The National Community Service Program (Abdimas) launch by Universitas Terbuka (UT) was attended by the Teluk Naga Sub-district Head, Muara Village Head, UT’s LPPM Chair, the Deans of FKIP, FEB, FHISIP, Abdimas UT participants, and the people of Muara Village on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event began with the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya” and UT’s March. The theme for this year’s National Abdimas is “Optimizing Local Potential Development for Economic and Local Resource Empowerment in Muara Village.”
The first speech was delivered by Muara Village Head, H. Muhammad Syarifudin, S.IP, who stated, “Muara Village, Teluk Naga Sub-district, Tangerang Regency, is located at the end of the luxurious condominium complex Pantai Indah Kapuk II, right on the coast of Teluk Naga. Most of the residents are traditional fishermen, with some working as laborers or small traders,” he explained.
“The villagers prioritize their children’s economic contributions by becoming fishermen or laborers over attending school. The presence of UT’s National Abdimas Program will enhance local potential development by empowering the economy and local resources in our village,” he concluded.
The next speech was given by the Teluk Naga Sub-district Head, represented by the Head of Government Affairs, Toto Furwanto, S.IP, M.Si. He expressed, “With the National Abdimas program in Muara Village, it is expected that the community will become more competitive, both economically and educationally, helping to reduce existing disparities. This National Community Service Program plays a crucial role in promoting the utilization of local potential for sustainable development at the local level,” he said in his closing remarks.
Prof. Dra. Dewi Artati Padmo Putri, MA, PhD, Chair of UT’s Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM), elaborated on the planned programs: “The programs include (1) Product Diversification of Moringa Leaves (Moringa oleifera) as Food and Beverage Products Based on Local Potential; (2) Utilization of Educational Game Tools (APE) in Early Childhood Learning Processes; and (3) Utilization of Recycled Plastic as Educational Teaching Aids in Primary School Education in Muara Village,” she explained passionately.
“In governance, we propose the development of a Profile Book and the management of the Village Website. This program aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Muara Village in both book and website formats, containing basic family data, natural and human resources, village institutions, infrastructure, progress, and challenges faced by Muara Village. This program will serve as a basis for stakeholders in making decisions to develop Muara Village,” she added.
“We will also mentor a village startup business model as an innovative solution for economic development in Muara Village. The goal of this business model is to boost the rural economy and offer opportunities for the community to develop their potential and creativity. Village startup businesses have the potential to strengthen social and cultural values in rural areas, allowing the community to maintain and develop their traditions and culture through their products,” concluded the LPPM Chair enthusiastically.
The event also included a moringa tree planting activity initiated by UT, involving the Teluk Naga Sub-district Head, Muara Village Head, UT’s LPPM Chair, UT’s PKM Head, Deans of FKIP, FEB, FHISIP, and the Director of UT Serang. Moringa trees were chosen for their numerous health and environmental benefits. Planting moringa trees in Muara Village is expected to increase green vegetation, support healthy diets, and mitigate climate change effects.
The moringa tree planting process actively involved local community participation, fostering social solidarity and togetherness. This initiative aligns with UT’s commitment to making tangible contributions to environmental preservation and community empowerment. Hopefully, it will be beneficial.T
