Students from the 2023 cohort of the Aquatic Resource Management (MSA) Study Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), conducted a field practicum on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 26–27, 2025, at the Tegalsari National Fisheries Port (PPN Tegalsari). The activity aimed to explore the livelihood strategies of fishermen in the Tegalsari area.

In his welcoming remarks, Nugroho W.S. Dandung, S.Pi., M.Si., Head of the Administrative Subdivision at PPN Tegalsari, expressed appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm during their visit.

“We at PPN Tegalsari are very pleased to welcome all of you. Hopefully, this visit will provide valuable insights into the real conditions at the port, especially regarding the livelihoods of fishermen in Tegalsari,” said Nugroho. The event continued with remarks from Ir. Hery Saksono, M.A., the lecturer in charge of the Socio-Economic Fisheries Assessment Practicum.

“We sincerely thank PPN Tegalsari for once again welcoming UGM Fisheries students. We hope you make the most of this opportunity to understand the real-world context of fishermen’s livelihoods,” said Hery.

During the two-day practicum, students collected primary data through direct interviews with fishermen, crew members, boat owners, and other fisheries business actors at the port. The success of these interviews was supported by PPN Tegalsari, which helped coordinate several respondents from the fishing community.

This field practicum served as a valuable learning experience for students to gain firsthand knowledge about the lives of fisheries stakeholders. With support from the Faculty of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries at Faperta UGM continues to demonstrate its role as an educational institution committed to sustainable livelihoods.

The successful implementation of this field practicum also reflects Faperta UGM’s dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (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 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Author: Anin Dita Rahmadiyanti
Editor: Desi Utami

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, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM) officially launched the 2025 Summer Course on Sustainable Tropical Agriculture (SC-STA 2025) on Monday, August 4, 2025, with a series of field visits to educational sites across Yogyakarta. The program welcomed international students from various countries, including Singapore, Bangladesh, Gambia, and the Philippines, some currently studying abroad and others in Indonesia.

On the first day, participants embarked on field visits to several locations that showcase local agricultural systems and processing industries. These included the surjan rice field system in Kulon Progo and agro-industrial activities in Bantul Regency. The entire program was guided by lecturers from Faperta UGM: Wahyu Dwi Saputra, S.T.P., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., and Agung Dian Kharisma, S.Pd., M.Biotech., Ph.D.

The first stop was a local farming area in Kulon Progo, where participants were introduced to the surjan farming system, a technique that utilizes both wet and dry land simultaneously. They also learned about tumpangsari, an intercropping method where crops like potatoes and chili are planted together on the same plot to optimize space and improve yields.

The journey continued to Bantul, where participants visited several local highlights: the traditional culinary spot Ingkung Rumah Nduwur, the Batik Erlin batik center, and the Coklat Monggo chocolate processing facility. At Coklat Monggo, students learned about selecting high-quality cacao pods, post-harvest processing, and chocolate-making techniques that add commercial value. They even had the chance to make their own chocolate and joined an educational tour at the Monggo Chocolate Museum to explore the history and development of chocolate in Indonesia.

“I’m really excited to learn how to make chocolate firsthand, it’s been eye-opening for me to understand tropical agriculture and agroindustry,” said one enthusiastic participant from the Philippines.

All activities were accompanied by Faperta UGM lecturers and professional guides at each location. Participants actively engaged in the sessions and eagerly tried out the hands-on practices offered throughout the day.

Through this program, Faperta UGM hopes that international students gain contextual learning experiences about sustainable agricultural systems in Indonesia, while also broadening their perspectives on local agroindustry development and cultural heritage.

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through education on sustainable agriculture, SDG 4: Quality Education, via contextual, field-based learning; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting eco-friendly agroindustry practices; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between universities, industry players, and local communities.

Author: Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta