Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has organized a collaborative Community Service (KKN) program in North Halmahera, North Maluku, to revive the glory of Indonesian spices.
The collaboration involves empowering local communities for economic strengthening, food security, and promoting local culture to support the global promotion of spices.
In cooperation with the North Halmahera Government, Khairun University, and Halmahera University, the program involves 30 UGM students, 9 Khairun University students, and 15 Halmahera University students.
They have been engaged in community service activities from June 23rd to August 11th, 2023, focusing on three villages: Pitu Village in Central Tobelo District, South Gorua Village in North Tobelo District, and Ngidiho Village in West Galela District.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1, to eliminate poverty. UGM’s community service programs reflect the university’s commitment to alleviating poverty and addressing hunger or food scarcity by fostering economic growth, food security, and local culture.
The Regent of North Halmahera, represented by the Secretary of North Halmahera, Erasmus Joseph Papilaya, expressed gratitude to UGM for sending its students to contribute to the development of North Halmahera through community service.
“We are very pleased because this year’s UGM community service theme is different from previous years and is collaborative, involving the local government, Khairun University, and Halmahera University,” he said on Wednesday (2/8) at the Office of the Regent of North Halmahera during the monitoring visit.
He mentioned that these activities are an entry point to synchronize and strengthen academic studies, allowing universities to contribute to the government’s efforts in building more advanced regions in the future.
Furthermore, the collaborative community service program is a stepping stone that will bring forth the issue of spice islands, which serve as an icon of the region.
“Hopefully, through this, we can explore what is important and meaningful for the well-being, progress, and welfare of the community,” he explained.
The UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome to UGM and the students. This program is part of the nation’s efforts to develop Indonesia’s regions.
“This is part of our effort as fellow citizens to build the community. UGM is committed to contributing to the well-being of many people by sending students to serve in numerous places,” he stated.
The vice-rector emphasized that community service provides a platform for students to learn from the community. Additionally, UGM will further study the spices in North Halmahera.
UGM is ready to collaborate in addressing issues within society. Through collaboration, collective energy can be built to educate students and solve community issues with better outcomes.
“UGM is ready to collaborate; we are committed to that. We cannot solve problems alone. Universities provide theories and perspectives but can’t make an impact without collaboration. Local governments, too, need to build networks. Thanks also to the UGM alums who always assist,” he explained.
UGM’s collaborative community service has been conducted in almost all provinces of Indonesia. UGM collaborates with local governments, universities in respective regions, and the UGM Alums Family (Kagama) in the program’s organization.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Donnie