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,

One of the UGM KKN-PPM students showcases the tool their team built, which was warmly welcomed by the local community

A team of KKN-PPM students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has taken an innovative approach to support SDG 13 – Climate Action – by developing a simple earthquake detection tool in Jambewangi Village. Indonesia, being one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, faces significant risks, making it critical to have effective technology and preparedness measures in place to mitigate disaster impacts. Recognizing this, the UGM KKN-PPM students created a low-cost, accessible earthquake detection system designed to act as an early-warning mechanism, enabling residents to better prepare for seismic events.

The earthquake detection tool was designed using easily sourced and affordable materials, making it feasible for implementation in high-risk areas across Indonesia. Ajus Dwimantara, one of the team members who helped design the device, explained, “Though simple, this tool can detect the vibrations caused by seismic activity and activate a buzzer as an early warning system.” When vibrations are detected, the tool emits an alarm that can be heard within homes, giving residents a chance to respond quickly and reduce the risk of injury.

In addition to developing the detection technology, the UGM KKN-PPM students also focused on educating and engaging the local community. They conducted training sessions on how to use the earthquake detection device and provided guidelines on appropriate actions during an earthquake. This initiative is part of the team’s broader effort to raise awareness about disaster preparedness, which is directly aligned with SDG 13’s goal to reduce the impacts of climate change and disasters.

This initiative not only strengthens the resilience of Jambewangi Village against earthquakes but also contributes to the broader global efforts for climate action. By utilizing simple, appropriate technology and empowering local communities, the KKN-PPM students hopes to inspire other regions at similar risk to take proactive steps towards disaster prevention and preparedness. With continued innovation and community-driven solutions, this project demonstrates the power of sustainable, grassroots action in addressing global challenges like climate change.

Beyond the immediate benefits of earthquake preparedness, this initiative also emphasizes the role of local knowledge and active community involvement in disaster mitigation. The KKN-PPM students worked closely with village leaders and residents to ensure the tool’s design was both practical and culturally appropriate for the community. By incorporating local input, the project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the villagers, ensuring its sustainability in the long term.

Moreover, the success of this project in Jambewangi Village presents an opportunity to scale the initiative to other disaster-prone regions in Indonesia and beyond. With the growing threat of climate-related disasters globally, such grassroots innovations, rooted in both technology and community engagement, offer a powerful model for resilience and adaptation, perfectly aligned with the broader objectives of SDG 13 and other climate-related goals.

Following the success of the earthquake detection initiative in Jambewangi Village, UGM invites international undergraduate students to join the KKN-PPM program and become part of impactful, community-driven projects like this one. Students will have the chance to collaborate on innovative solutions to global challenges, such as disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Through hands-on involvement, participants will not only contribute to vital local initiatives but also gain valuable experience in cross-cultural collaboration and real-world problem solving.

UGM also welcomes international professors to visit and explore these transformative projects, with the opportunity to guide their students as they address critical local issues. By joining KKN-PPM, students and professors alike can make a meaningful difference while enriching their academic journeys and promoting sustainable solutions to global challenges, in line with the goals of SDG 13 and beyond.

Tags: SDG 11:Kota dan Pemukiman yang Berkelanjutan SDGS 13:Penanganan Perubahan Iklim SDGS 4: Pendidikan Berkualitas SDGS 9 : Industri _ Inovasi dan Infrastruktur

author: bil

contributor: Kirei Shashi, DN Halimah

 

Dikson Ibrahim Nusi, the head of Tontayuo village, expressed deep gratitude for his village being selected as a location for the Community Service Program (KKN) by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG). Since June 27, 2023, the students from these universities have been actively involved in a variety of projects designed to benefit the local community.

Among the notable initiatives, the creation of a tourism master plan stands out as a significant contribution. This plan aims to develop the village’s tourism potential, providing a structured approach to attract visitors and boost the local economy (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth). Additionally, the development of a village website is another critical project, offering a digital platform to showcase the village’s assets, disseminate information, and connect with a broader audience (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

The students have also undertaken the task of recording village potentials, an effort that involves documenting the unique resour

ces and strengths of Tontayuo. This initiative is crucial for identifying areas that can be leveraged for future development and support (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Safitri Dwi Lestari, a UGM student participating in the KKN program, shared her positive experience. She highlighted the warm reception from the community and the collaborative spirit that has defined their stay. The interaction with local residents has not only facilitated the implementation of their projects but also enriched the students’ learning experience by providing practical insights and fostering mutual

understanding (SDG 4: Quality Education).

The collaborative KKN program is scheduled to continue until August 9, 2023, encompassing a range of activities. These include education on early marriage, aimed at raising awareness about the implications and promoting informed decision-making among young people (SDG 5: Gender Equality). Environmental conservation projects are also a key focus, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and the preservation of natural resources (SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land).

This blend of educational outreach and practical projects underscores the program’s holistic approach, aiming not only to address immediate needs but also to lay a foundation for long-term community empowerment. The gratitude expressed by the village head, Dikson Ibrahim Nusi, is a testament to the positive impact of the KKN program, highlighting the potential for academic-community partnerships to drive meaningful change.

For more details, visit Berita Gorontalo.