Dani Abyan Adam, a student of Agricultural Extension and Communication at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), embarked on his Kuliah Kerja Nyata Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (KKN-PPM) as a tangible form of active engagement with the community. His passion for education and empowerment became a strong foundation for his role as an agent of change within society.
During this KKN period, Adam joined Citta Bulukumba, a multidisciplinary team integrating various clusters of expertise with a collaborative spirit to address local issues through cross-sector approaches, under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Ertiningsih, S.Si., M.Si as the Field Supervisor (DPL).
The name “Citta Bulukumba” carries a deep meaning. In the local Bulukumba language, citta means “story” and “love.” It reflects the team’s mission to write stories of kindness and love through meaningful interactions, contributions, and sustainable programs in panrita lopi land, Bulukumba.
Adam’s KKN location was centered in Tanah Jaya Village, Kajang Subdistrict, Bulukumba Regency, an area consisting of five neighborhoods. This agro-maritime region holds immense potential, with its coastal resources, agricultural land, and strong local traditions making it a strategic site for community empowerment programs.
The local economy is primarily driven by fisheries, cocoa, and rice farming. However, challenges remain particularly in household waste management and underutilized home gardens. These issues formed the basis for Citta Bulukumba’s solution-driven and participatory work programs, focusing on three main areas: Food Security Strengthening, Tourism Development, and Circular Economy Implementation.
Within these priorities, Adam implemented five key programs through participatory approaches, involving community extension, demonstrations, and basic education. Coconut Husk Waste Utilization for Kokedama engaging youth and educating junior high school students to turn coconut waste into decorative kokedama, which has potential as a local tourism souvenir. Household Waste Management with Stacked Buckets as part of the interdisciplinary BERSERI program, introducing a simple composting system producing liquid fertilizer and compost, strengthening household-level circular economy practices. Brazilian Spinach (Bayam Brazil) Home Gardening as part of the SEHATI program for stunting prevention, in collaboration with the medical cluster’s health outreach. Brazilian spinach was chosen for its high nutritional value and ease of cultivation.
Beyond these core programs, Adam actively participated in the Kajang Grand Festival (Festival Raya Kajang), a collaborative event themed “Gelora Pangan Kajang” (Kajang’s Food Spirit), showcasing local products, KKN program outputs, free health check-ups, and community sports. The festival served as a rallying point for strengthening community synergy in building food independence.
KKN in Tanah Jaya was not merely a transfer of knowledge from students to the community it became a two-way learning process. The enthusiasm of Tanah Jaya residents in adopting new technologies and practices brought positive energy to the entire team. The warmth, cooperation, and openness of the community were key to the success of Citta Bulukumba’s programs.
Adam’s initiatives aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
In closing, Adam reflects that KKN is not just an academic program, but a transformative journey where knowledge meets humanity, and love for a place grows through interaction, service, and shared stories. Citta Bulukumba is more than just a team name it is a memory of love and stories rooted in the land of Bulukumba.
Authors: Dani Abyan Adam, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: KKN-PPM UGM Citta Bulukumba 2025