The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, visited the Community Service Program (KKN) site in Bambar Village, Waibu District, Jayapura Regency, Papua on Wednesday (Jul. 23).
Her visit was part of the monitoring agenda for UGM’s 2025 Jejak Jayapura Thematic KKN program, which focuses on “Preparing Sustainable Regional Potential Development Through Infrastructure Building and Contextual Education.”
Arga Luthfi, the team coordinator, explained that the training session on “Processing Sago into Ice Cream and Noodles” is one of the core initiatives of the Jejak Jayapura team. This innovation aims to increase the value of sago while introducing new forms of processed sago products to the local community.
“We designed this program so it won’t just stop as a temporary KKN activity, but instead continue as a productive economic venture for the community. We are also preparing a proposal to provide sago-processing equipment that can be utilized by the local women’s group (PKK),” he explained.
During her visit, the rector observed the flagship program of the Jejak Jayapura team. In this session, students demonstrated the process of making sago-based ice cream and noodles directly in front of the local residents. After tasting the ice cream made from sago, Professor Emilia expressed her appreciation for the creativity shown by the students.
“I think this kind of food innovation holds great potential for further development. I hope that through this training, the women in Bambar Village can eventually produce and sell it on their own,” she said.
Luthfi also emphasized that this program was initiated as an effort to preserve local food sources while also supporting community-based economic empowerment. Sago, a staple food with deep cultural roots in Papua, not only reflects indigenous heritage but also carries significant economic potential.
A follow-up to this program includes submitting an equipment procurement proposal to the village head so the tools can be handed over to the local women’s group. Luthfi hopes that the skills acquired during the training can be sustained even after the KKN program ends, eventually leading to the creation of new micro-businesses in Bambar Village.
The residents actively participated and responded positively to the six-hour training session. In addition to observing, they also engaged directly in the hands-on practice of making sago noodles and ice cream.
“We’re delighted to learn how to make ice cream and noodles from sago today. It’s very useful for us. Unfortunately, the ice cream ran out quickly because it was so delicious,” said Mama Keti, a local villager who took part in the training.
On the same occasion, the UGM Rector also emphasized the importance of student collaboration with the local government to ensure a deeper understanding of local issues. She further encouraged ongoing cooperation between UGM and regional universities to strengthen the implementation of KKN programs.
Report by: Community Service Team in Jayapura
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Post-editor: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson