From Maggots to Seedlings: Four Student Teams Apply Village Programs Amidst Real-World Challenges

The Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 program is showcasing how student teams translate their development proposals into tangible action in village settings. The initiative emphasizes that successful implementation requires more than just well-crafted plans; it demands adaptability and practical problem-solving in real-world conditions.

Four finalist teams are currently engaged in their respective village tourism programs, managed by Bakti BCA. Their experiences highlight the complexities of working collaboratively amidst diverse personalities, the importance of gaining new insights through hands-on activities, and the necessity of actively listening to community members. Improvisation becomes key when unexpected challenges arise, offering valuable learning opportunities.

One team, Pelita from Padjadjaran University, focused on a maggot cultivation program in Desa Wisata Situs Gunung Padang to process organic waste into nutritious animal feed and fertilizer. This initiative aimed to introduce circular economy principles. However, they encountered a significant setback when a large portion of their ordered maggots did not survive the journey.

Despite this initial failure, the team quickly adapted. Dika, the program's maggot house supervisor, explained they found a local maggot seller and replaced the deceased insects. This experience underscored for the students that program success hinges not solely on initial planning but also on the ability to read situations and make swift decisions.

Meanwhile, Tim KATALIS from the University of Indonesia faced different challenges in Desa Wisata Kakaskasen Dua. Their primary hurdles involved managing team dynamics, including differing personalities and communication styles, which led to internal questioning of decisions. Overcoming these internal challenges became crucial as they moved forward with their programs.