A total of 8,038 students were deployed to communities during the Briefing and Deployment Ceremony of KKN-PPM UGM Period 2 of 2025 on Friday (20/6)

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again reaffirmed its dedication to community service with the launch of KKN-PPM Period 2 of 2025. The deployment ceremony was graced by the presence of the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Budi Santosa, M.Si., alongside UGM Rector Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., SpOG(K), Ph.D., who jointly officiated the event.

This period, KKN-PPM recorded its highest participation, involving 8,038 students deployed across 287 locations in 236 districts, 122 regencies/cities, and 35 provinces. Their work is supported by 287 Field Supervisors (DPL) and 23 Regional Coordinators (Korwil).

In her address, Rector Prof. Ova Emilia emphasized that KKN is far more than an academic requirement; it is a real-world learning platform that shapes character and leadership. “KKN is a genuine arena of learning where students confront the complexities of society. It nurtures resilience and compassion, preparing them to be future leaders.” she stated.

Continuing with the theme “Food Sovereignty and Environmental Management to Support Peace and National Progress,” KKN-PPM UGM maintains its focus on strategic issues relevant to community needs.

 

The Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, accompanied by the Rector and Vice Rector for Education, Community Service, and Alumni (WRKPMA) of UGM, symbolically struck the gong and bamboo slit drum to mark the deployment of KKN-PPM UGM students.

A highlight of this period is UGM’s strategic partnership with the Ministry of Trade, through which students are placed in 110 thematic KKN locations. These locations emphasize support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), digitization of local grocery stores and kiosks, and revitalizing traditional markets. Minister Dr. Budi Santosa highlighted the students’ role, saying that their contributions transcend academic boundaries to deliver tangible impacts that foster a people-centered economy.

He said, “Students serve as agents of transformation, linking local potential with innovation and technology to strengthen inclusive and sustainable community trade ecosystems.”

Vice Rector for Education, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Si., expressed gratitude to the 162 partners — including ministries, local governments, state-owned enterprises, private sectors, and other higher education institutions — who have supported the program through training, funding, and facilitation. Notable partners include the Ministry of Trade, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, PT BCA Tbk, PT Freeport Indonesia, and PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero).

UGM also enhances institutional synergy via its Collaborative KKN scheme with eleven partner universities, including Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri (UNUGIRI), Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (UNTIRTA), Universitas Warmadewa, Universitas Halu Oleo, Universitas Tadulako, Universitas Borneo Tarakan, Universitas Pattimura, Universitas Gorontalo, Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan (STKIP) PGRI Pacitan, and the KKN Higher Education Forum in the Yogyakarta and Central Java regions.

 

Students and Field Supervisors (DPL) of the Banggai Kepulauan KKN-PPM Unit pose for a group photo with the UGM Rector during the briefing and deployment ceremony (June 20).

These efforts align with UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on food security, education, health, economic growth, poverty alleviation, and partnership strengthening. KKN-PPM themes and activities are designed to provide practical, knowledge-based solutions through cross-sector collaboration.

Moreover, students are encouraged to uphold ethical conduct on digital platforms throughout their KKN activities. While sharing inspiring stories on social media is welcomed to promote best practices, it must be done responsibly to honor the dignity of individuals, communities, and the institution.

More than just numbers, KKN-PPM UGM embodies the university’s tridharma mission: education, research, and community service. Through robust collaboration and a steadfast commitment to people-centered values, UGM continues to play a vital role in addressing the nation’s real-world challenges.

author: bil

photos: Khoir

TAGS:
#SDGs #SDG1 #SDG2 #SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG17 #KKN #KKNPPMUGM #pengabdianmasyarakat #communityservice

 

 

UGM Students who performed KKN-PPM program in Baturiti and Kerambitan Village, Bali

Higher education is not just about gaining knowledge in classrooms; it’s also about applying that knowledge to the community. This concept lies at the core of the UGM KKN-PPM Team’s mission in Kerambitan, Tabanan, Bali. The team, working in the villages of Baturiti and Kerambitan, has focused on the theme of empowering and optimizing local resources through the implementation of innovative technology to improve community welfare and promote sustainable development.

The theme chosen by the KKN-PPM UGM team is highly relevant to local needs. Empowerment in this context is aimed at providing the community with access to new knowledge and skills, while resource optimization seeks to maximize the potential of the region’s natural resources, culture, and tourism. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to uplift the local population and create lasting positive change.

Innovative Technology to Drive Local Progress

A key focus of the KKN-PPM UGM team’s work in these villages is the use of innovative technology. The program centers around several important initiatives. The first is the promotion of physical and mental well-being through health synergy programs, which aim to integrate healthcare with community development. In addition, the team has introduced Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) to monitor local weather conditions, allowing farmers and residents to adapt to weather changes, optimize agricultural productivity, and improve disaster preparedness.

Another core aspect of the team’s work is the sustainable management of waste. The introduction of digital technologies aims to help the community reduce waste and move toward a zero-waste model. This focus on sustainability aligns closely with the global goal of reducing environmental impact while fostering local solutions.

Digital Transformation to Boost Local Economic Competitiveness

The KKN-PPM UGM students is also driving digital transformation to enhance the economic competitiveness of the local communities. One of the key areas of focus is the revitalization of agriculture using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create more efficient irrigation systems. This smart farming solution ensures optimal water usage, improving crop yields and contributing to the sustainable use of local water resources, aligning with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

In addition to technology-driven agriculture, the team’s efforts include entrepreneurship training to increase household incomes and improve local businesses. The holistic approach addresses both economic growth and social well-being, emphasizing the importance of a balanced, integrated development strategy.

