Students of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) participating in the Off-Campus Learning Community Service Program (PLK Mengabdi) have officially concluded their service period in Somopuro Village, Jogonalan District, Klaten Regency, after carrying out various community empowerment programs over the course of three months. The program was formally closed through a withdrawal ceremony attended by village officials, community members, and the Field Supervisor Lecturer (DPL), Asih Bekti Cahyani.

The PLK Mengabdi team was led by Hafizh Khairi Habibillah and consisted of students from various academic programs who implemented a wide range of initiatives in environmental sustainability, creative economy, education, digitalization, and village governance.

In his remarks, Somopuro Village Head Supriyadhi expressed his appreciation for the students’ contributions, noting that they had successfully revitalized several community programs.

“I am very grateful because the students have successfully revived a number of local community programs. We hope that these initiatives can continue sustainably in the future,” he said.

Similarly, Asih Bekti Cahyani expressed her hope that the strong relationship established between UNY and Somopuro Village would continue even after the completion of the service program. According to her, sustained communication and collaboration are essential to ensuring that the benefits of these initiatives can be enjoyed by the community in the long term.

Throughout the service period, the students carried out various programs focused on strengthening the village’s potential. In the environmental sector, the team initiated organic waste management through biopore infiltration holes in Sawahan Hamlet (RT 18 and RT 19) as an effort to improve soil fertility while supporting independent fertilizer production. In addition, the students established a Centralized Bottle House in RT 24 as a facility for collecting and managing recyclable inorganic waste in a sustainable manner. They also assisted the activities of the Women Farmers Group (KWT) and participated in community service activities at the village’s Educational Park.

In the field of creative economy and digital transformation, the team conducted a comprehensive survey of local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and organized a workshop on the use of Canva to support local product branding. The program is expected to enhance the competitiveness of village entrepreneurs in the digital era. Another innovation involved training residents to transform fabric scraps into woven kitchen hot pads and providing workshops on creating three-dimensional floral smocking patterns. Initiated by Nilmatussa’adah and Veronica Cynthia Silalahi, these activities aimed to reduce textile waste while creating new business opportunities for the community.

In education, English Education students Anita Aulya Azzahra, Triana Laelatul Ma’rifah, and Retyca Prity Suansri introduced the Fun English Learning program at SDN 3 Somopuro. The initiative provided interactive and enjoyable English-language learning experiences for elementary school students.

Meanwhile, Dawam Pangestu Susanto and Ihsan Rosyid Wicaksono from the Communication Studies Program conducted training sessions on basic journalism, photography, graphic design, copywriting, and branding. These activities were designed to help schools independently manage their social media platforms and websites.

The students also actively supported religious and community activities through programs such as TPA Mengajar (Qur’anic Learning Assistance), coloring competitions, halal bihalal gatherings, and community exercise sessions aimed at strengthening social cohesion and promoting public health.

As part of their contribution to village governance, Hafizh Khairi Habibillah and Hanif Cahyo Sumarno from the Architecture Study Program developed an interior design concept for the Somopuro Village Hall to make it a more representative public space. They also designed a village information signboard and map to serve as a geographic information center for residents and visitors.

Concluding the series of activities, PLK Mengabdi Team Leader Hafizh Khairi Habibillah expressed his gratitude for the support and hospitality of the local community during the implementation of the program.

“We would like to thank all residents of Somopuro Village for their warm welcome. We hope that the programs implemented can provide lasting benefits and serve as a starting point for the development of a more advanced and self-reliant village,” he stated.

Through these various initiatives, UNY’s PLK Mengabdi students not only applied the knowledge they acquired during their university studies but also made tangible contributions to sustainable community development. These activities align with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals