Putting this approach into practice, the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM) organized a community outreach program as part of the International Dental Summer Course (IDSC) 2026. The program brought together dozens of participants from universities in Indonesia and abroad to provide oral health education and free dental examinations for elementary school students.

On Wednesday (Jul. 15), the participants visited Baturan 1 State Elementary School in Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta, where they conducted dental and oral examinations and provided preventive oral health services for the students.

Dr. Fania Chairunisa, the program coordinator, explained that prevention is a key principle of sustainability and green dentistry. By preventing dental disease before it requires more extensive treatment, preventive care can reduce the need for medical materials and procedures that generate waste.

“Another preventive measure is teledentistry, which allows patients to receive dental consultations remotely through telecommunications technologies such as video calls or dedicated applications. This can also help reduce carbon emissions associated with travel to dental clinics,” Dr. Fania said in a statement released on Tuesday (Jul. 28).

In addition to dental examinations, the students provided Topical Application of Fluoride (TAF), a preventive treatment in which fluoride is applied to children’s teeth to help prevent dental caries.

The treatment is intended to strengthen tooth enamel and inhibit bacteria associated with tooth decay. Early preventive measures such as fluoride application can help reduce the risk of cavities and prevent the progression of early-stage tooth decay.

The activity also gave summer course participants hands-on experience delivering dental care to children.

Gina, a second-semester student at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palangkaraya (UMPR), said working with children requires more than technical dental skills. Effective communication and an appropriate approach are essential to making young patients feel safe and comfortable.

“We need to adapt and build rapport with the children, so they feel comfortable and are not afraid. We develop practical communication skills like these through regular field experience,” she said.

For Gina and other participants, the community program therefore served a dual purpose: providing preventive oral healthcare to children while allowing dental students to develop the interpersonal skills needed in pediatric dental care.

Asri Ningtyas, a teacher at Baturan 1 State Elementary School, welcomed FKG UGM’s involvement and the IDSC participants. She said the program complemented the school’s existing efforts to promote healthy habits among students.

She also hoped similar collaborations with universities could be held regularly, allowing children’s oral health to be monitored continuously from an early age.

“This toothbrushing education is highly beneficial in complementing our school’s programs. It reminds students that, in addition to eating nutritious food, maintaining good dental and oral health is equally important,” she said.

For FKG UGM, the program reflects the broader role of dental education in promoting prevention and sustainability. Rather than waiting for dental problems to develop and require treatment, green dentistry encourages healthcare providers and communities to emphasize prevention, early intervention, and more environmentally responsible practices.

Through the International Dental Summer Course, students from different countries and academic backgrounds experienced how oral healthcare, education, community engagement, and environmental sustainability connect in practice.

The initiative also demonstrates how preventive dental care can benefit both individual health and the environment. By strengthening oral health awareness and preventing disease from an early age, communities can reduce the need for more extensive dental treatment while supporting greener, more sustainable healthcare.

Reporter: Fajar Budi Harsakti/FKG Public Relations

Author: Jesi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat

Photo: FKG UGM Documentation

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The students introduced surimi as a nutritious, locally available food ingredient you can prepare in a variety of child-friendly dishes, including meatballs, nuggets, and otak-otak, a traditional Indonesian fish cake.

Nurchalizah Asmiaty Puteri Madjid, a member of the KKN-PPM UGM Gorontalo team, said the program was designed to encourage residents to make better use of locally available nutritious foods while increasing awareness of the importance of preventing stunting from an early age.

“We want the community to understand that preventing stunting can begin with simple steps, such as preparing nutritious meals from locally available ingredients that are easy to make. We hope you can apply this knowledge sustainably in everyday life,” she said on Monday (July 27).

The students emphasized that nutritious food does not always have to be expensive or difficult to prepare. By using locally available fish and processing it into surimi, families can develop a variety of dishes that appeal to children while supporting their nutritional needs.

