In a commendable outreach effort, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) orchestrated a social service event encompassing health checks and educational programs for the local community surrounding the UGM employee apartments on Wednesday (Dec. 13).
At the UGM MM Campus, this initiative aligns with UGM’s ongoing commitment to contribute to the neighboring community’s welfare.
Dr. Arie Sudjito, the UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, emphasized that these social service activities embody the university’s ethos of sharing and caring for the community in the campus vicinity.
The aim is to nurture the tradition of “pagar mangkok” (bowl fence), symbolizing the seamless sharing of knowledge, activities, and initiatives by UGM that can bring tangible benefits to the neighboring community.
UGM channels its commitment to community welfare through the UGM Community Service Program (KKN UGM), which spans 34 provinces nationwide. Despite the extensive reach, UGM prioritizes locations in the immediate vicinity, fostering empowerment and positive transformations in the campus surroundings.
Dr. Rustamaji, the Chair of the Social Service Committee and Director of Community Service at UGM, shared that the health check and education event drew participation from 162 elderly residents and health cadres within the campus vicinity.
The event provided residents with free health checkups and medications courtesy of the UGM Academic Hospital. They also received valuable insights into dental health through educational sessions conducted by lecturers from the UGM Faculty of Dentistry and practitioners from the UGM Dental and Oral Hospital.
The collaborative efforts for this social service event involved the UGM Academic Hospital, UGM Dental and Oral Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Directorate of Planning, Gadjah Mada Residence, Directorate of Community Service, Rumah ZIS UGM, and UGM students residing in the Kinanti 2-3 dormitory.
Residents around the campus expressed gratitude for the impactful social service activities organized by UGM. Subiantoro, representing Depok residents, highlighted the significant benefits that the community has derived from UGM’s conscientious efforts.
“This activity is beneficial for residents, and we feel very assisted with the health checks from UGM,” Subiantoro remarked.
This health examination and education event align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Author: UGM Directorate of Community Service
Editor: Ika