Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, reviewed the KKN-PPM activities taking place in Bambar and Doyo Lama Villages, Jayapura Regency, Papua, on Saturday (Jul. 23).
During the visit, accompanied by the Regional Board of Kagama Papua, Professor Emilia and a delegation of faculty leaders visited the solar power plant installation site.
This site provides lighting in the natural bathing pond tourist area. They also witnessed health examinations and sago processing training at the Bambar customary hall (Obhe).
Subsequently, Professor Emilia also visited the home of Sentani batik artisans located on the edge of Lake Sentani, in Doyo Lama Village.
Professor Emilia appreciates what the 25 students are doing. They are contributing to exploring the potential of natural resources and human resources to improve the economy and welfare of the community.
“From the monitoring we conducted, the potential being developed is related to tourism and MSME development, which I believe is very enthusiastically received by the community,” Professor Emilia said.
According to Professor Emilia, many work programs carried out by the students have made significant contributions.
The Head of Bambar Village himself requested UGM to continue sending KKN-PPM students in the next period for continuity.
“Local residents and the village head appreciate the diligence and steadfastness of the students. This is proof of KKN-PPM UGM’s contribution to the nation,” Professor Emilia stated.
Unit Coordinator Frank Richard mentioned several excellent work programs they have carried out in Bambar and Doyo Lama Villages.
These include utilizing the potential of tilapia fish in Lake Sentani or yellowtail fish to be processed into abon (shredded meat floss).
They also educate about preventing the transmission of African Swine Fever disease, which can spread to pigs.
“There are many losses due to this outbreak. We are working with related agencies to conduct vaccinations to protect livestock,” Richard said.
Then, in the agricultural sector, students introduced greenhouse technology to support proper plant nursery and care.
To encourage organic farming, students invited residents to process household waste using stacked buckets.
These can be used as livestock feed sources and liquid organic fertilizer.
Head of Bambar Village (Ondoafi), Orgenes Kaway, admitted that this was the first time UGM students had conducted KKN in his village.
According to Kaway, this activity should not be the first and last time. Instead, he requested that this program be carried out sustainably.
“This is the first time I’ve met students like this who bring something for the community here; next year, we are ready to welcome them. We receive them like our own children,” Kaway said.
Deputy Regent of Jayapura Haris Ricard S. Yocku stated that KKN-PPM activities are expected to encourage the progress of Jayapura Regency.
According to Yocku, these activities provide an opportunity for students to mingle with the community and carry out development activities together.
However, cooperation between the Jayapura Regency Government does not stop with sending KKN-PPM students.
It can be continued with educational cooperation where Papuan youth are given the opportunity to study at the UGM campus.
“We want to build a better Jayapura in the future. We need human resources in education and health who have the opportunity to study outside Papua,” Yocku concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto Adi