Mataram, University of Mataram – The Manager of the Community Service Programme (KKN) for Village Community Empowerment (PMD) of the Research and Community Service Institute of the University of Mataram (LPPM Unram) held a review of proposals for the implementation of KKN-PMD in 2024 which took place online through the Zoom Meeting Application on 25 June 2024.

 

On this occasion, the Head of LPPM Unram, Prof. Dr. Ir Sukartono, M.Agr. accompanied by the Head of Service Centre (KKN) and Cooperation, Dr. Ir. Misbahuddin, ST., MT., IPU. and 1,287 students accommodated in 131 groups to engage in service on Lombok and Sumbawa Islands.

 

In an era of environmental uncertainty and climate change, it is increasingly important for countries to shift to cleaner and more sustainable economic models. One of the approaches emphasised is the concept of green and blue economy. As a concept that aims to create sustainable economic growth, reduce carbon emissions, improve social welfare, and protect the natural environment. It involves integrating policies and business practices that consider environmental and social aspects in decision-making.

 

Unram through the KKN-PMD Programme in 2024 sees this as one of the strategic steps in becoming a positive agent of change in eastern Indonesia. Through the implementation of KKN-PMD Unram in 2024, there are a number of KKN-PMD students in each district, namely: West Lombok Regency with 246 students in 25 villages; North Lombok Regency with 197 students in 20 villages; East Lombok Regency with 501 students in 51 villages; Central Lombok Regency with 220 students in 22 villages; Bima City with 76 students in 8 villages; and West Sumbawa Regency with 47 students in 5 villages.

 

The distribution of KKN-PMD students based on themes are: Tourism Village 1 group; Blue Economy 19 groups; Green Economy 6 groups; Health Independence 1 group; Advanced and Sustainable Agriculture 3 groups. Meanwhile, the distribution of KKN-PMD DPLs are: West Lombok Regency 25 DPL; North Lombok Regency 20 DPL; East Lombok Regency 51 DPL; Central Lombok Regency 22 DPL; Bima City 8 DPL; and West Sumbawa Regency 5 DPL.

 

Starting this activity Dr. Misbahuddin, in his report said that, “The Green and Blue Economic Development Framework is directed to optimise the modalities owned by Indonesia as an archipelago. Especially West Nusa Tenggara (Lombok and Sumbawa Islands) with a diversity of marine resources, and a strategic position.”

 

“This KKN proposal review activity is a form of commitment in empowering the potential of rural communities through KKN student intervention, which focuses on the quality of the programme and the resulting outcomes,” said Dr. Misbahuddin.

 

KKN is a tool that allows students to apply their theories to the real work of the community. KKN is also a concrete experience that includes education, research and community service. With the help of this community service programme, students are expected to be able to apply disciplines that are still at the theoretical level, such as direct service and assistance to the community, in addition to research that aims to further develop the knowledge that has been obtained. In addition, KKN also has the skills to overcome and solve problems in the community to learn how to build integrated human relationships in society, the main goal that will be achieved later after graduation.

 

The Head of LPPM Unram, Prof. Sukartono, emphasised that, “We hope that every KKN-PMD that takes place can give birth to new solutions. A real symbol of the realisation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education for the community. During KKN, by trying to optimise the green and blue economy potential of the local area.”

 

“This is a history, KKN-PMD collaboration with the community and local government. KKN-PMD is also a great event and momentum that becomes a medium for friendship between academics and the community,” concluded the Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture, Unram.