Professor Ova Emilia, the Rector of UGM, embarked on a visit to the UGM Community Service Program (KKN) team in the Mlonggo District, Jepara Regency, Central Java, on Sunday (Jan. 22).
Within the Mlonggo District, 30 UGM students devoted themselves to community service in two villages, namely Karanggondang Village and Jambu Village, immersing in a spectrum of activities spanning social humanities, agriculture, health, and science and technology.
This visit aimed to observe and ensure the successful implementation of various KKN programs. During the visit, concentrated at the Mlonggo District Hall, the rector and the entourage witnessed a myriad of products brought to fruition by students.
These included the production of enco-enzymes and eco-printing, crafting various maps, cultivation of Gama Umami grass, development of mineral blocks and UMMB, BSF maggot cultivation, organic fertilizer production for agriculture, and the creation of bio-polls to combat water pollution, among other initiatives.
Expressing gratitude for the presence of UGM students engaged in KKN in Jepara Regency, the rector acknowledged the significance of this endeavor. She emphasized that KKN in the land of Kartini reminds the rector of the emancipation advocated by Kartini.
Kartini is particularly noteworthy, especially considering the substantial female representation. UGM’s student data indicates that almost 55-60 percent of UGM students are women.
“This is also evident in every graduation, where about 55-60 percent of graduates are women, and the majority participating in KKN here are women. So, what Kartini aspired to and fought for seems to have become a reality. It means when we talk about gender, there is an equal role to contribute to the country,” she remarked.
The rector commended KKN activities as a source of pride for UGM, highlighting the enduring impact left by students over the past 50 years. The community eagerly awaits this community service activity. With KKN, the rector said, a student doesn’t need to wait until graduation to contribute to society.
“I did KKN in Grobogan, a challenging place where even water was scarce. However, there was something we could give to the community, and the community greatly felt the direct service,” she explained.
While acknowledging the occasional complaints and questions about the necessity of KKN, the rector stressed that KKN is an integral activity for UGM students. She emphasized that if someone does not desire KKN from the beginning, they might reconsider entering UGM.
KKN is not just an activity; it’s the institution’s mission. As the first university established by the Indonesian nation post-independence, UGM instills in its students a sense of belonging to community development from the moment they enter.
“That is the character that wants to be carved so that UGM graduates become part of the development and enlightenment of the community itself,” she affirmed.
The rector is pleased to send students with specific missions, often linked to developing tourism, MSMEs, and other sectors. By integrating the KKN student mission, the benefits extend to both students and the local government.
“God willing, this is a program we will continue to promote and adhere to. Certainly, thanks to the Jepara unit, who have given their best during their KKN here, and I am sure that your works are impactful,” she added.
From Dec. 18, 2023, to Feb. 5, 2024, 1,172 students are placed in 13 provinces, spanning 30 regencies/cities and 44 districts in Indonesia. The event encompasses 13,700 community service activities conducted by 253 UGM coordinators and 2530 students.
Rapawi, the Head of the Government Section in the Regional Secretariat of Jepara Regency, representing the regent, expressed gratitude for this program. UGM and Jepara Regency have been in partnership for quite some time. With the term concluding on June 8, 2025, the regency hopes to extend the collaboration and will always welcome KKN students in the area.
“For students aspiring to conduct KKN in Karimunjawa, remember to pay attention to wave and wind patterns. If you want to pick Parang Nyamuk and Kemujan as the next KKN locations, I recommend you to go in July and August because the waves and wind are relatively safe,” he advised.
Mlonggo Head Sulistyo thanked UGM for the program. The visit of the UGM students has contributed to enhancing the quality of human resources in the area and empowered them to improve.
The implementation of KKN goes beyond applying theoretical knowledge. It contributes real work to support the genuine needs of the community amid the current complex conditions.
“This is not just about gaining additional knowledge but also obtaining thought contributions and real work to support the existing development in villages and regions,” he explained.
Susilo Andi Darma, the team’s field supervisor, added that KKN in Jepara Regency this time carries the theme “Growing Harmony through the Synergy of Environment, Economy, and Sustainable Coastal Community Health Improvement in the Villages of Jambu and Karanggondang.”
UGM KKN students have formulated various programs to address environmental issues, economic improvement, and public health enhancement, as well as build synergy and collaboration in Karanggondang and Jambu Villages by tapping into their potential.
The visit was attended by a distinguished group, including Rapawi, representing Jepara Regency Government; Mlonggo District Head, Sulistyo; Director of Inter-Institutional Relations and Cooperation, Pancasila Ideology Education Agency (BPIP), M. Akbar Hadi Prabowo; UGM Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho; University Secretary, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu; Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamaji; Secretary of Community Service Directorate, Dr. Djarot Heru Santoso; Head of the Sub-Directorate of Community Service, Professor Nanung Agus Fitriyanto; and the team’s field supervisor, Susilo Andi Darma.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Donnie