The Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat – KKN-PPM) in West Rote District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) continues.
For the second period of 2025, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has again deployed 29 students from various disciplines to conduct community service on one of Indonesia’s southernmost islands.
Secretary of Rote Ndao Regency, Jonas M. Selly, appreciated Universitas Gadjah Mada for choosing Rote Island as the KKN location.
He conveyed this when receiving the arrival of UGM KKN-PPM students at the Rote Ndao Regency Government Office.
Selly strongly hopes that UGM students can do many things to support the development of Rote Island.
“Now, fellow students truly embody the Indonesian spirit, because you are on Indonesia’s southernmost island bordering Australia,” Selly said jokingly.
In the activity taking place from Jun. 20 to Aug. 8, 2025, the UGM KKN-PPM Program carries the theme Sustainable Innovation Based on Technology with Economic, Cultural, Health, and Human Resources Capacity Building Approaches.
On this occasion, Selly discussed “otak Rote” (Rote brain), a local wisdom in solving problems beyond the capabilities of the left and right brain.
“Hopefully, all UGM KKN programs can run smoothly and provide direct benefits to the Rote community,” Selly revealed.
Dr. Heri Santoso, as the UGM Field Supervising Lecturer, explained that selecting Rote Ndao as the service location holds strong historical significance.
This location, he mentioned, is the birthplace of Professor Herman Yohannes, who is recorded as UGM’s second Rector.
“We want to continue the legacy of UGM’s Student Mobilization Program (PTM), which took place in the 1950s. In NTT, this program has produced many national figures,” Dr. Santoso explained at the UGM Campus on Tuesday (Jun. 24).
Muhammad Ridwan, as the Unit Coordinator, added that the community service by UGM students through the KKN-PPM Program will last approximately 50 days.
The UGM KKN-PPM team has prepared around 150 work programs. Some programs have been designed to be executed collaboratively with various parties.
These include the local government, Kagama NTT, Kagama Rote Ndao Regency, and several strategic partners.
“We will work together with the communities of Nemberala village and Bo’a village to present technology-based innovations, environmental education, community economic empowerment, and human resource capacity building through education, skills training, and health,” Ridwan stated.
Ridwan mentioned that the featured programs to be implemented by students include regional potential mapping using digital technology, disaster mitigation, and health education, such as stunting prevention and first aid training.
Also included is economic empowerment through digital marketing for MSMEs. UGM KKN-PPM students also plan to conduct various art and cultural activities to strengthen local identity.
He expressed gratitude for the full support of the Rote Ndao Regency Government, Kagama NTT, Kagama Rote Ndao Regency, and several sponsors for the KKN activities.
It is hoped that the implementation of the UGM KKN-PPM program will have a positive impact on the community in Rote Island.
“Like previous KKNs, this UGM KKN is expected to leave behind works and benefits for the community that are sustainable for the next period,” Ridwan revealed.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs: campa tour and IG@thetouristisland