The atmosphere at Banyuurip State Elementary School in Gunem Subdistrict, Rembang Regency, appeared different in late January. Students participating in Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) organized an event titled Semarak Bintang Kecil as a platform for expression and for the development of potential among elementary school students.
The activity was designed as a space for expression and appreciation through a series of educational and creative competitions, including a letter-writing competition on Indonesia’s future, a drawing contest, and student talent performances. More than 100 children from various elementary schools in Banyuurip Village participated in the two-day event held on January 27–28.
The implementation of Semarak Bintang Kecil was directly supervised by the field academic supervisor (DPL) of UGM’s KKN-PPM Unit, Gumilang Gunem, Dr. Sailal Arimi. He emphasized the importance of the activity as a means of fostering children’s achievement, motivation, and self-confidence from an early age.
According to him, healthy competition can serve as a medium for character education and a space for children to express their ideas. The presence of KKN-PPM students alongside schools and the local community was seen as capable of creating a more dynamic learning ecosystem in the village.
“The hope is that high-achieving children will become even more motivated to pursue further accomplishments, while those who have not yet succeeded will remain enthusiastic about learning and competing,” said Dr. Arimi on Monday (Feb. 9).
One activity that drew particular attention was the letter-writing competition on Indonesia’s future, which was participated in by sixth-grade elementary school students. Through this competition, children were encouraged to express their hopes, criticisms, and aspirations for the nation in simple language.
According to Dr. Arimi, the collected letters demonstrated the children’s courage in voicing their views on national conditions.
“In the minds of these children, the Indonesia they envision is a developed country free from corruption, safe, with improved roads and prosperous citizens,” he explained.
Many participants also addressed environmental and humanitarian issues in their letters. Some children hope that the state would show greater concern for disaster victims, reduce illegal logging, and promote tree planting beyond oil palm cultivation.
The issue of equitable education for younger generations also appeared in several letters. This indicates that children are capable of understanding current issues around them.
“Some even wrote that the state should help disaster victims and take better care of the environment,” said Dr. Arimi.
According to Dr. Arimi, the content of the children’s letters reflects a level of social awareness that deserves appreciation. The children were not only brave enough to dream but also able to offer constructive suggestions for the nation’s future.
This serves as evidence that character education and literacy have tangible impacts when properly facilitated. The competition also opened a space for dialogue between the world of children and the social realities they observe.
Overall, the Semarak Bintang Kecil program represents a tangible form of UGM students’ contribution to supporting elementary-level education. The program instilled courage, creativity, and sportsmanship through an enjoyable approach.
The KKN-PPM students hope that similar activities can continue to be developed and replicated in other schools.
This experience also contributed to students’ social learning during their KKN-PPM period. Through this initiative, the KKN-PPM students aimed to leave a legacy of service with long-term impact on the character development of Banyuurip’s younger generation.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photographs: Gumilang Gunem Team