Former Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, paid a visit to the community service projects carried out by UGM’s Community Service (KKN-PPM) students in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
Accompanied by several members of Kagama NTB, Ganjar directly observed the students’ flagship initiatives, including a greenhouse currently under construction in Oma Segoar, Senaru Village, Bayan District, North Lombok, on Thursday, Jul. 24, 2025.
Albertus Anggita Wiratna, a KKN-PPM student from the Agricultural Engineering program, explained that the greenhouse was designed as a model nutrition garden expected to be replicated in each hamlet of Senaru Village.
The planting system in the greenhouse employs the wick hydroponic method, which is both simple and suitable for areas with limited land.
“This planting system can be implemented and used by communities with little to no land,” he said in a statement sent to reporters on Tuesday, Jul. 29, 2025.
Wiratna expressed hope that the greenhouse would have a direct economic impact on the local community.
In a dialogue with the UGM KKN team, Pranowo praised the students’ tangible contributions, which he described as fostering creativity and self-reliance in developing local potential.
He also encouraged continuity in the program beyond a single KKN period.
“Would it be possible for the next group of students to continue this project here after these students return? Can we do that?” he said enthusiastically.
The uniqueness of UGM’s 2025 KKN-PPM Lembaran Bayan lies in its multidisciplinary approach.
Students were assigned to two villages with distinct characteristics.
In Bayan Village, they explored cultural values and local traditions that remain well-preserved, including ancient mosques and traditional houses.
“We found some traditional houses that resemble indigenous settlements like those of the Baduy people in Java,” revealed Ferdian, a student from the Tourism Studies program.
Meanwhile, Senaru Village is known as the gateway for trekking to Mount Rinjani.
This significant tourism potential became a key focus alongside agriculture and health development. During a discussion, residents proposed a trekking system integrated with local cultural attractions.
“Visitors heading to Rinjani shouldn’t have to buy traditional items like sapuk along the way. Instead, trekking organizers should include cultural performances in their packages,” said a local community leader who preferred to remain anonymous.
Health issues also received particular attention.
The KKN students addressed concerns such as stunted growth, anemia, and child marriage, which remain prevalent in the area.
“Reports indicate that child marriages are still common in Bayan and Senaru. We’ve implemented educational programs and established cadre classes in both villages,” said Nadia, a Nursing Science student.
The team also conducted antenatal care education, covering pregnancy danger signs, prevention of child marriage, and the importance of iron supplements for adolescent girls.
Ganjar Pranowo also highlighted the importance of reproductive health education.
In a warm and engaging atmosphere, Eka, MD, an FKKMK UGM graduate and Kagama NTB member, added, “Adolescent girls have narrow hips and aren’t ready to carry a baby. That’s why many need C-sections during childbirth, which can be dangerous,” the medical doctor warned.
Ganjar Pranowo’s visit was more than a symbolic gesture of support; it reflected a tangible collaboration between alumni, the government, and local communities in fostering sustainable village innovation.
The KKN students were reminded to ensure program continuity, engage with the community, and uphold the spirit of empowerment.
It is hoped that their hard work will not only yield short-term benefits but also build a strong foundation for the future of Bayan and Senaru Villages as centers of sustainable culture, agriculture, and tourism.
Reporters: Lembaran Bayan/Nadia Ulfah and Albertus Anggita Wiratna
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: KKN Lembaran Bayan Team