UNU Jogja Agribusiness Students Successfully Develop Village Planning and Development Research in Guwosari, Bantul

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Students of the Agribusiness Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) have successfully developed village planning and development research in Guwosari Village, Pajangan Subdistrict, Bantul Regency. The achievement was presented during the Presentation of Social Laboratory Program Work Results and Student Withdrawal agenda on Tuesday, January 6.

The success of the research received appreciation from the Secretary of Guwosari Village, Nur Hidayat. He stated that the research conducted by UNU Jogja Agribusiness students was relevant and could be utilized as a reference for village planning and development, particularly in strengthening the Lumbung Mataraman program and food security.

“The research results of UNU Jogja Agribusiness students are not only relevant but also practical in supporting the strengthening of Lumbung Mataraman and village food security. The students’ participation during the Social Laboratory program was excellent, and they were able to contribute meaningfully to village activities,” said Nur Hidayat.

A similar view was expressed by the Director of BUMKal Guwosari Maju Sejahtera, Hendri, S.E. He noted that the research and potential mapping conducted by the students provided an applicable overview for managing and developing village-owned business units, while also opening opportunities for further collaboration between BUMKal and higher education institutions.

Responding to the appreciation, the Head of the Agribusiness Study Program and Field Supervisor (DPL), Nur Saudah Al Arifa D., S.T.P., M.Sc., explained that the Social Laboratory is a form of field-based learning that integrates education, research, and community service.

“Through direct mentoring by field supervisors, students are guided to produce applied research while actively contributing to village development dynamics and agendas,” she explained.

During the presentation session, Nur Saudah outlined the achievements, follow-up plans, and the students’ roles in various village activities. Throughout the Social Laboratory program, Agribusiness students conducted research, mapped village agribusiness potential, and carried out planting activities at Lumbung Mataraman as part of efforts to strengthen village food security.

The students were also actively involved in various strategic village activities, including providing support during visits by government officials and related institutions. One significant agenda was their involvement in the visit of the Vice Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Wamen Desa PDT), Ir. H. Ahmad Riza Patria, M.B.A., to Lumbung Mataraman Guwosari, Pajangan, for the inauguration of CSR assistance for livestock housing facilities.

“This involvement served as a form of field learning as well as academic support for village development initiatives,” Nur Saudah added.

As outputs of the Agribusiness Social Laboratory program, students successfully conducted cultivation research on several strategic commodities, including chili, watermelon, peanuts, long beans, and basil at Lumbung Mataraman. The research findings have been utilized by the village government and BUMKal for program development. In addition, activity documentation was produced in the form of videos for learning and publication purposes.

The presentation and student withdrawal agenda for the 2025 Agribusiness Study Program Social Laboratory in Guwosari was attended by the Acting Rector of UNU Yogyakarta, Dr. Suhadi Colil, M.A., Secretary of the Rectorate Suharti, M.A., and Director of Internal Pesantren Affairs of UNU Jogja, Hujaj, Lc., M.A.

The series of activities concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the Guwosari Village Government as a symbol of the completion of the Social Laboratory program and as a form of appreciation and commitment to sustainable collaboration between the Agribusiness Study Program of UNU Yogyakarta and Guwosari Village in the future. [Latifah]