The beauty of Mount Merapi has been overshadowed by the tragic eruption disaster that occurred in 2010.
The eruption impacted the lives of surrounding communities, such as the damage to local food production areas. In response, a team of UGM faculty members has carried out community service activities for those affected by the Mount Merapi eruption.
This initiative, themed “Assisting Communities Affected by the Merapi Eruption as an Effort to Increase Motivation and Food Production,” is part of UGM’s Community Service Program and took place in four districts in Magelang Regency, Central Java: Srumbung, Dukun, Ngablak, and Secang.
Professor Endang Baliarti, who leads the service team from UGM’s National Resilience Study Program, explained in a written statement to journalists on Monday (Nov. 18) that the area around Mount Merapi, although prone to eruptions, has the potential to become a food reserve region, particularly in agricultural and livestock products.
“We conduct outreach and community service to raise awareness that food reserves are essential for stockpiling in case of natural disasters,” said Professor Baliarti.
The service program, which ran from July to November 2024, included several activities, such as discussions with policymakers, community leaders, and representatives from the Livestock Farmers Group (Gapoktan) to gather information about the agricultural and livestock issues faced by communities affected by the Mount Merapi eruption.
“We gather information and provide education on the importance of livestock management, alternative feed production, and organic fertilizer production,” she added.
Joni Indarto, head of the Livestock and Fisheries Office of Magelang Regency, supported the outreach and educational activities on livestock and agricultural management.
The regency government contributed by delegating members of their supervised Gapoktan to participate in the program’s implementation.
“We are very grateful to UGM’s Professor Endang Baliarti for assisting in the development of Magelang Regency as a food reserve area for Central Java,” said Indarto.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya