Real Work Lectures (KKN PPM-UGM) continue to open the door for students to contribute to society in various corners of Indonesia. One of the inspiring stories came from Karta, a 2020 Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program student who underwent KKN in Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency, West Java. Karta chose Pangalengan as a KKN location because of its natural beauty, tourism potential, and abundant natural resources. Determined to have a positive impact on the local community, Karta joined the 2023 UGM Wayang Windu KKN-PPM Team.
The team raised the theme “Development of the Geothermal-Based Tourism and Natural Resources Sector through Community Empowerment to Improve Social Welfare in Sukamanah Village and Sukaluyu Village, Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency, West Java Province.” By focusing on geothermal potential and community empowerment, they hope to improve the area’s prosperity. Through a collaborative effort with the Enhance Project and the KKN Team from ITB, Karta and his team were able to implement several impactful KKN programs. Their initiatives ranged from strategic planning for agro-tourism areas to providing essential facilities for the Pangalengan Geotourism Festival 6.0. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the effectiveness of their work but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Challenges are inevitable during KKN, including adapting to cold temperatures and communicating using Sundanese. However, Karta and his team overcame it with enthusiasm and determination to provide the best for the local community.
For Karta, KKN was not just an academic assignment, but a transformative journey of service. This experience not only broadened his knowledge and skills, but also instilled in him the values of patience, hard work, and compassion. His efforts, along with his team, have left a lasting impact on the local community, demonstrating the true value of community service.
Through Karta’s story, we can see how students can become agents of change in advancing the region and positively impacting society. This kind of enthusiasm and dedication will continue to inspire the younger generation to contribute to the development of the nation and state.