UGM conducted a Collaborative Community Service (KKN) program on Enggano Island, North Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province, from June 23 to August 11, 2023.
This activity manifests UGM’s commitment to developing the country, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty.
The collaborative program focuses on community empowerment for local economic strengthening, public health, food resilience, and cultural preservation.
It involves the University of Bengkulu (UNIB), the Bengkulu Provincial Government, the North Bengkulu Regency Government, and the UGM Alums Family in Bengkulu.
As many as 30 UGM and 35 UNIB students joined hands to complete work programs in six Enggano District villages: Kahyapu, Kaana, Malakoni, Apoho, Meok, and Banjarsari.
Supervisor for Enggano Island, Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo, stated that development acceleration must be carried out with multi-party synergy and collaboration. Collaboration is pursued with educational institutions, local governments, the UGM Alumni Family, and the community.
“This Collaborative Community Service program boosts the community’s confidence in preserving cultural arts, local MSME products, and the abundant natural tourism potential on Enggano Island. This way, it can improve the community’s well-being positively,” he explained on Thursday (10/8).
Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah warmly welcomed the presence of UGM and UNIB students in his region.
Through the Collaborative Community Service program on Enggano Island, the development of knowledge and skills within the community can be accelerated while also highlighting local potential.
Efforts to highlight and promote various potentials on Enggano Island were realized through the Enggano Festival held on August 8 and 9, 2023.
The festival showcased authentic art and cultural performances from the Enggano community and locally processed food products from 15 MSMEs on Enggano Island.
UNIB Rector Dr. Retno Agustina Ekaputri appreciated this collaborative activity, which shows a synergy between higher education institutions and their academic communities to contribute more to development and society.
Johansen, a representative of the Enggano customary association (Pabuki), who attended the festival with five customary leaders, expressed his joy at the revival of art and culture through the Collaborative Community Service program by the students.
Enggano District Head Susanto hopes that Enggano Island, one of Indonesia’s outermost regions, becomes more widely recognized by the public, boosting the economic value of local products and natural tourism.
Speaking on behalf of the Enggano community, he hopes that the Collaborative Community Service program can return to Enggano Island in the future to continue the positive practices initiated by students during this period.
UGM’s Collaborative Community Service is a flagship community engagement model mandatory for all UGM students. Collaboration, synergy, and multi-party cooperation are the keys to the program’s success.
Author: Ika
Photo: Enggano Island team