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  

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Artikel UGM Lecturer Studies Potential of Red Yeast for Alternative Energy Source 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

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

It contains approximately 14-19% crude protein, making it a potential livestock feed, as explained by Professor Zuprizal, a researcher from the Animal Feed Science Laboratory (IMT) at the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM), during the Fapet Menyapa event on Friday, Jan. 24, discussing the potential of feed additives for livestock feed.

Professor Zuprizal mentioned that Indonesia’s annual feed production is about 20 million tons, and the optimal proportion of palm kernel cake used in broiler chicken feed formulation is 10%, supplemented with essential amino acids and enzymes. 

“There is potential to use around 2 million tons of palm kernel cake for broiler chicken feed,” said Professor Zuprizal.

He further explained that using 10% palm kernel cake in broiler feed could reduce the use of corn by approximately 9% and soybean meal by around 3%. 

“This would result in savings, especially since soybean meal is still imported,” he added.

However, due to the high fiber content, particularly mannans in palm kernel cake, supplementation with external enzymes like mannanase, NSPase, and protease is needed to improve nutrient digestibility, which in turn enhances productivity, carcass quality, and the digestive health of broiler chickens.

The IMT team also presented several research examples of feed additives using nanoparticle technology for broiler chickens, such as nanotechnology turmeric extract, nanotechnology cardamom extract, nanoemulsion lemongrass essential oil extract, and soursop leaf extract.

Alongside Professor Zuprizal, the IMT team present at Fapet Menyapa included Professor Kustantinah, Dr. Aji Praba Baskara, Dr. Nanung Danar Dono, Dr. Insani Hubi Zulfa, and Dr. Aeni Nur Latifah.

Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria

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Artikel Palm Kernel Cake Potential as Additional Livestock Feed pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The MoU was signed by UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia and Chair of YAPI Professor Agung Putra.

During the signing, Rector Emilia expressed her full support for this collaboration in the development of research on stem cell treatments and cancer therapy.

“With the existing support, we as academics, through teaching and research, will be able to further accelerate the progress of stem cell and cancer research,” the rector said.

Additionally, she expressed her hope that this collaboration could develop knowledge and produce products that can be utilized in the field. 

She believes that through this cooperation, all involved parties can develop products and innovations that will benefit many. 

“It is not just limited to laboratory research, but something that can be downstreamed and practiced in services,” she stated.

According to her, there are many further cooperation opportunities that can be explored between both parties, such as advanced education for human resource development and the creation of innovative products tailored to field needs, especially in stem cell technology development. 

She hoped that the development of stem cell technology could address the nation’s strategic health issues.

Meanwhile, Professor Putra mentioned that the research outcomes from this collaboration can be commercialized and benefit both parties. 

Collaborative research can produce innovative products that offer solutions to the challenges in developing treatment methods in the country.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this country becomes self-reliant and less dependent on foreign products while beginning to use domestic products,” he said.

Author: Leony

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Artikel UGM Collaborates on Stem Cell Technology with YAPI and PT Stem Cell Indonesia 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.

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.

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

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

This achievement marks UGM’s commitment to advancing research and innovation while strengthening its academic reputation at the national and international levels.

Science and Technology Index (SINTA) is a platform designed to facilitate access to various publications, research results, books, and intellectual property (IP) data. 

It also provides research and publication performance metrics that are beneficial for institutions, researchers, and journals. 

Overall, SINTA plays a vital role in improving the quality of research in Indonesia and fostering collaboration between institutions. 

With the development of new features, such as faculty or school identification based on authorship, SINTA has become a more comprehensive tool for evaluating the performance of researchers at both university and faculty levels.

UGM’s Director of Research, Professor Mirwan Ushada, stated that this achievement is the result of strong synergy between the directorate, faculty, and the entire academic community at UGM. 

“We routinely provide outreach to SINTA verifiers at faculties/schools as well as to lecturers and researchers, encouraging them to continually update their SINTA data,” he told reporters on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at the UGM campus.

In addition, UGM’s Directorate of Research offers various strategic programs aimed at improving research quality. 

These include scientific writing training, providing incentives for publications in reputable journals, and support services such as publication clinics, language editing, plagiarism checks, international collaboration, research facilities, support for international conferences, and research collaboration centers. 

“With these strategies, we at the Directorate of Research strive to create a conducive environment for high-quality research and scientific publications,” he added.

Looking ahead, UGM aims to increase international research collaborations and encourage more publications in high-impact journals. 

The Directorate of Research is committed to expanding support programs, such as publication clinics and research training, and facilitating more collaborative research between universities. 

“International collaboration is one of the main focuses of improving the quality and impact of publications. We will also strengthen the role of research in community service,” Professor Ushada explained.

Additionally, UGM is focusing on the development of intellectual property (IP) and empowering communities through research outcomes. 

By combining quality research with the application of scientific knowledge, UGM hopes to significantly impact national development.

