Bantul, October 9, 2025 – Health is a basic human need categorized as a primary necessity because it is fundamental and essential for survival and for individuals to function optimally in their daily lives. Health is closely related to environmental sanitation. Proper sanitation helps prevent various infectious diseases and improves the overall quality of life. A healthy, clean, and decent toilet is a basic facility and one of the most important components of sanitation that every household must have.
Sompok is one of the hamlets in Sriharjo Village, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. Based on available data, Sompok Hamlet still has a relatively low number of households categorized as prosperous families. In addition, several environmental sanitation issues remain unaddressed, particularly in the lack of proper bathing, washing, and toilet (Mandi Cuci Kakus/MCK) facilities for all residents. Some residents still live in inadequate housing conditions and lack access to their own toilet facilities. Consequently, they must rely on neighbours’ toilets or even use the river, which contributes to environmental pollution and increases health risks.
The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry (DKF) has carried out a community service program (PkM) in the form of assistance for the construction of two toilets—one for a family and another for public use. This initiative aims to improve environmental sanitation in Sompok Hamlet. The program, led by Dr. apt. Rumiyati, M.Si., was funded by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) through the 2025 PkM Grant Scheme, and began in July 2025. The construction, which took around three months to complete with the help of local residents, culminated in an inauguration ceremony on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The event was attended by representatives from each neighbourhood association (RT) in Sompok Hamlet, members of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), as well as local officials, including Triyono, Head of Sompok Hamlet, and Titik Istiyawatun Khasanah, S.I.P., Head of Sriharjo Village. Faculty members, staff of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and students from the Professional Pharmacist Program (PSPA) UGM also participated in the event.
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. apt. Ratna Asmah Susidarti, Head of DKF, emphasized that environmental health is an essential part of community well-being. She also expressed hope that the new clean toilets would mark the beginning of improved quality of life for the residents of Sompok Hamlet. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Meanwhile, Titik Istiyawatun Khasanah, S.I.P., stated that collaboration between UGM and Sompok residents has been long established, and she hoped this partnership would continue to promote equitable community welfare.
During the event, the symbolic handover of the two toilets was conducted by Prof. Dr. apt. Ratna Asmah Susidarti to Triyono as the head of the hamlet. Representing the residents, he expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that MCK facilities are greatly needed in the community. One of the beneficiaries, Sri Lestari, a vegetable seller at the local market, shared that her family feels greatly helped by the construction of a clean toilet in her home. She now has access to a healthy, hygienic, and decent family toilet.
The head of Sompok Hamlet expressed hope that this program would accelerate behavioural change among residents who previously used the river for bathing and sanitation activities. Moreover, reducing river-based sanitation is expected to decrease environmental pollution, supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) in protecting aquatic ecosystems. With new facilities and ongoing support from various parties, Sompok Hamlet is now taking meaningful steps toward a healthier and more dignified living environment.
This toilet construction assistance reflects the commitment and real contribution of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy in improving access to sanitation for communities in need. With better facilities, it is hoped that Sompok residents will enjoy improved health and well-being.
Contributors: Nur Ulya Zakiyyah Ali, Muthi Ikawati, Riris Istighfari Jenie, Ratna Asmah Susidarti, Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari
