To prepare students for rapid technological advancements, their competencies must be developed. Higher education institutions are expected to enhance the quality of education through innovative teaching processes, allowing students to achieve optimal learning outcomes in terms of attitude, knowledge, and skills. To support educational quality improvement, the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia has introduced a policy called “Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka” (MBKM). This policy grants students the freedom to participate in learning activities beyond their study programs and outside the campus. “Kampus Merdeka” represents an autonomous and flexible learning environment in higher education, tailored to students’ needs.

The Biology Study Program also contributes to the government’s efforts to enhance educational quality through the implementation of MBKM. One way the Biology Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga supports this program is by inviting guest lecturers with expertise in various biological fields, including government or private institutions, industry, and practitioners. Through guest lectures, students gain valuable learning experiences, foster innovation, and creativity, and meet their specific needs, ultimately promoting self-reliance.

The guest lecture on economic botany was held in person on December 16, 2022, in Room 305 of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The guest lecturer for this event was Mr. Aries Bagus Sasongko, S.Si., M.Biotech, who serves as a lecturer at UGM and is also a practitioner in ornamental plants. The lecture focused on the “potential of ornamental plants.” The guest lecturer explained various types of ornamental plants, including both foliage and flowering plants. Specifically, orchids were highlighted as ornamental plants with potential beyond aesthetics, such as in the fields of food and health.