The program ran for three months, from October to December 2024, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Niken Silmi Surjandari, S.T., M.T., along with a team of experts, including Dr. Ir. Endah Safitri, S.T., M.T.; Dr. Ir. Fahkrina Fahma, S.TP., M.T.; Ir. Purwanto, M.T.; Ir. Setiono, S.T., M.Sc.; and Wibowo, S.T., DEA. The program also involved specialists from Bappeda Litbang (Regional Development and Research Agency) of Magetan Regency.

According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of Magetan Regency in 2023, over 1.600 roof tile industries are concentrated primarily in Maospati and Bendo sub-districts. These industries employ over 4.000 workers and generate an annual production value of IDR 81,9 billion. Despite its rich history and access to high-quality raw materials, Magetan’s roof tile industry faces stiff competition from similar products outside the region.

The quality enhancement program aims to identify factors affecting roof tile production in Magetan Regency. “We are also formulating methods to enhance quality towards SNI standards in terms of durability, aesthetics, and performance, as well as developing strategies for production and marketing to expand market share,” Prof. Niken explained, as quoted from ft.uns.ac.id on Wednesday (15/1/2025).

The program employed several approaches, including literature reviews to gather preliminary insights, field surveys to understand raw materials, production techniques, and equipment, and laboratory testing of clay to evaluate its quality. “The collected data was analyzed to determine techniques for improving tile quality. This was followed by training and mentoring tile craftsmen in Maospati and Bendo, along with preparing reports and strategic recommendations,” she added.

The initiative yielded several significant findings. First, the historical success of earlier generations of tile craftsmen highlights the potential for further development. Second, the high SiO₂ content of over 50% in local clay makes it suitable for producing high-quality roof tiles. However, challenges persist, including production processes that do not meet quality standards, inefficient firing equipment, a lack of awareness regarding SNI quality standards, and the absence of optimal raw material formulations.

Key recommendations from FT UNS include raising craftsmen’s awareness about the importance of quality standards, encouraging group investments in modern firing equipment, and formulating raw materials by mixing clay with sand and slaked lime to address the expansive properties of clay that cause cracking.

Laboratory tests conducted by FT UNS revealed that Magetan’s current roof tile production meets SNI criteria but at the lowest quality level. Improvements in strength and water resistance are needed to achieve higher quality standards.

“This program is expected to mark a new chapter for the roof tile industry in Magetan Regency, making it more competitive and capable of meeting national market demands with high-quality products. We hope this initiative will help Magetan’s roof tiles achieve SNI certification soon, increasing their market value,” Prof. Niken concluded.

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The open dissertation defense was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Eko Surojo, S.T., M.T., as the head examiner, with Prof. Dr. Ir. Triyono, S.T., M.T., as the secretary. The supervisory team included Prof. Dominicus Danardono Dwi Prija Tjahjana, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. as the main supervisor, along with Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Agus Purwanto, S.T., M.T., and Prof. Ir. Muhammad Nizam, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., as co-supervisors. The internal examiners were Prof. Dr. Ir. Zainal Arifin, S.T., M.T., and Dr. Rendy Adhi Rachmanto, S.T., M.T., with external examiner Dr. Eng. Gunawan Dwi Haryadi, S.T., M.T., from Universitas Diponegoro. 

During his doctoral studies, Ahmad Ilham conducted extensive research and participated in an international conference at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang. His research focused on innovating propulsion systems for fishing boats, which have traditionally relied on internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid engines. Ahmad proposed an electric engine solution powered by lithium-ion batteries to address challenges such as high emissions, low efficiency, and limited operational range. 

In his presentation, Ahmad outlined the five stages of his research, which included observation and modeling simulations using Maxsurf Modeller, development and preliminary testing of the battery, torque testing using the Prony Brake method, no-load testing of the electric engine, and prototype performance testing in marine waters. 

His findings revealed that a battery configuration based on Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) packs with a “15S12P” specification met the electric engine’s power needs. Simulations and testing also demonstrated enhanced boat performance when the battery placement was optimized for stability and propulsion system efficiency. 

“This research significantly contributes to the transition toward zero emissions for marine vehicles. By converting mechanical propulsion systems to electric, this prototype improves efficiency and is environmentally friendly,” Ahmad explained during his presentation. 

The research supervisor, Prof. Dominicus Danardono Dwi Prija Tjahjana, praised Ahmad’s achievement. 

“We take full responsibility for the outcomes of Ahmad Ilham Ramadhani’s research. This study represents a major step forward in the use of renewable energy for marine transportation. With these results, we are optimistic that this concept can be further developed to support sustainable fisheries and transportation,” he stated. 

Responding to a question from Prof. Dr. Zainal Arifin, S.T., M.T. regarding the economic feasibility of the innovation, Ahmad emphasized its cost-effectiveness. “Economically, the electric engine is more sustainable and affordable as it eliminates the need for frequent returns to the dock for refueling. However, there is an initial cost for the lithium battery,” Ahmad noted, as quoted from ft.uns.ac.id. 

With his dissertation, Ahmad Ilham Ramadhani has positioned himself as a pioneer in the development of lithium-ion battery-powered electric boats. The Faculty of Engineering at UNS hopes this research will have a tangible impact on achieving environmentally friendly marine transportation and supporting the zero-emission agenda.

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Prof. Wiharto was officially inaugurated by UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., in an Open Senate Session held on Friday (20/12/2024) at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium. His inaugural speech was titled “Biomedical Data Computation Based on Explainable Artificial Intelligence.”

As UNS’s 329th professor, Prof. Wiharto emphasized the critical role of biomedical data in healthcare. Such data provides in-depth insights into individual and population health, supports the development of precise treatments, and enhances disease prevention efforts. Examples include laboratory test results, medical imaging, and physiological signals. Utilizing this data enables early disease detection, leading to faster and more effective treatments.

Prof. Wiharto employs a cutting-edge field within Artificial Intelligence (AI) known as Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). This innovation improves upon traditional Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) methods by making the decision-making process of AI models transparent. XAI techniques, such as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (grad-CAM), are pivotal. SHAP explains the contribution of each input feature to the model’s predictions, while grad-CAM highlights areas within images that significantly influence the model’s decisions.

“One example of an XAI-based model I’ve developed is an intelligent system for predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) based on various clinical and physiological assessments. This model helps perform feature selection, identifying key factors for CHD prediction,” Prof. Wiharto explained.

By utilizing minimal feature selection, the model achieves effective CHD detection. Additionally, SHAP ensures that the system provides interpretable explanations for its predictions, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of these innovations.

XAI techniques also extend to detecting pneumonia and COVID-19. These detections utilize Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) applied to biomedical X-ray and chest MRI data. Using grad-CAM, specific areas of X-ray and MRI images are identified as critical indicators of pneumonia or COVID-19.

Furthermore, Prof. Wiharto has integrated grad-CAM into image segmentation models for applications such as skin lesions and polyp imaging. A notable innovation is the development of the Efficient Comprehensive Attention Network (ECA-Net) for skin lesion segmentation. For polyp segmentation, a double U-Net model using Depthwise Separable Convolution (DSC) and Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) has been introduced.

“The integration of XAI into classification and segmentation models, both for image and non-image data, allows each stage of the model’s process to be explainable. This transparency enhances user trust in the system,” he stated.

Prof. Wiharto’s contributions hold significant promise for advancing scientific knowledge. UNS Rector Prof. Hartono, in his remarks, reaffirmed UNS’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and community service. “With achievements like these, we are optimistic about UNS’s future, both nationally and globally. We aspire for UNS to make even greater contributions in addressing societal, national, and international challenges,” Prof. Hartono concluded.

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Prof. Hery emphasized that vocational education in Indonesia plays a strategic role in preparing a competent and adaptive workforce capable of addressing technological advancements and dynamic global demands. Beyond equipping graduates with technical skills, vocational education must foster critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce. Effective management of vocational education is the key to meeting these challenges, ensuring optimal resource utilization, and aligning curricula with industry needs. Well-managed vocational education can produce competitive graduates in the global job market.

