Two students from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Uways Irfany Adiprawira and Yori Idmaldi Arif, received a valuable opportunity to participate in the Sakura Science Program (SSP) organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Over the course of 12 days, starting on November 4, 2025, they experienced firsthand the academic atmosphere at Ibaraki University, Japan. The program, titled “New Approaches to Disease Control in Tropical Crops,” was not just an ordinary training activity—it was a comprehensive immersion that combined learning, experimentation, and exploration of Japanese culture and technological advancement.
SDG 9: INDUSTRY INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Yomita Misya, a student of the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), introduced “corn tempeh” as an innovation in local food development in Gedong Jetis Village, Tulung District, Klaten Regency, Central Java. This activity was part of the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) “Tulang Tulung” Team, which focuses on addressing extreme poverty in the region.
According to the coordinator of the Gedong Jetis subunit, Aldara Fatiyah (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, 2022), corn is the main agricultural commodity in Gedong Jetis Village.
“There are plenty of cornfields in Gedong Jetis, and the farmers are abundant as well. However, until now the harvest has only been sold as livestock feed without further processing,” she explained.
The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, once again organized an industrial visit as part of its effort to broaden students’ insights. On Monday, June 9, 2025, from 10.00 to 11.00 WIB, students had the opportunity to visit PT Amerta Indah Otsuka Kejayan, a company engaged in the production of beverages and health nutrition products.
Carrying the theme “Reactor of Collaboration: Transforming Ideas, Weaving Synergy”, the activity was analogized as a reactor, where raw materials are transformed into something of greater value. Through this visit, students were expected to gain a deeper understanding of how academic knowledge is applied in real-world industrial practices. Direct interaction with the company also provided valuable learning opportunities regarding production standards, quality management, and innovation in maintaining product excellence.
In an effort to enhance academic quality and study program governance, the Quality Assurance Team (GKM) of the Microbiology Study Program, Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed), conducted a benchmarking visit to the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The event took place in the Microbiology Library Room, 4th Floor of the AGLC Building, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM WIB, and was attended by lecturers and leadership representatives from both institutions.
The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an international guest lecture featuring a distinguished speaker, Prof. Fujiyama Kazuhito from Osaka University, Japan. The event took place on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 08:00 to 09:30 AM (WIB) at the Venture Room, AGLC (Agrotopica Learning Center), Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.
This guest lecture carried the theme “Effective Role of Microorganisms in Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability,” a highly relevant topic in light of global issues surrounding waste management and the vital role of microorganisms in maintaining environmental balance. The event was attended by lecturers and students from the Agricultural Microbiology Study Program, as well as researchers and environmental observers who eagerly followed the scientific presentation.
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.
The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again hosted a guest lecture event that brought together both international and national perspectives in the field of sustainable agriculture. The event took place on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 08:00 to 09:30 AM (WIB) at the Venture Room, Agrotopica Learning Center (AGLC) Building, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.
The lecture featured Saba Sinai Mameghany from Central Queensland University, Australia, who delivered a presentation titled “Protecting and Growing Australian Agriculture.” In her talk, Saba discussed the challenges and strategies in Australian agriculture in the face of climate change, land degradation, and innovations in biosecurity aimed at safeguarding national food security.
The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held an international guest lecture featuring a distinguished speaker, Prof. Dr. Hiroyuki Ohta, President of Ibaraki University, Japan. He delivered a lecture titled “Microbial Ecology and Plant-Microbe Interactions: Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Restoration.” The event took place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 09:00 to 11:00 AM (WIB) at the Venture Room, AGLC (Agrotopica Learning Center), Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.
Fieldwork (Kerja Lapangan/KL) from January 6–31, 2025, was carried out by four students—Ravinella An Naura, Almayra Khanza Fahrani, Naza Alimah, and Sherly Aurora Cahyadewi—at PT Ajinomoto. This activity served as direct learning in the industry, particularly in the fields of microbiology, chemistry, and organizational management. Over the course of nearly a month, the students had the opportunity to observe the company’s work processes while also practicing the skills they had previously learned in the classroom.
On August 28, 2024, 9 students from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially completed their undergraduate studies. The nine graduates are Dewi Aryanti Anggraini (2019), Fatih Pangesti (2017), Agnes Dewantari (2017), Dhia Fildzah Farhana (2017), Putri Purwandari Caecilia (2017), Badran Sa’adi (2020), Jihan Mustika (2019), I Nyoman Aris Suardana (2020), Airin Dinanti Firdaus (2019). The event was attended by graduates, lecturers, families, and invited guests. Several outstanding students received special awards. One of them was the best student in the Department of Microbiology, Badran Sa’adi, who completed his studies in 3 years, 10 months, and 8 days, with the highest GPA of 3.73. Badran also conducted research on gene insertion into plasmids to create recombinant plasmids. This research is expected to contribute valuable knowledge in the field of Microbiology.