Yogyakarta – The Extension and Development Communication Doctoral Program, Graduate School (PKP SPs) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Design Thinking Training for Community Empowerment on Wednesday, December 10th 2025, at Hotel Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta. The event was attended by master and doctoral students of the PKP program.
The training aimed to enhance students’ ability to understand and apply the Design Thinking approach as a creative method for developing innovative solutions to various social issues. In addition to enriching research approaches and community empowerment practices, this activity was also designed to strengthen students’ academic competencies and soft skills, making them more aligned with the needs of the workforce, sociopreneurship, and their roles as agents of change in sustainable social development.
For this training, the committee invited the main speaker, Dr. Ir. Dwi Purnomo, STP., M.T., IPU, ASEAN Eng., Founder of PT. Indonesia Tangkas Bergegas (The Local Enablers). Dr. Dwi Purnomo is widely known as an expert in social innovation and an experienced practitioner in applying Design Thinking to various community empowerment programs across different regions in Indonesia. The presentations and interactive discussions made participants gain in-depth insights into how Design Thinking can serve as a strategic approach to understanding community needs while also developing human-centered and sustainable solutions.
The training also involved two professional facilitators from PT. Indonesia Tangkas Bergegas (The Local Enablers), Raihan Febrian and Parid. Both have expertise in social research, community assistance, and the direct application of Design Thinking in field contexts. The practice sessions and simulations guide participants to sharpen their skills in observation, problem mapping, ideation, and developing prototype solutions.
This activity is expected to provide essential knowledge for UGM postgraduate students in developing more innovative, relevant, and impactful community empowerment models. Moreover, the training serves as a strategic step to prepare graduates capable of addressing the challenges of social development in an increasingly dynamic and complex era.
The Extension and Development Communication Study Program of UGM Graduate School reaffirms its commitment to strengthening students’ academic and professional competence while contributing to the emergence of social innovators capable of driving positive change in society with this training.
This activity also aligns with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 3 on good health and well-being, Goal 4 on quality education, Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and Goal 17 on partnerships for the goals.
Writer: Arni W
Editor: Ana A