The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) has implemented a research-based community service program through the inauguration of 11 water wells in Purworejo Regency on October 12th 2026. The program aimed to address residents’ need for clean water and supporting irrigation water supplies to strengthen food security at both the local and national levels.
The provision of these water facilities is the result of a collaboration of the UGM Graduate School and Muda Ganesha, an alumni association of SMAN 1 Purworejo. The implementation of this initiative involved a research and community service team comprising students from the Environmental Science Master’s Program at SPs UGM, who conducted fieldwork directly. An environmental research-based approach was employed to ensure the precise mapping of groundwater sources and maintaining the local ecosystem’s balance.
The Water well assistance was distributed to several beneficiary locations, including Kertosono Village, Piji Village, Girimulyo Village, Jati Village, Mayungsari Village, Penungkulan Village, and the school premises of SMKN 4 Purworejo. The water wells are expected to help residents and farmers who have frequently experienced water supply shortages, particularly during the dry season.
These water wells, both academic and practical perspectives, are expected to directly improve the productivity of dryland agriculture and help maintain the stability of local planting seasons. A reliable and consistent water supply is essential for strengthening the economic resilience of rural communities, particularly in addressing the challenges of climate uncertainty and the risk of drought.
Furthermore, this program serves as a tangible example of environmental sustainability education for local communities. With guidance from the team of the Environmental Science Master Program at SPs UGM, residents are encouraged to manage and utilize groundwater resources in a measured and sustainable manner, ensuring that water reserves are preserved without disrupting the area’s hydrological balance.
This program showed SPs UGM continuously promoting the practical application of research and academic knowledge to help address real-world challenges within communities. Synergy of the academic community, alumni, and regional stakeholders is expected to continue, ensuring that the program’s positive impacts can be sustained and felt by the people of Purworejo over the long term.
Writer: Dina Aprilia
Editor: Siti Muyasaroh