Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again demonstrates its commitment to community service thru the Student Community Services – 2026 Sumatera Disaster Response (KKN – Peduli Bencana Sumatera 2026) program. This program is a tangible manifestation of UGM’s contribution in supporting the post-disaster recovery phase thru a multidisciplinary approach focused on the sectors of infrastructure, health, and education. This community service activity is carried out over 30 days from late January to early March 2026.
The Coordinator of the KKN UGM Unit, Dewarta Bagus Bagaskara, a student of the Civil Engineering Department – Vocational School, class of 2023, stated that his participation is based on humanitarian concern and the desire to apply knowledge directly in the field. “The main motivation is humanitarianism. I feel that the knowledge I gained in college will be much more beneficial if practiced directly in the field, especially in the post-disaster recovery phase,” he said on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
In the infrastructure sector, the KKN UGM team carried out improvements to residents’ sanitation and installed water purification systems to ensure access to clean water was restored. In addition, the students also assisted in the distribution and mapping of temporary shelters (huntara), built a mosque hall that serves as a community activity center, and installed solar panel-based street lighting. Then, in the field of education and public facilities, the team built MCK (bathrooms, toilets, and washing facilities) and provided water tanks at the local junior high school, as well as revitalized the maternity room at the community health center to support maternal and child health services. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
In the health sector, students conducted socialization and handwashing practices in schools by providing soap, revitalizing health service rooms, and organizing free medical treatment in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and local community health centers. “The team also provided sujok correspondence therapy and donated medical equipment to village healthcare workers, including midwives and health cadres,” he said. This activity supports the SDGs under Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
Meanwhile, in the education sector, students assist with teaching activities in elementary and middle schools, organize literacy activities and joint exercise sessions, build reading corners from donated books, and conduct waste management education in coordination with mosque caretakers.
The implementation of this service program is, of course, accompanied by challenges faced in the field. It was mentioned that the main challenges during the implementation of the program were logistical aspects and accessibility, considering that some affected locations were difficult to reach. Nevertheless, these limitations did not diminish the students’ enthusiasm to continue executing the work program optimally. Directly, this activity supports the SDGs on Goal 4 – Quality Education.
Revealed by Dewa, for the team, the most memorable moment was when the residents could once again enjoy access to clean water and see the progress of the temporary housing construction. “There was a moment when I saw the residents smile broadly again when clean water started to flow back. “There I realized that the resilience of our community is incredibly strong,” said Dewa.
Thru this program, UGM not only encourages students to implement their knowledge in an applied manner but also shapes their leadership character and social solidarity. “Being a kormanit was the most real lesson in leadership for me.” I learned that being a leader is not about giving orders, but about how to serve and listen to team members and local residents,” he said.
The KKN Peduli Bencana Sumatera 2026 program emphasizes UGM’s role as a university that not only focuses on education and research but also has a tangible presence in the community, especially in crisis situations. Thru collaboration, empathy, and teamwork, UGM is committed to continuously contributing to recovery efforts and strengthening community resilience post-disaster.
Author: Jelita Agustine