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UNAIR NEWS – To support the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 171 students participating in ������’s (UNAIR) Community Service Program-Learning With Community (KKN-BBK) were officially deployed to Ngawi Regency on Monday (July 13, 2026). The students, who came from various faculties, were distributed across villages in Pitu and Kasreman sub-districts.

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Dean of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), M Muttaqien, SIP MA PhD , stated that the community service program focuses on four key areas: education, economic development, environmental sustainability, and community welfare. According to him, the initial objective of the program is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of local conditions over the next month.

“The students had previously undergone intensive online and offline training, which included briefings on the regional context and the characteristics of communities in Ngawi Regency,” he said.

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Although the KKN program lasts for one month, it is designed to continue as a long-term initiative over the next three years. “This program will continue for the next three years, creating continuity in UNAIR’s village assistance program in Ngawi,” he stated.

Overview of Ngawi regional topography

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Meanwhile, the arrival of UNAIR’s academic community was warmly welcomed by Ngawi Regent Hj. Ony Anwar Harsono, S.T., M.H. She conveyed her appreciation and gratitude for UNAIR’s concern and contribution in sending its students to support development efforts in Ngawi Regency.

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Regent Harsono explained that Pitu and Kasreman sub-districts are among the areas identified as poverty-prone in Ngawi Regency due to geographical factors.

“In terms of regional topography, Ngawi Regency is divided into three areas: north, central, and south. Pitu and Kasreman are located in the northern area, along with Karanganyar, Ngawi, Bringin, and Karangjati districts,” Regent Harsono said.

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He explained that the northern region is characterized by karst limestone hills and a relatively hot climate. Although the area previously experienced frequent clean water shortages during the dry season, the situation has gradually improved through various intervention programs implemented by the local government.

“The demographic profile of communities in the northern region is largely similar. Most residents cultivate Perhutani-managed forest land through the social forestry program, growing crops such as corn, cassava, and tobacco. Because they are not irrigated-rice farmers, the standard of living and overall welfare of communities in the northern region remain relatively low,” he added.

Regional synergy and holistic development

The Ngawi Regent stated that the deployment of KKN students is highly relevant to the objectives outlined in the second phase of the Ngawi Regency Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD). According to him, after successfully achieving more than 90 percent coverage of basic public services during the first development period including education, healthcare through Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and environmentally sustainable agriculture, Ngawi is now shifting its focus toward improving the quality of its human resources.

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“In the second mission, our focus shifts toward strengthening human resources who possess strong character, good moral values, and the capacity to contribute to holistic civilization-building. Our development efforts are not limited to physical infrastructure and economic development,” Regent Harsono said.

Promoting knowledge transfer and sustainable thematic community service programs

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Through the community service program, Ony saw extensive opportunities for collaboration between UNAIR and the Ngawi Regency Government. One of these is the adoption of a knowledge-transfer approach and the development of strategies to improve the welfare of social forestry farmers. She expressed hope that students would be able to apply their knowledge in practical solutions to help reduce existing disparities within local communities.

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“Economics students, for instance, can help develop basic financial management practices or simple accounting systems for corn and tobacco farmers in Pitu and Kasreman, enabling them to manage their finances more effectively. Students from health and social science backgrounds can contribute through health education and other forms of community outreach. The insights and precise strategies provided by students in the field will be of great value to us as a local government,” he concluded.

Author: Khefti Al Mawalia