A group of active students from the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) launched the SAKAT (Satu Kamar Satu Tanaman / One Room, One Plant) initiative. SAKAT is a campaign encouraging each boarding-house room to grow at least one plant, targeting five student boarding houses and involving more than ten rooms and their residents.

The initiative was developed by Andhiny Nur Zaharani, Devita Nur Madani, Luthviana Fadhilah Ahmad, Rasya Lathif Nayudha, and Rizki Amelia. The campaign was implemented in student boarding houses around the UNY campus in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, particularly in the areas of Kuningan, Karanggayam, and Karangmalang.

According to Luthviana, boarding-house students were chosen as the target group because the program can help reduce living expenses while supporting nutritional needs.

“Boarding-house students often manage their daily needs with limited budgets. This campaign encourages them to become more independent, learn basic gardening skills, and understand the concept of simple food security. In addition, students tend to be receptive to new ideas and can spread these positive habits to other communities, allowing the impact to reach a wider audience.”

The SAKAT activities took place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with each visit lasting approximately 45–60 minutes. The program consisted of awareness sessions, planting demonstrations, and the placement of plants in the targeted boarding-house environments.

Rasya, one of the program executors, emphasized the importance of the campaign: “This campaign is important because it supports household food security while creating a healthier environment. It also contributes to the development of greener and more sustainable communities through simple actions that anyone can undertake, beginning with boarding-house students.”

Furthermore, Andhiny, who was responsible for the plant cultivation component, explained that the campaign began with identifying and confirming participating boarding houses. The team then prepared educational leaflets and purchased the necessary tools and materials. The main activities included socialization sessions, seedling distribution, and planting activities carried out directly at the five target boarding houses.

The project team visited each boarding house to provide information and distribute educational leaflets, seedlings, and planting equipment. Residents planted one to two vegetable crops, namely pak choi (bok choy) and chili peppers, using the polybags supplied by the team. Initial monitoring was also conducted to ensure that the planting process was carried out properly.

The campaign was organized as a small but meaningful effort by students to enhance food security and promote responsible consumption. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, In addition, SAKAT indirectly contributes to:, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, DG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, Regarding SDG 3, the SAKAT team seeks to promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging the cultivation of pak choi and chili plants, which can provide a sustainable source of fresh and nutritious food.

Beyond food production, the presence of plants around boarding houses contributes to improved air quality and supports a healthier ecosystem. In this way, SAKAT also supports SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable communities and residential environments. One of the campaign’s key objectives is to foster greener and more sustainable living spaces. Lia, one of the participating boarding-house residents, expressed her appreciation for the program:

“As a boarding-house resident, I believe this planting program is very positive and beneficial. Having plants around increases my awareness of the importance of caring for the environment and maintaining plants through regular watering and upkeep. I am excited to take part because it makes the boarding-house environment greener, more comfortable, and more pleasant.”

Through SAKAT, UNY students have demonstrated how simple, community-based actions can contribute meaningfully to food security, environmental sustainability, and healthier living practices. The initiative serves as a practical example of student engagement in achieving sustainable development goals while empowering fellow students to become agents of positive change.