YOGYAKARTA – Community service activity conducted by Universitas Gadjah Mada through Community Empowerment- Student Field Practice (KKN-PPM UGM) is now more preferred by foreign students. This year alone it is followed by hundreds of foreign students from various countries, such as Australia, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and some European and American countries. This time, several students from Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Korea, follow the KKN PPM taking place in Bantul and Gunung Kidul from August 5 to 16.
According to the plan, five students majoring in environmental engineering will follow the activity of conservation and diversification of marine utilization and development of local potential-based National Small and Medium Industries in Kemadang Village, Gunung Kidul. It will be continued with the activity of biogas utilization and processing of cow drops as an energy source in Selopamioro Village, Bantul. "They will also take part in planning the installation of water pumping and distribution in Mangunan, Dlingo, Bantul," manager of KKN PPM UGM, Dr. Irkham Widiono said in the KKN PPM activities introduction seminar to the Korean students in LPPM Conference Room, Thursday (4/7).
According to Irkham, students are interested to participate in the KKN PPM because the program is part of the concept of Education for Sustainable Development that applies multidisciplinary principle.
Irkham’s view was shared by Prof. Kwang Soo Choi. The lecturer of marine science of Gyeongsang National University (GNU) said that KKN PPM is one of learning media for students to participate in the activities of Education for Sustainable Development or better known as ESD. "The reason we chose KKN PPM is not only that it is a good place to practice but also a model for students’ involvement in ESD," he said.
He added, through KKN PPM he hoped his students would understand the culture of Indonesia and various educational activities for sustainable development conducted by UGM. Besides, it can encourage the Korean students to participate in every activity of KKN PPM. "In the future we could create an international partnership between UGM and GNU so that students can learn from each other, allowing them to adopt good ideas and activities into their own activities," he said.
Komori Takayuki (20), a Korean student from Gyongji province, admitted that it is her first time coming to Indonesia. Nevertheless, she plans to apply all the experience she gains after returning to Korea. "I will study and try to apply it later in Korea," she said. Secretary of Institute for Research and Community Service (LLPM) UGM, Dr. Wisnu Nurcahyo in his presentation said that Student Field Practice (KKN) is a form of UGM’s real contribution to society, SMEs, and community groups which are independent politically, economically, and socially. "This community service has been recognized nationally and internationally, such as from UNESCO and various universities in Europe, Asia, and Australia," he said.