Community service in the environmental sector carried out by Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is a tangible effort by the university to preserve and protect the environment through a research-based approach and community engagement. UMM has successfully integrated scientific knowledge with concrete environmental action, yielding positive impacts not only for ecosystems but also empowering local communities.
One flagship program that exemplifies UMM's success in environmental service is the integrated waste management program. This initiative has been successfully implemented in several villages around Malang, where UMM collaborates with local communities to reduce, recycle, and manage waste effectively. The program has significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills and raised public awareness about the importance of sustainable waste management. Through a participatory approach, the community is trained to convert organic waste into compost and inorganic waste into recyclable materials, not only reducing waste but also generating additional economic value for the community.
In addition to waste management, UMM is actively involved in environmental rehabilitation and conservation programs. One notable project is the rehabilitation of degraded land in erosion-prone areas around Malang. Through this program, UMM, along with the local community, successfully planted thousands of trees that serve as erosion barriers and help restore ecosystem functions. The program's success is evident not only in the improved environmental quality but also in the active involvement of the community, which has become more mindful of the sustainability of their ecosystems.
Another noteworthy program is the development of renewable energy by utilizing local resources. UMM has successfully implemented renewable energy technologies such as Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH), biogas, and solar panels in several villages, providing environmentally friendly, affordable, and sustainable energy alternatives for local communities. This program demonstrates UMM's success in combining research with practical applications that directly benefit society.
The environmental service initiatives also involve students in every stage of the process, from planning and implementation to evaluation. This provides students with opportunities to learn and develop their skills in environmental conservation, while also fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving nature.
The success of these programs highlights UMM's commitment to playing an active role in environmental conservation, in line with its vision to become an excellent, professional, and globally minded university, while remaining rooted in Islamic values. Through these initiatives, UMM not only contributes to improving environmental quality but also to enhancing community welfare and environmental awareness.