UNAIR NEWS – In line with its commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again mobilized students to engage in Community Service Program: Learning with Community (KKN-BBK). For the 6th cycle of BBK, Banyuwangi Regency was selected as one of the host locations.
On Tuesday (July 8, 2025), 371 students were officially dispatched to various villages and communities across Banyuwangi. They will be stationed in 37 villages within 15 sub-districts throughout the region.
Attending the ceremony were Prof. Dr. Soetojo, dr., Sp.U., Dean of UNAIR’s Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA), and Dr. Suyanto Waspo Tondo Wicaksono, M.Si, Head of the Banyuwangi Regional Planning Agency (BAPPEDA), both of whom delivered remarks.
Encouraging literacy and community engagement
Prof. Soetojo encouraged students to apply their academic expertise to support the locals. He noted that, in addition to existing program focuses like economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, public health, and community development, this year’s initiative includes a new focus on literacy. This literacy component is a collaborative initiative between UNAIR and Indonesia’s National Library.
“This added literacy program aims to raise awareness about the importance of reading. In addition to health, economy, and the environment, we hope this effort becomes a gateway for learning and broader knowledge acquisition,” said Prof. Soetojo.
Partnership with Banyuwangi Government
In his address, Dr. Wicaksono emphasized the importance of student contributions in addressing local challenges. He affirmed that the Banyuwangi government has continuously collaborated with UNAIR’s KKN program across multiple focus areas.
“The UNAIR KKN themes align with key issues we’re tackling, such as education and the environment. We welcome student feedback on findings during their fieldwork and look forward to recommendations UNAIR might offer,” he explained.
Dr. Wicaksono also affirmed the local government’s support for all student-led activities during their community service. He urged students to adapt quickly to real-world conditions.
Dr. Wicaksono also affirmed the local government’s support for all student-led activities during their community service. He urged students to adapt quickly to real-world conditions.
Tapping into regional potential
One of the deployment sites for the 6th BBK program is Purwoharjo, a sub-district located on the eastern tip of Java. The area features diverse geographical sectors, including forests, agriculture, and maritime zones. Ahmad Subhan, M.Si, the Purwoharjo sub-district head, expressed optimism about the students’ potential contributions.
“We hope students will bring fresh ideas that build on our region’s strengths—particularly in agriculture, which remains a key priority. We believe the knowledge and innovation they apply here will provide real benefits to our community. And we hope they feel welcomed throughout their stay,” Subhan concluded.
Author: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
