A significant effort unfolded in the Kalijeruk I and II Hamlets of Widodomartani, Yogyakarta, where 370 seedlings found their new home.
This collection included 25 Banyan trees, 100 Gayam trees, 100 Sugar Palm trees, 45 Orange trees, 50 Tabebuia trees, and 50 Soursop trees, all carefully planted by the hands of UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN PPM) team in collaboration with the Kinarya Anak Bangsa Foundation.
Sub-unit coordinator Ababil underscored the mission behind this initiative, emphasizing the critical role of tree planting in water conservation efforts for the area’s predominantly agricultural landscape, residential settlements, and its array of water sources.
“We chose tree species, including Banyan, Gayam, and Sugar Palm, along with ornamental varieties like Tabebuia and fruit-bearing trees like Soursop and Orange, to maximize water retention,” said Ababil on Thursday (Feb. 1).
In addition to fortifying water sources in Kalijeruk and its environs, Ababil highlighted the broader benefits of this greening endeavor, citing the augmentation of green open spaces through the ‘Nandur Tuk Banyu’ program, which saw various seedlings take root in Kalijeruk I and Kalijeruk II Hamlets.
Professor Rarastoeti Pratiwi, the team’s field supervisor, elaborated on the impact of this tree-planting initiative, envisioning an expanded green coverage that would safeguard water sources and catalyze the development of Kalijeruk as a vibrant tourism village.
“By fostering collaborations like this, we can actively monitor and evaluate the growth of these seedlings, ensuring their flourishing vitality and community-wide benefits,” explained Professor Pratiwi.
This endeavor, involving planting 370 tree seedlings, marks the culmination of the team’s community service activities.
However, the legacy of this cause will endure as it sets the stage for future programs aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring clean water availability and proper sanitation.
The symbolic handover of these 370 tree seedlings to the Head of Kalijeruk I Hamlet, Yuniwan Eko Putro, and the Head of Kalijeruk II Hamlet, Tri Handoko, underscores the collective dedication of students toward environmental stewardship and community welfare.
Author: Gusti Grehenson