A total of 200 proposals were produced in Soft Skill Training which was attended by 3rd semester students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR). The peak event in the form of semifinal and final presentations was held on February 18-19, 2025 at the UMPWR Kasman Singodimejo Auditorium. Six finalist groups presented their work in front of students and an assessment team consisting of internal campus research lecturers. Each group was given about five minutes to present their work.
Chairman of the Soft Skill Training Committee, Eko Haryanto, said that the participants had previously visited various communities in Purworejo Regency. Each group was assigned to one community, such as farming groups, MSMEs, home industries, and social and spiritual fields. From these visits, 200 proposals were generated by 980 3rd semester students. They were divided into 200 groups, each consisting of 5-6 students from various faculties.
Eko explained that the campus was in charge of determining the group and the location of the community. After receiving confirmation from the community, students conducted field observations on February 5 and put the results in the form of a proposal.
“Students are required to identify problems in their community and find solutions, so they play a role as problem solvers,” said Eko.
This Soft Skill Training is the second stage after similar activities in semester 1. In semester 5, students will continue to the third level. Eko hopes that through this ongoing program, UMPWR students can make a real contribution to the Purworejo community.
“This is an effort to revive a previously stagnant community and help solve existing problems,” he added.
One example of the solutions produced is an innovation from Group 48, which helps farmers in Boro Kulon Village overcome pests by using microcontroller-based pesticide sprays and telemetry sensors. In addition, Group 31A created the PKK Points (PKKP) application to facilitate Plandi Village PKK administrators in online attendance, UP2K installment payments, and participation in work programs.
The six best proposals received awards in the form of certificates, trophies, and coaching money. Here is the list of winners:
1st place: Pest Guard with the Young Generation
2nd place: Terra Agriva Farmhouse
3rd Place: PKK Points Application
1st runner-up: Telemetry
2nd runner-up: 25 Jaya Farmer Group
3rd runner-up: Smart Farming.
Through this activity, students not only hone their soft skills, but also provide innovative solutions for the surrounding community.
