Solar panels are installed on the roof of the house belonging to Otniel Kaway, the manager of Kolam Bambar, with a control box on the side of the house that leads directly to the parking lot.

Students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participating in the Community Service–Community Empowerment Learning Program (KKN-PPM) have implemented an innovative project utilizing solar energy as an eco-friendly lighting source at the parking area of Kolam Bambar, Waibu District, Jayapura Regency. The program is part of the flagship initiatives under the main theme “Realizing Sustainable Development through the Development of Infrastructure and Contextual Education in the Sectors of Tourism, Agriculture, and MSMEs in Bambar and Doyo Lama Villages, Waibu District, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province,” carried out by 25 interdisciplinary students from Unit PA001.

The initiative stemmed from local residents’ concerns regarding the lack of lighting in the Kolam Bambar parking area. As a popular natural tourist attraction in Bambar Village, the site frequently welcomes both local and regional visitors for swimming, camping, and enjoying the surrounding scenery. However, darkness at night created discomfort and even led to cases of vehicle theft. “We wanted to provide a tangible solution by harnessing solar energy so that both community members and visitors can feel safer and more comfortable,” explained Frank Richard Yambe Yabdi, a student from the Faculty of Economics and Business and Coordinator of Unit PA001.

 The solar power system developed is an off-grid Solar Power Plant (PLTS), consisting of a 50 Wp solar panel, a solar charge controller, a 12 V 35 Ah battery, and a 30 W spotlight. The solar panel was installed on the roof of the home of Otniel Kaway, manager of Kolam Bambar, with the control box mounted on the house wall facing the parking lot. The spotlight was placed at a low height to optimize its coverage.

 

 

UGM KKN-PPM students from Unit PA001 when building a PLTS in Kolam Bambar with the community.

The program received strong support from local residents. John, one of the villagers actively assisting the installation process, expressed his gratitude. “I am very pleased with this program because it not only helps provide lighting but also demonstrates the importance of transitioning to renewable energy. I hope in the future it can be further expanded for greater impact,” he said.

The initiative also gained recognition from UGM Rector, Prof. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., who conducted a monitoring and evaluation visit to Waibu District on July 23. She commended the students’ dedication in exploring local natural and human resources to enhance the community’s economy and well-being. “Many of the students’ programs have made significant contributions. Local leaders have even requested that UGM continue sending KKN students in future periods to ensure sustainability,” she noted.

Although the PLTS system is still small in scale, the benefits are already visible. Residents have begun reducing reliance on PLN electricity for parking area lighting, thus lowering monthly costs. More importantly, the initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Muhammad Landie Gayuh Kirono, a student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences who participated in the project, reflected on his personal learning experience: “I realized that the knowledge I’ve gained can truly be useful. With this small program, we were able to provide a concrete solution for the community while also reminding ourselves to be more grateful for what we already have.”

 

Director of Community Service at UGM during a discussion with UGM KKN-PPM students who built a PLTS in Kolam Bambar

Dr. dr. Rustamaji, M.Kes., Director of Community Service at UGM, also visited the site and praised the students’ efforts. “This student initiative may be simple, but its impact is real. Through the eco-friendly lighting system at Kolam Bambar, we see how knowledge can be translated into action that directly benefits the community. Such initiatives deserve to be continued and further strengthened,” he emphasized.

This program marks an important first step in promoting renewable energy at the local level, while reinforcing UGM’s commitment to energy independence and community empowerment through KKN-PPM activities. Moving forward, UGM hopes that this small but meaningful step will inspire students, local governments, and communities alike to collaborate in delivering innovative solutions with broad benefits for society.

Tags: #SDGs #SDG7 #SDG13 #PLTS #RenewableEnergy #KKNPPMUGM #communityservice

Contributor: Muhammad Landie Gayuh Kirono

Author: Bil

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