The Chemistry and Natural Science Department, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA) Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang (Unimus) held a focus group discussion (FGD) for Business Incubator Program. The agenda was conducted for the Independent Campus Competition Program (PKKM) in its second term. The Vice Rector I Unimus, Dr Budi Santosa MSi Med opened the FGD. On this occasion, the Dean of FMIPA, Dr Eny Winaryati MPd; the Head of Chemistry Education, Fitria Fatichatul Hidayah SSi MPd; the Head of Collaboration, Public Relations, and Protocols, and International Affairs (LK3UI), Muh Yusuf Ph.D.; and 22 lecturers of Entrepreneurship from various departments in Unimus also attended. In the FGD, Emir Hartri Putra from Program and Community Lead – Impala Space presented his materials accompanied by Eko Yulianto SPd MPd as moderator on Thursday (14/07). 

When the FGD opened, Vice Rector I, Dr Budi Santosa MSi Med delivered his remarks. According to him, the FGD was important as a medium to strengthen the graduate achievement as entrepreneurs and develop their entrepreneurial skills in Unimus.  “Unimus commits to strengthening students’ entrepreneurial skills. Then, by the similar activities as FGD, the increase of students’ potentials in entrepreneurship will be encapsulated and collaborated,” he said. 

Furthermore, the Committee Chief of FGD, Eko Yunianto mentioned that the FGD becomes a part of the second term of PKKM and becomes an important occasion in developing campus and enhancing graduates’ achievement through the improvement of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Unimus. In his materials, Emir Hartri Putra explained that it is important to build an internal culture in Unimus, including business competitions, involving business in the curriculum, conducting business workshops, opening office hours, disseminating knowledge from the alumni to the campus entities, and student organization involvement.

Dr Susanti, the Pharmacy lecturer at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP), created a remarkable achievement. She succeeded in inventing a Molecular Diagnostic Kit to detect Colorectal Cancer, named BioColoMelt-Dx. The innovation was officially launched by the Pharmacy Indonesian state-owned company, Bio Farma, in the Cancer Hospital (RSK) Auditorium, Dharmais Jakarta. 

On this occasion, Budi G Sadikin, the Minister of Health, attended the launching accompanied by Public Procurement Program (LKPP) Azwar Anas; the General Director of Pharmacy and Medical Equipment, Rizka Andalusia; and the Director of Bio Farma, Honesti Basyir. 

Dr Susanti explained the BioColoMelt-Dx mechanism in detecting colorectal cancer. First, take samples through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR is a laboratory examination to detect genetic materials from cells, bacteria, and viruses. “Alhamdulillah, the early development that begins BioColoMelt-Dx has received a grant from Islamic Development Bank,” she said, Wednesday (20/07) in Jakarta.

As reported, the molecular diagnostic product detects genetic abnormalities and mutations that basically occur in colorectal cancer. The product received marketing authorization from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes RI) on 1 July 2022 with the number AKD20306220065 and became the first molecular diagnostic for cancer that is produced in Indonesia.

“BioColoMelt-Dx is based on changes detection or genetic mutation based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA) so it is easier to test in a laboratory with limited resources and reasonable cost,” she said.

According to her, the PCR machine is currently available in Indonesia after the Covid-19 pandemic so the BioColoMelt-Dx products are expected to improve in utilizing PCR machines and related facilities to overcome other health problems, especially cancer.

“Blood relative from Lynch Syndrome patients has a high possibility to own similar genetic abnormalities that also share a high risk in suffering several cancers, especially colorectal cancer,” she said in a statement.

She continued that the blood relative of Lynch Syndrome patients should check their health problems earlier to detect cancer that can be prevented and treated in its lower stage. The product has been developed by BioFarma and PathGen based on Dr. Susanti’s research during her doctoral studies at the University of Nottingham under the supervision of Prof Mohammad Ilyas.

Besides becoming an Indonesian diaspora of cancer researchers, Dr. Susanti is also a stage-3 colorectal cancer survivor in 2014 when she was 30. The test sensitivity and specificity of BioColoMelt-Dx are around 95% (very good) and have been tested in approximately 300 samples of colorectal cancer in the UK (Nottingham) and Indonesia with a comparison of standard detection method agreed by the International Safety Regulation Institution, especially Food Drug Administration (FDA).

“Clinical validation tests that used Indonesian patient samples have been conducted in collaboration of Dharmais Cancer Hospital, the Medical Science Faculty, Universitas Indonesia and Dr. Cipto Mangun Kusumo Hospital, Universitas Riau, Dr. Sarjito Hospital, Universitas Gadjah Mada,” she said.

Various parties also supported the development of BioColoMelt-Dx, including the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Indonesian Embassy in London.

“BioColoMelt-Dx is a national and global collaboration that is expected to contribute to Indonesia’s healthcare product sustainability,” she concluded.

