Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) engaged in the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) in Mantren and Gondang Villages, Magetan, East Java, orchestrated a gathering named “Semarak Bergembira,” in collaboration with residents.
Themed “Rumaketing Paseduluran Anggayuh Aruming Katresnan,” which in Javanese conveys fostering brotherhood through the pursuit of utmost affection, this festival was a joyful celebration of community spirit and camaraderie.
This community festival embraced participants of all ages, from youngsters to adults, engaging them in many activities. Spanning from morning to night, the festival, held on Sunday (Feb. 4), boasted various events.
These included micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) exhibitions, a variety of competitions catering to kindergarten and elementary school children, a UGM campus introduction talk show, and artistic showcases encompassing drama, musical poetry, and live band performances.
“The MSME exhibition aims to provide a platform for local entrepreneurs and the community to showcase their products,” Anang Dwi Prasetyo said, representing his fellow UGM students in Mantren Village.
Anang Prasetyo further elaborated that the talk show was a forum for discussion among high school students from Magetan and Madiun Districts who were interested in pursuing higher education, particularly at UGM.
This segment featured insights from Galang Rizqi Restutama, an exemplary student from the UGM Vocational College, and Suprawoto, the Magetan Regent for the 2018-2023 term, who is also an UGM alumnus.
“Galang Restutama and Suprawoto delved into various topics, including admission pathways at UGM, scholarship opportunities, student life experiences, and post-graduation prospects,” Prasetyo expounded.
In his address, Suprawoto offered advice to high school students, emphasizing the transformative power of education and the importance of selecting reputable universities.
The villagers exuded palpable enthusiasm throughout the festival, wholeheartedly participating in and enriching every facet of the event. They savored the entertainment and actively participated in various communal activities.
“I believe it’s a concerted effort between KKN students and the villagers to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of unity,” remarked Prasetyo.
In addition to the community festival, several UGM student initiatives were undertaken in Mantren and Gondang Villages.
These endeavors included the development of a briquette machine to efficiently utilize coconut shell waste and produce environmentally friendly biomass briquettes.
Furthermore, a hydroponic farming greenhouse was established to optimize plant growth without soil, while efforts to enhance soil fertility through organic waste management were also undertaken, including constructing a maggot house to cultivate BSF larvae efficiently and process organic waste into sustainable protein feed.
“To ensure the smooth execution of our programs, students conducted extensive promotion efforts within the local community,” Prasetyo added.
The successful implementation of these programs hinges on the collaborative partnership with village officials. Rudy, the Head of Mantren Village, warmly embraced the involvement of KKN students from UGM, acknowledging their steadfast support for the village government’s initiatives.
“I hope KKN can be extended and ideally sustained, with KKN students contributing to the further recognition of Mantren Village,” expressed Rudy.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Muhammad Rafi’ Harda Pratama, the coordinator of KKN-PPM students in Mantren and Gondang Magetan.
He aspired for UGM KKN-PPM students in Magetan to nurture enduring bonds with village residents, with several KKN initiatives expected to be adopted and perpetuated by the local community.
Author: Agung Nugroho