The Community Service-Learning and Community Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) is a mandatory course for all UGM students. Through this course, students are encouraged to enhance their empathy, multidisciplinary collaboration, and direct contributions to society. The KKN-PPM UGM is conducted across 35 provinces in Indonesia over four time periods. One of the Agricultural Microbiology students from the 2021 cohort, Hafsah Dwi Nur Haliza, commonly known as Lisa, joined unit AC-002 for the second period of 2024 on Tuangku Island. The island is located in Pulau Banyak Barat Sub-district, Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh Province. Following the recommendation from the Aceh Provincial Bappeda, UGM students from unit AC-002 were directed to carry out their KKN on Tuangku Island, which is part of an archipelago directly bordering the Indian Ocean.
Tuangku Island comprises four villages: Haloban, Asantola, Ujung Sialit, and Suka Makmur. The island is inhabited by a diverse population, including Nias, Minang, Batak, and Haloban ethnic groups. Besides its diverse population, Tuangku Island also boasts tourist attractions and abundant natural resources, particularly from the maritime sector. Additionally, the potential for fertile land on the island has sparked the development of agricultural activities there. As an Agricultural Microbiology student, Lisa implemented KKN work programs focused on agricultural practice, including training in Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) production and household-scale vegetable cultivation. The production of POC utilizes fermentation principles to decompose available organic waste. Household-scale vegetable cultivation was carried out through a demonstration plot. These practices are new to the local community, which primarily works as fishermen. It is hoped that these trainings will provide the community with new knowledge that can support the development of local agricultural activities.
Through the KKN-PPM activities, Lisa gained important insights such as respecting various differences in society, collaborating with different parties, and helping each other to solve problems. Being perceptive to situations is a skill honed during the KKN period. The 50-day community service experience left a lasting impression. This synergy serves as strong evidence for achieving the goals of SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Author: Hafsah Dwi Nur Haliza