A total of 1,026 students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) have been deployed across Indonesia to carry out community service programs.
These students, organized into 42 units, are stationed in 17 provinces, including Yogyakarta, Bali, West Java, Central Java, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan, West Papua, Southeast Sulawesi, and Bengkulu.
The program spans approximately 50 days and aims to empower communities through various initiatives.
The symbolic deployment ceremony took place at the Joglo Hall of the UGM Center for Innovation and Creativity (GIK UGM) on Thursday, Dec. 19. The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, and UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, donned KKN caps and attributes.
Dr. Arie Sujito reported that the KKN-PPM Period 4 program involves 1,026 students in 42 units across 36 regencies, 42 districts, and 84 villages nationwide, including frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions such as Southwest Papua and Southeast Sulawesi.
“The program ensures that even the most remote areas are reached,” he stated.
Dr. Sujito encouraged students to learn from the communities they serve and prioritize their own and their team’s safety. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding against physical harm and protecting team members from sexual harassment.
“Protect your peers and uphold the good name of UGM,” he advised.
Deputy Minister Nezar Patria echoed Dr. Sujito’s sentiments, urging students to maintain self-control and foster teamwork. He described the KKN program as an opportunity to build collaborative, empathetic teams while applying their academic knowledge in real-life community settings.
“You will demonstrate to the community that what you have learned can make a tangible difference,” he said.
Patria shared his own experience of participating in KKN in Purworejo in 1994, encouraging students to carry on UGM’s legacy of dedication and service. He advised them to listen attentively to the community’s problems.
“By doing so, you will learn how to find effective solutions for the community,” he noted.
One student, Catharina, from the French Literature program at the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), expressed enthusiasm for being assigned to Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. As part of the Sorai Waisai Raja Ampat Team, Catharina aims to enhance eco-tourism through forest preservation and marine conservation.
“We hope this program will bring meaningful benefits and leave a lasting impression on the local community,” she concluded.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie