435 Unsri Students Participate in Thematic Community Service Programs in 4 Regencies

Sriwijaya University (Unsri) sent off 435 of its students to participate in the 98th Thematic Community Service Program (KKNT), which will take place across four regencies in South Sumatra Province (Prov. Sumsel): Ogan Ilir (OI), Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), Muara Enim (ME), and Lahat. This Thematic Community Service Program, themed “Students Serving Through ‘Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka’,” will take place from June 12 to July 21, 2023. The students participating in the Thematic KKN were officially sent off by Unsri’s Vice Rector for Planning and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Said, M.Sc., at the courtyard of Graha Sriwijaya, Unsri Bukit Besar, Palembang, on Monday, June 12, 2023.

In his remarks, Prof. Said stated that KKN—commonly known as the Community Service Program—is one of the activities included in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. “Internships in industry, corporate placements, or research at various companies are all part of Merdeka Belajar, and this KKN is an activity that builds villages and directly engages with the community,” he said. 

Prof. Said explained that KKN is already incorporated into the curriculum of every study program, although some programs offer it as an elective course—though it is strongly recommended—while others, such as the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Agriculture, require it as a mandatory component.

He urged students participating in the Thematic KKN to contribute to village development under the guidance of their Field Supervisors (DPL). Additionally, he emphasized the importance of adhering to and implementing the rules enforced by the university. “The Rector has long championed a university that excels and upholds noble values, so we as students must ensure that I do not later hear reports of numerous problems arising from our actions. We must uphold the proverb: ‘Wherever you set foot, honor the local customs.’ This means that if we, as people from Palembang, are assigned to Lahat, for example, we must first familiarize ourselves with the local traditions and avoid using hurtful words; thus, we must maintain good relationships and respect the customs and traditions of the KKN host community. “This KKN is not just about fulfilling the 4 SKS of the ‘Merdeka Belajar’ program—we shouldn’t just spend two months there; we should strive to make a meaningful contribution,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M) at Unsri, Samsuryadi, S.Si., M.Kom., Ph.D., noted that this Thematic Community Service Program (KKN) is the 98th cohort, with five faculties participating: the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) with 71 students, FISIP with 158 participants, FK with 85 participants, FP with 114 participants, and FMIPA with 17 participants.

“A total of 435 students are participating in the KKN, comprising 124 men and 311 women. Meanwhile, there are 17 field supervisors (DPL). To transport the students, Unsri used 18 buses. The participants all departed together on June 12, 2023, while the pickup for students in the Thematic KKN is scheduled for July 21, 2023,” said Samsuryadi. (Unsri Public Relations)