The Student Community Service (KKN-PPM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has carried out a series of economic and agricultural empowerment programs aimed at addressing poverty in Kapuang and Borongan villages, Polanharjo District, Klaten, Central Java.
Over 50 days, the student team implemented programs to elevate the potential of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Cakra Polanharjo unit team initiated several key programs, including training in branding, packaging, and financial recordkeeping.
These programs provided hands-on support to local MSME owners, helping them brand their products through effective marketing strategies and attractive packaging.
“We also provided guidance on basic financial recording techniques to help MSME owners better understand how their businesses can grow,” said Tya, a UGM KKN-PPM student, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
In addition, the team delivered locally based support by integrating digital technology, such as the creation of QRIS-based payment systems and the use of social media to boost digital marketing efforts.
“This MSME escalation program is designed not only as a learning experience for students to understand real-world business challenges but also to motivate MSME owners to grow their businesses,” Tya added.
In the areas of agriculture, livestock, and the environment, the Cakra Polanharjo team implemented equally impactful programs.
Acknowledging that many residents work as farmers and livestock breeders, the featured initiatives included land and livestock management, independent cultivation of family medicinal plants (TOGA), land preparation workshops, hydroponic gardening, and disease prevention awareness campaigns for livestock farmers.
“These programs are synergized with local farmer groups and the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) cadres, to build collaboration and sustain the programs beyond our time here,” she explained.
Tya expressed hope that the programs would inspire and stimulate the local economy through community-managed home-based enterprises, particularly those led by PKK women’s groups.
The Cakra Polanharjo team designed a series of initiatives aimed at improving community skills, productivity, and economic literacy.
“We hope this will accelerate village development and help overcome socio-economic challenges, particularly household-level poverty,” she said.
The Village Head of Kapuang expressed appreciation for the innovative and targeted community empowerment programs carried out by the team.
He noted that the students were not just present in the village but had become fully integrated with the residents.
“Their programs truly addressed our needs, and we hope the community can continue these initiatives moving forward,” he remarked.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: KKN-PPM Cakra Polanharjo