04 August 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
This year's National Community Service Program (KKN Kebangsaan) serves as a platform for collaboration between students from across Indonesia. This activity strengthens national spirit, social awareness, and real contributions to society. Hopefully, participants will become agents of change who bring positive impacts to their regions and the nation. What makes this award special is not only that it was officially presented by the ministry, but also that its achievements were achieved in a nearly impossible time: one month. During that time, the host, Hasanuddin University, successfully mobilized 174 students from 99 universities to serve in the two regencies of Maros and Pangkajene Kepulauan (Pangkep)—without the luxury of a large budget, but with strong management and a broad determination.
The Secretary of Hasanuddin University, Prof. Ir. Sumbangan Baja, M.Phil., Ph.D., who accepted the award on behalf of the Unhas Rector, expressed his respect and gratitude to all KKN participants and partners. The implementation of this KKN program is a tangible demonstration of the spirit of collaboration, diversity, and student dedication to the nation. The Chairperson of the 2025 National KKN Program, Dr. Ir. Syarifuddin Mabe Parenreng, ST., MT., IPU., CSRS., CRMP., said that this activity was not just a campus assignment, but a collaborative event that left a social footprint in each village where the students served.
"They left a legacy of kindness—in the rice fields, at schools, at the village hall—where people rely on their daily hopes," Syarifuddin said in his report.
Also present at the closing ceremony were the Regent of Maros, Dr. H.A.S. Chaidir Syam, and representatives from the Pangkep Regency Government, including the Head of the Tourism Office, Dr. Jaenal Sanusi. The National Community Service Program (KKN Kebangsaan) belongs not only to the university but also to the community. Hasrullah, Secretary of the 2025 National Community Service Program Development Team, stated that in the 13-year history of the program, this was the first time a host university had received an award from the organizing ministry.
This success was due not only to the logistical arrangements, but also to the quality of the content. The 2025 Unhas National Community Service Program featured national figures such as Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa to deliver material directly to the participating students. This made the KKN program not only a field of service but also a meeting place for strategic ideas and local realities.
Throughout its journey, the 2025 National Community Service Program demonstrated a pluralistic yet united Indonesia. A total of 174 students from more than 89 universities across Indonesia, from west to east, gathered and shared their lives with village residents, presenting solutions, listening to problems, and learning about the meaning of grassroots service.
The Head of the National Community Service Program (KKN Kebangsaan), Ninuk Purnaningsih (IPB), along with Miftahush S. Haq (UGM) and Hasrullah, were also present to directly monitor the program's implementation and share positive notes on this year's achievements. For them, this is not just an academic agenda, but also a national laboratory.
This award from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is not merely a symbol of achievement, but also a beacon of hope. Amidst all limitations, collaboration can be a strength. That higher education doesn't stop in the classroom, but is truly present on the ground. And that students, if given the space and trust, can embroider the red and white in places sometimes overlooked by development.
As the final sentence echoed at the end of the event: "Service is the breath of higher education. And KKN is the most honest expression of that service."
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