The innovation combines nano-fluorapatite, a source of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions needed for tooth enamel remineralization, with erythritol, a sugar alcohol shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with dental caries.

The team developed ChewMelo as a practical way to incorporate oral health care into everyday routines. The nano-fluorapatite is produced using brown algae as a source of alginate through a green synthesis process, while erythritol is used as a tooth-friendly sweetener.

ChewMelo team leader Achmad Musa Nurhadi said the idea was inspired by the high prevalence of dental caries in Indonesia, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The team chose chewing gum as the delivery medium because it is already part of many people’s daily routines.

“We wanted to create a solution that fits naturally into people’s everyday habits, making it easier to adopt. Chewing gum is a product that many teenagers enjoy and consume regularly, giving it strong potential as a practical delivery system for active ingredients that help maintain oral health,” he said on Monday (July 27).

Unlike conventional chewing gum, ChewMelo combines nano-fluorapatite and erythritol to provide complementary oral health benefits.

Nano-fluorapatite supplies calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions that are involved in the remineralization of tooth enamel. Erythritol, meanwhile, has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with dental caries.

The team believes the combination has potential to help maintain tooth enamel and reduce the risk of enamel damage associated with demineralization.

To evaluate the product, the researchers conducted a series of laboratory tests. Antibacterial testing at the Microbiology Laboratory of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy showed a reduction in the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a major bacterium associated with dental caries.

Meanwhile, remineralization testing at the Materials and Production Laboratory of the UGM Vocational College showed increased tooth enamel hardness after seven days of exposure to the chewing gum eluate. The testing also indicated that the treatment was able to maintain enamel hardness during pH cycling.

“These findings indicate that the chewing gum not only has the potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with dental caries but may also support the tooth remineralization process,” Achmad said.

The research brought together students from several disciplines: Achmad Musa Nurhadi and Tsabita Puan Najla from Dentistry, Dimar Raihan Ganendra Putra from Pharmacy, Fajar Sindu Aji from Medicine, and Najwa Laili Fajri from Chemical Engineering. Dr. Dyah Anindya Widyasrini supervises the team.

The interdisciplinary nature of the team allowed the students to combine perspectives from health sciences, pharmacy, and materials engineering throughout the development process.

The research involved several stages, including the green synthesis of nano-fluorapatite, material characterization, chewing gum formulation, and biological activity testing.

One of the team’s main challenges was developing a chewing gum that remained elastic and comfortable to chew while maintaining the effectiveness of its active ingredients.

For the team, overcoming this challenge was an important part of developing ChewMelo into a practical oral health innovation.

The ChewMelo team is continuing to refine the product through further testing of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ion release. These tests are intended to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the product’s potential to support tooth remineralization.

The researchers hope their findings can contribute to the development of practical preventive oral health products that make use of locally sourced materials and can eventually be adopted by the wider community.

Beyond the product itself, the project demonstrates how interdisciplinary student research can translate scientific concepts into practical approaches to everyday health challenges.

The ChewMelo team is also preparing its research for presentation at the 2026 National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS).

Reporter: ChewMelo PKM-RE 2026 Team
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian

Artikel UGM Students Develop ChewMelo Gum to Support Tooth Enamel Health pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The outreach activity, held on June 22, was attended by 16 members of the Jurugsari PKK organization, local community leaders, and representatives of the Condongcatur Village administration. The program is part of UGM students’ efforts to support sustainable environmental practices while strengthening household food security.

The program was implemented by Siti Nur Khasanah, Rayhan Arva Pradipa, Nafi’atush Sholikhah, Vina Ayu Lestari, and Naafianda Ra’uuf Prastya under the supervision of Dr. Miftahush Shirothul Haq from the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM). 

One of the innovations introduced was the Smart Compost Vessel, a tiered bucket-composting system equipped with temperature and pH sensors to monitor the quality of liquid biofertilizer during composting. The resulting liquid fertilizer is used to improve soil fertility in home gardens, supporting the cultivation of vegetables for household consumption. According to Dr. Haq, the innovation is expected to provide a simple and practical solution for communities to reduce organic waste while increasing its value.

“We hope this innovation will go beyond waste processing and encourage communities to become more self-reliant in strengthening household food security through the use of home gardens,” he said.

Siti Nur Khasanah, leader of the Tumandur PKM-PM team, explained that the program was designed as a collaborative learning process between students and the community. In addition to introducing organic waste processing technology, the team also assisted with the production of liquid biofertilizer for cultivating food crops around the home.

Household waste management can be more effective through changes in community habits regarding the utilization of organic waste. This approach should create a more sustainable waste management cycle at the household level.

“We want people to see that organic waste is no longer something that must be discarded, but a resource that can be reused to help meet family needs,” she explained.

Throughout the activity, participants enthusiastically attended presentations and discussion sessions on the mechanisms of organic waste processing using the Smart Compost Vessel. Various questions were raised regarding the composting process, sensor operation, and methods for applying liquid biofertilizer to home gardens.

Ikhwani, Chair of the Jurugsari PKK organization, appreciated the student team’s preparation and coordination before the program’s implementation. The team’s approach helped residents better understand the benefits of independently managing organic waste.

“We hope this program can continue so that organic waste in Jurugsari can be utilized more effectively and provide tangible benefits for residents,” she said.

The Tumandur Program has also received support from various community groups and local government representatives. Purwoko, Chair of Neighborhood Association (RW) 57 in Jurugsari, stated that the initiative aligns with ongoing environmental development efforts in the area.

Retnaningsih, Head of Joho, noted the innovation introduced by the students has the potential to be developed as part of a community-based environmental management initiative. Similar support was expressed by the Condongcatur Village administration, which encouraged strong communication and collaboration throughout the program.

“This program is highly suitable for implementation in Jurugsari, and we are ready to support its continuation so that its benefits can be sustainably enjoyed by the community,” said Retnaningsih.

Through the Tumandur Program, UGM students hope that communities will not only reduce the volume of household organic waste but also gain economic and environmental benefits from its processing. The assistance provided will continue through various educational activities on waste management and the use of home gardens as sources of household food. This empowerment model is expected to encourage new habits of independent waste management while strengthening household-level food security. 

The simple technology-based innovation demonstrates how collaboration between universities and communities can generate practical solutions to environmental challenges. With a sustainable approach, the Tumandur Program is expected to become a community empowerment model that can be replicated in other regions.

Reporter: Nafi’atush Sholikhah
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian

Artikel UGM Students Collaborate with PKK Jurugsari to Manage Organic Waste pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

A team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has developed an innovative natural feed additive based on nanoparticles derived from kirinyuh leaves (Chromolaena odorata). The product is designed with a dual mechanism: serving as a natural adsorbent to bind microplastics in the digestive tract while also acting as a source of natural antioxidant compounds.

The innovation was developed by a team participating in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Sciences Research (PKM-RE), led by Fauzan Akbar Nugroho, an Animal Science and Industry student from the 2024 batch. The research also involves interdisciplinary collaboration among students from various faculties at UGM under the supervision of Dr. Moh. Sofi’ul Anam.

The team consists of Fauzan Akbar Nugroho and Dhiaz Larasati from the Faculty of Animal Science, Dimas Jati from the Vocational College, Muhammad Fazli from the Faculty of Biology, and Nabilla Saver from the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Fauzan said the innovation, developed through interdisciplinary collaboration, aims to provide a novel solution to the growing microplastic problem, which has become a serious threat to terrestrial food chains. 

“The nanoscale particle size of this kirinyuh leaf-based product increases its surface area, enabling it to bind microplastics more effectively and facilitate their excretion through feces,” he said on Tuesday (June 9).

In addition, Fauzan explained that the flavonoids and phenolic compounds contained in kirinyuh leaves help suppress oxidative stress and maintain the health of intestinal tissues in livestock.

Fauzan hopes the research can serve as an innovative step toward supporting food safety and sustainable livestock productivity. 

