UMPO Holds KKN 2025 Briefing Pioneering a Back to Nature Movement through Organic Fertilizer

UMPO.AC.ID  -  Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO) officially kicked off its 2025 Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata or KKN) with a preparatory session held at the Bumdes Hall in Ngrukem Village, Mlarak District, Ponorogo Regency, on Tuesday (July 15). This event marked the initial phase of the KKN program, which this year carries the theme “Serving with Heart, Creating Impact.”

The briefing session was attended by the Head of UMPO’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Dr. Ir. Sudarno, M.T. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that KKN is not merely an academic requirement, but a real opportunity for students to make a tangible impact on society—especially in the areas of health, agriculture, and local economic development.

“We hope our students will become agents of change in the community. One of our main focuses is training them to produce organic fertilizer, which they will later introduce to local farmers. Additionally, students will be equipped with knowledge on biopore techniques for water conservation and organic waste management,” explained Dr. Sudarno.

The students also received training on the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including product feasibility, packaging, and labeling—key aspects to support the growth of local businesses.

UMPO Rector, Dr. Rido Kurnianto, M.Ag., stated that the 2025 KKN program includes 33 schemes, involving over 630 students divided into 41 groups across the regions of Ponorogo, Pacitan, Wonogiri, and Magetan. In addition to the Regular KKN, UMPO also dispatches students under the Muhammadiyah–‘Aisyiyah KKN scheme in Siak, Riau, and the International KKN in Malaysia, scheduled to depart on July 25.

“We expect students to become true partners of the community, not only through educational programs like TPQ, TPA, and private tutoring, but also by engaging in economic and cultural initiatives that match the local needs,” said the Rector.

During the session, students participated in a hands-on organic fertilizer workshop led by Boeing Kristiawan, an agricultural activist. Through the 2025 KKN program, UMPO aims to champion a back-to-nature movement by encouraging the use of organic fertilizer in agricultural areas.

“Through research and field-based practices, we hope the agricultural land in our KKN locations can be restored to a healthy and natural state. This reflects UMPO’s real contribution as an impactful and socially engaged university,” added the Rector

(Ajeng Laksmita/Humas UMPO)