In 2026, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), established a strategic partnership with Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, through several community service programs. This collaboration includes one Desa Mitra grant program, three Community Service (PkM) grant programs, and one KKN-PPN UGM program, which will be implemented from May to October 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen household food security, improve community welfare through sustainable waste management, and develop local potential—particularly orchid cultivation—based on education and environmental sustainability, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17.
The initial programs socialization was held at the Wedomartani Village Office on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The event was officially opened by the Village Secretary, Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd., followed by welcoming remarks from the Village Head, Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto. Program presentations were delivered by the Faculty of Biology UGM team, consisting of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., Prof. Dr.med.vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., and Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc. The event was also attended by the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani, Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E., as well as nine student representatives who will participate in the program implementation.
One of the main focuses of the Desa Mitra program this year is the innovative utilization of household organic waste through fermentation-based chicken feed to enhance the production of nutrient-rich eggs. This approach encourages the community to process food leftovers using fermentation techniques involving yeast and natural attractants such as fish waste. In addition, participants were introduced to efficient laying hen management systems, particularly the use of Elba chickens—a crossbreed with Arabian chickens—known for their higher egg productivity. The use of battery cage systems was also recommended to optimize production efficiency and livestock management.
Beyond the livestock sector, the program also includes the cultivation of black rice as a functional food with potential benefits in enhancing the immune system and preventing degenerative diseases, including cancer. The utilization of village land through collaboration with BumKal serves as a key implementation strategy, considering that black rice cultivation requires relatively low water input. The program also introduced value-added products derived from black rice, such as gluten-free flour and modern food products like sushi, to increase economic value and market appeal.
Other PkM grant programs focus on community-based waste management, including training on converting organic waste into ecoenzymes and liquid fertilizers, as well as the establishment and strengthening of waste banks, particularly in Pajangan Hamlet, Wonosari Sub-village. Additionally, orchid hydroponic cultivation training was introduced as an initial step toward developing an education-based tourism (edutourism) area. These activities complement existing and planned village initiatives, such as fruit-picking tourism involving longan and avocado trees. Interactive discussions among academics, village officials, and Bumkal representatives generated valuable inputs, including the need for sustained assistance, equitable program distribution, and active student involvement in field implementation.
This initiative also strengthens synergy with the KKN-PPN UGM program, which in 2026 is supervised by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi across two locations: Wedomartani and Widodomartani. Through a collaborative approach involving academia, local government, and the community, the program is expected to generate tangible and sustainable impacts. Overall, this initiative contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through improved food security, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through nutritious food and waste management, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through community and student empowerment, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through local economic development and waste bank initiatives, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable resource and waste management. This program is expected to serve as a model for science-based and sustainable village development.
Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Rarastoeti Pratiwi, Hendry Saragih, Firdausia Ayu Zuhria, Fransiska Elsa Kusuma Astuti, Sevia Dwi Rahma Putri, Sukarman Hadi Jaya Putra
