Kebon Bongor, Lembar Village, July 3, 2025 — Students of the Biology Education Study Program at the University of Mataram successfully carried out Bio Mengabdi 2025, a community service program held over six days from Saturday, June 28 to Thursday, July 3, 2025. Taking place in Kebon Bongor Hamlet, the program became a collaborative platform between students and the local community to raise awareness on the importance of education, environmental conservation, and spiritual values through educational and humanistic activities.
The program officially opened on Saturday, June 28, 2025, warmly welcomed by community leaders, local residents, the Head of the Biology Education Program, as well as participants and committee members. The opening served as an important moment to introduce the series of Bio Mengabdi 2025 activities to the community while strengthening ties between students and villagers. Following the ceremony, students engaged directly with residents through “mingling with the community” activities—chatting, playing with children, and bonding in a family-like atmosphere. The day concluded with evening Qur’an recitations at the mosque or local TPQ, reinforcing the spiritual aspect as one of the program’s core values.
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, the program continued with high enthusiasm. A morning exercise session brought together students, children, and local residents in a joyful atmosphere. Later, a socialization session on organic waste management, particularly household waste, was delivered by Mr. Irwan Humaidi, S.T., using the simple yet effective “stacked bucket” method. This educational effort was well-received, providing practical solutions for household waste management. During the day, children joined the Reading Corner, where they were grouped by grade level and guided by student facilitators to learn about the environment, basic literacy, and religious educational books. The evening again closed with communal Qur’an recitations.
The momentum carried on Monday, June 30, 2025, starting with morning exercise, followed by mangrove planting in former fishpond areas—demonstrating students’ real contribution to coastal ecosystem preservation. Creative activities such as decorating waste bins to distinguish organic and inorganic categories were also conducted, making waste sorting more appealing and accessible. Students then guided talent rehearsals for the upcoming final night, alongside fun educational games for children. As with previous days, the evening was dedicated to Qur’an recitation.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025, focused on training sessions for producing compost from cow manure. Students distributed polybags and plant seedlings to residents to support household-based sustainable farming. The Reading Corner continued with added support from the NTB Provincial Mobile Library, boosting children’s enthusiasm for reading. Talent rehearsals carried on, and later that afternoon, women from the community participated in a workshop on producing liquid organic fertilizer (POF) from kitchen waste such as rice-washing water, palm sugar, fruit peels, and vegetables. Students provided direct assistance so that residents could replicate the process at home. The day once again concluded with Qur’an recitations.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the program began as usual with morning exercise. The main agenda was Baling (Belajar Keliling or “Learning on the Go”), a field-based learning initiative where children were guided to explore key village sites while learning about organic and inorganic waste, the importance of mangrove conservation, and the impacts of environmental damage on ecosystems. Children also finalized their talent rehearsals in preparation for the highlight event. In the afternoon, students and residents decorated the venue with lights and festive ornaments for the Grand Closing Night of Bio Mengabdi 2025. The evening featured student and children performances, competition award announcements, presentation of tokens of appreciation and certificates to the hamlet and village representatives, and the screening of a documentary video capturing the entire journey of the program. The closing night was filled with emotions of joy, pride, and togetherness.
Finally, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, the program concluded with packing, cleaning the activity site, and a heartfelt farewell. Students and villagers exchanged impressions, gratitude, and prayers as a symbol of the strong emotional bonds formed during six meaningful days together.
