Due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy has become sluggish. This situation causes the economic turnover rate to be hampered and many people have difficulties with their income. Seeing this, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) decided to respond to this problem. UMY distributed 300 packages containing nine basic necessities (sembako) to the community in the Tamantirto Sub-District, Kasihan District on (23/4) located on the west side of the UMY Sportorium Building with a drive-thru system, in addition to 60 packages of basic food items to Al-Ghiffari Orphanage which was delivered directly to the location on the same day.
UMY Rector Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P, IPM, explained that the UMY Serves program is one activity of a series of activities to commemorate the 39th Anniversary of UMY. For this reason, the agenda of UMY’s anniversary was intended to respond to the current problems.
“The spread of COVID-19 coincided with the 39th anniversary of UMY. Therefore, our community service programs and UMY’s concern for the COVID-19 case were merged into one with a series of activities,” he said when interviewed during the food distribution process.
Gunawan also said that the packages that were distributed to the community and orphanages were intended to prepare them to enter the fasting month of Ramadan. Many shops and markets cannot open as usual. This can make it difficult for people to obtain basic needs.
“We distribute food packages to residents around our campus so they can prepare for the fasting month. Because we know that as of April 23, 2020 there are still not many markets and stores that are fully open. We will also distribute them to orphanages around UMY. The target is also the same, we hope these food packages can make it easier for residents of orphanages in carrying out Ramadan worship, “added Gunawan.
The UMY 39th Milad Committee also collaborated with mosque management around UMY to collect data from citizens who were entitled to assistance.
“We work with the mosque management, who registered the impoverished and those who often come to the mosque,” said the Head of the 39th UMY Milad Committee Faris Al-Fadhat, Ph.D.
The logistics distribution process also follows the government’s call for physical distancing. Residents enter through the southern gate of UMY and then go directly to the pick up location on the west side of the Sportorium Building. Before exchanging coupons and filling in IDs, residents who want to take packages must clean their hands with a disinfectant liquid that has been provided by the committee. After that, the residents are allowed to take food packages and go straight through the southern gate of UMY. (Ak)
