A total of 7,162 UGM students were deployed to conduct the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) across Indonesia. These thousands of students are divided into 261 units spread across 35 provinces.
The symbolic deployment of KKN students was marked by the pinning of KKN hats and attributes by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, along with the Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) of Indonesia, Dr. (HC) Basuki Hadimoeljono, and the Director General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nasrullah, on Friday (Jun. 28), at the UGM Balairung courtyard.
Minister Hadimoeljono advised the students to stay close to the people, apply their knowledge, and uphold UGM’s good name.
“Be close to the people; please uphold the great name and reputation of Gadjah Mada. Dedicate the knowledge you have for the people,” said the minister.
Minister Hadimoeljono said that the students are future leaders, so during their KKN, they should listen to the people’s aspirations and develop their leadership character well.
“In the era of democracy, leaders must be able to listen to the people’s aspirations. It’s excellent for leadership development, and KKN symbolizes that UGM is a people’s university,” he emphasized.
According to Minister Hadimoeljono, the students going for KKN align with the human resource development program for Indonesia’s golden era in 2045. The learning experiences gained by students while serving in the community will further strengthen their leadership abilities as future leaders for the next 20 years.
“Only 20 years left. I hope you will become leaders,” he said.
On this occasion, Minister Hadimoeljono advised KKN students to always adhere to the principles of not easily giving up, continuously trying new things, being brave, and having an artistic spirit.
“We can be strong if we are competent, so we must master the knowledge. We can be brave if we have integrity, honesty, and professionalism. Always improvise and innovate. Gadjah Mada graduates must be strong. KKN trains us to live in society,” he said.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia stated that UGM’s deploying thousands of students across 35 provinces, hundreds of regencies, and districts is a form of UGM’s inclusion in building the nation.
During the KKN, UGM students will carry out three essential tasks: mapping food issues, providing solutions for resource access to ensure food sufficiency in production and supply chain, and conducting environmental conservation activities.
“These are our response to the impacts of climate change we are experiencing now,” she said.
The rector also advised students to care for themselves, stay healthy, and collaborate during the KKN.
“You must have empathy, concern, perseverance, work ethic, and a sense of responsibility,” Rector Emilia advised.
UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Dr. Arie Sudjito reported that 7,162 students participated in KKN-PPM this time. The entire student team consisted of 261 units spread across 35 provinces in Indonesia, 124 regencies, and 229 districts.
“Including reaching 3T areas such as the Mentawai Islands and Liki Island in Sarmi Regency, Papua,” he said.
Dr. Sudjito added that the KKN students would conduct program activities from Jul. 1 to Aug. 19, guided by 261 field supervisors and 23 regional coordinators.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto