Muhammad Irsyad (23) looked delighted as he welcomed the delegation of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Vice-Rector for Education and Learning, Professor Wening Udasmoro, during their visit to the Community Service (KKN-PPM) site in Bontitan Hamlet, Sendangagung Village, Minggir, Sleman, last weekend on Friday (21/7).
After greeting each guest, his colleague guided Irsyad into a house, where they sat together on mats while listening to a presentation about increasing SDGs publications through the community service work programs by the UGM Public Relations team.
Irsyad is one of the 28 students carrying out community service in Bontitan Hamlet from late June until mid-August. Despite his mobility limitations, he can still interact with the local community with the assistance of his fellow team members. He often visits the residents’ homes or engages with the village officials during his activities.
Irsyad came from South Solok, West Sumatra. He went to UGM to study Social Development and Welfare at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol).
He crafted the proposal for his work program, with the implementation being assisted by his fellow KKN friends.
One of the programs he is involved in is raising awareness about the importance of waste sorting, educating about the KIP Kuliah tuition assistance, and promoting disability awareness.
“I created the work program outline, which was then assisted by my fellow team members to be communicated to the community. I am also often invited when visiting the village officials, such as the neighborhood and village heads,” said Irsyad.
Regarding waste management, Irsyad consistently emphasizes the importance of not burning trash and instead encourages waste separation, including distinguishing between plastic and organic waste.
“I explain the negative impacts of frequently burning trash. It’s better to deposit it at waste banks rather than burn it and separate organic and non-organic waste,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow KKN team members in carrying out the program, as they frequently assist him during activities and mobility.
“Every day, we all support each other. I am always invited and actively involved in the activities,” he reminisced.
Professor Wening Udasmoro stated that Irsyad is one of the students with disabilities studying at UGM. Despite physical limitations, according to Professor Udasmoro, Irsyad is not precluded from studying and conducting fieldwork as UGM has committed to being an inclusive and disability-friendly campus.
“This commitment is demonstrated by accepting students with disabilities and developing disability-friendly learning,” she said.
Professor Udasmoro also commended the mutual support among the KKN student teams in executing their work programs.
“We truly appreciate the students who have supported and helped each other in devoting their time to serve the community,” she said.
The Head of Bontitan Hamlet, Arief Munandar, added that during their time in the community, the students had executed their programs well and smoothly, receiving appreciation from the Bontitan residents.
The Head of the neighborhood community unit of Bontitan 7, Sarmiadi, stated that he continuously supervises all student activities, especially since his house is a temporary stay location for some students.
“The KKN students here are truly like my own children. They truly uphold etiquette and politeness in the community,” he said.
The Student Coordinator for Minggir, Julian Dwi Efendi, stated that the community is enthusiastic about the students’ work program, and every weekend, they gather with the locals to do group exercises.
“We always do exercise together. The community here is enthusiastic and willing to collaborate, making explaining our work program easier. So far, it has been smooth and mutually supportive,” Efendi concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson