Sleman, November 8, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), carried out a community service activity through the Desa Mitra (Partner Village) Grant Program at the Sasana Warga Community Hall in Blimbingsari, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman. The activity, attended by members of the Blimbingsari Family Welfare Movement (PKK), carried the theme “Enhancing Knowledge of Reproductive Health and Infection Prevention through Probiotic Education” as an effort to improve science-based health literacy within the community.
The Desa Mitra Grant Program from the Faculty of Biology UGM is led by Dr. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaningastuti, with team members Sari Darmasiwi, Ph.D., Nurindah Septriani, Ph.D., and Woro Anindito, Ph.D. The program involves lecturers and researchers from various laboratories within the Faculty of Biology to integrate biological sciences with community empowerment.
The outreach program featured three speakers: Nurindah Septriani, Ph.D. from the Laboratory of Animal Structure and Development, and Arief Muammar, S.Si., M.Sc. along with Sari Darmasiwi, Ph.D. from the Laboratory of Microbiology.
In her presentation, Dr. Nurindah Septriani explained male and female reproductive health, including the anatomy of reproductive organs, changes during puberty, and how to maintain hygiene and health of intimate areas. She also emphasized the importance of healthy sexuality education and the family’s role in preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Meanwhile, Arief Muammar, S.Si., M.Sc. delivered a session on urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly found in men and women, covering their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. He reminded participants that simple habits such as staying hydrated and maintaining personal hygiene can effectively prevent infections.
The final session, presented by Sari Darmasiwi Ph.D., discussed vaginal infections and the role of probiotics in maintaining women’s reproductive health. She also introduced a probiotic beverage made from fermented kolang-kaling (sugar palm fruit) and pineapple—called Acar Kolang-Kaling Probiotic—as an example of a locally sourced functional food innovation that can be easily prepared at home.
In addition to distributing educational leaflets, participants were given samples of the Acar Kolang-Kaling Probiotic drink, which received enthusiastic responses from the Blimbingsari PKK members. They had the opportunity to taste the probiotic beverage and discuss its benefits for digestive and reproductive health.
Through this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirmed its commitment to applying biological sciences for rural community empowerment. The Desa Mitra Grant Program not only focuses on enhancing community capacity but also on translating campus research outcomes into daily life. This initiative supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) (SD)
