Sambelia District, located in East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, which includes pristine beaches, mountains, and lush forests.
It also serves as the gateway to Gili Kondo, a popular tourist destination in East Lombok, famous for its underwater splendor.
Despite the area’s tourism potential, most residents, who work as farmers, fishermen, and crafters, still face challenges due to limited infrastructure and healthcare services.
Aware of these issues, the UGM Community Service (KKN-PPM) team took the initiative to assist the local community by implementing effective, efficient, and solution-oriented work programs.
One of their programs was establishing a Beach School to enhance the knowledge and skills of students from coastal areas, particularly those in elementary, middle, and high schools in Labuhan Pandan Village.
“We involved fifteen students from various study programs to teach and enhance the students’ understanding of multidisciplinary subjects from mid-July to early August,” said Virnanda Kartika Putri in a statement to reporters on Thursday (Aug. 22).
Dhuha, the Principal of MTS Riadussolihin NDW Veteran, expressed his happiness with the presence of the students who initiated the Beach School activities. He noted that the program motivated students to pursue higher education.
“We are delighted to have KKN UGM students this year, and the teaching provided to the children has been beneficial,” Dhuha said.
In addition to teaching, the students conducted biofertilizer production training for the local community in Sambelia. Using organic fertilizer is expected to improve soil nutrient availability and make nutrient absorption by plants more efficient.
Madhan, a chili farmer in Sugian Hamlet, mentioned that his chili plants often suffered from diseases that could lead to crop failure.
“Since using biofertilizer, my plants have become healthier, and the harvest has increased,” Madhan said.
Beyond their social and scientific programs, the KKN-PPM Sambelia team also focused on reducing stunting rates through a medical program. This initiative was prompted by the high stunting rates in the area.
“Stunting is not only caused by malnutrition but also by suboptimal child development and maternal health conditions,” explained Aloysia Diandra Narasari.
Narasari noted that the campaign aimed to increase mothers’ understanding and awareness of preventing stunting.
The program provided information and encouraged mothers to be more creative in preparing nutritious meals using local ingredients that could be easily implemented at home.
Labuhan Pandan Village Secretary Mustiadi appreciated the various innovations offered by the students for Sambelia. He acknowledged that the results were unsatisfactory despite numerous existing programs to reduce stunting.
“With the programs brought by the KKN team during these 50 days, we hope the stunting rate in Labuhan Pandan will decrease,” he emphasized.
Siti Nur Annisa, a member of the KKN-PPM team, expressed hope that the various programs carried out by KKN-PPM students would make a meaningful contribution to the community.
“We hope these programs will continue and benefit the community,” Annisa concluded.
Author: Hanif
Editor: Gusti Grehenson