The educational session was attended by integrated health service post (Posyandu) volunteers, pregnant women, and around 30 mothers with children under five from Tenda Subdistrict. Participants actively engaged in the discussion and asked questions about child nutrition and stunting prevention.

One Posyandu volunteer, Hartini Panai, said the program provided practical knowledge that the community could apply.

“This educational session has been very helpful in teaching us how to prepare healthy food for children. We also learned more about how to prevent stunting,” she said.

In addition to nutrition education, the students introduced participants to Indonesia’s National Health Insurance program (BPJS Kesehatan) and the Mobile JKN application.

The session aimed to improve community understanding of healthcare services and digital tools that can help residents manage their healthcare independently. Participants learned about the healthcare service process and were encouraged to make use of available digital services.

The students hope this additional information will help residents access healthcare services more effectively, particularly for preventive and routine health services for mothers and children.

Through the program, the KKN-PPM UGM students sought to combine nutrition education, local food utilization, and health service literacy as part of a broader community-based approach to stunting prevention.

The team hopes residents will be able to prepare nutritious supplementary foods using locally available ingredients and apply the knowledge gained through the program in their daily lives. At the same time, greater awareness of BPJS Kesehatan and Mobile JKN is expected to help communities make better use of available healthcare services.

By connecting local food innovation with nutrition and health education, the program aims to support ongoing efforts to reduce stunting in Gorontalo City while encouraging a healthier and more self-reliant community.

Reporter: Gorontalo Unit of KKN-PPM Team
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat

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Held at the Faculty of Geography campus, the opening brought together faculty members, alumni, administrative staff, and students. The event also featured the launch of the faculty’s new official mascot, Buana, and a symbolic bird release representing hope and the faculty’s commitment to building a sustainable future.

Dean of the UGM Faculty of Geography Professor Muhammad Kamal said the anniversary should serve as more than a celebration of the faculty’s history. It should also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and encourage the academic community to make a greater contribution to society.

He emphasized that addressing environmental and sustainability challenges requires continuous innovation, technological advancement, and stronger collaboration in developing geographic science.

“The Faculty of Geography must continue to innovate, make the best use of existing technologies, and strengthen collaboration so that the knowledge we develop can provide the broadest possible benefits for Indonesia and the world,” he said.

The 63rd Anniversary celebration will feature a range of academic, social, and community activities, including a Three-Minute Thesis Competition, Geo Awards, community service programs, cemetery visits, discussion forums, social service activities, a gathering for senior alumni, a fun walk, and an open senate meeting.

The activities are intended to strengthen relationships across the faculty while creating opportunities for collaboration in advancing the university’s tridharma missions of education, research, and community service.

Professor Kamal hoped the anniversary would become a platform for exchanging ideas and developing solutions to challenges facing society.

“I hope this anniversary celebration will not merely become a routine event or celebration but serve as a moment for all of us to communicate, collaborate, and strengthen our shared commitment to contributing solutions to the many challenges facing our nation,” he said.

One of the highlights of the anniversary opening was the introduction of Buana as the Faculty of Geography’s new official mascot.

Derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “Earth” or “universe,” Buana also represents five core values of the Faculty of Geography: Berintegritas (Integrity), Unggul (Excellence), Amanah (Trustworthiness), Nalar Spasial (Spatial Reasoning), and Adaptif (Adaptability).

These values are intended to guide the academic community in carrying out the university’s tridharma missions while responding to the challenges of sustainable development.

Professor Kamal explained that the values represented by Buana reflect the qualities that the Faculty of Geography seeks to cultivate among its academic community.

Integrity, excellence, and trustworthiness form the foundation for responsible academic and professional practice, while spatial reasoning represents a distinctive characteristic of geographic science. Adaptability, meanwhile, is increasingly important as society faces rapid technological, environmental, and social changes.

“Buana stands for integrity, excellence, trustworthiness, spatial reasoning, and adaptability,” he explained.

