“BEM Berdampak” Integrates Disaster Mitigation and Stunting Education in Sewu Village

The Student Executive Board (BEM) across Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) became the first student organization to participate in this year’s Mahasiswa Berdampak (Impactful Students) program. The initiative, later known as BEM Berdampak, was officially launched in Sewu Village, Jebres District, Surakarta, Central Java.

A representative of BEM UMS, Linggar Ardi Prakoso, explained that the program was titled “Transforming Resilient Communities through Disaster Education and Culinary Heritage.” It forms part of the Student Impact Program: Community Empowerment by the Student Executive Board (PM-BEM), supported by the Directorate of Community Service (DPPM) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.

Linggar elaborated that the Mahasiswa Berdampak program was designed to bridge collaboration between lecturers and students in developing technology and innovation. This synergy is expected to bring meaningful benefits to society.

“The presence of this program is also a step toward consolidating community service movements on a national scale, while sharpening students’ social awareness as part of the nation’s development,” said Linggar on Sunday (5/10/2025).

Group photo of the organizing committee and Sewu Village officials at the Sewu Village Hall, Jebres District, Surakarta City, October 3, 2025. Doc. UMS Public Relations. 

The program is chaired by Siti Azizah Susilawati, S.Si., Ph.D., assisted by Ir. Muhammad Al Fatih Hendrawan, S.T., M.T. and Ika Candra Sayekti, S.Pd., M.Pd., while BEM functionaries across UMS served as direct initiators in the field.

Linggar explained that the program integrates two main focuses: disaster mitigation education and stunting prevention. Both focuses were then socialized to the residents of Sewu Village.

“Residents were given an understanding of flood warning signs, prevention strategies, and disaster preparedness. In addition, they also received education on balanced nutrition to prevent stunting, including demonstrations on making nutritious meals that can be applied in daily life,” added Linggar.

The launch of the BEM Berdampak program took place in an interactive manner through discussions, hands-on practice, and simple simulations that helped residents easily grasp the material. The program also involved local youth groups (karang taruna) and community members, aiming to build collaboration across various community elements for sustainable empowerment.

“With the UMS BEM Berdampak program, Sewu Village is expected to become more resilient against disaster risks, healthier through stunting prevention, and empowered in developing its local culinary potential,” emphasized the UMS student.

The program received positive responses from the local community. Sri Sulistyarini, Head of the Sewu Village Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) Association, expressed her appreciation.

“We are very pleased that the students are directly assisting residents. Through this program, we not only gained knowledge about disaster awareness but also nutrition education and culinary innovation. Hopefully, this collaboration will continue and bring broad benefits to the community,” she said.

Writer: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid