Students from DEE FKIP UMS who participated in the Community Service Program (KKN) within Java shared their experiences during their time in the program. The KKN, conducted across various regions in Java, offered students a chance to apply their academic knowledge while engaging with local communities.
Zahidannisa, who was stationed in Purwodadi, Central Java, rated her KKN experience 9/10. She enjoyed the program greatly, thanks to the fun, unique, and supportive friends she made. Zahidannisa noted that there were no significant obstacles as the group navigated challenges together. The primary challenge was adapting to new personalities, but overall, the experience was smooth, and no significant issues were encountered. Unfortunately, Zahidannisa had limited opportunities for community activities due to residing in a more individualistic neighborhood where most residents worked in offices.
Eka Nur Sukrisna, placed in Blora, Central Java, found the KKN to be very engaging, rating it highly due to the direct interaction with the community and involvement in various local activities. During the KKN, Eka and her team participated in social activities such as distributing aid in the village, assisting with community workdays, attending routine Islamic study sessions on Sunday mornings, and teaching at a local religious education center. These activities fostered a strong connection with the local community.
Amar Ma’ruf, who was stationed in Boyolali, Central Java, described his KKN experience as exciting, rating it 8/10. Amar appreciated the new experiences, especially in the educational sector, such as implementing a duty teacher system and managing classroom environments. However, internal group dynamics posed challenges, with difficulties in discussions and differing egos among members. Budget constraints also required the group to use personal funds for some activities. Despite these challenges, Amar felt that participating in community meetings, social events, and assisting local activities helped in building a connection with the local residents.
These experiences illustrate the various challenges and learning opportunities that UMS students encountered during their KKN program in Java. The program enabled students to broaden their perspectives and enhance their skills in community engagement and adaptation.
