Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Faculty of Forestry alongside Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Pharmacy hosted a social service in Getas-Ngandong Forest Area for Specific Purposes (KHDTK), Central Java.
The event was held from September 8 to 9, 2018 as a form of community service routinely carried out by Forestry UGM. This time, students were dispatched to four villages around the spot, including Getas, Tlogouwung, Gempol, and Bodeh in Blora Regency.
Dean of Forestry UGM, Dr. Budiadi, explained the event was one of UGM’s commitment to improving the welfare of communities around the forest. This is because many of them are still living in poverty and poor health conditions, including people in the southern Blora Regency.
“Mandated to manage the KHDTK Getas-Ngandong, Forestry UGM initiated an alternative approach through improving the quality of oral and general health by partnering with Dentistry and Pharmacy UGM.”
Meanwhile, Dean of Dentistry UGM, Dr. drg. Ahmad Syaifi, SP Perio, stated the social service sent 200 Dentistry students from batch 2016. Additionally, the event themed “Serve with Sincerity, Contribute to Nation” was also assisted by 30 co-assistants and residents.
“This is expected to give valuable experiences to prospective dentists and provide them with a real picture of health conditions in impoverished areas,” he said.
Assistant II for Blora Regency’s Economic, Development, and Welfare, Slamet Pamudji, S.H, M.Hum., who represented the Regent stated that this social service corresponded with their program. His side strives to continue improving the community welfare in the southern part of the Regency.
In this event, Blora Regency provided 10 tons of rice distributed to four villages of UGM community service locations. They also provided medicine and personnel to support the activity.
To strengthen the link between the activity and forest development, Forestry UGM handed over 3,000 seeds of 5 forest plants from Watershed Management Center Pemali Jratun. On the other hand, support was also given by UGM Alumni Association in the form of four water tanks which were highly needed for dental examinations.
This event received a warm welcome from local residents, as evidenced by the large number of people participating in it. Approximately 2,000 people were involved and benefited from this social service held by UGM.
Chairman of the social service, Alvindo Wildan, explained the two-day event was filled with various activities. On the first day, they provided health education for elementary students, community health counseling, cooking competitions with local materials. Then, on the second day, they distributed basic necessities as well as performed health and dental examinations.
At the same time, Dean of Forestry UGM also inaugurated the Getas League Volleyball Competition in celebrating the faculty’s 55th Anniversary. The competition was joined by 12 Forest Village Community Organizations in KHDTK Getas. This event was also expected to improve the quality in public health.