UNAIR NEWS – Universities play a pivotal role in driving community development, making their involvement in societal progress essential. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) advances this mission through the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), a platform that connects UNAIR with universities worldwide to collaborate on community empowerment initiatives.

Founding, vision, and mission

Established in 2018 by a coalition of 17 universities across different countries, WUACD is committed to enhancing the quality of community service while expanding its reach on a global scale. Among its member institutions are Pukyong National University (South Korea), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Griffith University (Australia).

WUACD aspires to be a leading institution in community service, applying science, technology, and the humanities to benefit both Indonesia and the global community. Its mission is to translate academic expertise into meaningful community development efforts, both locally and internationally. Additionally, WUACD fosters partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide to drive sustainable social progress.

Engaging programs

WUACD offers a range of programs designed for UNAIR’s academic community, including the International Learning with Community (BBK) Program. This initiative allows students to participate in community service projects abroad in countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. In addition to providing a multicultural experience, the program is academically equivalent to the KKN BBK (Community Service Program), enabling students to earn course credit.

The organization also facilitates community service opportunities for international students in Indonesia through the International Student Mobility Program. A notable example is the collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UTM) and UNAIR’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA).

In 2024, this partnership successfully launched a community development initiative in Banyuwangi, where UTM students gained firsthand experience with traditional jamu (herbal medicine) and local coffee production. They also contributed to marine conservation efforts, focusing on coral reef restoration and the protection of blacktip reef sharks. By integrating local traditions into service projects, this initiative not only deepened cultural understanding but also reinforced environmental awareness among participants.

Author: Afifah Alfina

Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin