UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has mobilized 2,961 of its students across six regions in Indonesia and international locations as part of the 5th Community Service program – Learning with Community (KKN-BBK) program. The send-off ceremony took place on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC) on UNAIR’s MEER-C campus.
The participants are divided into three categories. A total of 2,510 students are engaged in the Regular KKN-BBK, which spans six regions in East Java: Surabaya, Mojokerto, Gresik, Lamongan, Madiun, and Banyuwangi. Meanwhile, 441 students are participating in the KKN-BBK Equivalent program, and 10 students are part of the International KKN-BBK, stationed in Australia.
UNAIR Rector, Prof Dr Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak send the KKN-BBK students off on Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at Airlangga Convention Center (Photo: PKIP UNAIR)
Focusing on community impact
UNAIR Rector, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, SE., MT., Ak., emphasized that the BBK initiative aligns closely with the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. He highlighted the enduring importance of BBK, describing it as a meaningful and impactful initiative that benefits both students and communities. He encouraged students to remain adaptable and maximize their contributions through continuous learning and community engagement. “Our presence must leave a tangible impact on the community. Learn anywhere, anytime, and from anyone. We fully support activities that provide concrete benefits to society. BBK embodies the principle of learning with the community and reinforces the idea that learning is limitless,” Prof. Nasih stated.
He also introduced two additional focus areas for this year’s BBK program. The first involves identifying cases of extreme infant malnutrition and severe poverty, with a follow-up by specialized intervention teams. The second area focuses on strengthening food security within local communities.
“This year’s BBK program emphasizes specific projects to ensure optimal and measurable results. We aim for local communities to feel genuinely supported and positively impacted by the program. This is how BBK creates meaningful change,” he added.
The rector further encouraged students to uphold UNAIR’s reputation throughout the program. “The good name UNAIR has earned is the result of collective effort. Let’s maintain this achievement. Our mission is to contribute meaningfully to tackling poverty in Indonesia and demonstrate that UNAIR is credible and impactful. Best of luck in your endeavors and contributions to society,” he concluded.
Bridging academic knowledge with community needs
The Head of UNAIR’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari, dr., M.Kes., highlighted the KKN-BBK program as a platform for students to apply their academic expertise in addressing real-world challenges. She hoped that the initiative would support communities in finding practical solutions to their issues.
Prof. Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari, dr., M.Kes., during send-off ceremony of 5th KKN-BBK (Photo: PKIP UNAIR)
“This BBK program provides students with an opportunity to implement and deliver their academic knowledge to assist communities. We hope this effort will result in meaningful, concrete solutions for those in need,” Prof. Sari explained.
She encouraged collaboration within and across student groups, as well as with the local community. The program will focus on four key areas: education, health, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
“Priority topics include addressing stunting in health, promoting green products for environmental sustainability, and engaging in creative writing and video production to document community news. The program begins on January 7, and I urge all students to uphold UNAIR’s reputation while working responsibly. May everyone remain healthy and successful throughout the program,” she concluded.
Author: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
