IPB University Explores KKN-T 2024 Locations in Gianyar Regency and Magelang Regency

IPB University conducted location exploration activities for the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN-T) in three villages, namely Kerta Village and Sidan Village in Gianyar Regency Bali and Kerta Village in Magelang Regency Central Java. The main purpose of the visit was to find out the potential of the village, determine the focus of the program to be implemented, and identify the needs of the number and study programs of students needed, including the technical implementation.

The assessment team consisting of Assistant Director and Staff of the Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) IPB University was welcomed by the Head of the Community and Village Empowerment Office (PMD), as well as the village heads of Kerta and Sidan.

Kerta village is known to have agro-tourism potential of horticultural crops with Kintamani orange as the flagship product. They conducted in-depth discussions to identify the village’s superior potential, such as the agricultural sector, tourism, and local culture. This information is very important to design KKN-T programs that can optimize village potential and support sustainable development.

In Sidan Village, the team found that the village has excellent potential in organic rice cultivation, with the Mentik Susu rice variety. Discussions with the village head and the Head of the Community and Village Empowerment Office to understand the potential and challenges faced in developing the village’s potential.

In addition, in Wringinputih Village, Magelang Regency, the IPB University exploratory team discussed the village potential developed by BUMDes. The village has tourism potential based on culture and history, given the village’s location close to Borobudur Temple.

According to Dr Supriyanto, Assistant Director of Agromaritime Services and Digital Farming DPMA IPB University, the KKN-T in Gianyar Regency and Magelang Regency is the first time it has been implemented.

“Hopefully this program will be the gateway for cooperation related to other service programs from IPB University. We try to arrange programs that can have a positive and sustainable impact on the local community,” he said.

Dr Supriyanto hopes that this exploratory activity can strengthen the synergy between IPB University and the community in Gianyar Regency and Magelang Regency, and make a real contribution to village development through the KKNT program. Thus, it is expected that students can apply the knowledge they gain in college directly in the field, while providing real benefits to the community. (*/Lp) (IAAS/Ard)