The Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), in collaboration with DEMA Justicia, continues to demonstrate its commitment to community service through the Partner Village program, which involves Merdikorejo Village as its partner village. This program is based on a vision of promoting sustainable development at the local level, with a focus on three key issues: law, the economy, and the environment.
In the field of law, the Faculty of Law at UGM has conducted legal aid outreach programs as part of its efforts to expand public access to information regarding the rights and obligations of citizens. The outreach activities, which targeted teenagers at SMP Negeri 4 Tempel in Merdikorejo, took the form of seminars and interactive consultations. The material presented focused not only on legal knowledge but also on character building and fostering legal awareness from an early age.
Meanwhile, in the economic sector, the Faculty of Law at UGM, in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Business at UGM, organized an SME training program for members of the Merdikorejo Village SME Communication Forum (Forkom). This event features experienced speakers who provide practical skills in product packaging, marketing strategies, and the use of online media. The training is expected to enhance the competitiveness of local products while strengthening collaboration between academics and community entrepreneurs.
Overall, the Desa Mitra program demonstrates the Faculty of Law at UGM’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the community through the synergy of legal education and economic empowerment. It is hoped that this program will serve as a model for community empowerment that is responsive to real needs and adaptable to future challenges.
As part of its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Desa Mitra program aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) through inclusive legal education, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through capacity building for MSMEs, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through the promotion of legal literacy from an early age. Furthermore, the long-term partnership with the village community reflects support for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), affirming the role of the Faculty of Law, UGM, as an educational institution that is not only academically oriented but also focused on community empowerment and sustainability.
Author: DEMA Justicia (Virya Sankara Cabinet)
