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. read more

On Monday, May 26, 2025, from 07.00 to 12.00 (WIB), students of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, class of 2023, conducted a visit to Sewon Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This activity was part of the Aquatic Microbiology Practicum series, aimed at demonstrating the application of microbiology in wastewater treatment as well as providing direct experience of the professional field. Through this visit, students gained insights into domestic wastewater treatment processes, the role of microorganisms in bioremediation, and the implementation of safety principles and environmental sustainability practices applied at the WWTP. read more

The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again carried out a community service program by introducing an innovation in the use of fermented duckweed (Lemna sp.) as feed for fish and livestock. The activity was held at the Al-Dzikro Orphanage Foundation, Imogiri, Bantul, as an effort to promote food self-sufficiency while also encouraging productive economic enterprises within the orphanage.

Duckweed, or kiambang, is a high-protein aquatic plant with great potential as an alternative feed source. Through the fermentation process, the nutritional value of duckweed can be enhanced and its digestibility improved, thereby not only reducing feed production costs but also opening new business opportunities based on local resources. read more

An environmentally friendly technology-based empowerment program has been successfully carried out by Agricultural Microbiology student of the 2022 cohort, Elnadya Karina Cahya Murti, over a period of 50 days to optimize the abundant local resources. Elnadya was accompanied by the KKN-PPM Junjung Pulau Besar team, Period II of 2025, in Sumber Jaya Permai Village, South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands.

To enhance sustainable agricultural and livestock productivity, Elnadya focused her program on the application of microbiological knowledge. The work programs included producing cocopeat planting media from coconut husk waste through microbial fermentation, education and application of mycorrhizal propagules on corn seeds, and the utilization of briquettes made from cattle manure as an alternative energy source. read more

The UGM KKN-PPM Semerbak Banyuwangi team successfully introduced mycorrhizal biofertilizer to the Kumojoyo Farmers Group in Tegalsari Village, Tegalsari District, Banyuwangi Regency. The work program, entitled Application of Mycorrhizal Biofertilizer on Corn Plants, was initiated by Rr. Angelicha Larasati Chandra Diningrat, a 2022 Agricultural Microbiology student. The program was held from June 30 to July 12, 2025 as a response to farmers’ concerns regarding declining corn productivity caused by pathogenic fungi. read more

The Community Service-Learning Program (KKN-PPM) Period II 2025 of Universitas Gadjah Mada was carried out by all students of the 2022 cohort across various regions in Indonesia. One of the Agricultural Microbiology students, Selvina Ratna, participated as a member of the Bromo Bestari Team, which conducted community service in Gubugklakah Village, Poncokusumo Subdistrict, Malang Regency, East Java. Through this program, Selvina gained valuable new experiences and had the opportunity to directly apply the knowledge she had acquired during her studies. The KKN location, a village known for its fertile land and as a gateway to Mount Bromo’s tourist route, also provided Selvina with the chance to better understand the local community, cultural activities, and the untapped potential of local resources through interdisciplinary collaboration. read more

The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to conduct undergraduate thesis defenses as part of the final stage of the bachelor’s degree program. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 09.00 AM WIB, student Muhammad Sativa Arsya presented his thesis defense at the Agricultural Microbiology Library, AGLC 4th floor.

Arsya’s thesis, entitled “The Ability of A. baumannii, R. straminoryzae, and P. simplex in Supporting the Growth of Spirodela polyrhiza as a Phytoremediation Agent for Acetonitrile Waste”, focuses on the role of three bacterial species in enhancing the phytoremediation capacity of Spirodela polyrhiza (duckweed) in acetonitrile-contaminated environments. read more

The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to hold undergraduate thesis defenses as the final stage of the bachelor’s degree program. On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 09.00 AM WIB, student Fajar Nugrahanto presented his thesis defense at the Agricultural Microbiology Library, AGLC 4th floor.

Fajar’s thesis, entitled “Decolorization of Rhodamine B and Reactive Red 120 by Bacillus cereus”, examines the potential of Bacillus cereus in degrading two types of synthetic dyes commonly used in the textile industry. These dyes are known to cause severe environmental pollution in aquatic ecosystems due to their recalcitrant nature and resistance to natural degradation. read more

The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again achieved an academic milestone through an international scientific publication. On June 29, 2025, a research article titled “Enhanced Biomass Production of Various Aquatic Duckweed Species Through the Inoculation of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria” was officially published in the Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, a reputable journal in the field of aquatic biology and fisheries. read more

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 07.00 to 12.00 (WIB), students of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, class of 2023, conducted an industrial visit to PT Widya Life Science. This activity was part of the Microbiology of Agroindustry Practicum series, aimed at demonstrating the application of microbiology in the industrial sector as well as providing direct experience of the professional world. Through this visit, students gained insights into biotechnology-based production processes, quality standards, and the implementation of biosafety principles applied within the company. read more