Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) has launched the MBKM Humanitarian Project which began in February 2023 and is scheduled to end in December 2023. The project is designed to implement the theories learned during the study period in a real field context, focusing on pressing humanitarian issues.

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Then Ilhamdani Soberi, a graduate of the International Relations Study Program, led the Social Energy team in this project. Ilham explained that the project provided a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge directly in a field situation.

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“The program is an integrated training tool between theory and practice, allowing students to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities,” he said.

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The Humanitarian Project led by Ilham focuses on the issue of Child Marriage in Paok Motong Village, Masbagik District, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.

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“We acted as a link and implementer of various activities to increase the community’s understanding of the negative impact of Child Marriage,” he added.

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During the implementation of the project, the team faced major challenges related to the differences in perception between them and the local community. One of the interesting facts discovered was the use of religion and culture as tools to justify the practice of Child Marriage. To overcome this challenge, the team established a Community Based Social Service that involved various parties, including religious leaders, village government, DP3AKB, Senyumpuan Community, and Lombok Research Center. Through this program, they conducted various activities such as teaching for local children, socialization, and talk shows with various figures to open up the community’s perspective.

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Ilham shared that the experience in this Humanitarian Project was very memorable. “I met various parties, learned a lot of things outside the campus, and felt various valuable experiences,” he said.

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He also realized that humanitarian issues are complex problems that require a bottom-up approach, starting with individuals and communities.

“This project is not only about overcoming social issues, but also about forming a social community that is able to provide understanding and solutions to humanitarian problems in the future,” Ilham concluded.

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The MBKM Unram Humanitarian Project program is expected to improve students’ interpersonal skills and make a positive contribution to society and their future careers.