UIN Jakarta Emphasizes Nationalism and Religious Moderation Awareness at National Community Service Program in Maluku

Rectorate Building, UIN News Online – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta has added Maluku as one of the locations for its National Community Service (KKN) program. Five UIN Jakarta students from various faculties have been selected for the National KKN. The program emphasizes nationalism and religious moderation.

Ade Rina Farida M.Si, Head of the Community Service Center (PPM) at UIN Jakarta, explained that this year’s National KKN takes place in Maluku, with Pattimura University (UNPATTI) hosting the event. As one of the universities promoting the National KKN, UIN Jakarta must participate and oversee the implementation of this activity.

Ade continued, explaining that the goal of the National KKN is to provide students with broader insights so that they can engage in socialization and realize programs, especially in 3T areas (frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions). The National KKN is participated in by several universities under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), supported by various local components such as the government, police, and others.

“The implementation of this program aligns with the rector’s vision and mission set for this year and the mandate from PPM, ensuring that the university's presence is felt by communities in both the nearest and farthest regions, including 3T areas,” she said during an interview at the PPM Office on Monday (1/7/2024).

Furthermore, Ade highlighted that the National KKN emphasizes the implementation of nationalism combined with village independence. For UIN Jakarta students, it also stresses the importance of aqidah (faith) and religious moderation.

Several programs implemented include nationalism awareness programs, state defense and patriotism, tutoring, free health services, practicing clean and healthy living habits, socialization and training in developing the agriculture and fisheries sectors, as well as socializing laws on preventing sexual violence and domestic violence.

“There will be preparation from UIN Jakarta and training from a combination of related components to support the smooth implementation of this program,” she explained.

Additionally, Ade revealed that the National KKN in Maluku has a specific theme: Strengthening National Values to Realize Independent Villages in the Archipelago. The National KKN in Maluku will take place in four locations: Ambon City, Central Maluku, West Seram, and Buru.

“Students will conduct the National KKN in Maluku for 30 days, from July 22 to August 22. They will receive several facilities such as accommodation, transportation, and adequate and easily accessible health facilities,” she said.

Marwah Salsabila Azzahro, a student from the Qur'an and Tafsir Study Program who qualified for the National KKN in Maluku, revealed that she first learned about the National KKN during a general briefing for KKN participants in the campus auditorium.

Marwah explained that her main reason for being interested in this KKN was its location in Maluku, which has many beaches and iconic places like Banda Neira. The program offers an opportunity to explore an archipelago rich in tourism potential and natural resources.

"I hope to provide a great contribution by sharing all my knowledge and experience. I also hope to understand the essence of national values and practice them," she added via WhatsApp on Sunday (23/6/2024).

Additionally, Marwah plans to propose a program that emphasizes ecotourism principles. The community needs to manage tourism resources well, apply rules to preserve natural resources, and ensure active community participation in the tourism sector.

"Tourism promotion also needs to be done optimally using modern methods, such as creating content or collaborating with travel agents or related institutions," Marwah explained.

Another student, Achmad Maulana Dzaky from the International Relations Study Program, also participated in the National KKN in Maluku. His interest in the program led him to apply by completing an essay, GPA, and CV. He passed the documentation stage and then the interview selection, eventually qualifying along with four other students for this National KKN program.

"I followed the process, preparing myself and studying the vision of the host university, UNPATTI, to align with the conditions there," he explained via WhatsApp on Wednesday (26/6/2024).

Dzaky, who has a strong scouting background since elementary school, saw the similarity in nationalism values in this program. He proposed two programs: tutoring and practicing clean and healthy living habits in schools.

"My motivation is to implement my experience and knowledge to the local community, especially my experience from scouting," he added.

Dzaky also explained that there will be preparations involving discussions with PPM and meetings with other universities to develop programs suited to the needs in Maluku. "Personal preparation includes equipment, knowledge of local information, and culture," he concluded.

(Muhammad Naufal Waliyyuddin/Fauziah M./Raihan Lail)