The Community Service–Community Empowerment Learning Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (KKN-PPM UGM) “Melukis Pakis” carried out a community empowerment program in Ketundan and Kragilan Villages, Pakis Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Central Java. This initiative adopted the theme “Optimization of Integrated Agricultural Land Potential Based on Technology and Local Wisdom for the Empowerment of Smart Villages and Raising Awareness of Oral Health Risks in the Communities of Ketundan and Kragilan Villages, Pakis Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Central Java” with Field Supervisor (DPL) Budi Rodestawati, S.Kp.G., M.P.H.

Surya Adetya (Soil Science 2022), a member of the Melukis Pakis team and a student of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM (Faperta UGM), initiated two main programs: “Workshop on the Utilization of BSF Maggots as Bioconverters of Household and Vegetable Organic Waste” and “Workshop on the Making of Gallon Composters for the Production of Liquid Organic Fertilizer as a Solution to Acid Soil pH Problems.” These were held on Thursday, 10 July 2025, and Thursday, 25 July 2025, targeting farmers, Women Farmer Groups (KWT), and the general public of Gerotan Hamlet.

According to Surya Adetya, organic waste management in the area still faces several challenges, including low public awareness of its economic value. “Some residents are not yet accustomed to utilizing organic waste into useful products, so a persuasive approach and real-life examples are needed to encourage adoption. The limited timeframe of KKN also presents a challenge in ensuring consistent implementation of the technology in the community,” he explained.

During the workshops, residents of Gerotan Hamlet showed strong enthusiasm, especially as the materials provided had direct benefits for their farming activities. Several participants actively asked questions and practiced firsthand in making BSF maggots and gallon composters.

“Through this program, we hope the people of Gerotan Hamlet can continue to independently apply organic waste management technologies, develop liquid organic fertilizer products, and share this knowledge with other villagers. Hopefully, this practice will help reduce fertilizer costs, improve soil fertility, and keep the village environment clean,” added Surya Adetya.

This program aligns with the commitment to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Surya Adetya, Agrit Kirana Bunda

Editor: Desi Utami

Photo: Melukis Pakis Team

The Faculty of Agriculture UGM has once again strengthened its academic and research collaboration with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, Malaysia. This cooperation was reinforced by a visit from CEBAR representative Dr. Chee How Teo on 2-3 December 2024.

Dr. Chee How Teo’s visit was warmly welcomed by the leadership of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM. The meeting was attended in person by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Dyah Weny Respatie, S.P., M.Si., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and HR, Dr. R.A. Siti Ari Budhiyanti, S.T.P., M.P., and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Collaboration, Prof. Subejo, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. In addition to the leadership team, the Chair of the Department of Agricultural Cultivation, Rani Agustina Wulandari, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., and one of the department’s lecturers, Agus Budi Setiawan, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., were also present to participate in the discussion.

The collaboration meeting resulted in agreements on several forms of cooperation that could be carried out between the Faculty of Agriculture UGM and CEBAR. These collaborative efforts include joint-lab collaborations between CEBAR and the Agrotropical Learning Center (AGLC), adjunct professors, and other academic activities.

This meeting, which discussed the strengthening of cooperation, demonstrates the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s maximal efforts in supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequality, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Authors: Hanita Athasari Zain & Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami

On Sunday, 25 August 2024, the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta UGM) community service team held a small-scale cocoa bean fermentation training session to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in producing high-quality cocoa beans. The activity took place at Wondis Chocolate MSME, Banjarharjo Village, Kalibawang District, Kulonprogo Regency.

The training involved 30 participants, including members of the Pawon Gandhis women farmer group (Wondis), local youth, cocoa farmers, undergraduate students from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, and international students from the AIMS Program.

Participants were introduced to the basic knowledge of cocoa bean fermentation and practiced creating simple fermentation equipment using 4-liter plastic buckets. They also conducted a six-day cocoa bean fermentation trial, stirring the beans every 48 hours to ensure even fermentation.

“With this simple fermentation technique, we hope farmers can produce high-quality cocoa beans that meet market standards and increase the competitiveness of local cocoa products,” said Nur Akbar Arofatullah, S.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D., head of the community service team.

The training is expected to have a long-term impact by increasing farmers’ incomes and improving the welfare of surrounding communities. This initiative demonstrates the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to supporting local agricultural potential and empowering communities. The effort also aligns with the SDGs, including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Community Service Team