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.

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

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos by: Gapki and Margiyono

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author: Tasya

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

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

This application aims to simplify accounting studies by integrating theory and practice into a single digital platform, a Learning Management System (LMS).  

“The innovation of the digital learning platform SIDEK-Edu is expected to make accounting easier to learn and to eliminate its daunting perception among some individuals,” said Dr. Warsono at FEB UGM on Thursday, Dec. 19.  

Dr. Warsono explained that SIDEK-Edu is designed with three main features. The first feature is a theory room containing learning materials on accounting concepts and theories. 

This feature allows users to upload various teaching materials and quizzes in formats such as multiple-choice questions, journal illustrations, essays, and financial reporting.  

The second feature is a practice room to facilitate students in conducting digital accounting practices. This practical learning feature includes basic company data setup, financial recording and reporting, and the presentation of evaluation results from completed practical activities.  

The third feature is a learning support module, which comprises class management, automated assessment of quizzes, and practical accounting cycle assignments.  

Dr. Warsono emphasized that SIDEK-Edu makes accounting learning more convenient through its practical and efficient system. Students only need to access the application website to download teaching materials, take quizzes, and perform accounting exercises directly on the platform. 

“SIDEK-Edu provides a solution to overcome the challenges of learning accounting that previously required multiple platforms,” he said.  

According to Dr. Warsono, the Digital Practice Room feature in SIDEK-Edu enables students to replace paper-based practices with a more efficient digital system, making accounting learning more modern and environmentally friendly. 

“SIDEK-Edu combines the functionality of Google Classroom with accounting software. No more paper is needed because everything is digital,” he added.  

SIDEK-Edu is implemented in over 20 vocational schools (SMKs) and two universities across Sumatra and Java. 

These include Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Pasir Pengaraian, SMK Dr Soetomo Surabaya, SMK Negeri 1 Pengasih, SMK 1 Tamtama Sidareja, SMK Negeri 1 Terbanggi Besar, SMK Negeri 1 Seputih Surabaya, and SMK Negeri 1 Metro.  

The application has proven beneficial in supporting accounting education and providing financial literacy to vocational school students in underdeveloped areas. 

For example, in July 2024, students at SMK Negeri 1 Teluk Bintuni, West Papua, received intensive training in accounting, institutional finance, and accounting software.  

Dr. Arika Artiningsih, Center for Accounting Education Studies (PKAP) Coordinator at FEB UGM, added that SIDEK-Edu was also used for an online accounting competition in Lampung Province involving more than 70 vocational schools. 

The application has been utilized in university and national-level accounting competitions, including the National Accounting Olympiad organized by the Gadjah Mada Accounting Student Association (Imagama).  

“With its various advanced features, SIDEK-Edu is expected to continue growing and widely used, particularly in accounting education in Indonesia. This innovation demonstrates how technology integration can positively impact education and human resource development,” she concluded.  

Reporters: FEB UGM/Shofi Hawa Anjani & Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Author: Agung Nugroho 

Artikel UGM Lecturers Develop SIDEK-Edu App to Simplify Learning Accounting 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.

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.

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.

Reporters: FEB UGM/Shofi Hawa Anjani & Kurnia Ekaptiningrum

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien

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