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

Antonius Bagas Westranto, a 2022 student of the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), together with the “Citta Bulukumba” KKN-PPM team, conducted a training program on processing coconut waste into economically valuable derivative products namely cocopeat and cocofibre. The activity took place on 12 July 2025, in Balang Pangi 1 Hamlet, Pantama Village, Kajang District, Bulukumba Regency.

This training program was part of the team’s efforts to address a local challenge: the abundance of unutilized coconut waste. Coconut husks often considered leftover harvest waste and simply burned actually hold high economic potential. Through simple processing, they can be transformed into cocopeat, an eco-friendly planting medium, and cocofibre, a raw material for household products such as doormats and brooms. Around 25 local residents, mostly housewives and youth, took part in the activity not only as participants but also as active practitioners in the processing steps.

The program began with an educational presentation on the importance of organic waste management and its environmental impact, followed by hands-on sessions covering coconut fiber separation, manual shredding, sieving, and drying. The main challenge faced during the activity was cloudy weather, which slowed the drying process for cocopeat. However, this was overcome by moving the process to a sheltered area provided by the village government.

“Through this training, we aim to raise awareness that waste can become a source of additional income if managed properly. We hope that, in the future, residents can develop derivative products independently and sustainably,” said Antonius Bagas Westranto, the activity coordinator.

The residents showed great enthusiasm, with some even bringing coconut husks from home to be processed on-site. The village government gave full support by providing the venue, equipment, and logistical assistance to ensure the program ran smoothly.

“This kind of activity is very helpful for us. Previously, we would just throw away or burn the coconut husks. Now, we know how to process them and even sell them,” said Mr. Sam, Head of Balang Pangi 1 Hamlet.

Through a participatory and demonstrative approach, the training is expected to be the first step toward establishing community-based businesses utilizing coconut waste. The KKN team also opened opportunities for follow-up technical assistance and the development of small-scale home-based enterprises. Ultimately, the activity proves that education and collaboration are key to unlocking local potential. The “Citta Bulukumba” KKN team hopes this program will not be a one-time initiative, but rather evolve into a sustainable collective movement for a cleaner environment and more self-reliant community economy.

Beyond its educational and technical aspects, the program also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by creating business opportunities based on local resources, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through community-based waste management, and SDG 13: Climate Action, by reducing waste burning and its resulting carbon emissions.

Author: Antonius Bagas Westranto, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami

A Team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully clinched first place in the Business Plan Competition (BPC) at the 2025 National Cooperative Jamboree (Jamkopnas), held at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, from 28-30 May 2025.

The winning team was led by Ghiffari Putra Agoeng (Faculty of Agriculture, 2023), with team members Muhamad Dafin Attoriq (Faculty of Engineering, 2023) and Falinkha Nazzara Ardya Varally (Faculty of Economics and Business, 2024). In addition, UGM’s Student Cooperative (Kopma UGM) also delegated Indah Amalia Indrayani (Vocational School, 2024) to accompany the team. They were further supported by Prof. Dr. Didi Achjari, SE., Akt., M.Com. as academic supervisor and Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., as an advisor with expertise in microbiology.

This year’s Jamkopnas theme, “Rebranding and Digitalizing Youth Cooperatives: Bridging Innovation, Cultural Heritage, and Sustainability for a Transformative Future,” inspired UGM’s delegation to present a business plan titled “Parisa: Processor of Natural and Renewable Litter Scented Accelerator.” The project features a technology-integrated device for decomposing food waste into compost.

This innovation was driven by the escalating waste issues in Indonesia, particularly due to increasing population and the recent overload and closures of landfill sites in Yogyakarta. On both global and national levels, food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, hindering economic growth and community well-being.

To address this problem, the Eskalasi Team developed Parisa, supported by a natural-based sub-product called Parisa Microbe that accelerates the decomposition process and promotes a circular economy model.

Beyond waste processing, Parisa fosters community partnership and engagement through a dedicated website and social media, serving not only as an environmental solution but also a platform for social networking, education, and business opportunities for various stakeholders.

After navigating the challenges of the competition, Ghiffari expressed gratitude and joy for the opportunity to compete and emerge victorious at Jamkopnas 2025. He shared his reflections and hopes for the innovation, “We hope this innovation is not only a team or personal achievement but also a motivation for young people to deliver impactful and sustainable ideas, to explore and try meaningful initiatives outside their comfort zones becoming better individuals who can help those around them,” he said.

This outstanding achievement contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Authors: Ghiffari Putra Agoeng, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami