UNAIR NEWS – The Community Service Team of Reasoning Student Club (UKM Penalaran) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has introduced an innovative initiative in Jukong Village, Bangkalan, Madura, aimed at advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative comprises two key programs: Gelora (Organic Environmental Movement with Maggot and Eco Enzyme) and Tangkas (Sexual Health Awareness and Anti-Stunting). Through these efforts, the student club is committed to addressing pressing environmental and health challenges in the local community.
The initiative primarily targets the residents of Jukong Village, especially women, who play a pivotal role in household management and family well-being. One of the village’s most pressing issues is the excessive accumulation of organic waste. To mitigate this, the Gelora program focuses on processing organic waste by leveraging Black Soldier Fly larvae (maggots) to produce high-quality organic fertilizer.
“Through this initiative, we strive to minimize organic waste buildup while empowering the women of Jukong Village. Our goal is to engage at least 30 housewives in the fertilizer production process,” said the Head of Community Service Team of Reasoning student club, Raisa.
Significant impact
The program is expected to have a meaningful impact on the community. “By transforming waste into fertilizer, residents can not only lower their spending on chemical fertilizers but also create a new source of income through the sale of organic fertilizers,” added Raisa.
Beyond environmental concerns, the Tangkas program prioritizes public health by educating women and adolescents on sexual health and stunting prevention. This program specifically targets local village health cadre groups, involving 30 participants, including women and teenagers, who have the potential to influence younger generations in Jukong Village.
“By the end of 2022, Bangkalan Regency recorded 1,931 cases of stunted children (Bangkalan Regency Government, 2023). We have identified a widespread lack of awareness regarding health and nutrition, making this program incredibly relevant and necessary,” Raisa explained.
Shofiya Ayu Hilda, a student from UNAIR’s Faculty of Public Health and one of the program’s speakers, underscored the importance of education on sexual health and proper nutrition. “Raising awareness about these issues is crucial for ensuring children’s well-being and preventing sexual violence. With this knowledge, we hope mothers will be better equipped to make informed decisions in raising their children,” she stated.
The initiative aims to establish a sustainable, long-term impact. By implementing a continuous educational approach, the knowledge and skills gained by the community can be applied independently. The UNAIR Reasoning club Community Service Team also plans to conduct regular assessments and follow-up training to ensure ongoing community support and program effectiveness.
“We aspire for the Gelora and Tangkas programs to become exemplary community service initiatives that offer innovative and practical solutions to critical issues in Jukong Village while contributing to the realization of the 2030 SDGs,” concluded Raisa.
Author: Shofiyatul Izzah
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
