Semarang, UNDIP (February 12) – Students from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) participating in the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN)Team I for the 2024/2025 Academic Year held an Innovation Exhibition in Surakarta City. The event, themed “Kutha Sala Mawa Karya: Nggelar Potensi lan Ngangkat Inovasi ing Bidang Pendidikan, Seni, lan Budaya” took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Jebres Sub-District Hall, Surakarta.
The exhibition was attended by several distinguished guests, including Director of Student Affairs and Alumni, Edy Surahmad, S.Pd., M.Si.; Secretary of the UNDIP Community Service Center (P2KKN), Satriyo Adhy, S.Si., M.T.; Representative from the Surakarta Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), Dr. Ghulam Fathul Amri, S.H., S.ST., M.E., M.E.Sy., M.M., M.Kn., M.T.; Jebres Sub-District Head, Drs. Samsu Tri Wahyudi, M.Si., along with representatives from local government agencies, law enforcement, and university faculty members.
In his opening speech, Edy Surahmad, UNDIP Director of Student Affairs and Alumni, emphasized that the community service program allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations. “On behalf of UNDIP leadership, I would like to express our gratitude and apologize for any unintended behavior from our students. The departure of community service students will take place on February 16, 2025. The students should be proud to contribute to Surakarta, a city rich in cultural values and structured regulations. The knowledge you have learned on campus can be implemented here,” he stated.
He further highlighted that the community service program has brought various innovative projects and initiatives to different areas, aiming to assist communities in progressing towards a better future. “Change does not happen overnight, but gradually. In Surakarta, you have already made a positive impact, which the community can build upon. Likewise, you can also learn valuable lessons from the people here,” he added.
Representing Jebres Sub-District, Mei Andrianto expressed his appreciation for the students’ contributions. “We, from Jebres and Pasar Kliwon sub-districts, highly appreciate UNDIP for organizing the Community Service Team I 2024/2025 program. We have directly felt the benefits, especially in Sewu Village, where students have provided community assistance. We hope this initiative continues and expands in the future,” he stated.
Mei also emphasized the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and the evolving job market, urging students to develop specialized skills to remain competitive. “The economy is slowing, and the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. No company is immune to rapid changes. Students must be adaptable and acquire specialized skills to stay relevant,” he advised.
With artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics increasingly automating various jobs, Mei reassured that technology should not be seen as a threat but rather as a tool to enhance efficiency. “Companies now demand efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, students must hone their expertise to face future challenges,” he concluded.
Speaking on behalf of BRIDA Surakarta, Dr. Ghulam Fathul Amri emphasized the importance of intelligence, creativity, and social awareness in overcoming future challenges. “As students, you are expected not only to be intelligent but also to be creative and socially responsible. Stay motivated to be good, creative, and compassionate individuals, as this is crucial for realizing Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045,” he encouraged.
“Through the spirit of Prince Diponegoro, community service should serve as a gateway for students to understand the true condition of society, enabling them to develop impactful innovations and flagship programs,” Ghulam added.
The Head of the community service Team I at the Surakarta exhibition event, Jessica Caesya Agustin, reported that 210 students were deployed across 21 villages in Jebres subdistrict (11 villages) and Pasar Kliwon (10 villages).
“We hope that the innovative programs and projects presented are not just formalities but genuine contributions that benefit the community. For future community service teams, we encourage them to continue and enhance these programs for the betterment of Surakarta City and the Republic of Indonesia,” Jessica stated.
The event concluded with presentations of key programs from each village, followed by an exhibition showcasing the flagship initiatives from all 21 villages at designated booths.
