YOGYAKARTA - Minister of Public Works, Dr. (HC) Ir. Djoko Kirmanto, Dipl.HE, provided briefing at Grha Sabha Pramana to 4215 students participating in Community Empowerment Field Practice (KKN-PPM), Tuesday (31/5). The activity was intended to provide the spirit and broaden the knowledge of students participating in KKN-PPM which will be placed in various regions in Indonesia.
One of the student tasks is implementing mentoring programs and community empowerment through the development of SMEs and regional potentials, development of infrastructure and the environment, disaster preparedness, poverty alleviation, environmental management, agriculture, national resilience and the utilization and development of alternative energy.
In his speech, Djoko Kirmanto welcomed the briefing event for students who are leaving to do field practice and work together with the community in supporting the improvement of living standards and encouraging greater community access to participate in development. "Poverty reduction cannot fully rely on economic growth, but requires policy intervention and empowerment programs," he said.
According to Djoko Kirmanto, KKN-PPM program is a form of reflection of the role of universities in contributing directly to increase prosperity and social justice of Indonesia. "As prospective graduates, this process will be an important part in the maturation of students to understand the real issues in the field and become part of the solution to problems that exist in society," the alumnus of Civil Engineering UGM said.
He added that community empowerment requires assistance of facilitators. The presence of a competent facilitator is the key to success. Therefore, facilitators need to have the ability, not only technically but also motivation and communication skills. "The facilitators of community empowerment need to obtain enough provision before working together with community," he said.
The man born in Klaten, Central Java, said that students of KKN PPM UGM have the duty as facilitators and empowering agents for the community. They have an important role to be partner and an inspiration for the people they assist He also advised students to seek information on government programs related to community empowerment. "The existence of KKN PPM student will provide additional value, for students, government, and society," he added.
Chairman of Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) UGM, Prof. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc., said the program was followed by 4215 students. They will be placed in various areas, namely Papua, West Papua, Halmahera, North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, East Sulwesi, NTT, NTB, Bali, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Bangka, Riau, Lampung, and the whole provinces on Java Island. Students will be accompanied by more than 174 Field Supervisors and 10 District Coordinators.
Vice Rector for Academic, Research, and Community Services UGM, Prof.Dr. Retno Sunarminingsih Sudibyo, M.Sc., Apt., said that KKN program is as a tangible form of UGM contribution to society, SMEs, and community groups which are independent politically, economically, and socially. "This community service has been recognized nationally and internationally, such as by the UNESCO and various universities in Europe, Asia, and Australia," she said.