Yogyakarta, September 20, 2025 – The Directorate of Community Service (DPkM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with RCE Yogyakarta, organized a coaching session titled “Leading with Impact: Learning from Grassroots Leadership” on Saturday (September 20) at Meeting Room 1, DPkM UGM. The event featured two speakers, Totok Pratopo, Chairperson of Pemerti Kali Code, and Atrida Hadianti, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Coordinator of RCE Yogyakarta. The session was hosted and moderated by Farah Raihanah.
The program was designed to inspire communities, particularly young people, to take meaningful action in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event commenced with opening remarks by Dr. dr. Rustamaji, M.Kes., Director of DPkM UGM. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges, especially waste management.
“Original thinking is needed to analyze existing phenomena through new perspectives and approaches. Small actions should be amplified and shared more widely so that they can create a greater positive impact,” he stated.
He also emphasized the crucial role of young people in writing, speaking up, and generating innovative ideas related to environmental issues. His remarks aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), both of which encourage concrete actions to reduce environmental degradation.
The first presentation was delivered by Atrida Hadianti, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., who emphasized the role of youth in fostering volunteerism and strengthening environmental literacy. She explained that volunteerism is a form of participation driven by personal commitment rather than obligation, benefiting not only communities and the environment but also individual development.
“Young people are agents of change. Through volunteerism, they become connected with communities, develop greater environmental awareness, and gain valuable experiences, networks, and life skills,” she explained.
The next session featured Totok Pratopo, who shared his leadership journey through Pemerti Kali Code, a community movement that has been active since 2008. He highlighted the importance of involving local figures as motivators to transform public perceptions of rivers, which are often viewed negatively.
“Managing rivers requires real action, beginning with awareness, followed by concern, and ultimately growing into a sense of care and love. Rivers are not merely natural resources; they are a national heritage that must be protected,” he said.
His message reflected the objectives of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), emphasizing that effective river management contributes to sustainable water resources and improved quality of life for surrounding communities. He also encouraged RCE Yogyakarta youth members to explore rivers through field expeditions and document their experiences in written works that could inspire broader society.
Following the presentations, the event continued with an interactive discussion session in which participants shared their experiences in leadership and organizational activities. Participants enthusiastically exchanged ideas and actively posed questions to both speakers. The discussion was facilitated by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.
The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration among communities, government institutions, and the public in addressing environmental issues, including waste management and river conservation. Participants agreed that continuous public education is essential to changing deeply rooted mindsets and behaviors. They also emphasized that sustaining the spirit of volunteerism requires tangible results and the involvement of like-minded individuals who share the same vision and commitment.
Through this event, DPkM UGM and RCE Yogyakarta hope to further strengthen the values of leadership, volunteerism, and environmental stewardship among young people and communities. Collaboration between academics, community organizations, and youth is expected to reinforce collective efforts toward sustainable development and contribute to achieving the global targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).