Mataram, University of Mataram – University of Mataram (Unram) received five international students of Students Community Service (KKN) from Fukushima Medical University, Japan. The release of Unram KKN and international KKN students took place on Tuesday (19/12) at the Unram Rectorate Field.

Dr. Eka S. Prasedya as the Field Supervisor (DPL) explained that the five Japanese students joined the Unram student group in conducting KKN with the theme “Healthy Village to Overcome Malnutrition and Sanitation Problems” centered in Sengkol Village, Central Lombok for two weeks.

“Their activities will focus on teaching basic health insights or POMK (Popularization of Medical Knowledge). The POMK program aims to improve the basic health knowledge of the younger generation at the elementary and junior high school levels,” said Eka.

The lecturer of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) also hoped that international KKN activities like this could be conducted again in the next KKN periods through Unram’s cooperation with other international universities.

In addition, the Rector of Unram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. expressed his pride, “The presence of Japanese students for international KKN is a proud achievement for the entire Unram academic community. They come with the purpose of conducting community service and making KKN as a means of implementing the skills and knowledge they have.”

Prof. Bambang highlighted the importance of international service-learning in terms of accreditation, which can provide vital support in Unram’s journey towards international accreditation and excellent accreditation. In explaining his contribution, he stated, “The Tri Dharma of higher education, including teaching, research, and service, is the focus of questions in the international accreditation process. We need to have international KKN as an important step to support the achievement of superior accreditation. The existence of international KKN also indicates that Unram has been able to compete at the international level or towards World Class University status.”

The professor of the Faculty of Agriculture emphasized that the more participation in international KKN, both at domestic and overseas, will increase Unram’s reputation in the international eyes. This needs to be encouraged together as consistent support efforts.

” There should be a clear distinction between international service-learning and conventional service-learning. This must continue to be encouraged with clarity about the benefits, as well as the targets to be achieved,” he added.

The Rector of Unram expressed Unram’s full support for the international KKN program, given previous achievements such as regular cooperation with students from South Korea. In his view, the hope is for similar cooperation with other countries such as France, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, and more. This is considered an important pillar to demonstrate Unram’s international competitiveness in accordance with Unram’s vision and mission