The research team from UM Purwokerto, the collaboration between Chemical Engineering and Agrotechnology department, examined the Modified Cassava Flour (Mocaf) with high protein. They raised “The Development of High-Protein Mocaf Products”. The research was conducted by the funding of the Ministry of Education, Cultures, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek) on the Innovative-Productive Research (Rispro) LPDP Program. The research was granted on Village Research Grant Scheme led by Dr Anwar Ma’ruf ST MT and his team, Alwani Hamad ST MSc PhD and Arif Prashadi Santosa STP MSc as researchers in bio food processing and Dini Nur Afifah SSi MEng as a researcher on chemical analysis. “The research involved PT Rumah Mocaf Indonesia as the leading partner to produce a high-protein mocaf,” said Dini Nur Afifah.

According to the researchers, mocaf products contain little protein. So the researchers examined to optimize and fortify the cassava fermentation through the addition of specific enzymes. It helped to improve the protein level. It was expected that the protein level in mocaf could be higher than the current mocaf products. The research was conducted over six months, and the research team succeeded in improving its protein level from 1% to 3%.

The researchers involved various lecturers from varied fields, and also the students. Ten students from Chemical Engineering and Agrotechnology were involved in the implementation of the Independent Learning and Independent Campus (MBKM) program. The team leader and Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Human Resources, Dr. Anwar, explained that the program was beneficial for students academically and non-academically. “The students can observe how the industrial world works and apply chemical engineering in industry,” he said. If the research is successful in improving protein levels, the Chemical Engineering of UMP would build a Mocaf Production House with the remarkable products of the high-protein mocaf. It also optimized the Alumni potencies to be Mocaf production pioneers in their village by clustering system.

UM Surakarta student, Rosa Sayentina Amin who studies Pharmacy, has conducted research to examine a healthcare product for a long time. She works for alternative medicine products with natural ingredients for patients with high blood sugar and obesity. Under the supervision of her lecturer, Arifah, she examined the black rice bran as high blood sugar medication with the combination of lime, West Indian elm, and Senna leaves that become obesity medicine. From the research, she has 1 dietary supplement and 1 food replacement.

Rosa also explained that currently, she needs a circulation permit for her products. Also, she tested her dietary supplement product herself. She succeeded in losing weight from 70 kilos to 55 kilos. “Currently, it is ready to consume, but it is still in the developmental stage,” she said. The product also received international awards, including Gold Medal World Young Inventors Exhibition, Malaysia; 2021 Best Invention Award Asian Young Inventors for high blood sugar medication; and Silver Medal World Young Inventors Exhibition, Malaysia for the dietary supplement product for weight loss and obesity medication product.

Various national achievements were also received by Rosa, including second place in Krenova Surakarta, the finalist in Scientific Writing Competition (LKTI) Ecoday UNS, the team leader of Holistic Village Development and Empowerment Program (PHP2D), Student Creativity Program of Research (PKM-P), the 33rd PIMNAS in UGM, Bulan Penelitian program in UMS, copyright owner, and Student Organization Capacity Building Program (PPK Ormawa). For her achievement and innovation, Rosa Sayentina Amin succeeded in achieving the Student Achievement Awards as the highest national and international awards achiever in UMS, Tuesday (28/06).

UM Jakarta held an inauguration for the latest professor, Prof Herwina Bahar on Wednesday (29/06). Prof Herwina also delivered her scientific oration on “Integrated Learning Model Based on Asmaul Husna In Strengthening Character Education in Early Childhood”. Prof Herwina also became the first professor in the Faculty of Education, UM Jakarta, through the integration of the learning process based on asmaul husna.

According to her, the learning process of early childhood is important, especially in character education. Therefore, introducing asmaul husna also provides an opportunity for children to comprehend Allah SWT deeper, through His name and God’s nature. “Asmaul Husna becomes the right alternative for the children. It is beneficial for improving their cognitive intelligence through the developed theme and concept. It is also important to inculcate the great values of Allah SWT to rely on religious and moral aspects through spiritual intelligence,” she said.

On this occasion, Prof Herwina theorized that children could easily explore their minds with asmaul husna. Prof Herwina also stated that they could show directly the superiority of Allah SWT’s nature. In children’s daily activities, asmaul husna would be attached to their personalities so children could imitate Allah’s nature. Therefore, automatically, character education in childhood would develop effectively. “It will internalize the children’s personality. So, asmaul husna becomes a basic understanding in developing childhood’s character,” he said.

STIPER Muhammadiyah Tanah Grogot officially merged with Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT). STIPER is currently known as UMKT Tanah Grogot after receiving the Ministerial Decree of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek) last June. To follow up on the merger of two Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), UMKT visited to synchronize the data between STIPER Muhammadiyah Grogot, Paser Regency, Friday (15/07).

To welcome UMKT visitation, the Head of STIPER Muhammadiyah Grogot, Arahman, appreciated the achievement and merger process. “It will be our new history that UMKT currently has become a part of Paser communities,” said Suwoko, the Vice-Rector II UMKT.

Siswanto, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Province Board (PWM) East Kalimantan, expected that the merger would create networking and strengthen collaboration with various external and internal stakeholders in the Paser regency. “We have to appreciate the UMKT in Tanah Grogot. Because we have the greatest hope to develop Paser. Keep communicating and strengthen the external and internal collaboration in Tanah Grogot,” he said.

After the transformation of STIPER Muhammadiyah Tanah Grogot into UMKT Tanah Grogot, this higher education institution has three Bachelor’s degree programs, including Agrotechnology, Agribusiness, and Digital Business.

In the visitation, the Head of Financial Bureau, Suprayitno; the Head of General Affairs Bureau; Khairul Anam, the Head of Academic and Student Affairs Bureau; and the Head of UMKT Rectorate, Rizky Kurniawan.

UM Sorong (UNAMIN) held an Open Senate Meeting in conducting the 18th Commencement for Bachelor program. The graduation was conducted in RK 763 Vira Yudha Sakti Auditorium, Sorong, Wednesday (22/06). Two hundred and thirty-three graduates from 7 faculties attended the first period of Graduation with Nurhalizah Zulkarnain Juma from the Law department as valedictorian. According to Dr. H Muhammad Ali MM MH, the Rector of UNAMIN, the valedictorian graduates in three years and six months.

The commencement indicated that 11.770 students have graduated and become Alumni. They were ready to be absorbed in varied companies, government, and educational institutions in Papua, West Papua, and many other regions. “UNAMIN continues to try in producing qualified graduates who have competencies in their field. It is a commitment of UNAMIN in enhancing achievement in academic and non-academic,” he said. Furthermore, UNAMIN has also established three more departments, including Elementary School Teacher Study Program (PGSD), Environmental Engineering, and Accounting.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (CHERD), Prof Lincolin Arsyad MSc Phd expected that UNAMIN would build and strengthen the graduates’ competitiveness, especially the indigenous people of Papua to contribute to communities, nations, and country. The Chairman of Higher Education Service Institutes (LLDikti) Regional XIV for Papua and West Papua, Dr Suriel S Mofu SPd MEd TEFL MPhil (Oxon), hoped that the graduates also became Transformational Agents for communities. “We appreciate UNAMIN for providing opportunities to indigenous people in Papua pursuing studies,” he added.

The team who propose the Independent Entrepreneurial Program from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has succeeded to be selected as one of 17 higher educations to conduct the Independent Entrepreneurial Program (PWM) in Indonesia. It also made UMS as the only university in Central Java-Yogyakarta to be listed .

The announcement was presented at the Grand Launching of PWM by the Indonesia Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud Ristek) on Friday (15/07).

At the interview, the Committee Chief of PWM, Dr Ir Suranto ST MM MSi expressed his gratitude due to the trust to become one of the universities selected from 100 proposals in state and private universities.

“Alhamdulillah, the Ministry has launched the program and UMS becomes the only university from regional Central Java-Yogyakarta. One of the reasons is because UMS has entrepreneurial business incubator studies. UMS also became one of the top campuses from Higher Education Service Institute (LLDikti) Regional VI in the Independent Learning Independent Campus program,” Suranto said.

He continued that the Entrepreneur program for students is related to the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) program. By the MBKM implementation, UMS has been selected to organize the Ministerial program considering that one of eight activities is entrepreneurship.

“Various elements that also supported in the proposal included the Research, Technology and Innovation Institute (LRI), the Community Service Institute (LPMPP), the Quality Assurance Institute (LJM) and all UMS leaders who support UMS in becoming one of PWM program organizers,” said the Vice-Rector I, Prof Joko Prayitno.

According to Prof. Harun Joko Prayitno, in the preparation, UM Surakarta has prepared all facilities, materials, and instructors who have experience in their fields, or other supporting facilities. “We hope the program can produce a competent youth generation in entrepreneurship,” he added.

STIKes Muhammadiyah Kuningan had sent various teams of Student Community Service to their service location. One of the locations is in Randusari. Randusari is located in Cibeureum, Kuningan regency. In this location, STIKes Muh Kuningan students grew the food plant to strengthen food security. By raising the theme “Bunda Menyapa”, growing the food plant started the sequential agendas. In the following days, the program would also invite Kuningan regent, Hj. Ika Purnama.

To grow a food plant by STIKes Muh Kuningan students was conducted on Thursday (07/07). It aimed to support the Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) program in Randusari Village. Groups of adult women as PKK members had the intention to use their backyard to grow plants. “The purpose of current activity will influence ‘Bunda Menyapa’ agenda to maintain food security,” said Ika, the Chairwoman of PKK. With food security in each family, the financial productivity in communities also increases. It will provide a new feature in the local development of the Kuningan regency. Therefore, it could provide a positive impact on nature conservation. The student in STIKes Muh Kuningan contributed to the positive program.

Furthermore, Ika appreciated the productivity improvement of the community in growing the food plant. Besides becoming aware of securing food conditions in the family, it could influence town planning. “The communities could be more productive in urban planning, including their house yard and food demand,” he added.