The Agricultural Microbiology Student Association of Gadjah Mada University (PERMAHAMI UGM) is a student organization under the Agricultural Microbiology Department at UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture. Focused on expanding students’ knowledge, PERMAHAMI UGM runs the Sapa Komunitas Sosial Masyarakat program, fostering connections with external communities beyond the campus.

On 29 September 2024, the event Sapa Komunitas Sosial Masyarakat Peramahami: Make the World Better with Recycle took a place at Agro Mulya, a semi-Merapi area in Cangkringan, DIY. According to event chair Severinus Adrian Maitri (Agricultural Microbiology 2023), the program aims to build relationships with different communities while applying classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.

“This program began in 2022 with Senyum Anak Nusantara (SAN), followed by Four Key (4K) Yogyakarta in 2023. It’s a platform to exchange experiences and gain fresh insights from various local communities,” explained Vino, as he’s popularly known.

This year’s event gathered 50-60 participants, including members of PERMAHAMI’s Social Community team, Agro Mulya’s young farmers, and representatives from Sekolah Gajahwong, Bintang Kidul, Trash Hero, Daya Bumi, and Nabati. Vino expressed his excitement over the high engagement during interactive discussions, hoping the experience will benefit participants and lead to future collaborative efforts among the involved communities.

PERMAHAMI UGM’s President, Chandra Rizqullah Triananda (Agricultural Microbiology 2021) praised the Social Community team for organizing an impactful event involving multiple communities. Initially intended as a collaboration with a single group, the program expanded to include six different communities this year.

“This year’s event went beyond expectations. It was not only enjoyable but also educational, especially with hands-on lessons in organic farming from soil preparation to harvesting,” said Chandra.

Chandra envisions the Sapa Komunitas program gaining broader recognition and inspiring more community collaborations. The initiative showcases student-driven efforts aligned with SDG goals, including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: PERMAHAMI UGM Documentation

On Thursday, 3 October  2024, the Faculty of Agriculture UGM welcomed a visit from SMK Penabur Summarecon Bekasi. During the visit, the Faculty’s Public Relations Team provided an overview of the various pathways available for students to apply to Faperta UGM.

Dr. Elly Syafriani, S.P., a lecturer from the Department of Agronomy at Faperta UGM, warmly received the group at the Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium. She, along with the Public Relations Team, shared insights into UGM’s history, its range of faculties, and the undergraduate to doctoral programs offered. They also highlighted why UGM remains a top choice for students.

“Studying at UGM is a unique experience. Located in Yogyakarta, a city known as a hub for education and Javanese culture, students here can interact with peers from various regions, creating a rich and diverse learning environment,” Elly explained.

The students were highly engaged, actively participating in the discussion session. One key question raised was about the chances for students from social science (IPS) backgrounds to enroll in Faperta UGM, which primarily offers science and technology (Saintek) programs.

Elly clarified, “UGM offers a Mixed Knowledge Test (IPC), a university entrance exam that allows social science students to apply for science-based programs, and vice versa. So, even if you’re from an IPS background, you still have opportunities to join Faperta UGM.”

She emphasized that such visits are valuable, enabling students to gain firsthand information directly from the faculty. The interactive format of the visit fosters a deeper understanding of UGM and helps spark student interest in applying to the Faculty of Agriculture.

This initiative aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta UGM

Diana Sinta Pramudita, a 2020 student from Plant Protection Program, earned a silver medal for her research project titled “Uncovering Anti-Virulence Proteins Through Gene Mining in Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum Phages as Potential Biocontrol Agents for Wilt Disease”. This achievement was presented at the 3rd International Conference in Biological Science X Open Bioproject Competition 2024. Her dedication to plant protection inspired this innovative approach to combating plant diseases.

Nana, as she is affectionately called, developed her research project during her internship at the Bioinformatics Research Center-Institute of Bioinformatics Indonesia (BRC INBIO). Her study focuses on bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, a Gram-negative bacterium resistant to conventional control methods.

According to Nana, bacteriophages, or phages, offer a promising solution by infecting and breaking down bacterial cells through the production of depolymerase enzymes, which enhance the effectiveness of disease control.

“By integrating gene mining with bioinformatics, we can identify anti-virulence genes in R. pseudosolanacearum phages. This analysis allows researchers to pinpoint genes encoding depolymerase enzymes, enabling more precise targeting of bacterial pathogens. I believe combining phage therapy with gene mining offers a sustainable and effective strategy for controlling bacterial wilt in crops,” Nana explained.

Nana presented her research at the scientific conference held on September 28-29^th, 2024, at Widyaloka Building, Universitas Brawijaya. For her, this experience was a personal challenge to overcome shyness and improve her public speaking skills.

Her six-month preparation and research journey were guided by Prof. Dr. Ir. Siti Subandiyah, M.Agr.Sc., from UGM’s Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, and her internship mentor at BRC INBIO, Afif Pranaya Jati, S.P., M.Sc. Alongside this success, Nana, in collaboration with Irtiyaah Mareta Sari (Forestry 2021), also won first place in the scientific poster competition.

Nana, a Fast Track student pursuing both her undergraduate degree in Plant Protection and her master’s in Plant Pest Science, exemplifies UGM’s commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Written by: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Edited by: Desi Utami
Photo: Nana’s Documentation