The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has attracted significant international attention through its Municipal Waste Management: Workshop and Field Trip – Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Solutions. Scheduled to take place from 20–26 July 2026, the program received an overwhelming response, attracting 408 applicants from 42 countries, with only 25 participants selected through a highly competitive selection process.
The establishment of a DNA Synthesizer at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represents a significant step in strengthening the university’s research infrastructure. This initiative has been spearheaded by Nur Akbar Arofatullah, S.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D., who has played a key role in advancing molecular biology and biotechnology research within the department. Under his leadership, the Department of Agricultural Microbiology continues to expand its research capacity by providing cutting-edge facilities that support the development of microbiology, molecular biology, agricultural biotechnology, and related scientific fields.
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again deployed students through the Community Service and Community Empowerment Learning Program (KKN-PPM) Period II of 2026 as part of the university’s commitment to supporting community development through science-based approaches. One of the KKN units, supervised by Nur Akbar Arofatullah, S.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, will conduct its community engagement activities in Padaherang Village and Paledah Village, Padaherang District, Pangandaran Regency, West Java.
The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, is once again offering an opportunity for international students to participate in the Municipal Waste Management: Workshop and Field Trip 2026 program. This program is part of the implementation of UGM’s Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN), which promotes a collaborative approach involving academics, international students, and local communities in supporting sustainable community-based waste management. The international program will be held from 20–26 July 2026 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, under the theme “Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Solutions.”
As part of efforts to strengthen student engagement in community empowerment and agricultural development, the Social Affairs Department of PERMAHAMI (Agricultural Microbiology Student Association), Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a community outreach program entitled “Sapa Bumi, Rembug Tani”. The activity was conducted in collaboration with Agro Mulya Eco Farm, a local farming community located in Kalasan, Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The program served as a platform for students and farmers to exchange experiences, knowledge, and best practices in sustainable agriculture. Through this collaborative approach, students were not only able to gain valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom but also had the opportunity to contribute directly to community development.
International academic engagement plays an important role in expanding research networks, enhancing scientific capacity, and strengthening collaboration among researchers across countries. Through visiting researcher programs, academics have opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop joint research projects, and learn from diverse scientific approaches implemented at partner institutions. Such activities also contribute to the development of innovative research with global relevance and impact.
Amalia Putri Sholikhati was recognized as the Best Graduate of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology during the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony for Period III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held at Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium on May 21, 2026. She completed her undergraduate studies with a cumulative GPA of 3.52, while also achieving numerous academic and extracurricular accomplishments throughout her time at the university.
The rapid advancement of modern biotechnology has opened new opportunities for accelerating livestock breeding programs and improving genetic quality in Indonesia. In support of these developments, Nur Akbar Arofatullah, S.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D., a lecturer in Agricultural Microbiology at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has been actively involved in discussions and explorations of DNA synthesis (DNA printing) technology and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-based molecular diagnostic methods together with international industry partners and experts.
The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to support students in gaining meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom through direct engagement with communities. One example is student participation in the SUIJI Service Learning Program (SUIJI-SLP), an international exchange program that combines academic learning, field observation, problem-solving, and cross-cultural exchange through a service-learning approach.
Muhammad Syahru Ramadhan, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, had the opportunity to participate in the SUIJI-SLP program, which brought together students from various universities in Indonesia and Japan. The program involved participants from UGM, IPB University, Hasanuddin University, and Kagawa University in Japan. Through this exchange experience, Syahru gained valuable insights from academic activities, community observations, and collaborative problem-solving initiatives. According to him, every activity within the program was meaningful and impactful because SUIJI-SLP emphasizes learning through direct community engagement. “During the exchange program, I gained many valuable experiences, ranging from learning activities to problem-solving processes. In my opinion, every agenda in SUIJI-SLP felt meaningful and beneficial because the program focuses on Service Learning,” said Syahru.
The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to encourage students to broaden their academic perspectives, cultural understanding, and international networks through various student mobility programs. One such opportunity is the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme, a student exchange initiative under the coordination of SEAMEO RIHED that involves partner universities across Asia, including Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Nabilah Salma Jamaludin, a 2022 student of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, had the opportunity to participate in the AIMS Program at Ibaraki University, Japan. The program lasted approximately four months, from mid-September until the end of January. Through this experience, students not only attended academic courses but also gained research experience, cultural adaptation skills, and valuable interactions within an international academic environment.
