UII Provides Banana-Chopper Machines to Gunungkidul MSMEs

Yogyakarta — Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) has provided banana-chopper machines to groups of MSMEs under its community outreach in Gunungkidul as part of efforts to strengthen local economic self-reliance, and to mark its 83rd anniversary and National Awakening Day. ‘This is one form of community service by an educational institution that has existed for decades,’ said UII Rector Prof Fathul Wahid, in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. He noted that as a university in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), UII continues to produce human resources who contribute to regional and national development. ‘Now, with more than 30,000 students, UII continues to dedicate itself through thematic community service programmes that involve 5,000 to 6,000 students each year,’ he said. One form of contribution, he added, is the initiative of community service focusing on village economic empowerment, addressing stunting, and plans for developing family schools. He said, besides the banana-chopper machines, there are also staple food packages, educational assistance for santri, and free health check-ups for residents. Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih added that community service programmes conducted by higher education institutions are seen as one of the efforts to help alleviate education and prevent suicide cases. ‘This five-helix collaboration can have a significant impact in addressing educational challenges and preventing suicide cases in Gunungkidul Regency, as it is currently a government concern,’ she said. She hopes the collaboration between educational institutions and the Gunungkidul Regency government can continue to help realise the welfare of the community, especially in education and an adaptive economy.