Through the new mascot, the faculty also hopes to strengthen its institutional identity and create a symbol that resonates with students, lecturers, staff, and alumni while inspiring them to continue innovating and serving society.

Chair of the 63rd Anniversary Organizing Committee, Dr. Retnadi Heru Jatmiko, said the Geo Inno Techno theme reflects the importance of integrating geographic science, technology, and innovation to address sustainability challenges.

According to him, the anniversary program will showcase technologies and innovations developed by the Faculty of Geography while creating opportunities for the academic community to share ideas and strengthen collaboration.

“Our tagline is Geo Techno Inno. We will showcase the technologies we have developed, the innovations we have achieved, and our commitment to advancing sustainable geographic science,” he said.

The anniversary series will continue with various activities leading up to the open senate meeting scheduled for Sept. 1. Through the program, the Faculty of Geography aims to demonstrate how geographic knowledge and technological innovation can help address environmental and societal challenges.

Following the opening ceremony and mascot launch, faculty leaders and representatives of the academic community took part in a symbolic bird release.

The activity represented the faculty’s renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation in pursuing a more sustainable future. It also marked the official beginning of the Faculty of Geography’s 63rd Anniversary celebration, which will culminate in September.

Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-Editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Donnie

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The launch was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Animal Science UGM and the Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Equestrian Sports Association (PORDASI). The agreement was signed by Dean of Animal Science UGM Professor Budi Guntoro and Chair of PORDASI Central Java Dr. Danang Eko Yulianto on Friday (July 24).

Professor Guntoro said the Riding School was developed as part of efforts to expand UGM’s sports facilities while building on the faculty’s existing academic programs and learning concepts.

He explained that the faculty also aims to develop a professionally managed riding school that can serve as a model for the broader development of equestrian sports in Indonesia.

“We aim to establish a riding school management model that communities can replicate as a benchmark for equestrian sports development in Indonesia,” he said.

UGM Vice Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho welcomed the initiative, saying the facility could expand the contribution of Animal Science UGM beyond academic activities.

According to Dr. Arief, the Equestrian Research and Sports Center has the potential to support education, sports development, research, and community services while providing broader benefits to the public.

“We hope the Equestrian Research and Sports Center will provide greater benefits for the Faculty of Animal Science and the public at large,” he said.

Dr. Tian Jihadhan Wankar, Head of the Livestock Development Center at Animal Science UGM, said the Riding School is also being prepared to support equine-assisted therapy programs, particularly for children with special needs.

The facility therefore welcomes collaboration with schools and other institutions interested in developing therapy programs or introductory horseback riding activities.

“Through today’s inauguration, we would like to inform the public about this strategically located training facility in the heart of the city,” he said.

The development of the Riding School reflects Animal Science UGM’s broader efforts to utilize its expertise and facilities for the benefit of society. In addition to providing opportunities for equestrian sports and training, the center can serve as a platform for applying knowledge related to animal science, horse management, and equine-based activities.

The inauguration concluded with a horse parade and an introduction to the horses that will participate in the Riding School program.

The event also featured a horseback riding demonstration by Professor Tety Hartatik of Animal Science UGM together with the faculty’s Livestock Development Center team.

Through the Equestrian Research and Sports Center and Riding School, Animal Science UGM aims to strengthen the connection between academic knowledge, equestrian sports, research, and community services while contributing to the development of equestrian activities in Indonesia.

Author/Photo: Jesi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian

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The initiative targets residents with physical disabilities, limited mobility, or medical conditions that prevent them from visiting government service offices to complete biometric registration.

Edelweiss Simanjuntak, representing the 2026 KKN-PPM UGM YO019 Team, said the initiative began after students discovered that many families were unaware that Dukcapil already provides home-based registration services for vulnerable residents.

“We collaborate with Dukcapil to assist residents who cannot visit registration offices for fingerprint or iris scans. While Dukcapil provides the home-visit service, we help families throughout the registration process to ensure everything runs smoothly,” she said on Friday (July 24).

