Samosir, June 24, 2026 – The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) officially commenced its 2026 community engagement activities in Samosir Regency, North Sumatra. The official welcoming ceremonies were held today at two key locations—the Samosir Regional Development Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (BAPPERIDA) Office and the Pangururan Subdistrict Office—marking UGM’s continued commitment to supporting regional development through community empowerment. The reception at the BAPPERIDA Office began with a presentation of the team’s proposed work programs. The event was attended by Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, Field Supervisor from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, who accompanied the student team. The delegation was officially welcomed by Mr. Parsaoran Rumapea, S.Pt., MPA, Secretary of BAPPERIDA Samosir, along with other agency representatives. Following the meeting, the delegation proceeded to the Pangururan Subdistrict Office, where they received a warm welcome from Mr. Robintang E. Naibaho, Head of Pangururan Subdistrict. The ceremony was also attended by the village heads of the two KKN-PPM locations: Mr. Edison Turnip, Head of Siopat Sosor Village, and Mr. Kornedi Situngkir, Head of Sialanguan Village. Their presence reflected the strong collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the local government in advancing sustainable rural development.
The Unit Coordinator, Ms. Oxana F. M. Simatupang, introduced the overarching theme of this year’s program: “Enhancing the Human Resource Capacity of Sialanguan and Siopat Sosor Villages through Environmental Health, Tourism Development, and the Strengthening of Local Economy and Agriculture Based on Local Potential toward a Self-Reliant Pangururan Subdistrict.” This theme aligns closely with UGM’s mission to serve as an agent of change by addressing development challenges at the village level through multidisciplinary and community-based approaches. Based on comprehensive assessments of local potentials and existing challenges, the KKN-PPM team has designed several strategic programs to be implemented in both villages. The major focus areas include: Development of community-based tourism utilizing local resources; Sustainable environmental management; Strengthening of the local economy and sustainable agricultural development.
Following the official welcoming ceremonies, the UGM KKN-PPM team is prepared to collaborate closely with the communities of Sialanguan and Siopat Sosor Villages over the next 50 days. Through this partnership, the students are expected not only to introduce innovative ideas and appropriate technologies but also to generate long-term positive impacts that enhance community welfare and strengthen regional self-reliance. Beyond addressing immediate community needs, all programs developed by the UGM KKN-PPM team are designed to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, the program directly supports several global goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty) by strengthening local economic activities and increasing the added value of local products; SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food productivity; and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through initiatives focused on environmental health. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate UGM’s commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive, and community-centered development that creates lasting benefits for local communities.
