MEDAN-USU: The Rector Prof. Dr. Runtung, SH., M. Hum, as represented by the Vice-Rector II Prof. Dr. Muhammad Fidel Ganis Siregar, Sp. OG, stated that the Student Study Service - Community Empowerment Learning (KKN-PPM) is still considered an elective course which can only be chosen by the students who have passed 100 credits.
This statement was delivered by the Vice Rector II when opening the introduction event of KKN-PPM on Friday (17/02/2017) at the Student Hall. The event was also attended by the Chairperson of LPPM represented by the Secretary Prof. Dr. Dra Irnawati Marsaulina, MS and two keynote speakers, Dr. Budi Utomo, SP.MP and dr Surya Dharma, MPH.
The introduction event lasted for two sessions, the morning session started from 09:30 to 12:00 a.m. and the afternoon session started from 02:00 to 04:30 p.m. In the afternoon session, the Rector’s speech was delivered by the Vice Rector III Drs. Mahyuddin K. M. Nasution, MIT., Ph. D.
In his speech delivered to KKN-PPM students, the Vice Rector II said that KKN is basically not new for USU because USU had once implemented this program from 1972 up to 1999. Due to some problems, KKN was finally discontinued not only at USU but also at other universities in Indonesia in 1999.
According to Vice Rector II, this year (2017) is the third year of KKN implementation and it was in line with the direction from DIKTI to all universities to put KKN into effect. “Therefore, considering the crucial importance of KKN programs for students, universities and the community, USU re-implemented KKN activities for the first time in 2015 and KKN is expected to be a compulsory subject for all USU students,” explained the Vice Rector II.
In accordance with the concept, the present KKN program has changed its name to KKN PPM. This concept, according to the Vice Rector II, is an improvement from the previous concept of KKN that is more top-down oriented and more focused on student activities only. KKN PPM focuses on bottom-up oriented activities in which students and communities work collaboratively to make changes in the society.
In addition to learning, students also conduct community empowerment to jointly build the villages. For 3 (three) years, these villages will welcome KKN-PPM student visits. And it is expected that the target villages will become better and better after 3 (three) years of service.
At the end of his speech, the Vice Rector II hopes that all the participants can enjoy the program and show their enthusiasm to make the program a success.
In the meantime, the Secretary of LPPM, Prof. Dr. Dra. Irnawati Marsaulina, MS explained that in 2017, KKN-PPM plan will be implemented in 3 (three) activity programs, they are: 1. Regular KKN-PPM will be implemented in Karo, Simalungun, Labuhan Batu Utara, Langkat and Tanjungbalai.2. National KKN in 2017 will be held in Gorontalo, and State University of Gorontalo (UNG) will serve as the host.3. Outer Island KKN which is planned to be implemented in North Nias. Previously, in 2016, USU conducted the Regular KKN in Karo, Simalungun, and Samosir, while Thematic KKN was conducted in Tanjungbalai. Outer Island KKN was conducted in North Nias, North Sumatra and Simeulue Island, Aceh Province. Meanwhile, National KKN was implemented in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands. (PR/rds)