Bantul Hamlet Aims for Sustainable Village Status with University and Environmental Agency Support

Padukuhan Ngunan-unan, a hamlet in Srigading Village, Sanden, Bantul, is actively working towards becoming a sustainable 'Kampung Proklim Lestari' (Sustainable Climate Village). This ambitious transformation is being bolstered by a capacity-building program initiated by the Community Service (PkM) team from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), in collaboration with the Bantul Regency Environmental Agency (DLH) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).

The UAD PkM team, led by Dr. Dini Yuniarti, is providing comprehensive support, covering both environmental technical aspects and institutional management. Their goal is to guide Ngunan-unan from its current 'Proklim Utama Nasional' (National Main Climate Village) status to the highest level, 'Proklim Lestari'. Dr. Yuniarti stated that the assistance extends from upstream to downstream, encompassing not only climate change adaptation and mitigation but also fostering economic and administrative self-sufficiency within the community.

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We are strengthening capacity from upstream to downstream. Not only on climate change adaptation and mitigation, but also on how the community can be economically and administratively independent.

Key strategic activities, ongoing since late 2025, have included monitoring and evaluation processes with the central DLH to ensure progress aligns with Ngunan-unan's objectives. In 2026, the focus shifted to program sustainability, including preparing a CSR proposal for Pertamina and refining specific guidance with the Bantul DLH to meet the 'Lestari' criteria.

A significant innovation involves food waste management, spearheaded by the 'Mugi Rahayu' Women Farmers Group. Residents are being trained in sorting, classifying, and measuring household food waste. This initiative has dramatically increased the utilization rate of food waste, boosting it from an initial 10% to an impressive 55%. Ngunan-unan Hamlet Head, Endartono, welcomed the collaboration, expressing confidence that the involvement of academics and government agencies will empower residents to protect the environment while enhancing their economic well-being. This program also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, and partnerships for the goals.

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We are not only protecting nature, but also learning to manage economic potential from waste.