Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, Rector of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), dispatched 2,180 students to participating in the 3rd Community Service Program – Learning with Community (KKN-BBK) on Monday, Jan 8, 2024. The event took place at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), MERR-C Campus, UNAIR.
The Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari, dr, MKes, stated in her opening speech that KKN-BBK activities are an academic endeavor aimed at exploring and finding solutions, as well as serving as a learning medium. She emphasized the importance of providing students with this experience to ensure they are well-prepared and confident upon graduating from university.
Prof. Gadis said that the implementation of KKN-BBK 3 in 2024 took place in three regions of East Java: Banyuwangi Regency, Gresik Regency, and Surabaya City.
“A total of 2,180 students are participating in KKN-BBK 3. They will be deployed in 7 sub-districts and 65 villages in Banyuwangi, 4 sub-districts consisting of 91 villages in Gresik, and in Surabaya, there are 7 sub-districts and 62 urban villages,” explained Prof. Gadis.
Collaboration with OJK
Prof. Gadis further mentioned that for this KKN-BBK, a key focus is on community economic empowerment. To this end, UNAIR has collaborated with the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
“UNAIR collaborates with OJK, and students will receive guidance. We bring in speakers from OJK if students have programs related to community economic empowerment,” said Prof. Gadis.
Prof. Dr. Sukardiman Apt MS, the Director of the UNAIR Directorate of Academic Affairs, also highlighted this collaboration. Prof. Sukardiman stated that the KKN-BBK activity is a tangible expression of UNAIR’s partnership with OJK, fulfilling the terms of the agreement in organizing the Emancipated Learning Program.
OJK provides experts in financial management to enhance students’ understanding of fund management. Prof. Sukardiman further emphasized that students can play a vital role in enhancing the productive economic potential of the village community.
“OJK is prepared to provide experts who can impart knowledge on managing village expenditure funds, including how to avoid online lending traps, and more,” added Prof. Sukardiman.
Emphasizing student behavior
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak, the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, also offered guidance to the students before their dispatch. He stressed the importance of maintaining exemplary behavior in the communities, particularly in light of the upcoming general election.
“This KKN-BBK coincides with a national agenda that is quite sensitive. I urge you to steer clear of any political involvement. You are entering communities where your role should be completely detached from political activities, ” Prof. Nasih emphasized.
Prof. Nasih further emphasized the need for students to assimilate and harmonize with local communities. He highlighted the critical importance of maintaining decorum and ethical behavior.
“Do not bring disrepute to UNAIR. Avoid actions that could go viral and tarnish UNAIR’s reputation. We will decisively expel any student whose actions negatively go viral,“ he warned.
Conversely, Prof. Nasih mentioned that UNAIR will reward students who successfully showcase the university’s positive impact during the KKN-BBK 3 activities, particularly through social media platforms. He also noted that participants who generate the most significant response and impact during the program will receive special recognition and awards from UNAIR.