Unsri Sends Off 587 Students for the 97th Cohort of the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN)

Sriwijaya University (Unsri) has deployed 587 of its students to participate in the 97th Thematic Community Service Program (KKN) Thematic Program, spread across three regencies: Lahat, Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), and Muara Enim (ME). The Thematic KKN, themed “Improving the Welfare of Rural Communities, Enhancing the Quality of Education and Skills of the Younger Generation, and Developing Tourism Potential in Lahat, OKI, and Muara Enim Regencies,” will take place from December 5 to January 13, 2023. This Thematic Community Service Program was officially launched by the Rector of Unsri, Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Anis Saggaff, MSCE, IPU, ASEAN Eng., at the courtyard of Graha Sriwijaya, Unsri, Bukit Besar, Palembang.

In his remarks, the Rector emphasized that KKN represents the culmination of a student’s education prior to writing their thesis. While KKN is currently an elective course, the Rector stated that if given the choice, he would make it mandatory, as he believes it is a deeply rewarding academic experience filled with cherished memories. “In my day, KKN was mandatory, but in the 1990s it became an elective course; however, many universities have now reinstated it as a mandatory requirement. You students are very fortunate; make the most of this KKN opportunity. Interact with the local community and the village head there, help them with whatever they need, and contribute as much as you can.”

On that occasion, the Rector also urged the students to uphold ethics and moral values and to maintain the good reputation of Unsri while carrying out the KKN. “Have a safe journey, enjoy your KKN experience, and make the most of life in the village—treat it as your own home. Learn from our village communities, and may everything go smoothly.”

Meanwhile, the Head of the Unsri Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M), Samsuryadi, S.Si., M.Kom., Ph.D. noted that this Thematic KKN is the 97th cohort, consisting of 587 Unsri students from four faculties: the Faculty of Agriculture (FP), the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA). “The participants are students from the four faculties, with the following numbers: 76 from the Faculty of Education and Educational Sciences (FKIP), 3 from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), 26 from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), and 482 from the Faculty of Agriculture. Meanwhile, 23 field supervisors were deployed. All students and field supervisors (DPL) have already received the COVID-19 vaccine,” he said.

Samsuryadi stated that Unsri used 19 buses to transport the students. Four buses were assigned to Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, four to Muara Enim, and 11 to Lahat. “The students’ departure will take place in phases: Phase I on December 5 and Phase II the following day, December 6, 2022. The pickup of students participating in the Thematic Community Service Program is scheduled for January 13, 2023.”