Students of Students Community Services – Universitas Gadjah Mada (KKN UGM) rolled out two flagship programs in Selomoyo Village, Kaliangkrik, Magelang, namely the construction of a waste incinerator and training in agricultural product processing. This effort was carried out as a solution to environmental problems as well as strengthening the economy of residents based on local potential.
The incinerator construction program was initiated by Muhammad Zelot Zoha and Thalia Valencia Tamahagana, then built together with students from units 2 and 3. The work was carried out collaboratively for approximately 2 to 3 days. The facility is designed as a dry waste incineration unit with a natural air flow system without electricity, making it easy to operate and cost-effective to maintain.
This incinerator is part of a larger village waste management plan. Until now, residents have relied on conventional methods such as open burning or dumping in vacant lots. The presence of this equipment is expected to provide a more controlled, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative. The operational schedule for future incineration has been handed over to the Head of Krajan Hamlet, Susanto, as a form of commitment to the program’s sustainability after the KKN period ends.
Students also developed an economic empowerment program through agricultural product processing. Colaboration with Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) of the Krajan Hamlet, the team initiated by Wulan Mahardika, Melynda Novianti Harahap, and Nisrina Dyah Malini held a counseling and training session on processing banana blossoms and moringa leaves on January 23, 2026.
Until now, banana blossoms have often been considered agricultural waste. Through this training, residents were encouraged to process them into marketable chips. Participants not only practiced the production process but also learned simple packaging techniques and marketing opportunities. The processed products were then branded “Kresjan” as the embryo of a community micro-business.
In addition, students introduced the diversification of moringa leaf products, which until now have only been used as hedge plants. Residents were given information about the nutritional content of moringa and various ideas for food processing. To facilitate understanding, the team compiled visual media in the form of brochures on product innovation as a practical guide that can be used independently.
This approach also encourages simple digital marketing so that local products have a wider market reach. Thus, agricultural products are not only consumed by households, but can also become an additional source of income for families.
Through these two programs, UGM KKN-PPM students hope that Selomoyo Village will not only be cleaner in terms of the environment but also become more economically independent. Structured waste management and innovation in local food products are considered the first steps in building a sustainable village based on its own potential.
This activity was a concrete step in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The construction of the incinerator was dedicated to supporting Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Meanwhile, economic empowerment thru the processing of agricultural products and the diversification of moringa leafs products was an implementation to support Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.