According to Simanjuntak, obtaining an electronic identity card is far more than completing an administrative requirement. The document serves as a gateway to healthcare, social protection, and many other public services.

“An electronic identity card is a legal document required to access hospital services, enroll in BPJS Health, and receive social assistance,” she explained.

Besides supporting home-based e-ID registration, the KKN-PPM UGM team has implemented several community empowerment programs in Wates, including livestock vaccination campaigns, biopore infiltration projects, and assistance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in improving electricity efficiency.

For Suharno, whose child has a disability, the home-visit registration service has removed a major obstacle.

He explained that traveling to a government office was nearly impossible because of his child’s physical condition and health risks. Even routine medical consultations are often conducted by family members without bringing the child to the hospital.

“Having the registration completed at home has been an enormous help for our family,” he said.

Suharno added that an electronic identity card is essential for protecting civil rights and accessing healthcare, social security, inheritance administration, and other public services.

Sukriyanta, an officer from Dukcapil Kulon Progo, explained that home visits are scheduled after families, village administrations, or local government offices submit requests.

During registration, officers prioritize iris scans and fingerprint recording. However, if an applicant’s medical condition prevents biometric data collection, officers follow alternative procedures, including photographing the applicant, supported by a medical certificate from a community health center or the local health office.

After field registration is completed, the data are verified by the central government before the electronic identity card is issued, typically within one week.

According to Sukriyanta, ensuring every citizen possesses an official identity document is particularly important for vulnerable groups because it enables access to healthcare, BPJS Health, and various government assistance programs.

“We hope no resident is denied access to essential public services simply because they do not yet have an official identity document,” he concluded.

Author: Fatihah Salwa Rasyid
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Documentation of KKN-PPM Team

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The KKN-PPM team comprises 27 students from four interdisciplinary clusters—Agro, Medical, Science and Technology, and Socio-Humanities—who are carrying out community service in Turpuk Sihotang Village and Sosor Dolok Village, Harian District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra.

According to sub-unit student coordinator Raja Panggabean, agriculture became one of the team’s top priorities after field observations showed that many farmers struggle with limited water supplies during the dry season, leaving farmland dry and reducing crop productivity.

“Those conditions inspired us to develop a sensor-based drip irrigation system that can help farmers manage water more efficiently,” said Panggabean, a Biology student at UGM, on Thursday (July 23).

Unlike conventional irrigation methods, the new system automatically monitors soil moisture through sensors. Farmers fill a water reservoir, while the system detects when soil moisture drops below the desired level and delivers water only when needed.

“This helps maintain soil moisture throughout the dry season and prevents farmland from becoming excessively dry,” he explained.

Students from multiple academic disciplines collaborated to develop the irrigation system.

Members of the Agro cluster identified farmers’ needs and agricultural challenges, while the Science and Technology cluster designed the irrigation system, programmed the sensors, and developed the supporting infrastructure.

Meanwhile, students from the Socio-Humanities cluster worked directly with residents, introducing the technology and helping farmers learn how to operate the system independently.

“Every cluster contributes different expertise, making this a truly collaborative project,” Panggabean said.

Alongside the irrigation project, the team has also introduced environmental initiatives to strengthen community resilience.

After identifying waste management as another major challenge in both villages, the students launched educational programs promoting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (TPS 3R).

The initiative encourages residents to sort household waste and process it into products with economic value.

Residents can convert organic waste into eco-enzymes, while they can recycle inorganic waste into concrete blocks instead of sending it to landfill.

“We aim to help the community not only separate waste but also process each type of waste more productively,” Panggabean said.

Like many community service projects, the program has also challenged the students themselves.

Kayessa Sianipar, a member of the Socio-Humanities cluster, said adapting to a new environment, colder weather, and an intensive work schedule during the first weeks of the program required considerable adjustment.

“The first few weeks were demanding because almost everything happened at once,” she said. “Fortunately, things have become much more stable as the program has progressed.”

Despite those challenges, she hopes the initiatives introduced by the team will continue long after the community service program ends.

“We hope the programs we’ve started will continue to benefit the villages in the years ahead,” she said.

Field supervisor Dr. Airin Liemanto echoed that hope, emphasizing that community service enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while developing resilience and social responsibility.

“Great sailors are not made in calm seas,” Dr. Liemanto said. “Every challenge helps students grow and encourages them to use their knowledge to serve society.”

Author: Agito Sitepu
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Documentation of KKN Team

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The initiative reflects SPs UGM’s commitment to building a collaborative ecosystem that brings together universities, governments, and local communities to address shared challenges in border regions. Given their geographic proximity and interconnected development priorities, Indonesia and Timor-Leste require stronger collaboration to generate sustainable solutions through education, research, and community service.

Professor Widyanto Dwi Nugroho, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Cooperation at SPs UGM, said Timor-Leste has become one of the Graduate School’s strategic partners through its flagship Cross-Border Partnership initiative, which supports UGM’s Tridharma mission.

“The Cross-Border Partnership is one of SPs UGM’s flagship Tridharma initiatives, with Timor-Leste serving as a strategic partner because the two countries share a land border,” he said in a statement released on Wednesday (July 22).

Throughout the visit, SPs UGM explored multidisciplinary collaboration in border development, food security, public health, natural resource management, community empowerment, cultural preservation, and human resource development.

“We want our research to generate not only scientific publications but also practical solutions that address the challenges faced by border communities,” Professor Widyanto said.

Unlike conventional partnerships that focus primarily on signing memoranda of understanding, the Cross-Border Partnership integrates education, research, and community service into a single collaborative framework. The initiative brings together faculty members and students from different disciplines while connecting partners in Indonesia—particularly East Nusa Tenggara—with institutions in Timor-Leste.

SPs UGM, the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), and Kagama Timor-Leste jointly organized a series of academic activities that reflected their collaborative approach. The institutions hosted a focus group discussion and a mini seminar, bringing together DIT leaders, students, academics, and participants from UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM).

The forum was officially opened by Timor-Leste’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with UGM and encouraged students to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth.

“As young people, you must welcome challenges, because that is where character is built,” he said.

One of the forum’s key agendas was introducing opportunities for Timor-Leste students to participate in SPs UGM’s non-degree international student program. The program allows international students to study, conduct research, and participate in academic activities at UGM for a specified period without enrolling in a full degree program.

Professor Widyanto said the partnership also creates broader learning opportunities for UGM students. Through collaboration with the KKN-PPM UGM program in Belu Regency, students gain firsthand experience working with local communities, universities, and government institutions on both sides of the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border.

“Mapping local issues can inspire future research and community service programs in border regions with support from our partners,” he said.

Current research and community engagement initiatives under the Cross-Border Partnership include dryland agriculture, public health—particularly stunting prevention—medicinal plants, post-memory studies, and transboundary river basin management. The discussions also introduced government officials and members of Timor-Leste’s academic community to SPs UGM’s academic programs and opportunities for collaborative research and capacity building.

Professor Widyanto said the initiative represents more than promoting academic programs. It lays the foundation for long-term collaboration through academic mobility, joint research, innovation, and institutional partnerships that support the sustainable development of border communities.

The working visit also complemented UGM’s KKN-PPM activities in Belu Regency, which include cross-border exchange programs. Through these initiatives, SPs UGM aims to build partnerships that go beyond institutional agreements by generating tangible impact through collaborative research, capacity building, academic mobility, and innovation.

“We hope this collaboration will continue to grow and lead to even more meaningful and impactful initiatives,” Professor Widyanto concluded.

During the visit, the SPs UGM delegation met with representatives from Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana), Kupang State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politani Kupang), the Belu Regency Government (BP4D), the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), Kagama NTT, and Kagama Timor-Leste.

