Yogyakarta, June 19, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially launched the Community Service Program – *Kuliah Kerja Nyata-Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat* (KKN-PPM) for Period II of 2026 at Pancasila Field, UGM. The event marked the commencement of a 50-day community engagement program that will run from June 20 to August 8, 2026, across various regions of Indonesia.
The launching ceremony was attended by university leaders, faculty members, local government partners, Field Supervisors (*Dosen Pembimbing Lapangan* – DPL), Regional Coordinators (*Koordinator Wilayah* – Korwil), members of the UGM Alumni Association (KAGAMA), and strategic partners who have supported the implementation of the KKN-PPM program.
In his report on the implementation of KKN-PPM Period II of 2026, Dr. Arie Sudjito, S.Sos., M.Si., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Affairs of UGM, stated that KKN-PPM represents one of the key implementations of the university’s Tri Dharma (Three Pillars of Higher Education) and has become an integral part of UGM’s commitment to serving society.
During this period, a total of 8,178 students will be deployed to 298 locations across 274 sub-districts, 132 regencies/cities, and 32 provinces throughout Indonesia. The program will be supported by 324 Field Supervisors and Regional Coordinators, as well as 199 partners from central and local governments, private sectors, community organizations, and UGM’s alumni network.
“KKN-PPM provides students with an opportunity not only to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom, but also to understand the realities faced by communities, develop social empathy, and collaboratively create solutions to various development challenges,” he explained.
Dr. Arie Sudjito further stated that the theme of KKN-PPM Period II of 2026 is **‘Community Empowerment for Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation through UGM KKN-PPM.’** This theme is implemented through various programs focusing on strengthening food security, improving education quality and literacy, environmental and waste management, developing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creative economies, promoting community-based tourism, utilizing appropriate technology, and advancing community digitalization.
He also expressed appreciation to local governments, strategic partners, and UGM alumni who have supported the implementation of KKN-PPM through networking, communication facilitation, and mentoring in various service locations.
The deployment ceremony was officially inaugurated by UGM Rector, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D. In her remarks, the Rector congratulated all students who had been selected to participate in community service activities.
“Congratulations to all students participating in KKN-PPM Period II of 2026. The opportunity to engage directly with communities and contribute to society is an invaluable experience. Let KKN serve as a space for learning, collaboration, and creating meaningful contributions for the people of Indonesia,” she said.
The Rector emphasized that today’s development challenges require young generations who are capable of integrating academic knowledge with the needs of society. Therefore, students are expected to design adaptive and innovative programs that generate tangible impacts based on the potential and needs of their respective service areas.
Also present at the ceremony was the Deputy Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Faisol Riza, S.S., M.A., who expressed his appreciation for UGM’s long-standing commitment to maintaining strong connections between universities and communities through KKN-PPM.
“I highly appreciate UGM’s consistency in fostering relationships between universities and the people, between campuses and communities, and between campuses and regions. This is a genuine form of intellectual service, where academics engage directly with society, understand existing challenges, and help provide practical solutions,” he stated.
According to Faisol Riza, KKN-PPM plays a strategic role in strengthening development based on local potential, particularly through the advancement of Small and Medium Industries (SMIs) in various regions.
“Indonesia has more than 14,000 small and medium industrial centers spread across the country. I hope KKN students can contribute ideas, innovations, and assistance to help these centers grow, expand their networks, and become driving forces for rural industrialization,” he said.
He further encouraged students to become a bridge between academic knowledge and the practical needs of community development.
“Let KKN be both a learning experience and a platform for contribution. The future of development depends not only on the government, but also on our collective ability to provide real solutions for society,” he added.
As a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of the program, KKN attributes were officially presented to representatives of students, Field Supervisors, and Regional Coordinators. The ceremony signified the start of a 50-day journey of community service by thousands of UGM students across Indonesia.
Through the implementation of KKN-PPM Period II of 2026, UGM hopes that students will become agents of change who integrate knowledge, innovation, and collaboration to address various development challenges. Strengthening food security, empowering local economies, adapting to climate change, and improving community well-being are expected to become tangible contributions of UGM students in supporting sustainable development throughout Indonesia.
**Writer/Editor:** Dn Halimah & Sabri
**Source/Photo:** Public Relations and Media Publication Team, Directorate of Community Service (DPkM) UGM