UMKT Sends Off Second Cohort for International Community Service in Southern Thailand

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda — Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT), through the Center for Research and Community Services (CRCS), hosted the Pre-Departure Orientation and Sending-Off Ceremony for the second cohort of its International Community Service program on June 8, 2026. Held at the Building G Meeting Room, the event officially prepares the student delegates for their upcoming cross-border deployment.

The ceremony was attended by the Head of CRCS, the Vice Director of the Office for Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), the Deans of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) and the Faculty of Psychology, the Head of the English Education Study Program, and field advisors.

Paula Mariana Kustiawan, Chairperson of CRCS, highlighted that this program is a cross-departmental and international collaboration involving OCIA, CRCS, the Scholarly Publication Advancement Center (SPAC), and the Al-Hidayah Waqaf Foundation for Education and Social Development of Thailand.

“This initiative involved nine students: 3 students from the English Education program, 1 student from the Psychology program, and 5 students from the Sports Education program. The cohorts are scheduled to depart on June 12 and are going to serve in Southern Thailand  for one full month,” Paula reported.

The UMKT student delegates will join peers from various other Indonesian universities and will be stationed at three schools in Southern Thailand: the Pathana Witya School of Yala, Muslimeen Suksa School of Hat Yai, and Bangul Durian School of Sabayoi.

During the address, the Dean of FKIP, Ali Saukah, reminded the students to maintain exemplary conduct throughout their service, emphasizing that they carry the reputation of both the university and Indonesian cultural values abroad. He also encouraged them to confidently showcase their professional and academic competence.

This sentiment was strongly echoed by the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, who urged the students to approach their designated projects with a high sense of responsibility, adaptability, and accountability.

The ceremony reached its peak with the students solemnly reciting the Letter of Responsibility and Commitment, followed by the ceremonial donning of the official community service identity vests.

Directly following the formal send-off, Menik Yuni Indriati, Vice Director of OCIA, led the Pre-Departure Orientation. She provided a detailed briefing on the operational timeline, cultural nuances, and logistical procedures to ensure a seamless transition for the students upon arriving in Thailand.

This flagship program underscores UMKT’s relentless commitment to broadening its students' global exposure while strengthening international ties through meaningful community empowerment. It offers an invaluable platform for students to sharpen their academic, cultural, and social skills, ultimately elevating UMKT's profile on the global stage.

Author: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy

Photo: Tio Andika