Strengthening Synergy and Broadening Social Impact: UMKT Initiates Partnership in Community Service with UNNES

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda – On December 8, 2025, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) hosted a visiting delegation from Semarang State University (UNNES) to initiate cooperation on a Community Partnership Service (KKN Kemitraan) program.

The meeting was attended by key UMKT officials, including the Director of the Office of International Affairs, the Head of the Community Service and Research Bureau (LPPM), and the Head of the Community Services Section. They were joined by the academic team from Pusbang KKN UNNES (UNNES’s Community Services Development Center). The UNNES delegation comprised Beni, Anam, and Amidi, while UMKT’s Community Services delegates were represented by Paula Mariana (Head of LPPM) and Lisa Wahidatul (Head of the Community Services Section). Both groups presented their respective Community Service systems, detailing the structure, regulations, and operational challenges encountered during program implementation.

Anita Shalehah, the Director of Cooperation and International Relations Office at UMKT, explained that the collaboration between UNNES and UMKT was initially proposed by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), which sought to diversify its models of community outreach.

“Currently, our Community Service programs at FKIP are primarily focused on teaching in schools. By cooperating with UNNES, we anticipate innovating new pathways for community services, including the strengthening of our International Community Service initiatives,” Anita stated during her presentation.

Anita added that while UMKT and UNNES have not yet signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), she expects this initial event will lead to structured follow-up actions in the future, including the formal MoU signing and program development.

“Furthermore, UMKT already manages its own international community service projects, organized by the International Relations Office, so we hope both UNNES and UMKT can pursue internationalization goals together,” Anita added.

During the same opportunity, Paula Mariana emphasized the unique context of East Kalimantan, noting that the province has many regions categorized as Frontier, Remote, and Underdeveloped (3T regions), which present significant potential locations for community service activities.

Amidi, representing UNNES, explained that UMKT was specifically chosen to gain insight into Community Service practices in Kalimantan, particularly in the vicinity of the new Nusantara Capital City (IKN). He also noted that UNNES is actively exploring new locations to expand its community service footprint.

“This meeting serves as the essential first step for mutual understanding and exploring concrete collaboration opportunities,” Amidi concluded.

The event concluded with a comprehensive discussion session, followed by the formulation of follow-up plans and identifying opportunities for joint program implementation in the future. Through this cooperation, both UMKT and UNNES aspire to develop sustainable community service partnerships, both locally and internationally.

Author: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy

Photographer: Raihana Adhwa