In order to introduce and strengthen community service cooperation with partner villages, the PkM-MBKM Team chaired by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si, M.Si. together with Hanif Fauzan Saputra, Salma Nur Majidah, Maharani Pratiwi S.A., M. Reza Hendriansah, Rima Vegi Santika, Eka Nur Oktavia, Adzkiya Aqmaliza R., and Agra Daffa Putra conducted socialization activities for the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, Banguntapan Sub-District, Bantul Regency, DIY on Saturday, 4th of May 2024, from 15:30 to 17:00. This activity was attended by the women of the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Amanda.
The activity was guided by Agra Daffa as the MC, who started with opening remarks and student introductions. The event continued with speeches from Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si. M.Si., followed by a speech from Mrs. Marwati, the chairwoman of the KWT Amanda. The PkM MBKM Team delivered socialization material related to the introduction of Circular Waste Management, including: (1) the potential of maggots for organic waste management, (2) introduction to aquaponics systems, and (3) catfish and vegetable cultivation using aquaponic methods.
The delivery of this material sparked enthusiasm among the women to learn more about waste management utilizing integrated maggot aquaponics systems. Although not very familiar with maggots, they were very interested in learning and implementing this system in their daily lives, especially as maggots can help minimize household waste issues. During the discussion session, Mrs. Marwati, the chairwoman of KWT Amanda, asked about the concept of maggot cultivation, including preparation of maggot growth media, utilization of organic waste in maggot production, and application and utilization of maggots for fish feed. Additionally, some group members of KWT Amanda inquired about the aquaponics system concept, including cultivation preparation, considerations, and factors affecting aquaponic productivity. Mrs. Marwati also expressed her hope for guidance and direction from Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si. M.Si. and students in realizing the sustainability implementation of the program to support the empowerment of entrepreneurial independence of KWT Amanda and contribute to the improvement of community economy (SDG 8) and promotes well-being (SDG 3).
With the implementation of this activity, we hope for the sustainability of PkM MBKM activities in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village. After this socialization activity, it is hoped that the next activities can directly implement the concept of circular waste processing by the KWT Amanda. This activity also aims to build camaraderie between the residents of Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten Village, and the PkM MBKM Team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM.