The initiatives taken by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students in the Community Service Program (KKN) at Kampung Lalang Village, Tanjung Tiram District, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, have received appreciation from the Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Family (KAGAMA), Ganjar Pranowo.
During his visit to the location on Tuesday (July 30), Ganjar witnessed firsthand the innovations carried out by UGM KKN students. One notable innovation was the creation of eco-enzyme to address the village’s drainage issues, which had become a breeding ground for mosquito larvae, as part of efforts to reduce malaria rates in the area.
This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 3: Good Health and Well-being. Through this KKN program, UGM students aim to improve the health of the Kampung Lalang community by reducing the incidence of malaria.
“If you encounter a problem you cannot solve, report it to the local government or UGM. We hope that the implementation of appropriate technology applied in the community will continue to increase,” said Ganjar.
The Director of Community Service at UGM, Dr. Rustamadji, who attended the event virtually, stated that deploying UGM KKN-PPM students is expected to help develop the potential they find in the field using the knowledge they have acquired in their studies.
“We want students to develop something new and learn from the community in managing existing problems and finding solutions,” he said.
Additionally, the KKN students introduced innovations in waste management, particularly in processing grass waste from alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica). They transformed alang-alang into papers that children can use for learning and creativity. This contributes to SDG number 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Acting Regent of Batu Bara, Heri Wahyudi, who was also present, expressed his gratitude to UGM for conducting the KKN in his region. Meanwhile, the Field Supervisor (DPL) for the Tanjung Tiram KKN-PPM, Widya Nayati, Ph.D., stated that the goal of the KKN-PPM program in Kampung Lalang is to make the village malaria-free. The students also developed other programs, such as creating aromatherapy, mosquito traps, and anti-theft alarms.
Through the tangible efforts of UGM KKN students in Kampung Lalang Village, positive impacts will be made on the community, supporting the achievement of several SDGs, particularly SDGs 3 and 12.
[Alumni Office: Kamila, Translated: Aldiza, Photo: KAGAMA Sumut Public Relation]