With well-planned strategies and focused implementation, UGM is optimistic about maintaining this achievement and continuing to improve its performance. 

The director believes that UGM can continue to lead at the national and international levels through collaboration, innovation, and integrated support. 

This achievement also highlights UGM’s potential to have a greater impact on the advancement of science and the welfare of society.

UGM’s success in securing the top position in SINTA is clear evidence that hard work, synergy, and innovation are key to achieving outstanding results in the face of increasing global competition. 

With its continuously strengthened strategic approach, UGM is ready to take further steps to make a tangible contribution to the advancement of science and society.

Author: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

Artikel UGM Tops Science and Technology Index (SINTA) Rankings in Indonesia with Outstanding Research Performance pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This shift creates a gap between workers’ skills and the skills required by the job market.

According to research conducted by the Microeconomics Dashboard (Micdash) team at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), the use of AI is steadily increasing.

This technology is expected to significantly impact the job market by simplifying information retrieval and enhancing human resource management, particularly in increasing productivity and monitoring worker activities.

Dr. Qisha Quarina, coordinator of Micdash’s studies, revealed that 77% of people remain concerned about AI’s potential to eliminate jobs and replace human tasks. 

However, she emphasized that AI can optimize work and complement human resource shortages. 

“This situation understandably raises concerns about work processes being increasingly replaced by machines and robots,” she explained during the release of a new study titled Labor and Technology Economics: Will Artificial Intelligence Fully Substitute Humans? held at FEB UGM on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

She further noted that AI technology is less effective in unpredictable areas, especially outside predefined fields of knowledge. 

Thus, she suggested that the education sector and companies provide resources for skill upgrading and reskilling to help workers remain competitive in a rapidly digitizing job market.

Another Micdash researcher, Raniah Salsabila, highlighted that AI adoption in the labor market is unavoidable, as the technology is fundamentally designed to assist humans in completing tasks and boosting productivity. 

For example, tools like ChatGPT support research, text editing, and efficient idea generation. 

“This demonstrates that AI doesn’t simply replace humans but rather replaces specific skills required by workers to make tasks more efficient,” Salsabila explained.

She added that leveraging AI enables workers to adapt to technological advancements. 

In the future, necessary skills will involve not only technological expertise but also human intelligence capabilities, such as analytical thinking and innovation, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, creativity, originality and initiative, reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation. 

“These skills are becoming increasingly important. While AI can perform certain tasks, it cannot replace qualities associated with human intelligence,” she concluded.

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Artikel AI Technology Cannot Fully Replace Human Jobs pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

She also received a research grant of IDR 100 million. On Nov. 11, she was awarded the award alongside four other female researchers from various institutions in Jakarta.

Dr. Wikandari received the award in the life sciences category for her research on tempeh mushroom-based meat analogs. She submitted proposals and previously completed research work to participate in the selection process. 

She said 100 proposals were submitted, but only 10 passed the initial selection. 

“From those ten proposals, we were asked to present to a jury panel to select the top four candidates,” said Dr. Wikandari on Friday (Nov. 22) at UGM.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Wikandari noted that the award and research grant would support her work on developing alternative protein sources from tempeh mushrooms. She explained that these mushrooms could be used to create various meat substitutes. 

“My research focuses on the mushrooms in tempeh, without soybeans, as an excellent protein source,” she said.

Her research delves into enhancing the mineral content of microprotein found in tempeh mushrooms. These mushrooms serve as a protein alternative and offer nutritional value comparable to meat. 

Tempeh mushrooms contain 19% protein, just 2% less than meat, and provide a complete range of essential amino acids than other plant-based proteins. Additionally, they have a higher fiber content than meat, making them beneficial for digestive health.

The production process of tempeh mushrooms is considered more environmentally friendly and efficient than that of other protein sources, both plant—and animal-based. 

Tempeh mushrooms can be harvested within two days using a reactor. Dr. Wikandari even utilizes soybean cooking water as a growth medium for the mushrooms, reducing pollution from food industry waste. 

“Ideally, we produce protein with minimal natural resources, requiring little water and land while growing quickly,” she said.

Dr. Wikandari collaborates with local and international institutions to refine her research on tempeh mushrooms. These include the University of Lampung, the University of Borås in Sweden, and the University of Minho in Portugal. 

She also works with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) producing tempeh to explore the use of soybean cooking waste in her research.

The idea of tempeh mushrooms did not emerge overnight. Dr. Wikandari shared that her research spans 13 years, with the concept of using tempeh mushrooms as meat substitutes beginning in 2020. 

“I’ve been working on tempeh mushrooms for 13 years, but the idea of using them for meat substitutes started in 2020,” she said.

Dr. Wikandari hopes this recognition will give tempeh mushroom microprotein wider public attention among producers and consumers. Once producers are familiar with the product, she hopes they will support its commercialization. 

“The goal is for tempeh mushrooms to be available in society as a nutritious, affordable, and sustainable protein alternative,” she concluded.

Author: Tiefany

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