Langsa- A total of 61 students from Universitas Samudra (Unsam) are participating in the 2023 Collaborative Real Work Lecture (KKN), which is scheduled to take place in Pidie Jaya District. The participating students include 7 students from the Faculty of Economics, 12 students from the Faculty of Engineering, 10 students from the Faculty of Agriculture, and 32 students from the Teaching and Education Faculty.
The official departure of the students was carried out by Prof. Dr. Ir. Hamdani, M.T., IPM, the Chancellor of Universitas Samudra, in the courtyard of the Unsam Rectorate Bureau building on Thursday, (May 25, 2023).
According to the report from Dr. Asnawi, M.Pd, the Chairman of LPPM (Institute for Research and Community Service) and the Program Manager (PM) of Universitas Samudra, the 2023 Collaborative KKN (Real Work Lecture) involving public universities (PTNs) in Aceh was attended by several institutions including Syiah Kuala University (USK), UIN Ar-Raniry, Teuku Umar University (UTU), Malikussaleh University (UNIMAL), Universitas Samudra, and Indonesian Institute of Arts and Culture (ISBI) Aceh. The implementation of this program is based on the invitation letter issued by the Rector of Syiah Kuala University with reference number 1751/UN11/PM.00.01/2023 on April 12, 2023.
The Collaborative KKN Period XXIII of 2023 is scheduled to take place in Pidie District, Pidie Jaya District, and Aceh Besar District from May 26 to June 26, 2023. It is estimated that around 3,000 participants will be involved in this program.
The 61 participants from Universitas Samudra who will be taking part in the Collaborative KKN have undergone a debriefing session on May 7-8, 2023. The debriefing was conducted in a hybrid manner, with online sessions for participants from outside of Syiah Kuala University (USK) and offline sessions for participants from USK.
The Head of LPPM (Institute for Research and Community Service) and the Program Manager of Universitas Samudra emphasized that all activities related to the Collaborative KKN, including program preparation, proposal development, coaching, and participant departure, are closely monitored by LPPM. This marks the beginning of the Collaborative KKN activities, and it is hoped that all activities will proceed smoothly and in good health.
“The concept of Collaborative KKN was initially proposed by the Chancellor of Syiah Kuala University in 2022 with the aim of conducting a joint KKN program involving multiple public and private universities in Aceh. The objective is for students to immerse themselves in the village environment and collectively identify opportunities for community development,” the Chancellor stated in his opening remarks and guidance.
“It is important to understand that Collaborative KKN differs from regular KKN programs, as in Collaborative KKN, students will have the opportunity to work together with peers from other universities. Furthermore, we will also be participating in the Nusantara KKN or National KKN program, which will take place in Pontianak, Kalimantan. During this program, students will engage in KKN activities alongside their counterparts from various universities across Indonesia,” the Chancellor explained further.
“Alhamdulillah, We are grateful to have been granted a quota to participate in the Collaborative KKN in 2023, and it is heartening to see that the students willingly joined without any coercion. This year, we have 61 participants engaging in the KKN program, while last year 50 participants took part in the Collaborative KKN in Central Aceh,” the Chancellor acknowledged gratefully.
The Chancellor then advised the students, emphasizing that individuals who have received an education at the university possess unique insights that differ from those of most people in the village. The students are encouraged to be exemplary role models, sharing the knowledge and educational capital they have acquired. The Chancellor also emphasized the importance of pursuing higher education as one of the best investments for a brighter future and to drive positive changes in lifestyles, in alignment with the demands of the current times.
“Good luck on embarking on the KKN journey. Remember to uphold your good name, your parents’ reputation, and our university’s identity. Collaborate effectively, get to know one another, and maintain strong bonds based on the education we have received in college. The Collaborative Community Service Program will bring immense benefits, providing opportunities to enhance your knowledge, experience, and information through interaction with your fellow participants,” concluded the Chancellors
During the event, the Chancellor also presented the participant’s badge to the KKN student representatives, Elisa Agustin and Surya Darma. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chancellors, Deans, LPPM and PM Chairpersons, Secretaries, and staff members, as well as Heads of Bureaus, UPTs, Supervisory Units, and all participants of the 2023 Universitas Samudra Collaborative KKN. (UNSAM HUMAS).