Reporter: Eis / Graduate School
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Professor Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Partnerships, and Alumni Affairs at UGM’s Faculty of Biology, said the summer course is designed not only to strengthen participants’ scientific knowledge but also to foster long-term international partnerships in biodiversity conservation.

“This program is not only about acquiring scientific knowledge but also about building international friendships, exchanging ideas across cultures, and strengthening global collaboration to address the challenges of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development,” he said on Wednesday (July 22).

The three-week program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field experience. As part of the curriculum, participants joined a two-day field excursion to the Bayat Geological Station in Klaten and Porok Beach in Gunungkidul, where they explored tropical ecosystems while applying modern research techniques.

“Through these activities, participants connected classroom learning with field practice by conducting biodiversity surveys, applying geospatial technologies, and learning specimen documentation and preservation techniques,” Professor Eko explained.

During the field sessions, participants used uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, to collect spatial data for habitat mapping and ecosystem monitoring. They also carried out biodiversity surveys, collected coastal specimens, discussed field observations, and integrated biological and geospatial data to support ecosystem analysis.

To support the principles of open science and citizen science, participants uploaded all biodiversity observations to the iNaturalist platform, allowing the collected data to contribute to global biodiversity databases that support future research and conservation initiatives.

Beyond enriching students’ academic experience, the summer course also created opportunities to expand institutional collaboration. During the program, Professor Ian Menz, Head of the School of Life Sciences at UTS, accompanied the Australian delegation and met with representatives from UGM’s Faculty of Biology to discuss future academic partnerships.

The discussions explored opportunities for broader student mobility, expanded exchange programs, prospective double-degree initiatives, and collaborative research between UGM and UTS.

Professor Eko said the partnership demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to strengthening international research networks while creating more global learning opportunities for students and academics.

“The program broadens participants’ academic perspectives while strengthening research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships between Indonesia and Australia,” he said.

UGM’s Secretary of the Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, Professor Suherman, also emphasized that rapid advances in genomics, bioinformatics, geospatial technology, and data science have transformed the way researchers study and conserve biodiversity.

“Advances in genomics, bioinformatics, geospatial technology, and data science have transformed the way we study, conserve, and sustainably manage biodiversity,” he said.

The International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development is jointly organized by UGM’s Faculty of Biology, the Department of Geological Engineering at UGM’s Faculty of Engineering, the University of Technology Sydney, and The Australian National University. The program receives support from Australia’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), the EQUITY Grant for Academic Innovation and Internationalization, and PT Dynata Inovasi Corporalab.

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Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
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Dr. Ade Febrina Lestari, leader of the community service team, said the program aimed to strengthen collaboration among families, community health volunteers (kader posyandu), community health centers (puskesmas), village authorities, and the university to ensure all stakeholders play an active role in preventing and managing stunting.

“We involved community health volunteers and toddlers who had previously been identified as experiencing stunting,” Dr. Ade said in a statement released on Wednesday (July 22).

The program engaged 40 posyandu volunteers and assessed the health of 37 toddlers. Dr. Ade emphasized that community health volunteers play a critical role in detecting growth problems early. The training therefore focused on strengthening their capacity to monitor children’s growth and development within their communities.

During the program, participants learned anthropometric measurement techniques before applying them directly to toddlers under the supervision of the UGM team. Each child also received a physical examination together with growth and developmental screening, while mothers attended educational sessions on age-appropriate complementary feeding practices.

“Interestingly, not all children who had previously been diagnosed with stunting were actually stunted. Some were simply classified as having short stature,” Dr. Ade explained.

To reinforce the educational sessions, the team distributed a handbook titled Cegah Stunting dari Rumah: Kehamilan Sehat, Pola Asuh Tepat, dan MPASI Bergizi (Preventing Stunting at Home: Healthy Pregnancy, Proper Parenting, and Nutritious Complementary Feeding). The handbook serves as a practical reference for community health volunteers and healthcare workers. The team also distributed duck eggs to volunteers and mothers of toddlers to help improve family nutrition.

