UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again deployed its students to participate in community service through the Belajar Bersama Komunitas (BBK), or Learning with the Community program. Now in its sixth year, the BBK initiative includes Madiun Regency as one of its primary destinations. A total of 370 students were officially dispatched to the local community in a ceremonial event held at the Madiun Regency Hall on Monday (July 7, 2025). The students will be carrying out their service from July 7 through August 4, 2025.
Advancing science and technology
This year’s BBK is centered on the theme, “Collaborative Implementation of Knowledge and Technology for Community Impact.” Through this framework, students are expected to contribute meaningfully to Madiun Regency by applying the scientific and technological knowledge they’ve gained during their time at UNAIR.
Dr. Pratiwi Soesilawati, drg., M.Kes., who serves as the Coordinator of Community Service at UNAIR’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), extended her gratitude to the Madiun Regency Government for welcoming the students and providing them with a platform to contribute.
“We are here with 370 students and 19 field supervisors, and we will be working in four subdistricts, focusing on four core pillars: education, economy, health, and the environment,” she said.
Focus on literacy initiatives
A notable highlight of this year’s BBK is the emphasis on literacy-based programs. In a new initiative, UNAIR has partnered with the National Library of Indonesia to foster a culture of literacy among children.
“We’ve collaborated with the National Library to help instill literacy as a deeply rooted cultural value for Indonesian youth. Together with other public and private universities, UNAIR is committed to advancing this literacy program throughout BBK 6,” Soesilawati explained.
She also emphasized that the BBK program reflects UNAIR’s commitment to addressing community issues through academic and research-based solutions. Soesilawati urged students to carry out their duties with integrity and to be agents of positive change. “We hope our students uphold the values of excellence with morality throughout this community service journey,” she concluded.
Support from Madiun Government
Meanwhile, Madiun Regent H. Hari Wuryanto, S.H., M.Ak., welcomed the students warmly and highlighted the region’s potential for impactful community engagement. He pointed specifically to four targeted subdistricts—Gemarang, Saradan, Dolopo, and Wungu—as areas where students could make meaningful contributions. “One of the key missions of higher education is community service. This program offers young people the chance to learn what it means to serve,” he said.
With strong support from the Madiun Regency Government, the regent expressed hope that students would immerse themselves in village life, interact respectfully and enthusiastically with residents, and help bridge the gap between academia and rural communities.
“I hope you leave with more than memories of village life—leave with knowledge and experience that will last a lifetime,” he concluded.
Author: Yulia Rohmawati
