Magelang, April 17, 2026 – The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM), attended an invitation for a Halal Bihalal gathering and development discussion with the Government of Sambak Village, Kajoran District, Magelang Regency. The event was held at the Sambak Village Fruit Garden.
This activity reflects ongoing collaboration between higher education institutions and local communities, particularly in fostering village development based on local potential. Sambak Village has been a partner village of DTPB FTP UGM since 2022.
University and Village Partnership Strengthening
The DTPB FTP UGM delegation included Head of Department Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng., Head of the YESSA-UGM Community Service Team Prof. Lilik Sutiarso, and Andri Prima Nugroho, S.T.P., M.Eng., Ph.D.
Their presence highlights the continuity of community engagement programs while also serving as a forum to discuss future development strategies. Representatives from local government institutions and various stakeholders in Magelang Regency also attended the event.
Local-Based Rural Development Initiatives
The event opened with remarks from Sambak Village Head, Dahlan, who expressed hopes for the fruit garden as a driver of the village economy.
“We hope this fruit garden can contribute to village income and support Sambak in becoming an independent village,” he stated.
He also shared the village’s development journey over the past four years, including collaboration with FTP UGM through the YESSA program. Future plans include integrating biogas systems from livestock as part of sustainable resource management.
Appreciation and Future Collaboration Plans
Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro appreciated the commitment of the village community:
“We appreciate the strong commitment and consistency of Sambak Village stakeholders in implementing community programs. This is a key foundation for building a sustainable and independent village,” he said.
Prof. Lilik Sutiarso also introduced potential future collaborations, particularly in environmental initiatives such as carbon capture. Meanwhile, a representative from the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Magelang Regency acknowledged Sambak Village’s progress as a high-performing village and highlighted the potential to develop environmental programs into tourism attractions.
First Harvest as a Symbol of Rural Independence
The Halal Bihalal and discussion session concluded with the first harvest of longan fruit at the Sambak Village Fruit Garden. This milestone symbolizes the beginning of economic independence through local resource utilization.
The harvest represents tangible outcomes of collaboration between the village community, local government, and academia in developing sustainable rural potential.
DTPB FTP UGM Commitment to Community Engagement
The involvement of DTPB FTP UGM in Sambak Village reflects the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education, particularly in community service and applied research.
Through continuous assistance, capacity building, and the integration of appropriate technology, DTPB FTP UGM demonstrates its commitment to supporting independent, productive, and sustainable rural development.
This collaboration also illustrates how academic research can be translated into real-world impact for local communities.
