Yogyakarta, November 9, 2024 – Universitas Gadjah Mada’s (UGM) Vocational School organized the 2024 National Seminar on Community Service Outcomes (SNH2PM) at the Field Research Center (FRC) building in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. Themed “Innovation for Poverty Alleviation and Regional Economic Growth,” this seminar brought together academics, practitioners, and service partners to present impactful initiatives aimed at tackling local social and economic issues.
The event began with opening remarks from UGM Vocational School’s Vice Dean for Community Service, Dr. Wiryanta, S.T., M.T., who reported that, in 2024, UGM implemented 68 community service programs, with 75% focused in eleven villages in Kulon Progo, totaling an investment of Rp1.01 billion. Triyono, M.Si., Kulon Progo’s Regional Secretary, praised UGM’s contributions to regional development and expressed hope for an expanded UGM presence in Kulon Progo. UGM Vocational School Dean Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono reaffirmed UGM’s commitment to innovative solutions for local issues, especially in rainwater utilization and poverty reduction.
The panel discussion featured two keynote speakers. Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti, S.T., M.T., Head of the Regional Planning and Development Agency of Yogyakarta, shared that the region had reduced extreme poverty from 2.63% in 2021 to 0.85% in 2024. She outlined strategies for poverty alleviation, focusing on reducing expenses, boosting productivity, and increasing local income. Destarafi Perdana Islami, Chairman of Kalasan Valley, discussed economic potential in local initiatives, such as pick-your-own melon tourism and circular village economies. Both speakers offered valuable insights on leveraging local resources to drive economic growth and community well-being.
In addition to the seminar, the event included a service expo showcasing products from local SMEs and village-owned enterprises (BumDes) around Kulon Progo. The expo highlighted tangible outcomes of UGM’s partnerships with local communities, giving visitors the chance to explore and purchase quality local products.
Chair of SNH2PM 2024, Dian Herawati, S.ST., M.P.H., extended her gratitude to sponsors, including APRIL Group, Bank BCA, and Samator, as well as local partners who supported the event’s success. She emphasized that SNH2PM continues to demonstrate UGM Vocational School’s commitment to delivering solutions for social issues, particularly poverty and regional economic growth, while strengthening research and community service collaborations.
As an annual platform, SNH2PM provides a vital opportunity for universities and stakeholders to share research findings and service initiatives that can bolster local economies and improve community welfare. Through such programs, UGM Vocational School actively supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in quality education, economic growth, and global partnerships.