Health, Education, and Environmental Sustainability for Long-term Impact

Beyond economic improvements, the KKN-PPM program also focuses on enhancing community health, education, and environmental sustainability. The team’s initiatives include health awareness programs, educational workshops on sustainable farming practices, and efforts to improve sanitation and waste management systems in both villages. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the team is helping to build a foundation for long-term, environmentally responsible development.

Through these programs, the KKN-PPM UGM team is working to create a comprehensive model for sustainable development that integrates environmental, social, and economic factors. The goal is not just to improve living conditions in the short term, but to ensure that these improvements are sustainable and that future generations will be able to build upon them.

Sustainable Development for the Future: A Long-term Vision

The long-term vision for the KKN-PPM UGM program in Baturiti and Kerambitan is to create sustainable, community-driven development that aligns with the global goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda. The team’s work in building infrastructure, educating the community on environmentally friendly practices, and encouraging active participation in local decision-making is designed to provide both immediate benefits and lasting change. The hope is that this initiative will inspire and leave a positive, lasting impact on the two villages.

Connecting with the SDGs: Empowering Communities through Technology

This initiative aligns with several key SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through its focus on health, technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability, the program aims to address local challenges while contributing to global development goals. By empowering local communities with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive, the KKN-PPM UGM team is helping to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for the residents of Baturiti and Kerambitan.

Inviting Global Students to Join UGM’s KKN-PPM Program

UGM invites international undergraduate students to participate in the KKN-PPM program and contribute to initiatives like these that foster sustainable development. Students will have the opportunity to engage in impactful community projects, gain hands-on experience in rural development, and learn about the challenges faced by communities in Indonesia. UGM also welcomes professors from around the world to visit and guide their students in these transformative projects. Through KKN-PPM, students and faculty alike will be able to make a meaningful contribution while advancing the global development agenda.

Tags: SDG 11:Kota dan Pemukiman yang Berkelanjutan SDGS 1:Tanpa Kemiskinan SDGS 13:Penanganan Perubahan Iklim SDGS 3 : Kehidupan Sehat dan Sejahtera SDGS 4: Pendidikan Berkualitas SDGS 6:Air Bersih dan Sanitasi Layak SDGS 8: Mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi inklusif dan berkelanjutan SDGS 9 : Industri _ Inovasi dan Infrastruktur

Author: bil

Contributors: Rif’atul Afifah Zen, Zahra Aisya Rosa Febrianingtyas,

 

The community of Baha Village attending Free Healthcare Event organized by UGM KKN-PPM students and John Fawcett Foundation

The KKN-PPM students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), performing student community service in the Mengwi area of Bali, collaborated with the John Fawcett Foundation (JFF) to organize a series of free eye exams, glasses distribution, and cataract surgeries for the community of Baha Village on July 16^th, 2024. Supported by various stakeholders, including the presence of the Badung Regency Secretary, this initiative is part of a broader effort to improve eye health, particularly for elderly patients. This program is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all, particularly addressing health issues in older populations.

Providing Free Healthcare to the Community

The event served 220 residents from Desa Baha and surrounding areas, offering free eye exams and glasses to those in need. After undergoing the initial screenings, ten individuals were identified as requiring cataract surgery, which was performed free of charge by the medical team from JFF. In addition to the surgery, patients also received post-operative care at Wantilan Pura Dalem, Desa Baha, ensuring comprehensive treatment and follow-up support.

Angelica Callysta Viera, the coordinator of the KKN-PPM team in Mengwi, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration. “We are extremely grateful to JFF for facilitating the free cataract surgeries, and our hope is that this program can improve the quality of life for the local community,” she shared.

A Long-term Impact on Community Health

Echoing Angelica’s sentiments, Nengah Sariase, the Screening Coordinator for JFF, added, “We are pleased to collaborate on this social service activity, and we hope that the cataract treatment program can continue in the future.” The collaborative spirit of this initiative highlights the importance of partnerships in driving long-term health improvements in underserved communities.

The event met high enthusiasm and appreciation from the local residents of Desa Baha. One of the cataract surgery patients, Ibu Uripah, expressed her heartfelt thanks, saying, “I feel relieved after the surgery. This program is wonderful, and the service was very friendly. Thank you to JFF and KKN UGM.”

A Lasting Collaboration for Health Improvement

This event is expected to begin an ongoing partnership between the KKN-PPM UGM team and the John Fawcett Foundation, focusing on sustainable healthcare improvements for Desa Baha and surrounding communities. By continuing such programs, both organizations aim to create lasting positive impacts on the health and well-being of the population, particularly for the elderly, and contribute to the achievement of SDG 3, which seeks to ensure access to essential health services and promote well-being at all ages.

The healthcare professional is examining one of the patients from Baha Village

 

Contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

This initiative directly supports SDG 3 by improving eye health and providing access to crucial healthcare services for a vulnerable segment of the population. By offering free medical treatments, including cataract surgeries and follow-up care, the program addresses critical health needs and enhances the quality of life for elderly residents. The focus on accessible healthcare and well-being is a key step towards building a healthier, more inclusive society.

Invitation for Global Participation

UGM invites international students, especially those studying healthcare, social sciences, and community development, to engage in future KKN-PPM programs. Students will be able to work with local communities and global partners to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable development. Professors are also welcome to visit UGM to explore the impact of such programs and guide students in contributing to life-changing initiatives.

Tags: SDGS 1:Tanpa Kemiskinan SDGS 17: Kemitraan untuk mencapai tujuan SDGS 3 : Kehidupan Sehat dan Sejahtera SDGS 5 : SDG 5: Ekosistem daratan

Author: bil

Contributor: Muh. Bagus Kurniawan

Photos: Gifto Ramadha