In the era of Industry 4.0, vocational education management must be responsive to technological changes. UNESCO (2019) highlights the importance of non-technical skills such as critical thinking and collaboration in modern workplaces. Similarly, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2021) underscores that adapting to global trends, including green technology, can enhance national workforce competitiveness while supporting sustainable development.

One of the significant challenges in vocational education is ensuring that technology is adopted and optimally utilized. “Our research, involving 220 teachers from five provinces in Java, revealed that three main factors, those are motivation, confidence in using technology (Internet self-efficacy), and anxiety about technology, affect teachers’ intentions to use e-learning platforms,” Prof. Hery explained.

The findings led to several recommendations to support digital transformation in vocational high schools (SMKs). First, enhancing teacher motivation through incentives and recognition. Second, boosting teacher confidence with continuous training programs. Third, creating an environment that encourages technological exploration without fear of failure. This approach improves teachers’ technical competencies and strengthens the relevance of vocational education to modern industry demands.

Technological transformation in vocational education cannot be effective without the support of an adaptive and innovative school culture. Research involving 170 teachers in the Surakarta residency identified six dimensions of school culture – goal orientation, leadership, participatory decision-making, innovation orientation, formal relationships, and shared vision – as key factors influencing teachers’ perceptions of technology’s ease of use and benefits.

Transformational leadership by school principals has proven effective in fostering an innovative environment that encourages teachers to adopt technology. Additionally, a collectively built shared vision strengthens commitment to integrating technology into learning. This approach enables vocational institutions to produce graduates who are competent and aligned with global market needs.

The success of vocational education requires synergy among school management, teachers, students, industry, and the government. Effective management must create a work climate that supports innovation and collaboration, ensure curriculum relevance to industry needs, and build strategic partnerships to prepare students for the demands of the digital era.

Through adaptive, flexible, and responsive management approaches, vocational education in Indonesia can become a driving force for the nation’s competitiveness. “A shared commitment to fostering an innovative and collaborative school culture will ensure that vocational education remains relevant to contemporary needs and produces a generation of youth who are competent, adaptive, and ready to face global challenges,” he concluded.

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“With the strength of love, compassion, enthusiasm, and gratitude to Allah SWT, I have been able to pursue my career, create works, and finally be entrusted with the honor of achieving the academic rank of Professor in the PBSI Program at FKIP,” Prof. Rohmadi said.

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Rohmadi focused on the field of Pragmatics and Pragmatics Learning with the title, “Pragmatic Speech Strategies as a Communication and Literacy Mitigation Tool Against Improper and Impolite Ratulisa in Multicontextual Life.”

Pragmatics, a branch of linguistics, studies the implied meaning behind a speaker’s utterances, considering the context of daily life interactions. Learning pragmatics involves understanding the intentions and objectives of a speaker’s utterance to the hearer, taking into account the contextual factors surrounding the communication. This knowledge helps minimize misunderstandings in both formal and informal communication, especially in the digital era.

“Studying pragmatics can serve as a mitigation tool against hate speech in the digital era, which is characterized by the diverse social media platforms. Why? Because when speakers and hearers share an understanding of the context and shared experiences behind an utterance, the intended meaning can be accurately conveyed,” Prof. Rohmadi explained.

He further emphasized that learning pragmatics is easy and enjoyable as it integrates seamlessly into various life contexts. Pragmatics builds on foundational linguistics, which encompasses areas such as phonology, morphology, syntax, structural discourse, grammar, and semantics. From a functional linguistics perspective, pragmatics expands to include subfields like psychopragmatics, sociopragmatics, cyberpragmatics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, dialect geography, and ethnolinguistics.

“Studying pragmatics is about recognizing and implementing pragmatic principles in daily life. It involves understanding speakers, hearers, context, cooperative principles, politeness principles, deixis, and the overall learning of pragmatics in everyday situations,” he added.

By mastering pragmatics, individuals can mitigate hate speech in the digital era across diverse life contexts and social media platforms. “May we all serve as role models for future generations in Indonesia, demonstrating proper, polite, and respectful communication in both formal and informal contexts across various life situations,” Prof. Rohmadi concluded.

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Prof. Lilik was inaugurated as a professor in the field of Animal Product Technology. Her inaugural address, titled “The Potential of Omega-3 Meat and Eggs as Sustainable Functional Foods”, provided insights and recommendations for producing functional foods with optimal nutritional value.

In her speech, Prof. Lilik emphasized the critical role of functional foods in supporting Indonesia’s government policies, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted livestock products, such as meat and eggs, as essential functional food sources.

Advances in animal feed technology now enable the production of meat and eggs with enhanced nutritional profiles. These products can contain higher levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which not only improve their nutritional value but also have the potential to reduce cholesterol levels.

The Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry elaborated on methods to produce omega-3-enriched eggs. She explained that such enrichment could be achieved by formulating chicken feed with ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Marine-based feed components, such as fish meal and fish oil, can boost levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including EPA and DHA, in chicken eggs and meat.

However, Prof. Lilik noted that using marine-based feed ingredients often results in a “fishy” aroma and flavor. To maintain product quality and sensory appeal, she recommended limiting fish oil supplementation in poultry feed to a maximum of 1,5%.

As an alternative, she proposed plant-based omega-3 feed supplements, which preserve the sensory properties of the products. Plant sources such as flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and canola are rich in omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and can serve as sustainable feed additives. However, optimizing the ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in feed formulations is crucial to maximizing omega-3 accumulation in eggs and meat.

“In broiler chickens of the Cobb strain fed with a diet containing 6% ALA, the total omega-3 PUFA in breast meat reached 338 mg per 100 grams. This finding demonstrates that chickens fed ALA-enriched diets can produce eggs and meat that meet the minimum labeling requirements for omega-3 PUFA sources, 300 mg per egg or 300 mg per 100 grams of meat. These products are also sensory-acceptable to consumers,” Prof. Lilik explained.

The development of functional foods rich in omega-3 PUFA also offers the potential to reduce cholesterol levels in eggs and meat, making it a significant strategy for improving public health. Prof. Lilik’s innovations aim to provide sustainable alternative omega-3 sources and address the nutritional needs of the community.

The Chair of the UNS Board of Professors, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., praised the focus on sustainable functional food development. “We are learning how to consume healthier foods with the role of omega-3 in lowering cholesterol levels in both eggs and meat. This is an excellent effort to achieve sustainable functional food production,” Prof. Suranto said.

With Prof. Lilik’s expertise, UNS contributes to advancing education quality while directly supporting several SDG targets, particularly Goal 4 on quality education. Humas UNS

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In her speech, Prof. Ani emphasized that inter- and intra-national communication requires discourse to bridge the understanding of meaning and the intent behind speech. Discourse serves as a social system that dictates the possibilities of statements or opinions within specific fields and contexts through the medium of language. The elements of discourse range from words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs, to complete texts. Constructing a text from its smallest to its most complete form requires the fulfillment of linguistic units and grammatical clarity. The integration of all these elements creates meaningful discourse.

Several influential research models in discourse analysis include Genre Analysis (Swales), Systemic Functional Linguistics (Halliday), and Critical Genre Analysis. These analytical methods explore why individuals communicate in particular ways. Textual analysis focusing on grammar and linguistic functions alone is insufficient to uncover the meaning and intent behind the arrangement of words. Contextual analysis requires specific interpretative processes to understand why certain forms and purposes are embedded in discourse. This step progresses to explanation, which involves detailing the characteristics of the language-speaking community and their actions.

Research employing Genre Analysis has revealed persistent issues in the writing of scientific articles that do not meet the expectations of the global academic community. Findings indicate that some Indonesian authors often struggle to identify and articulate the “gap,” a critical element in demonstrating the unique contribution of their research within a field of expertise. This challenge is linked to Indonesia’s cultural traditions, which emphasize courtesy, thought patterns, and local values. Successful publication in scientific journals, both in Indonesia and internationally, requires authors to possess the skill and confidence to navigate and implement recommended conventions and patterns.

“Every discourse can be analyzed from various linguistic and non-linguistic aspects, both textual and contextual. The selection of different discourse analysis models aims to help us understand and interpret the explicit and implicit meanings of discourse. This enables us to engage and contribute effectively to the communication process,” Prof. Ani explained.

Discourse analysis is essential for effective communication and serves as a foundational skill for academics striving to contribute to global publication standards. The field of Discourse Analysis can guide academics, both writers and readers, in achieving appropriate academic parity.

During the event, UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and technology in Indonesia. He extended the highest appreciation to the newly inaugurated professors and acknowledged the families who provided unwavering support throughout the journey to this achievement.

With the addition of new professors, UNS strengthens its position as a center of excellence in knowledge development. Prof. Hartono encouraged the newly inaugurated professors to continue contributing meaningfully. He underscored that this achievement should serve as a launching point for them to become thought leaders and catalysts for inspiring change.

“As professors, the responsibilities you bear are far from trivial. This title is not merely an academic recognition but also a mandate to become inspirators, thought leaders, and agents of transformation in society,” Prof. Hartono said.

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The inauguration, presided over by UNS Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., took place on Thursday (19/12/2024) in the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium. During his remarks, Prof. Hartono reaffirmed UNS’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and community service, emphasizing the role of newly appointed professors in addressing societal and national challenges.

“This inauguration is a moment of pride for the professors being honored and for the entire UNS academic community. Let us use this occasion as inspiration and motivation to enhance the quality of education, research, and innovation at UNS,” Prof. Hartono said.

In his speech, Prof. Wahyu explained the classification of materials in engineering, which includes metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Polymers, characterized by their carbon-chain structure, are generally soft, less strong, and less rigid, with low resistance to high temperatures and ultraviolet light. Despite these limitations, the low density and melting point of thermoplastic polymers reduce manufacturing costs, making them widely used for products with limited lifespans.

Composites are materials composed of a combination of multiple components, typically including a matrix—accounting for the largest volume fraction—and reinforcements or fillers that enhance material properties. While composite matrices can be made from metals, ceramics, or polymers, polymers are often preferred due to their lower density and melting point, reducing structural weight and fabrication costs. Reinforcements can include particles, short fibers (whiskers), or long fibers, with higher strength achieved by increasing the length-to-diameter ratio of the reinforcement. Both synthetic and natural fibers are commonly used to strengthen composites.

Biocomposites, a subset of composites, feature at least one component—matrix or reinforcement—derived from natural, eco-friendly sources. Meanwhile, eco-friendly composites are entirely composed of natural materials. Environmentally friendly matrices, such as PLA, bio-polyester, and bio-derived polyethylene, remain relatively expensive. Natural reinforcements, like plant, animal, or mineral fibers, provide cost-effective alternatives. Among these, plant fibers are abundant, diverse, and affordable, sourced either from primary plants cultivated for their fibers or secondary plants where fibers are by-products.

The mechanical properties of composites depend on several factors, including the strength and rigidity of the matrix and fibers, fiber volume fraction, effective fiber length, fiber orientation, and the compatibility between matrix and fiber. Achieving compatibility between hydrophilic natural fibers and hydrophobic synthetic polymers often requires fiber treatment to reduce hydrophilicity.

Fiber treatments are generally categorized into chemical, physico-chemical, and biological methods, with chemical treatments being the most widely used due to their efficiency and simplicity. Key chemical treatments include alkali treatment, coupling agents, esterification, and bleaching. However, alkali treatment, while effective in removing hemicellulose, raises environmental concerns. Alternative methods, such as fumigation and sodium bicarbonate treatments, are more eco-friendly but less effective than alkali treatments.

“Challenges in utilizing polymer-natural fiber composites include low resistance to humid environments and ultraviolet exposure, as well as the limited lifespan of bio-polymer matrix composites,” Prof. Wahyu noted.

His expertise aligns with efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which focuses on sustainable ecosystems on land. HUMAS UNS

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In an open session of the Academic Senate, Prof. Suryanto shared his insights, highlighting that economic growth does not always lead to reduced poverty and economic inequality. He elaborated on the “Tragedy of the Commons” theory, illustrating how it often benefits capital owners while disadvantaging vulnerable communities, resulting in environmental injustice.