“Interdisciplinary research collaborations can contribute to the SDGs through food security, health, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Contributor: Satria/Animal Science Public Relations
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photo: PKM Team and Pixabay

Artikel UGM Students Research Kirinyuh Leaves to Mitigate Microplastic Impacts in Poultry pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This achievement marks the first step for each funded team toward competing in the 39th Indonesian National Student Science Competition (PIMNAS), which will be hosted by Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) in Semarang in early November.

According to data published on the Kemdiktisaintek SIMBELMAWA platform, the proposal quota was significantly reduced compared to the previous year. In 2025, a total of 1,590 PKM proposals received funding. In contrast, only 1,121 proposals were funded in 2026, a reduction of nearly 400.

Despite the funding quota being cut by almost one-third, UGM students maintained their strong performance in securing PKM grants. UGM emerged as the leading institution with the highest number of funded proposals, surpassing both public and private universities throughout Indonesia.

UGM Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, described this achievement as a positive foundation for strengthening the university’s ecosystem of research, innovation, and student creativity.

Dr. Suyatna further outlined the strategies UGM will implement following the funding announcement. He emphasized the importance of consolidation and coordination among advisors, student teams, and the UGM PKM Center as the facilitating unit. 

“Following the announcement, an official consolidation process will begin immediately next week. We hope intensive mentoring will continue throughout the evaluation process until the final results are announced,” he said on Tuesday (Jun. 2).

According to Dr. Suyatna, the large number of funded proposals reflects the consistent synergy and collaboration among various stakeholders. The Directorate of Student Affairs, through its Subdirectorate of Student Creativity Management and the UGM PKM Center, has played a significant role in facilitating activities, providing mentoring, and assisting students in proposal preparation.

He noted that the highly competitive selection process requires intensive support from the university, particularly during the administrative review stage. 

“We always strive to uphold fairness and submit the best possible work in competition with tens of thousands of innovative proposals. In addition, students’ creative ideas and research enthusiasm, supported by faculty advisors, have been key factors behind UGM’s success this year,” he explained.

Head of the Student Creativity Subdirectorate at UGM’s Directorate of Student Affairs, Suprijani, expressed hope that the increase in funded proposals would motivate all participating teams to maximize their efforts ahead of PIMNAS. 

“This achievement demonstrates that great ideas are born from hard work, collaboration, and a spirit of perseverance,” he said.

Suprijani noted that the 56 funded proposals comprise several categories, including PKM-K (3), PKM-KC (14), PKM-KI (2), PKM-PI (4), PKM-PM (5), PKM-RE (14), PKM-RSH (11), and PKM-VGK (3). These successful proposals emerged from interdisciplinary collaboration, as reflected in the participation of representatives from faculties and schools across Universitas Gadjah Mada. 

“The proposals integrate technological, social, and environmental dimensions, which are expected to provide solutions to various challenges faced by society,” he concluded.

Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara Putri
Photo: Public Relations Documentation

Artikel UGM Secures Highest Number of National PKM Research Grants pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

2025 marks the edition with the highest number of participating universities in history, with 170 universities and 420 student teams. 

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated as one of the contingents, sending 13 teams from the Student Creativity Program (PKM) that successfully advanced to the national final stage. All participants attended an opening series that was lively and full of collaborative spirit.

On this occasion, UGM sent teams across various PKM schemes, namely PKM-K (Entrepreneurship), PKM-KC (Intellectual Creation), PKM-KI (Innovative Work), PKM-PI (Application of Science and Technology), PKM-RE (Exact Science Research), PKM-RSH (Social Sciences and Humanities Research), PKM-VGK (Constructive Idea Videos), and PKM-GFT (Written Futuristic Ideas). 

Each PKM scheme brought a development focus that ranged from technology, social issues, environment, and health to disaster mitigation. The cross-disciplinary participation reflects the broad scope of UGM students’ creativity in formulating research-based ideas. The presence of these 13 teams represents the diversity of innovations developed on campus.

During the defile session, UGM appointed two students as the university’s flag bearers. Ata Beckham De Porras from PKM-KI represented the team developing Inkupets, a smart Internet-of-Things-based intensive care incubator for pets. 

Meanwhile, Maureen Arsa Sanda Cantika from PKM-K carried WormiBox, an innovation in earthworm cultivation equipped with sensors and digital monitoring. Both students represented UGM in the opening ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of contingents from various universities.

