On Saturday, 9 May 2026, the Community Service Team (PkM) of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., carried out the first activity of its community engagement program entitled “Empowering the Women Farmers Group (KWT) ‘Lestari’ through Waste Management Education and the Development of Integrated Plant Cultivation to Achieve Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12)”. The activity was held in Mertosanan Kulon, Potorono Village, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The team, consisting of Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., also involved students from various academic levels, namely Winda Fionita Nur Safitri, Layly Salsabila, Alfonsus Fidel Pandu Ekanto, and Miftahurrozi from the undergraduate program; Noor Laila Safitri, S.Si., from the master’s program; as well as Fatimatuzzahra, S.Pd., M.Sc. from the doctoral program.
The event began with opening remarks from Prof. Diah, who expressed her appreciation for the participation of KWT “Lestari” in this community service initiative as a collaborative effort to support village development and improve the local economy. The Head of Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, Mrs. Atik Mudawamah, S.Ag., also delivered remarks and shared her concerns regarding current environmental issues, particularly waste management. She stated that the existence of a TPS 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Management Facility) in Mertosanan Kulon is an important asset for the community. According to her, the waste collection schedule based on waste type could help improve local waste handling practices. Through this program, she hoped that more residents would become motivated to participate in and utilize the TPS 3R facility.
The opening session was followed by the signing and handover of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Faculty of Biology UGM and KWT “Lestari”, presented by Prof. Diah to the head of KWT “Lestari”. Prior to the presentation sessions, participants from KWT “Lestari” completed a pre-test to assess their initial understanding of waste management and integrated farming development. The program socialization was then delivered by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si., who introduced the team members and explained the objectives as well as the planned activities throughout the community service period. She emphasized that environmental issues have become an important challenge that must be addressed collectively. Through education, mentoring, and continuous assistance, the program aims to encourage the community to independently implement sustainable environmental practices in the future.
The next session focused on waste management education, delivered by Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho and Fatimatuzzahra, S.Pd., M.Sc. The materials covered included the introduction of organic and inorganic waste, the dangers of microplastics, hazardous and toxic waste (B3), and the concept of waste banks. In addition to revisiting the principles of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) participants also received explanations regarding the importance of waste sorting at the household level and the environmental risks associated with open waste burning. Prof. Andhika explained that waste can enter water bodies such as rivers, and disposing of waste directly into rivers is not a solution but may instead contribute to flooding. He further noted that plastic particles or microplastics may be ingested by fish and could potentially affect human health when consumed through the food chain.
The activity was attended by members of KWT “Lestari”, the Head of Mertosanan Kulon Hamlet, the Head of the KKB of Mertosanan Kulon, and representatives of the community police officer (Bhabinkamtibmas) of Potorono Village. Throughout the event, participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm through interactive discussions and various questions related to waste management and environmental concerns faced by local residents. As a form of appreciation, the PkM team distributed door prizes during the event. Additional appreciation was also given to participants who achieved high pre-test scores and those who proposed ideas for future community service activities. As a follow-up to this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM Community Service Team plans to conduct further activities in June 2026, including training on compost production and the utilization of maggots for organic waste management.
Overall, this program supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. The initiative is expected to enhance the knowledge and skills of KWT “Lestari” members in waste management and sustainable household farming practices, while also contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