“Environmental justice is a prerequisite for achieving economic justice. With environmental justice, the rights of local and affected communities can be safeguarded,” Prof. Suryanto emphasized.

He argued that sustainability cannot be fully realized through economic development strategies that solely prioritize growth. Economic growth alone has not successfully alleviated poverty or narrowed income inequality. Therefore, development must be inclusive, ensuring benefits reach society’s most marginalized members.

Policy measures must generate tangible positive impacts on local communities. Addressing air pollution and water contamination is essential to mitigating adverse health effects. Prof. Suryanto expressed hope for heightened awareness and a renewed focus on environmental issues. He called for a movement to mainstream environmental considerations into development initiatives.

The Chair of the UNS Professors’ Council, Prof. Drs. Suranto Tjiptowibisono, M.Sc., Ph.D., strongly supports the importance of prioritizing environmental justice. He stated that environmental justice is indispensable in economic development.

“To achieve economic justice, environmental justice must first be upheld. At the same time, local wisdom must be preserved,” Prof. Suranto remarked.

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In her speech, Prof. Widyatmani emphasized the critical role of agriculture in meeting global food needs amid a growing population. With Indonesia’s population reaching approximately 284,5 million, its food supply heavily relies on agriculture. Globally, soil contributes 95–98,8% of the world’s food supply and plays a vital role in producing healthy food. Healthy soil is essential for human health as it serves as a vital living system that sustains biological productivity, maintains environmental quality, and enhances the health of plants, animals, and humans.

However, healthy food production faces significant challenges, as about 33% of the world’s soil has been degraded. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that by 2050, 90% of the Earth’s topsoil will be at risk. Other pressing challenges include climate change, rising global temperatures, droughts, increased salinity, floods, emerging pests and diseases, and reduced soil biodiversity—threats that jeopardize food security.

“Soil is a fragile natural resource. Degraded soil is difficult to renew and highly vulnerable to various stresses. Recognizing this, the FAO declared December 5 as World Soil Day to highlight the importance of sustainable soil management for food security. Therefore, maintaining soil health must be a policy priority,” Prof. Widyatmani, the 48th Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at UNS, explained.

Earthworms are often regarded as repulsive creatures, and their presence is frequently ignored. However, they are hidden heroes playing a crucial role in our ecosystems. Let’s get to know these remarkable soil dwellers better. Earthworms are visible soil organisms that are hermaphroditic, feed on organic residues, and thrive in moist soil. They are classified into three ecological categories: epigeic, which are surface-dwelling decomposers breaking down organic litter; anecic, which move vertically between the soil surface and deeper layers, creating vertical soil porosity; and endogeic, which remain within the soil, forming horizontal pores. Based on their functions, earthworms can be described as litter dwellers, soil excavators, intensive tunnel diggers, and bioturbators that turnover and improve soil. These activities make earthworms indispensable for maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Earthworms play a pivotal role in preventing and repairing soil degradation by improving soil structure and enhancing microbial activity through their digging and feeding behaviors. These actions improve the hydrological functions of the soil by creating porosity, aeration, and water infiltration. Additionally, earthworms enhance soil fertility by facilitating nutrient cycling.

Beyond their role in soil health, earthworms contribute to climate change mitigation. They help sequester soil carbon through their castings and regulate greenhouse gas emissions. As decomposers of organic waste and agents of bioremediation for contaminated soils, earthworms demonstrate their value as ecological champions.

Earthworms also serve as bioindicators of soil health, reflecting the overall condition of the soil. Furthermore, they provide economic opportunities for communities. Practices such as earthworm farming (vermiculture) and organic waste composting (vermicomposting) produce high-quality vermicompost biomass that can be sold, turning earthworms into valuable assets for sustainable agriculture and local livelihoods.

“Earthworms support agricultural sustainability and soil health. Promoting earthworm-friendly farming practices is crucial for sustainable food production. Integrating these practices into agricultural systems is a pathway to sustainability,” Prof. Widyatmani noted. Examples of such practices include minimum tillage, organic fertilizer application, cover cropping, reducing chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and earthworm inoculation.

Prof. Widyatmani’s expertise aligns with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, focusing on life on land and ecosystem preservation.

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