This year, UGM teams presented a wide range of innovations addressing current issues and community needs. These innovations include health technologies such as a pre-cancer lesion detector and a wearable device for cardiac arrest detection. 

There are also solutions in energy and environment, including a portable waste incinerator and a solar-powered aeration system for catfish farming. In addition, UGM students explored topics related to governance, digital social spaces, ruminant livestock, forestry, and disaster management.

The opening series of the 38th PIMNAS showcased strong togetherness among all participants. Students from various regions gathered in one space to strengthen academic networks and expand research collaborations.

The UGM contingent took part in all opening sessions, hoping to once again bring home the Adikarta Kertawidya Trophy through the works they presented.

The Rector of Universitas Hasanuddin, Professor Jamaluddin Jompa, expressed his appreciation to the participants and emphasized that PIMNAS is an important part of the national research ecosystem. 

Professor Jompa highlighted that students are presenting strong ideas that are highly relevant to society’s challenges. He also hoped that innovations emerging from PIMNAS continue to grow and contribute to long-term research. His remarks underscored Universitas Hasanuddin’s commitment to strengthening a cross-campus research culture.

At the end of his address, Professor Jompa delivered a philosophical message underscoring the importance of perseverance in pursuing knowledge. This message drew on Makassar philosophy regarding determination in facing challenges. He emphasized that mastery of science and technology is essential for global competitiveness. 

“Once the sail is set, the boat must never retreat to shore,” he said.

A representative from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Beni Bandanadjaja, expressed his appreciation for the organization of PIMNAS and for students’ achievements across Indonesia. 

He emphasized that PIMNAS is a competitive intellectual forum deserving of academic recognition equivalent to course credits. He expressed his support for the credit conversion policy for students who advance to PIMNAS or win medals. 

“PIMNAS can be even more challenging than a thesis or final project, so I wish you the best in competing, give your strongest performance,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Rajendra Arya

Photographs: UGM Directorate of Student Affairs

Artikel UGM Sends 13 PKM Teams to PIMNAS 2025, Showcasing Cross-Disciplinary Innovations pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In response to these issues, the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Student Creativity Program for Constructive Idea Videos (PKM-VGK) team, led by Muhammad Afnand Kabhila with members Fauzi Septriantoro, Muhammad Rizky Khoirul Amar, Safira Mahardika Rahayu, and Muhammad Firdaus Ar Riza, developed the Sustainable Integrated Kitchen System (SIKE). 

This AI-based smart kitchen innovation is designed to optimize the implementation of the MBG Program while converting food waste into renewable energy. 

Guided by Dr. Ni Nyoman Nepi Marleni, the team successfully qualified for the 38th Indonesian National Student Science Competition (PIMNAS).

Muhammad Afnand Kabhila explained that the MBG Program is an important government initiative, yet its implementation continues to face challenges ranging from children’s food preferences to logistical challenges. 

As a result, leftover food often increases and exacerbates the issue of food waste. He hopes SIKE can offer an end-to-end solution to address these problems.

“SIKE is designed as an end-to-end solution to break this paradox, ensuring proper nutritional delivery while preventing unnecessary waste,” he said on Wednesday (Nov. 19).

Furthermore, Kabhila elaborated that SIKE operates across two major priority levels. 

The priority focuses on optimizing menus and supply chains, supported by AI that manages raw material stock in real time and analyzes students’ nutritional needs based on their preferences and the availability of local food sources. 

The second priority centers on waste management through a circular economy approach. Food scraps are tracked using load-cell sensors, and the data is processed by AI as feedback for menu evaluation.

“Ultimately, food waste generated during meal service is processed into biogas, which is then reused for food preparation in MBG kitchens. It forms a true closed-loop system,” he added.

To broaden the initiative’s impact, the team introduced their concept through constructive idea videos on the team’s official YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok channels. 

The video dramatizes a storyline of a student fainting due to an unsuitable MBG menu, followed by the introduction of SIKE as a comprehensive solution for program improvement. 

The content received positive responses and has been viewed more than 146,000 times on Instagram.

