

“We need to speak directly with the government, and we will present the good points, what UGM has already done, and what needs to be prepared,” explained the rector.

Professor Emilia highlighted that UGM’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty is part of the university’s effort to continuously contribute to global research that directly impacts environmental sustainability and climate change. 

By supporting the participation of Indonesian students and researchers in international scientific expeditions, UGM plays a crucial role in strengthening Indonesia’s position in managing the Antarctic region. 

“We want to raise awareness about the importance of Antarctica as an area that requires serious attention from the entire international community,” she concluded.

Gerry, an alumnus of UGM’s Faculty of Geography, became the first Indonesian and ASEAN citizen to participate in the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) from February to July 2024 while pursuing his Master’s in Paleogeography at Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. 

During the expedition, Gerry researched geomorphology and paleogeography to reconstruct a new atlas of Russia’s King George Island. Gerry’s research is particularly significant in the context of global climate change, which is currently a major concern worldwide. 

“Aside from wood fossils, I also mapped moss with varying colors. This serves as an important indicator in understanding the climate dynamics in Antarctica and the world,” he emphasized.

Gerry (31), who became the youngest researcher in Indonesia’s mission to Antarctica, recounted that he and his team discovered a massive iceberg three days after the ship landed.

If reconstructed, the release of such a large iceberg from the ice sheet also indicates faster ice melt, which could disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems and pose greater threats to coastal habitats. 

“Indonesia should be more aware of this phenomenon since our country is largely composed of seas. Therefore, signing the Antarctic Treaty should be a priority,” he added.

Dr. Nugroho Imam Setiawan (43), a lecturer from the Department of Geological Engineering at the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), participated in the Japan Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) from 2016 to 2017. 

During the expedition, he conducted research on the evolution of the Antarctic continent through the petrology study of methanol rocks, which are aged between 2.5 billion and 500 million years.

Dr. Nugroho successfully published seven international journals from his Antarctic mission, contributing to the global development of geological studies. 

Dr. Nugroho also brought home rock samples with a honeycomb structure, which he found in Antarctica, and has donated them to the UGM Biology Museum and the Bandung Geological Museum.

The first Indonesian geologist to research the Antarctic continent explained that Antarctica is a terra incognita, or land largely unknown to humans, so the research conducted there will undoubtedly provide important insights, especially in earth sciences. 

Echoing Gerry, Dr. Nugroho hopes the Indonesian government will pay more attention to natural phenomena occurring in Antarctica. 

“We must remember that Indonesia and Antarctica are not separate; we share the same summit ground. So, I believe it’s quite important for Indonesia to get involved in strategic issues like geopolitics and climate change to prepare for potential future scenarios,” he emphasized.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel UGM Ready to Encourage Indonesia’s Participation in Antarctic Treaty pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Upon graduating and applying to become a lecturer, Professor Subandi merged both disciplines to create a culture- and spirituality-based mental health therapy.

The professor from UGM’s Faculty of Psychology shared the long journey of his career as an academic. Since beginning his service in 1986, he has been actively involved in the tri-dharma of higher education, particularly research. 

Although he has a background in psychology, he has a deep interest in anthropology, which is supported by his passion for writing. 

After following his mentor’s advice to pursue Psychology at UGM and being accepted as a student, he continued to explore anthropology through research and international collaboration, which continues to this day.

His love for anthropology deepened when he collaborated with international anthropologists. In 1996, he became an assistant to Professor Byron Good, a Harvard University mental health anthropologist. 

“This collaboration has lasted for over 25 years, resulting in in-depth research on mental health from a cultural perspective,” he recalled on Saturday (Jan. 11).

Additionally, Professor Subandi worked with Dr. Julia Howell from Griffith University in Australia for five years. This collaboration integrated anthropology approaches into his mental health research, including developing culturally and spiritually based mental health service systems. 

“We didn’t just collect data, but we also conducted action research so that our studies had a direct, real impact on society,” he explained.

Professor Subandi’s success in combining psychology and anthropology has made him known as an academic who focuses on culture—and spirituality-based mental health. 

Professor Subandi is also an expert in psychological methodology, design and analysis, religious psychology, and health, as well as clinical and counseling psychology. 

“I always view mental health from the individual’s perspective and the societal, cultural, and spiritual contexts. Islamic psychology and cultural psychology are also part of my focus,” he said.

He innovated a referral model at mental hospitals from his international research efforts. This innovation ensures that after getting treatments in hospitals, patients with mental disorders receive follow-up therapy at community health centers (puskesmas).

The second innovation he developed was the “Gelimas Jiwa” program at Kasihan II Bantul Health Center. This program involves training mental health cadres in the community to assist patients. 

In fact, this program received recognition from the Ministry of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform (Kemenpan-RB). His third innovation was a mental health policy in Kulon Progo Regency. 

Together with the Kulon Progo Health Office, he developed a Regional Action Plan (RAD) to enhance mental health services at the regency level. 

“These innovations don’t just stop at research but are directly implemented in the community. The results must be tangible, and this will continue,” Professor Subandi stated.

He was awarded the Silver Academic Leader Award 2024 from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia for the innovations he has developed over the decades. 

This award was given for his extraordinary contributions to research, innovation, and the development of mental health systems in Indonesia.

According to him, the award he received could not be separated from proper documentation, which included certificates, research contracts, and photos of activities. 

“This is an important lesson for all of us, and good documentation makes it easier to recap what we’ve done. It helps others understand our track record and prevents us from easily forgetting what we’ve accomplished,” the professor added.

Professor Subandi’s award further motivates him to remain enthusiastic about continuing his research on culture—and spirituality-based mental health therapy. 

“I truly love writing and researching. For me, awards are a bonus. I will continue my research and write books even without awards because I never aimed for that,” he said.

To date, Professor Subandi has written more than 20 books and dozens of international journal articles. He is also actively sharing his experiences with students and junior lecturers. 

“My message is to have a strong passion, focus on one field, and develop it consistently. Successful researchers have a clear focus,” he said.

This award is a personal achievement and a source of pride for UGM. It is hoped that Professor Subandi’s dedication to developing Indonesia’s mental health system will inspire academics and students to continue creating and positively impacting society.

Author: Bolivia

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Professor Subandi: From Anthropology Enthusiast to Culture-Based Mental Health Innovator pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event, themed on the development and utilization of natural products for human well-being, brought together representatives from countries including Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and China.  

Professor Catur Sugiyanto, a professor from the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), participated in this international conference. 

Speaking to journalists on Friday (Jan. 3), Professor Sugiyanto highlighted that the URSWAP forum serves as a global platform for discussing innovations based on environmentally friendly and sustainable natural resources. 

During the seminar session, which was part of the conference activities, he presented a paper titled “Applying Contract Farming to Mangrove Farmers: Supporting Natural Dye Sources from Mangrove.” 

In his presentation, he discussed the potential application of contract farming models for mangrove farmers in Kampung Laut, Cilacap Regency, Central Java Province.  

“This research supports the Shanghai Institute of Material Medica (SIMM) program by utilizing natural dyes from mangroves as healthier alternatives for humans,” he said.  

As a member of the Institute for Natural Dyes Innovation (INDI) UGM, Professor Sugiyanto emphasized that natural dyes are also more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic dyes, supporting sustainable practices in the textile industry. 

He further explained that mangrove preservation is crucial as a source of natural dyes and plays an essential role in protecting coastal communities from erosion and rising sea levels due to climate change. 

“Mangroves provide habitats for various fish and marine species, contributing to the sustainability of fishery resources. Additionally, mangroves hold significant potential for development as ecotourism destinations, which could increase the income of local communities,” he added.  

In the proposed contract farming model, Professor Sugiyanto suggested that mangrove farmers collaborate with the textile industry, such as Gama Indigo under INDI UGM, to produce and market natural dyes extracted from mangrove bark. 

Through this approach, the mangrove ecosystem could serve as an economic resource and be preserved for future generations.  

According to him, the model includes technical support, market access, and community-based management to ensure quality and adherence to environmental standards. 

He also noted that implementing contract farming could provide stable economic incentives for mangrove farmers while ensuring the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems. 

“This program directly supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals. With the collaborative support of SIMM, UNESCO, ANSO, and URSWAP, the various approaches proposed are expected to inspire cross-sector cooperation in promoting human well-being and global environmental sustainability,” he concluded.  

Report by: FEB UGM/Shofi Hawa Anjani & Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel Professor Catur Sugiyanto of UGM Participates in International Conference on Natural Product Utilization for Well-being in China pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This award, granted by the Ministry of Higher Education, is given to individuals with an outstanding track record in implementing the tri-dharma and who have created various innovations that contribute to society.  

According to Professor Ana, her Academic Leader award signifies a new responsibility or mandate from Universitas Gadjah Mada and the government. The mandate refers explicitly to how an academic leader can encourage the emergence of more young leaders for our shared future. 

“For me, this award is a new responsibility from UGM and the government on how an academic leader can encourage more young leaders to emerge for our shared future in the health sector,” she stated.  

Professor Ana conveyed that her achievement would not have been possible without the support of many people and that many parties were involved in supporting the execution of her contributions. 

According to her, lecturers and researchers should be engaged in discussions and provided with facilities to support research execution, while the government should act as a matchmaker between researchers, practitioners, and the industry. 

“I think we lecturers and researchers need to be engaged in dialogue, given challenges, and provided with facilities. What do we want to achieve in a given time? The government must also act as a matchmaker between researchers, practitioners, and industry,” Professor Ana said.  

As for the professor’s contributions in the academic field, one of them includes mentoring, research, and publications in internationally reputable journals with Q1 and Q2 indices. 

Additionally, Professor Ana has created three innovative products with significant benefits and impact in the medical world. 

These innovative products are carbonate apatite (CHA)–based bone grafts, CHA-based hemostatic sponges for dental-maxillofacial surgery, and CHA-based hemostatic sponges for general surgery.  

She explained that the driving force behind her contributions is to ease the burden borne by patients, whether financial burdens or difficulties in obtaining healthy tissue for autografts, a procedure that transfers healthy tissue to diseased tissue. 

“Initially, of course, we tried to focus on developing our research according to the roadmap we had created. At some point, we realized that our research could ease patients’ burdens by replacing existing products in the market that were imported and expensive or through methods requiring healthy tissue transplantation to the diseased tissue,” Professor Ana explained.  

The use of CHA active ingredients in her innovative products has made the hemostatic sponge from her research widely applicable in society and even surpasses imported medical products. 

“Now, if we look at the medical device market in Indonesia, thank God, our hemostatic sponge product has proven superior with its CHA active ingredient and is widely used, surpassing and replacing imported products,” She said.  

Professor Ana’s innovative products also have the advantages of being produced with advanced technology, are environmentally friendly, and are comparatively cheaper than imported products. Additionally, they have the potential for future regenerative therapies. 

“Our innovations are produced with advanced, environmentally friendly technology, cheaper than imported medical devices, and have potential for future regenerative therapies,” she added.  

Professor Ana faced many challenges and obstacles while researching how to create these innovative products. One of the challenges in conducting her research is that Indonesia’s research climate and system still need improvement to achieve greater benefits. 

“The challenge is Indonesia’s research climate and system, which still need to be collectively built towards greater benefits. Researchers must also contribute to this by continuously advancing their research in their respective fields,” she said.  

Author: Hanif  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson 

Artikel Professor Ika Dewi Ana of UGM Wins Academic Leader Award in Health pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The grant, offered by the e-ASIA Joint Research Program (JRP), supports his research on implementing integrated biorefineries.  

The e-ASIA JRP is a multilateral international initiative among public funding organizations from East Asia Summit (EAS) member countries. 

EAS includes 10 ASEAN member states and eight additional countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, China, India, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. This year, the 13th e-ASIA JRP focuses on alternative energy.  

Dr. Sudibyo and his team proposed a project titled “Improving the Sustainability of Resource Recovery from Wet Biomass Waste: Experimentally-validated GIS-based Integrated Biorefineries for Cleaner Mobility.” 

He explained that the research aims to enhance the economic and technical feasibility of wet biomass waste biorefineries in Southeast Asia. 

The project integrates geospatial modeling, biochemical and thermochemical conversion experiments, process simulations, and econometrics to evaluate and improve the socio-techno-economic viability of the developed integrated biorefineries.  

“This project aligns with Indonesia’s vision for sustainable waste management, realizing a circular bioeconomy, and transitioning to cleaner energy to support sustainable mobility,” Dr. Sudibyo stated in a press release on Thursday (Dec. 19).  

The project is a collaborative effort among researchers from four countries: Hiroshi Onoda (Professor and Dean, Graduate School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Waseda University, Japan), Rovick Tarife (Instructor, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines), and Apanee Luengnaruemitchai (Professor, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand).

Out of 29 proposals reflecting diverse interests in alternative energy, this project successfully secured funding after being evaluated by five funding agencies from five participating countries.  

Through this project, Dr. Sudibyo aims to broaden his scientific contributions to a larger scale. The research incorporates the development of decision-making tools based on experimentally validated geospatial data (GIS). 

These tools optimize the efficiency of biorefineries in converting solid waste and urban residues from the food, agricultural, and tourism sectors into valuable, environmentally friendly products such as biofuels, soil amendments, and liquid fertilizers.  

Reporter: FT UGM/Purwoko

Author: Leony  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Lecturer Wins eAsia Grant for Research on Integrated Biorefineries pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The award, presented by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, recognizes outstanding contributions by academics and researchers. The ceremony took place on Friday (Dec. 13) at Graha Diktisaintek, Jakarta.  

Professor Daryono was awarded for his research, “Genetic Characterization and Bioprospecting Potential of ‘Gama Melon Parfum’ as a Cosmetic Ingredient.” He expressed his gratitude and highlighted the importance of utilizing Indonesia’s natural resources for societal benefits.  

“I am grateful and delighted by this recognition, which motivates me and my colleagues—faculty, staff, and students—to continue contributing to the nation,” he said during an interview at UGM on Wednesday (Dec. 18).  

Through modern biotechnological approaches, Professor Daryono developed a unique Gama Melon Parfum cultivar by crossbreeding two parental strains, NO3 and MR5. The resulting melon is small, with a bitter taste but a distinct, strong aroma. This aroma is extracted and processed into cosmetic products, including perfumes.  

“The Gama Melon Parfum has unique genetic characteristics. It contains cucurbitacins and other secondary metabolites that are highly valuable for the cosmetics industry,” explained Professor Daryono.  

Indonesia’s cosmetics market is dominated by imported products, often leading to higher prices. Professor Daryono’s innovation leverages local resources, promoting affordability and sustainability and reducing dependency on imports.

Each Gama Melon Parfum plant can produce 4–10 fruits weighing between 50 and 400 grams, with a harvest period of just 55–58 days. This innovation enhances the local cosmetics industry and supports eco-friendly production.  

Two products derived from Gama Melon Parfum—shampoos and soaps—have been commercialized. 

The shampoo is marketed under the brand NAHLA. It was developed in collaboration with PT Gizi Indonesia and PT Nudira Sumber Daya Indonesia through the Productive Innovative Research Program (RISPRO)-LPDP. Production is carried out in hydroponic greenhouses in Pangalengan, West Java.  

The research team is also investigating the anticancer and antidiabetic potential of Gama Melon Parfum’s bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. 

“This unique cultivar must continue to be developed,” said Professor Daryono.  

The cultivation of innovative plant varieties like Gama Melon Parfum is expected to boost the welfare of local farmers while fostering national self-reliance in the cosmetics and geomedical industries.  

Professor Daryono hopes his achievement inspires fellow academics and students to explore Indonesia’s biodiversity further. 

“As academics, our duty is to uncover the potential of Indonesia’s natural diversity. Let this award be a turning point for us to continue creating for the nation,” he concluded.  

Author: Tasya  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson 

Artikel UGM Professor Receives Academic Leader Award for Developing Melons as Cosmetic Ingredients pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The eight academics include:  

– Professor Gunadi (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing/FKKMK UGM)  

– Dr. Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo (Faculty of Economics and Business/FEB UGM)  

– Dr. Antonia Morita Iswari Saktiawati (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing/FKKMK UGM)  

– Dr. Herlambang P. Wiratraman (Faculty of Law/FH UGM)  

– Dr. Dhite Bayu Nugroho (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing/FKKMK UGM)

– Dr. Ronny Martien (Faculty of Pharmacy)  

– Dr. Yanri Wijayanti Subronto (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing/FKKMK UGM)

– Suci Lestari Yuana (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences/Fisipol UGM).

Professor Gunadi emphasized that joining ALMI strengthens UGM’s role in promoting science and evidence-based policymaking in Indonesia, further asserting its position in advancing knowledge within the country. 

“The inclusion of UGM lecturers in ALMI adds to our contribution to scientific development,” he stated on Wednesday (Dec. 11) at the UGM campus.  

Professor Gunadi highlighted significant achievements during the previous ALMI term, where he served as ALMI Chair for 2022-2024, alongside Dr. Herlambang P. Wiratraman, who served as Secretary-General (2022-2023), and Dr. Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, who took over the role for 2023-2024. 

“During my tenure as ALMI Chair, we worked strategically to build synergy among young scientists across Indonesia,” he noted.  

ALMI, established in 2016 under the auspices of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI), is a platform for collaboration among young scientists.  

During ALMI’s plenary session on Dec. 6, 2024, at Universitas Negeri Malang, Professor Gunadi and Dr. Gumilang Sahadewo reported on ALMI’s achievements across its four working groups: Frontline Science, Science and Policy, Science and Society, and Science and Education.  

The session also marked the leadership handover to the newly appointed Chair and Secretary-General for the 2024-2026 term, Dr. Lilis Mulyani (BRIN) and Dr. Grandprix T. M. Kadja (ITB). This session also officially ratified a new working group: Science, Equity, and Inclusion.  

Reporter: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Author: Agung Nugroho

Artikel 8 UGM Lecturers Strengthen ALMI for 2024-2029 Term pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.