UGM Deploys their Student Community Service Units to Educate Local Communities on Renewable and Clean Energy
Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Student Community Service – Community Empowerment Learning (SCS-CEL) programme or KKN-PPM UGM took place from January to November 2023. The programme deployed 318 groups of UGM students (or units, as the university calls them), with approximately 30 students per unit. A total of 8704 students conducted their community service that year, spread out in 31 provinces throughout Indonesia, and together promoted a sustainable future by educating local communities about the university program’s goal, one of which includes educating local communities on renewable and clean energy.
The community service unit stationed at Banggai Kepulauan, Central Sulawesi, organised a hybrid talk show to promote carbon awareness in the local community. Participants could learn about carbon footprint calculation and offsetting practices, as well the role of sustainable tourism and practical carbon monitoring methods. This is a show of UGM’s commitment and Indonesia’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 29% by 2030 and achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2050.
Figure 1. Hybrid Talkshow to Promote Carbon Awareness in the Banggai Kepulauan Community
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/peduli-akan-jejak-karbon-tim-kkn-ppm-ugm-banggai-kepulauan-adakan-gelar-wicara/
Students from the community service programme in Tani Baru Village, East Kalimantan, addressed the village’s long-standing electricity access issues. Previously, the village only had electricity from 6 PM to 6 AM, disrupting daytime activities such as business operations, fish storage, and education. The solar panels installed at the village office now provide 24-hour electricity, supporting essential administrative and public services. This project not only improves daily life in Tani Baru Village but also serves as a replicable model for renewable energy adoption in remote Indonesian communities.
Figure 2. UGM Students Install Solar Panels at Tani Baru Village Office
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/dukung-pengembagan-energi-terbarukan-mahasiswa-kkn-ugm-pasang-panel-surya-di-desa-tani-baru-kaltim/
To address climate change, UGM Student Energy Council (DEM UGM) launched Sekolah Energi (The Energy School) in collaboration with Sanggar Kebudayaan Memetri Wiji, engaging children in Dusun Tanaman, Sleman, to explore and learn about renewable energy. The program used interactive learning methods, including cultural activities like Javanese songs, to teach about biodiversity, biogas, wind energy, and waste management. Children explored their village’s energy potential, such as converting livestock waste into biogas and the role of wind turbines. By integrating local culture and environmental education, Sekolah Energi nurtures early awareness of sustainability, inspiring children to contribute to a cleaner, greener future while preserving their cultural heritage.
Figure 3. The Launching of Sekolah Energi to Teach Children in Dusun Tanaman about Sustainability
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/mahasiswa-ugm-buat-program-sekolah-energi-kenalkan-anak-anak-pada-potensi-energi-terbarukan-di-desa/
UGM Experts Advise Government Institutions on Green Building Practices and Energy Efficiency
The Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center (BKHIT) from the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Bali provinces visited UGM’s Faculty of Engineering to learn about smart and green building implementation, aiming to apply these principles as pilot projects and draft guidelines for over 40 technical units nationwide. Existing BKHIT buildings would be reviewed to align with smart and green building principles, while newly constructed facilities would be designed according to service needs and these guidelines.
Figure 4. BKHIT Learns Smart and Green Building Practices from UGM’s Faculty of Engineering
Source: https://ft.ugm.ac.id/sglc-ft-ugm-menjadi-bangunan-acuan-penerapan-green-building-di-badan-karantina/
UGM Advances Sustainability Education Through Collaborative Programs and Energy Transition Courses
The ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management is a collaborative MBA program UGM offers in partnership with the University of Agder, Norway, and the ASEAN University Network. Candidates from ASEAN countries are eligible for a full scholarship to study at UGM. The course focuses on sustainability challenges, including energy resource management, funding options for renewable energy initiatives, and community empowerment for local energy production.
One can also apply for a summer course held at UGM’s Center for Energy Studies where participants will study the role of hydrogen in energy transition. This program provides in-depth insights into hydrogen energy, targeting professionals, policymakers, researchers, and postgraduate students. Participants are given the opportunity to engage with international and national experts to explore innovative solutions for sustainable energy.
References:
- Hybrid Talkshow to Promote Carbon Awareness in the Banggai Kepulauan Community
- UGM Students Install Solar Panels at Tani Baru Village Office
- The Launching of Sekolah Energi to Teach Children in Dusun Tanaman about Sustainability
- BKHIT Learns Smart and Green Building Practices from UGM’s Faculty of Engineering