Real Work Lectures (KKN) has become an unforgettable journey for many students, including Happy from the Agricultural Extension and Communication Study Program class 2020. Stepping into the Nasik Strait area, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands, Happy and her team wrote an unforgettable story of service. Divided into two sub-units, Happy found her calling in Suak Gual Village, located on the seashore. Happy’s choice to undergo KKN in Belitung was none other than her desire to experience coastal marine life, which was different from what he usually encountered on the island of Java.
The theme chosen by the Happy KKN Team was ‘Improving Community Lifestyles and Optimizing Village Economic Potential in the Tourism and Maritime Sector through Human Resource Empowerment, Technology Development, and Infrastructure Development in Petaling Village and Suak Gual Village.’ This theme was the foundation for various work programs that Happy and her team implemented. These initiatives included introducing agriculture to children in a pleasant atmosphere, counseling and enhancing the Family Medicinal Plant Garden (TOGA) owned by PKK mothers in Suak Gual Village, and planting pepper as a superior project to maximize the potential of plantation land. In addition to these agricultural efforts, Happy also conducted proposal-making training at the Karang Taruna in Suak Gual Village. She optimized ecoprints to increase the selling value of local products, thereby significantly impacting the local communities.
Despite the challenges, such as the long distances to shop for necessities, Happy and her team persevered, feeling that the implementation of KKN was a success. They also gained profound insights from the local culture, such as the people’s habits of participating in various celebrations and invitations, demonstrating a strong sense of togetherness and solidarity. This transformative experience not only allowed Happy and her team to make a tangible contribution to the people of the Nasik Strait but also brought home invaluable lessons about caring, cooperation, and the rich diversity of Indonesian culture. This is a testament to the fact that KKN is not just an academic assignment but a transformative journey of service that shapes character and instills high human values.