UGM students conducting community service in Sleman and Kulon Progo are aiding the Yogyakarta Provincial Government in tackling poverty and reducing childhood stunting.
Margomulyo Village, Seyegan, and Gerbosari and Sidoharjo Villages, Samigaluh, are among the locations in Yogyakarta that have been visited by the Yogyakarta Provincial Government and UGM leadership for monitoring and evaluation.
Head of Margomulyo Village, Eko Puji Mulyanto, warmly welcomed the Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development of the Yogyakarta Provincial Secretariat, Trisaktiyana, and the Head of the Control Division of the Yogyakarta Regional Development Planning Agency, AA. Suwantoro.
Trisaktiyana and Suwantoro visited the exhibition held by UGM students that showcased the results of their mentorship for MSMEs in the area and the Healthy and Clean Lifestyle education for health cadres.
Field Supervisor for the Seyegan unit, Dr. Fitriana Murriya Ekawati, MD, mentioned that the UGM students have several flagship programs, including childhood stunting prevention and Healthy and Clean Lifestyle education, tourism village mentoring, and MSME assistance.
The outputs of these programs are evident in the creation of a digital marketplace for various MSME products, the promotion of tourism potentials such as Kaliklangsi, and various training activities for health cadres to understand a healthy and clean lifestyle and better prevent stunted growth.
“The Healthy and Clean Lifestyle education and stunting prevention seminars attended by mothers with toddlers and elderly women are very beneficial for increasing knowledge. The community service program is useful and valuable. For future programs, it would be great if the mentoring activities could continue,” health cadre Driyanti expressed.
The success of these work programs could leave a meaningful legacy for the community, ensuring their continuation even after the students return to campus.
Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamaji, MD, emphasized the importance of consistency and sustainability in any endeavor.
“The Seyegan team has produced a product called Parijoto Drink, but what matters most is how to maintain it, and collaboration among various parties is key,” said the director.
After Seyegan, monitoring and evaluation were held in Samigaluh, Kulon Progo. Student coordinator in Samigaluh, Salsabila Faramitha, explained that their programs focus on developing agrotourism and bio-pharmaceuticals through community empowerment based on environmental and technological insights in Gerbosari and Sidoharjo Villages, Samigaluh.
Some of the outputs of their programs include creating a tourism guide booklet for Gerbosari, leaflets for Banyu Mili tour packages, and training in ginger product differentiation resulting in soft ginger candies and ginger drinks.
Field Supervisor for the Samigaluh unit, Fitri Alfariz, noted that the success of their programs would not have been possible without the support of the Gerbosari and Sidoharjo communities and regional officers, who consistently guided the students in their activities.
Gerbosari Head Suranto expressed that the community service program greatly benefited their region.
Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development of the Yogyakarta Provincial Secretariat, Trisaktiyana, emphasized that in order to alleviate poverty and enhance existing MSMEs, three main priorities must be addressed.
“We have to encourage MSMEs to increase resilience, promote collaboration and cooperation, and adapt to change,” he said.
The potential within the community should be preserved and continually developed to create added value and adapt to changing times. This applies not only to culinary MSMEs but also to other fields.
The goal is to develop and produce potential products that can contribute to improving the economy and alleviating poverty.
Trisaktiyana highly appreciated the efforts of the UGM students, supervisors, and communities for their collaboration and dedication in implementing the community service program.
Author: Halimah