The Head of the Imogiri Community Health Center (Puskesmas), drg. Imung reported that the area’s stunting prevalence has continued to decline, reaching 12.7 percent in 2026.

Meanwhile, Danang Kumorojati, Head of Community Affairs (Kamituwo) of Selopamioro Village, said the main causes of stunting in the village have shifted over time. While economic hardship was once the primary driver, inappropriate parenting and child-feeding practices have now become more significant contributing factors.

“This is particularly evident in child-feeding practices, as more parents are working and entrusting childcare to other family members,” he said.

Responding to this challenge, Dr. Ade encouraged parents to make mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free for children. She explained that introducing complementary foods is an important stage of child development and should provide children with positive learning experiences rather than pressure.

Through this initiative, FK-KMK UGM hopes to strengthen collaboration among academics, healthcare professionals, village authorities, community health volunteers, and families. The team believes that preventing stunting requires more than healthcare services alone—it depends on active community participation to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Author: Cyntia Noviana
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Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Documentation of FK-KMK UGM

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The gathering was part of Hening (Healing Through Nature and Reading), a silent reading event organized by GIK UGM in collaboration with dibukumoerah.id, @bacabarengjogja, and brilliantbookscorner. In addition to reading in an open-air setting, participants joined a book-sharing session and a guided meditation designed to encourage relaxation and mindfulness.

The initiative reflects a growing movement to foster a stronger reading culture through accessible community activities. One participant, Irhamna from Bandung, said she had been impressed by Yogyakarta’s vibrant literacy culture since moving to the city to continue her studies. For her, the wide variety of literacy events regularly held across Yogyakarta reinforces its long-standing reputation as Indonesia’s Student City.

“It’s no surprise that Yogyakarta is known as the Student City. Events like this are popular and easy to find,” she said.

Although it was her first time joining an outdoor communal reading session, Irhamna described the experience as both refreshing and meaningful. She believes activities like Hening help people see reading not as an obligation but as an enjoyable habit.

“You cannot force people to read because the motivation has to come from within. Hopefully, when people see activities like this in public spaces, they will become more aware that reading is an important habit,” she said.

GIK UGM Marketing Communication Officer Cham Husein said they created the event to make better use of Pine Forest A, the open green space located in the southernmost part of the GIK complex. Inspired by the growing number of literacy communities in Yogyakarta organizing silent reading activities, GIK sought to provide another welcoming venue for such initiatives.

“We have seen many communities in Yogyakarta organizing silent reading events to strengthen literacy. Therefore, we wanted to provide a space for those activities through Hening at the GIK UGM Pine Forest,” Husein said.

Beyond promoting reading, he added, the program also creates opportunities for readers to connect. The organizers included a guided meditation session to help participants unwind after busy workdays.

“We plan to hold this event every month, either on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. We hope Hening will become a space where people can unwind after their busy routines,” he said.

Husein noted that the inaugural event would also serve as an opportunity to gather feedback for future editions. Participants are encouraged to share ideas for improving the program or adding complementary activities such as workshops, discussions, and other literacy initiatives.

“We are open to all suggestions from participants regarding future editions of the event. We hope Hening will continue to grow into an engaging space for the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Aditya Hernawan, founder of the @bacabarengjogja community, hopes the collaboration will encourage more people to develop a reading habit. He explained that Hening was intentionally designed to be relaxed and inclusive, allowing participants to read whatever interests them, regardless of genre or format.

“This event is a gateway to starting a new habit, which is reading. That’s why I told participants from the beginning that they were free to read anything, from newspapers and comics to books of any kind. The important thing is to start reading,” said Hernawan, who is commonly known as Adit.

He added that the event particularly welcomes people who are just beginning to read regularly. Once participants have established the habit, they are encouraged to join other literacy communities that offer reading circles and more in-depth discussions.

“Once you’ve built the habit of reading and want to take part in more serious discussions, feel free to join other literacy communities,” he said.

Author: Agito Sitepu
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post Editor: Zabrina Kumara
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