The Biotechnology Study Center of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a Snake Venom Proteomics Workshop on Wednesday–Saturday, 17–20 September 2025, with participants from the research team of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) of the Republic of Indonesia. This activity is part of the Center’s efforts to strengthen proteomics research networks across disciplines and institutions.

The workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, Head of the Biotechnology Study Center, together with Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas as the main coordinator. Using the snake collection of the Faculty of Biology UGM, the training covered venom milking and handling techniques, as well as the characterization of venom protein components.

• The venom milking technique was directly demonstrated by Dr. drh. Slamet Raharjo, M.P.
• The snake handling technique was guided by Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro.

Following the theoretical sessions, participants carried out practical work on venom protein handling, including protein quantification, characterization using SDS-PAGE, and proteomics preparation at the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Biotechnology Study Center. Further analysis was conducted using LC-HRMS in collaboration with Corpora Science.

This workshop is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing as well as a form of community service by the Biotechnology Study Center. It also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): supporting research development on snakebite management for public health.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): strengthening human resource capacity through knowledge transfer and hands-on training.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): fostering research innovation in proteomics and its applications.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): enhancing collaboration across institutions and scientific disciplines.

Through this program, the Biotechnology Study Center of UGM reaffirms its commitment to producing applied research that provides broad benefits for society and advances scientific knowledge.

Yogyakarta – The Research Center and Study Program of Biotechnology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with PT Widya Teknologi Hayati, successfully conducted a workshop titled “Producing Crude Polymerase from Escherichia coli” on Friday (October 25, 2024). The workshop was attended by 35 participants from various backgrounds, including representatives from universities, research centers, and industry.

The Head of the Research Center for Biotechnology UGM, explained in her opening remarks that the workshop aims to encourage the development of domestic products, particularly in the biotechnology field. “One of the main focuses is the production of DNA polymerase enzyme from Escherichia coli bacteria,” said Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si. This enzyme plays a crucial role in various modern biotechnology applications, such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is widely used in medical research and drug development.

Importance of Developing Local DNA Polymerase

Indonesia has been heavily reliant on imported DNA polymerase enzymes. However, with abundant biological resources, Indonesia has significant potential to develop independent enzyme production. Therefore, this workshop represents a concrete step toward achieving that independence.

“Through this workshop, we want to make a real contribution to the development of biotechnology in Indonesia, particularly in polymerase enzyme production,” stated Agung Dian Kharisma, S.Pd.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D., the organizing committee chair. “Participants were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster new innovations in biotechnology, including the development of high-quality DNA polymerase products.”

The workshop presented comprehensive material, ranging from basic theory about enzymes, production techniques, industrial scale development, to applications in various fields. The classroom sessions were led by Dr. rer.nat. Erich Bürger, an expert from Senior Experten Service (SES) Germany, who has over 28 years of experience in the protein industry. In addition to classroom instruction, participants also engaged in laboratory practice to directly apply the DNA polymerase enzyme production process. “The material presented was very useful. The workshop was engaging and insightful,” said Azmi Zaki Waliudin Althaf, S.Biotek., M.Biotech.

Strategic Collaboration

The collaboration between the Research Center and Study Program of Biotechnology UGM and PT Widya Teknologi Hayati is a strategic step to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem in Indonesia. PT Widya Teknologi Hayati, a startup in the biotechnology sector, actively supports technical assistance and technology transfer to workshop participants. “With this workshop, we hope that in the future Indonesia can produce its own polymerase,” Agung Dian concluded.

It is hoped that this workshop can motivate participants to continue developing research and innovations in biotechnology. With increasing involvement from researchers and industries in biotechnology product development, Indonesia can become more independent and competitive on the international stage. (AR)

We are delighted to extend an invitation from the Biotechnology Study Center at UGM for your attendance at an upcoming event:

General Lecture: Plant Science Research with a View to Contributing to The Green Economy

Date: Monday, November 27, 2023 Time: 13:00 – 15:00 WIB Zoom Link: http://ugm.id/ZoomGLTD2023 Meeting ID: 929 0672 2716 Passcode: GLTD2023

This General Lecture, themed “Plant Science Research with a View to Contributing to The Green Economy,” will be delivered by Professor Taku Demura, Director of the NAIST Center for Digital Green-Innovation (CDG) in Japan.

Registration is open via the following link: http://ugm.id/GLTD2023

We encourage your participation in this informative and enriching session. Please register at your earliest convenience.

Thank you, and we look forward to your presence.

From August 30, 2023 to September 1, 2023, the Research Center for Biotechnology organized a workshop with the theme “Protein Engineering in Drug Development”. The main speakers for this workshop were Prof. Teruna J. Siahaan from the University of Kansas, Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri (Research Center for Biotechnology, UGM), M. Saifur Rohman, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture, UGM), Dewi Kartikawati Paramita, Ph.D. (Research Center for Biotechnology, UGM), and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas (Biotechnology Study Program, UGM).

The event witnessed an overwhelming response, drawing 18 participants from diverse institutions, each eager to delve into the fascinating world of protein engineering and its role in advancing drug development. Participants were not only educated through comprehensive training sessions but also given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in practical laboratory settings.

The overarching goal of this workshop was to ignite the creativity and passion of participants, empowering them to contribute to the development of protein-based therapies and disease diagnostics. The workshop comes as a response to concerns voiced by the Center for Biotechnology Studies regarding the high dependency on drug imports within Indonesia.

The “Protein Engineering in Drug Development” workshop serves as a shining example of UGM’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and addressing real-world challenges. As the event concluded, it left a lasting mark on the participants and provided valuable insights that will contribute to the advancement of biotechnology in Indonesia and beyond.

August 30 – September 1, 2023, The Research Center for Biotechnology Universitas Gadjah Mada held a workshop with the theme ¨Protein Engineering in Drug Development¨ with main speakers Prof. Teruna J. Siahaan from the University of Kansas, Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri (The Research Center for Biotechnology UGM), M. Saifur Rohman, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture UGM), Dewi Kartikawati Paramita, Ph.D. (The Research Center for Biotechnology UGM), and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas (The Research Center for Biotechnology UGM).

Receiving high enthusiasm, this activity was attended by 18 participants from various different institutions. During the three-day implementation of this activity, participants received training and also had the opportunity to directly practice in the laboratory.

The purpose of holding this workshop is to spark participants to develop protein-based therapeutic agents and disease diagnostics, this is done as a response to the concern of the Center for Biotechnology Studies over the high number of drug imports in Indonesia.

The workshop “Protein Engineering in Drug Development” became a real example of UGM’s commitment to encourage scientific excellence and address real-world challenges. When the event ended, it left a deep impression on the participants and provided valuable insights that will contribute to the advancement of biotechnology in Indonesia to the world, in line with the 4th SDG.