“We hope this concept will continue to be developed and become a blueprint for a more effective and sustainable MBG implementation,” Kabhila concluded.

Author: Cyntia Noviana

Editor: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna

Photographs: Liputan 6 and SIKE Team

Artikel UGM Innovation SIKE Uses AI to Optimize Menus and Convert Food Waste into Renewable Energy pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The game, titled Kata Kita, is an educational platform featuring augmented reality (AR) and audio-sensory elements designed to train children’s oromotor skills and language abilities in an engaging manner. This innovation serves as a comprehensive tool to support speech therapy for children with special needs.

The Kata Kita team consists of Muhammad Zufar Syaafi’ and Muhammad Haidar Syaafi’ (Information Engineering), Nabila Sabna Haqi (Indonesian Language and Literature), and Keisha Tiara Ramadhania and Nenden Kalma Syafiyah Afiyatani (Psychology).

The Kata Kita game was created to provide an interactive and accessible learning medium for children with cerebral palsy who have delayed speech.

“Our team took the initiative to create an innovative technology-based solution using a game-based learning approach that integrates audio-sensory technology and augmented reality,” said Nabila Sabna Haqi in an interview on Thursday (Nov. 11).

The game features several levels of play, with more vocabulary introduced as the levels progress. Kata Kita also includes an AR-based 3D animal adventure to enrich vocabulary learning. 

Its voice-recognition feature provides real-time feedback on the child’s pronunciation, making speech practice with parents or supervisors enjoyable. 

As a digital, inclusive product, the game can also be used in various disability communities, inclusive schools, and speech therapy centers. Beyond functioning as a learning tool, the platform also provides a monitoring website accessible to parents or caregivers. 

“Through this website, parents can monitor their child’s progress in real time and receive development summaries generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI),” added Haqi.

She further explained that Kata Kita was developed in collaboration with WKCP Yogyakarta, a community focused on supporting children with CP and their families. This collaboration ensures that the program aligns with the community’s fundamental needs and can deliver a sustainable, positive impact.

The game had previously undergone trial testing with several children with cerebral palsy at WKCP Yogyakarta. The results varied depending on the participants’ degree of speech delay. 

“For children with mild to moderate delays, we observed positive changes. They were able to pronounce more vocabulary within a single sentence. One child who previously could not pronounce the letter ‘k’ is now able to articulate it correctly,” Haqi explained.

The team hopes the Kata Kita game will serve as an inclusive, sustainable learning medium for children with cerebral palsy who experience speech delays. Through audio-sensory technology and augmented reality, they hope to help children practice speaking in an enjoyable and effective way. 

“We also hope that Kata Kita can be widely implemented across various disability communities and inclusive schools, helping expand access to education for children with special needs in Indonesia,” concluded Haqi.

Author: Lintang Andwyna

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Rajendra Arya

Photographs: Kata Kita Team

Artikel Introducing “Kata Kita”, Educational Game for Children with Cerebral Palsy by UGM Students pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The resulting product is a nano-hydroxyapatite-green tea leaf biocomposite gel with a nanoparticle structure capable of penetrating, adhering to, and strengthening teeth biomimetically. 

Hardness testing was conducted at the Materials and Production Laboratory of UGM Vocational College (SV UGM) using bovine teeth. The results showed increased enamel hardness and reduced surface porosity after 4 days of gel application, followed by immersion in artificial saliva. 

“Meanwhile, antibacterial testing at the Integrated Research Laboratory, UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM), also demonstrated inhibition zones against Streptococcus mutans, indicating effective antimicrobial activity,” said Hasan Rabbani, Chair of the Pevillia Dent Team, at UGM on Thursday (Nov. 6).

In addition to Hasan Rabbani (UGM Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences/FMIPA UGM), the team consists of Achmad Musa Nurhadi (FKG UGM), Irya Dira and Jovanka Sandy (FMIPA UGM), and Ifah Nuur Rakhimah (Faculty of Biology/Biology UGM). 

The team is supervised by Professor Yusril Yusuf, a materials physics expert from FMIPA UGM.

Hasan Rabbani explained that, through a study titled “Potential of a Nano-Hydroxyapatite Biocomposite Gel from Green Mussel Shells (Perna viridis) and Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis) for Tooth Remineralization,” the team explored tooth remineralization as a method to prevent the progression of dental caries. 

They selected green mussel shells from Baron Beach, Gunungkidul, which contain 95.69 percent calcium carbonate, an ideal material for synthesizing nano-hydroxyapatite, the primary mineral in tooth enamel. 

“The synthesis process used a sintering method with a furnace at 1000°C to produce nanosized particles. Meanwhile, tea leaves from the Nglinggo tea plantation in Kulon Progo were processed through 96 percent ethanol extraction to obtain natural fluoride and polyphenols as antibacterial agents against Streptococcus mutans,” Rabbani explained.

He further noted that the research idea emerged from observing the persistently high rates of dental caries in Indonesia. Referring to Ministry of Health data (2023), he noted that dental caries prevalence reached 82.8 percent. 

“We wanted to provide a solution from local materials that is not only effective but also safe and sustainable. Our work took us from the coastal areas of Baron Beach to the mountainous slopes of the Nglinggo tea plantations, culminating in the development of this local-resource-based remineralization gel,” he said.

Achmad Musa Nurhadi added that the gel developed by the Pevillia Dent Team can penetrate the tooth enamel layer. Unlike topical fluoride, which only works on the surface, this product strengthens the outer layer while penetrating deeper to restore the mineral structure from within. 

“Importantly, our formulation is free from cow’s milk protein allergens often found in imported products such as CPP-ACP,” Nurhadi noted.

He explained that the gel is easy to apply with a clean fingertip or a small silicone spatula, and should be spread evenly on the tooth surface twice daily after brushing. This application method supports a more optimal and natural remineralization process. Nurhadi also confirmed that the particle size and crystal structure met biomaterial standards, as determined by XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses. 

“The main challenge of this research was maintaining gel stability to ensure consistent form and viscosity, which we successfully achieved by adjusting the pH,” he added.

For antibacterial testing, Jovanka Sandy explained that the team used Streptococcus mutans cultures to evaluate antibacterial effectiveness. 

The research process was not without obstacles; among them were difficulties in finding a furnace capable of reaching 1000°C during synthesis and in ensuring safe gel sterilization for antibacterial testing. These hurdles, Sandy noted, delayed formulation optimization beyond the initial plan. 

“Thanks to intensive supervision and cross-laboratory collaboration among FMIPA UGM, Biology UGM, and FKG UGM, we ultimately completed all testing stages and finalized the formulation,” Sandy said.

The Pevillia Dent Team is grateful that their product offers several advantages, including enamel penetration, cow’s milk protein allergen-free composition, natural enamel-mimicking structure, antibacterial properties, and the use of local resources. 

According to Sandy, the gel has strong potential for further development, including patenting the formulation, conducting organoleptic tests (taste, aroma, smell, color), conducting clinical trials in humans, and scaling up to industrial production. 

“The Pevillia Dent Team is now preparing to compete at the 2025 National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) at Universitas Hasanudin. We continue to carry the spirit of cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation based on Indonesia’s natural resources to support sustainable, healthy smiles,” she concluded.

Professor Yusril Yusuf also expressed appreciation, noting that the Pevillia Dent Team’s research reflects UGM’s multidisciplinary synergy. 

He stated that the team not only harnessed natural potential but also successfully integrated materials physics, analytical chemistry, biology, and dentistry into one biomimetic product grounded in sustainability.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Post-editor: Rajendra Arya

Artikel UGM Students Develop Biocomposite Gel from Green Mussel Shells to Prevent Dental Caries pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Through the Student Creativity Program for Entrepreneurship (PKM-K), five students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) developed an innovative product called SABI, also known as Organic Mulch.

The members were Salfa Alifia Putri and Erelyne Erlina from the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM), Fanisa Esa Alfira from the UGM Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), Aimmatul Husna from the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM), and Jane Angguningtyas Deanani from the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM).

The team was supervised by Nasih Widya Yuwono, a lecturer from the Department of Soil Science at UGM.

Team leader Salfa Alifia Putri explained that the organic mulch is made from easily available and abundant materials found around agricultural lands, namely water hyacinth and eggshells. 

By utilizing these natural materials, production costs can be reduced, enabling farmers and communities to benefit both environmentally and economically.

“We developed this product as an alternative for farmers and communities seeking more environmentally friendly cultivation methods,” said Putri on Wednesday (Nov. 5).

The production process of the organic mulch takes approximately three to four hours in the Feed Laboratory, Department of Fisheries, Agriculture UGM. Each batch yields around 50-60 pieces of mulch. The mulch is circular, measuring 30 centimeters in diameter, and is suitable for medium-sized plant pots.

The Organic Mulch helps retain soil moisture for extended periods, reduces erosion, and suppresses weed growth. 

Moreover, it promotes healthier plant growth and better productivity compared to plants without mulch. Being biodegradable, it naturally decomposes, enriching the soil with nutrients and serving as organic fertilizer.

“This product offers an eco-friendly alternative aimed at supporting farmers who wish to reduce the use of conventional plastic mulch,” she added.

Putri further shared that the SABI team plans to expand trials of the organic mulch to various types of crops and land conditions while collaborating with local farming partners for large-scale production.

“We hope SABI can become an innovative solution toward a greener, healthier, and plastic-free agricultural system in Indonesia,” she said.

Additionally, SABI has been showcased at several exhibitions, including the Agriculture UGM Anniversary Expo and the Postgraduate Pioneer Expo, and is also available for purchase through e-commerce platforms. 

The team markets its product through a pre-order system and promotes it on social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Author: Jesi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Rajendra Arya

Photographs: SABI Team

Artikel Introducing SABI, an Eco-Friendly Mulch from Water Hyacinth and Eggshell Waste pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“It takes several days of sun-drying for the pottery to completely dry,” he said.

To address this problem, a team of students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participating in the Student Creativity Program for the Application of Science and Technology (PKM-PI) developed an innovative tool called the Modern and Reliable Pottery Drying System (SIGMA). 

The team is led by Ahmad Herosa Harsam from the Electrical Engineering Technology program, UGM Vocational College, alongside Muhammad Rizky Mahfud (Electrical Engineering Technology), Althaf Muhammad Daffa (Mechanical Engineering), Luul Nur Azizah (Economics), and Ayu Atikah (Software Engineering Technology), under the supervision of Ma’un Budiyanto.

The device utilizes heat transfer from hot water converted into steam, which is then circulated through a fan inside an enclosed chamber. The temperature is maintained between 50-60°C. The system operates automatically, allowing users to set the desired drying duration. The process is controlled by an Arduino UNO, with the timer displayed on the LCD panel.

“You just need to set the drying time and press start; the system will run automatically,” explained Ahmad Herosa Harsam on Wednesday (Nov. 5).

This automatic pottery dryer can dry 100–200 pottery pieces in just 7-8 hours, significantly shortening production time. Moreover, it operates on affordable electrical energy, costing approximately Rp 10,000.00 per use.

In line with the team’s slogan “Faster drying, better business, right innovation,” Harsam hopes that this innovation will provide long-term benefits for Pitoyo and serve as a model for other pottery craftsmen.

“This tool shows that applied technology is essential across various fields and can truly make a difference,” he said.

Team member Muhammad Rizky Mahfud added that SIGMA employs simple, easy-to-operate technology.

“We applied an appropriate and practical technology solution to address Mr. Pitoyo’s problem,” he noted.

Pitoyo expressed his gratitude to the UGM student team after using the device, noting that SIGMA has sped up the pottery drying process and allowed him to proceed to the next stage (firing) more efficiently.

“My production has increased, and I no longer have to worry about unpredictable weather,” he shared.

Through this innovation, the SIGMA PKM-PI team emphasized that the application of science and technology can bring about meaningful change for communities.

“This project proves that even simple technological applications can make a big impact on people’s lives,” the team concluded.

Author: Jesi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Rajendra Arya

Photographs: SIGMA Team

Artikel Automatic Pottery Dryer by UGM Students Cuts Drying Time from Days to Hours pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.