Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing science and technology through the inauguration of Prof. Ir. Donny Widianto, Ph.D. as a Professor in Microbial Biotechnology at the Faculty of Agriculture. The inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the UGM Central Building, and was broadcast live via the official YouTube channel of Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event was attended by members of the academic community, family, and invited guests from various institutions.
Born in Probolinggo in 1961, Prof. Donny earned his Bachelor’s degree in Soil Microbiology from the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. He continued his academic journey at Osaka University, completing the International Postgraduate University Course in Microbiology, followed by a Doctoral program in Fermentation Technology at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University. In addition, he also obtained a Professional Engineer degree from the Faculty of Forestry, UGM. Throughout his career, Prof. Donny has served as Commissioner of PT Wahana Gajah Mada Hashimoto Yogyakarta and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology at UGM.
In his inaugural address titled “Integrating Plants with Beneficial Microbes as Growth Supporters and Protectors,” Prof. Donny emphasized the critical role of microorganisms in enhancing plant growth and resilience. He explained that key groups of beneficial microbes include Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Endophytic Microbes (EM), and Microbes Producing Bioactive Compounds (MPBC).
PGPR are rhizospheric bacteria that promote plant growth through mechanisms such as phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, phytohormone synthesis, ACC deaminase activity, and antifungal compound production. These bacteria inhabit both the interior and exterior of plant roots and include genera such as Azorhizobium, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Azospirillum, Burkholderia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas.
Meanwhile, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), belonging to the subphylum Glomeromycotina, form mutualistic associations with the roots of most terrestrial plants. Through this symbiosis, the fungi provide essential nutrients—particularly phosphorus—and water, while plants supply carbohydrates as sources of carbon and energy. AMF also enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity, with commonly utilized genera including Glomus, Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Rhizophagus.
Prof. Donny also highlighted the role of endophytic microbes, which inhabit plant tissues without causing disease symptoms. These microbes contribute to plant development by supplying macro- and micronutrients and producing phytohormones such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid. Genera known for these functions include Azotobacter, Acetobacter, Methylobacterium, Bacillus licheniformis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens.
As an academic and researcher, Prof. Donny is recognized for his active involvement in collaborative research, international publications, and student mentorship. He also participates in various community-based agricultural development programs and appropriate technology initiatives, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Through this inauguration, Prof. Donny Widianto is expected to further strengthen the Department of Agricultural Microbiology’s contribution to scientific innovation, sustainable agriculture, and national food security.