The Student Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) team of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) concluded their service in West Rote, Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara, with the Suar Rote Cultural Festival on Thursday (Aug. 7).
The event marked the end of a 50-day service period and served as an expression of appreciation to the communities of Nemberala and Bo’a, the two villages that hosted the program.
Mohammad Ridwan, Coordinator of the West Rote Unit, stated that the Suar Rote Cultural Festival was the result of collaboration between UGM students and various community and government stakeholders.
“Throughout the program, we carried out more than 145 work programs developed through dialogue with the regency, district, and village governments, Kagama in East Nusa Tenggara and Kagama in Rote, community leaders, traditional leaders, and church leaders,” Ridwan explained in an interview on Monday (Aug. 11).
Held at the Nemberala Football Field, the festival drew thousands of residents eager to enjoy a series of cultural performances. Children and youth of Rote showcased their talents through traditional dances, poetry recitals, regional songs, fashion shows, poster and photography competitions, and storytelling of local folktales.
The performances also marked the conclusion of work programs covering health, education, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tourism, livestock, agriculture, and pig vaccination initiatives.
The festival received appreciation from various parties, including the Acting Heads of Nemberala and Bo’a villages and the Secretary of West Rote District, who expressed gratitude and hope for UGM’s return in the coming years.
“We hope this program continues. We are very open to welcoming UGM students back to West Rote,” said the District Secretary.
Field supervising lecturer Dr. Heri Santoso also expressed deep appreciation for the enthusiasm of the community. He emphasized that the programs implemented by the KKN team were highly relevant and had a tangible impact on the community. In his remarks, delivered with a touch of humor, he engaged the audience with a playful question that drew lively responses.
“If the students are happy in Rote, how about we don’t let them go home?” he joked, prompting laughter from the crowd.
As the event drew to a close, Ridwan shared that the atmosphere grew more emotional. Students and residents embraced, shed tears, and danced together in a heartfelt farewell. The festival was not merely a cultural celebration but also a testament to the strong bonds forged between the university and the community.
“From the southernmost region of Indonesia, we UGM students have learned that service can be an act of love in building the nation,” Ridwan reflected.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographs: KKN-PPM West Rote Team