The Faculty of Animal Science in UGM celebrated the main event of its 56ᵗʰ Anniversary, themed “Enhancing Excellent Human Resources through Livestock-Derived Functional Foods towards Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045)”, at the drh. R. Soepardjo Auditorium on Monday (10/11). The event was attended by UGM Rector Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., along with university leadership, faculty members, educational staff, students, and partners. The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture was represented by the Director of Animal Feed, Dr. Ir. Tri Melasari, SPt., M.Si., IPM, attending on behalf of the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, Dr. drh. Agung Suganda, M.Si.
In her remarks, UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation for the various innovations and achievements of the Faculty of Animal Science that have made a tangible impact on society. She emphasized the importance of livestock-derived functional foods, such as milk, eggs, and meat, which play a significant role in improving human health, immune resilience, and cognitive function.
“Consuming nutritious and functional livestock-based foods can help foster a healthy, productive, and innovative young generation. The theme of this anniversary celebration aligns perfectly with the spirit of Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045),” said Ova.
The Rector also commended various flagship research projects by the Faculty of Animal Science in UGM, including collagen innovation derived from Garut sheepskin to prevent hypertension, the development of tropical alfalfa as high-nutrition feed, and the products Lowkol and Lowcose, which are suitable for individuals with degenerative diseases. Furthermore, the Faculty continues to advance sustainable livestock farming systems, uch as cage-free chicken production, and strengthen livestock breeds and innovative feed varieties, including the Gama Cattle and Gama Umami Grass.
Strategic Achievements and Innovative Research at the Faculty of Animal Science in UGM
In his report, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ir. Budi Guntoro, S.Pt., M.Sc., IPU., ASEAN Eng., reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to becoming a world-class national reference point in the field of tropical animal science.
“The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the Faculty to strengthen research, innovation, and international networks,” he explained.
Various strategic achievements have been accomplished, including the Ministry of Agriculture’s official recognition of the Gama cattle breed, the development of a fourth-generation local chicken breed, and the Animal Science Bulletin achieving Scopus indexing: a testament to the quality of its international scientific publications.
In the academic sphere, the Faculty recorded a significant increase in student international mobility, hosted its 9ᵗʰ Summer Course, themed “Smart Farming Technologies for Sustainable Livestock and Agricultural Production to Support Food Security and Respond to the Global Food Crisis”, and actively participated in the 11ᵗʰ International Seminar on Tropical Animal Production (ISTAP XI), which involved researchers from various countries.
Synergy Between Government and Academia for the National Livestock Sector
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Tri Melasari, Director of Animal Feed, emphasized the importance of collaboration among the government, academia, and the business sector to strengthen the national livestock industry. Regarding livestock development policy directions for 2025, the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (Ditjen PKH) is focusing on increasing national meat and milk production, ensuring the availability of high-quality feed, and developing superior livestock breeds through food self-sufficiency programs.
“The Faculty of Animal Science plays a strategic role in human resource development and technological innovation in tropical animal husbandry. Collaboration with institutions like UGM is key to achieving self-sufficiency in animal-sourced foods and enhancing community welfare,” she said.
Fapet Award 2025: Recognizing Individuals and Partners in Animal Husbandry
In appreciation of the dedication and contributions made toward the development of the animal husbandry sector, spanning industry, academia, community service, and institutional growth in Indonesia, the Faculty presents the 2025 Faculty of Animal Science Award to prominent figures and partners in the national animal husbandry industry.
The awards were presented to Ir. Tumiyono, MBA (CEO of PT Widodo Makmur Perkasa), Prof. Dr. Ir. Muladno, MSA (Initiator of the People’s Livestock School), Dr. Ir. Ferry Poernama, M.Sc. (Senior Vice President of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia), and Ir. Yudi Guntara Noor, S.Pt., IPU (Chairman of the Indonesian Sheep and Goat Breeders Association).
The 56ᵗʰ Anniversary commemoration of the Faculty featured a series of activities reflecting a spirit of collaboration and service, including a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the revision of the Law on Livestock and Animal Health, Faculty of Animal Science Moves for Health, Halal Slaughterer Training, a community service program titled “Bagimu Petani, Kami Mengabdi” (“In Service to Farmers”), and a farewell ceremony for retiring lecturers and educational staff.
Original article: https://fapet.ugm.ac.id/fapet-ugm-rayakan-dies-natalis-ke-56-perkuat-sdm-unggul-lewat-inovasi-pangan-fungsional-asal-ternak/
Translated by: Sarah Suminar