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

 

 

The UGM students are examining one of the community livestock, a lamb, on Hiri Island

The KKN-PPM (Community Empowerment Program) students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), located in Pulau Hiri, Ternate, North Maluku, recently carried out a comprehensive health check-up for livestock in collaboration with the Ternate City Livestock Office. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to enhance livestock welfare and prevent the spread of diseases that can affect animal populations in the region.

The program saw UGM KKN-PPM students working hand-in-hand with livestock experts from the Ternate Livestock Office to conduct health checks on goats owned by local villagers. The health check-up process included essential steps such as assessing the physical condition of the goats, measuring their body temperature, and identifying any signs of disease that might require medical intervention.

Ensuring Livestock Health and Preventing Disease Spread

The primary aim of these health checks was to ensure that the livestock were in good health and free from any potential diseases. The examination results showed that the majority of goats were in healthy condition. Those who were found to be in good health were then vaccinated as a preventive measure against common livestock diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease and parasitic infections.

In addition to the health checks, the vaccination program plays a critical role in disease prevention, ensuring that the goats remain healthy and reducing the risk of outbreaks that could negatively impact the local livestock population. If any goats displayed signs of illness during the examination, immediate medical treatment was provided. This included administering medication based on the diagnosis, which is essential for ensuring prompt recovery and preventing disease transmission to other animals.

 

Addressing Challenges in Livestock Management

Rangga, the team leader for UGM KKN-PPM in Pulau Hiri, highlighted the program’s significance in light of the area’s livestock management practices. “This program is especially vital because the livestock system in Pulau Hiri still relies on the ‘free-range’ method, where animals are allowed to roam freely without proper enclosures,” Rangga explained. This system presents unique challenges in managing livestock health, making regular health checks and vaccinations even more crucial in preventing disease outbreaks and maintaining the livestock population.

The initiative aims not only to improve the health of the goats but also to raise awareness among local farmers about the importance of maintaining their livestock’s health. By doing so, the farmers can improve the productivity and quality of their animals, which will ultimately benefit the local economy and improve community livelihoods.

Training and Educating Local Farmers

Along with the health checks, the KKN-PPM team also provided training and education for local farmers on proper livestock care, focusing on animal welfare practices. During the training sessions, farmers learned essential techniques for caring for goats, including providing nutritious feed, maintaining clean living spaces, and preventing diseases through proper hygiene and vaccination.

The educational aspect of the program aimed to increase the farmers’ knowledge of effective livestock management, helping them avoid common health issues that could affect their animals. The program has already had a positive impact, as evidenced by the significant improvement in livestock health in Pulau Hiri and a marked decrease in disease transmission.

A Positive and Sustainable Impact on the Community

An official from the Ternate City Livestock Office expressed their support for the initiative, saying, “We hope that activities like this can be carried out regularly, ensuring that the livestock population in Pulau Hiri stays healthy and productive, which will ultimately help the local economy.”

This program is expected to greatly improve the health and welfare of livestock in Pulau Hiri, contributing not only to the success of local livestock management efforts but also to the overall economic development of the community.

Strengthening Collaborations for Future Impact

The success of this program illustrates the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. Through collaborations between Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Ternate City Livestock Office, and the local community, the initiative has the potential to make a lasting positive impact on the region. It is hoped that similar initiatives can be carried out regularly to support both animal welfare and community well-being, contributing to long-term development in the area.

Contributing to SDGs and Future Opportunities for International Students

This KKN-PPM initiative aligns with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by improving livestock health, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through promoting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, the program contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by fostering the productivity of local farmers.

International undergraduate students looking to make a tangible impact in communities worldwide are invited to join the KKN-PPM program at UGM. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts, engage with local communities, and contribute to global sustainable development goals. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in future KKN-PPM sessions, where they can gain valuable hands-on experience while making a difference in areas like sustainable agriculture, community health, and animal welfare.

International students who participate in this initiative will have the opportunity to work alongside UGM students, faculty, and local communities, contributing to meaningful and sustainable change

Tags: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Author: bil

Contributors: Alia Zahra