A total of 311 KKN PPM field supervisors and 38 regional coordinators participated in a meeting with the UGM Rector and the academic leadership on Thursday (Jan. 18) at the UGM Balairung.
The meeting allowed the UGM Rector to gather input from the field supervisors who accompanied approximately 8,541 KKN PPM students throughout 2023.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized that KKN (Community Service Program) remains one of UGM’s flagship programs. This program has been implemented by UGM for over 50 years, providing students with skills and experiences before graduation.
“All alumni who graduate from UGM certainly have experienced KKN. This program has been running for more than 50 years. The experience of participating in KKN plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ character development, enabling them to surmount challenges they encounter in the field,” said the rector.
Through KKN, the rector explained, students are expected to interact and communicate with communities they have never known. Successfully forging robust bonds with stakeholders and community members is a testament to students’ achievements.
“In KKN, whether we like it or not, we try to interact with communities we don’t know, and eventually, relationships are formed. Thus, it becomes an asset and an experience they cannot find in the classroom,” she said.
Addressing the hundreds of field supervisors, the rector expressed appreciation for their contributions and collaboration in promoting the sustainability of the KKN PPM to enhance its quality and accessibility.
“What you all are doing is extraordinary. When I meet domestic and international university leaders, I realize not all campuses can do what we have consistently and continuously done. What you have done is enjoyed by all parts of Indonesian society,” she said.
The UGM Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamadjie, reported that in 2023, 311 field supervisors and 38 regional coordinators supervised approximately 8,541 students across 105 regencies and 123 districts.
“We also collaborated with 24 public and private universities and partnered with 36 state-owned and private companies,” he said.
One supervisor of the Banggai Islands unit in Central Sulawesi, Dr. Hendrie Adji Kusworo, stated that KKN activities go beyond just implementing a service program for a lecturer and student.
It becomes a source of pride when the service activities can leave a positive impression and benefit the community.
Dr. Kusworo gave an example of how the participation of students in KKN PPM has often generated inspiration and new business ideas for students by establishing startups aimed at improving the local economy.
“I hope that UGM can give funding support for community-based startups in the future,” he said.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto