KKN Internasional is More Than Just a Community Engagement Program

When the plane touched down at Penang International Airport, I felt excitement and nervousness. The 2024 Community Engagement Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata Internasional), 3 – 26 July, was not just an academic obligation to fulfill the Tri Dharma of Higher Education but also an opportunity to explore life in a country that shares many similarities with my homeland while retaining its unique characteristics. Our first destination for this program was Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Upon our arrival at UUM, we were warmly welcomed by the university’s staff and students. From the moment we set foot on campus, we felt the hospitality that made us feel at home. We were greeted with various delicious Malaysian dishes, accompanied by refreshing beverages that helped ease the fatigue of our journey.

For 14 days at UUM, we engaged in a series of meaningful programs. Each day, my friends and I organized various activities based on our academic backgrounds.

One day, participants from the law faculty conducted a joint activity with Lawsoc, where they presented on the implementation of Islamic law in Aceh. This presentation not only broadened our understanding but also sparked a deep and engaging discussion among participants.

Following this, a symposium was organized by Inasis TNB Malaysian students. We performed the traditional Acehnese dance, Pukat, and introduced Acehnese culture to the UUM community, strengthening cross-cultural ties. This was one of my favorite experiences, as we also had the chance to paint murals together, which fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and further solidified the bonds between participants.

Additionally, participants from the dentistry faculty conducted a children’s dental program at a local kindergarten. This program focused on educating children about dental care, and teaching them how to maintain oral hygiene through games and interactive activities.

Meanwhile, participants from the veterinary medicine faculty contributed by introducing children to various animal shapes and sounds, followed by lessons on animal welfare. This program was both engaging and educational, particularly for children who were encountering these topics for the first time.

In the evening, participants from the medicine faculty organized a program at UUM’s orphanage, where they emphasized the importance of clean and healthy living to the residents. Concurrently, participants from the pharmacy faculty provided lessons on the proper storage of medicines and important information about medications.

On our final day at UUM, we had a special occasion that left a lasting impression on us all. The participants of this year’s Community Engagement Program showcased their talents through various performances, and the students from Inasis TNB did the same. Adding to the significance of the event, we all wore traditional Malay attire, Baju Kurung, making the experience even more memorable. The time spent at UUM truly left a deep and lasting impact on me.

Next, we moved on to the second destination of the KKN Internasional program: Kampung Padang Halban. This small village, surrounded by lush rice fields and rolling hills, offered a peaceful and serene environment, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Our primary focus here was on improving both human and animal health, addressing the specific needs of the local community. One of our key projects was organizing free health check-ups for the residents. We collaborated with local health institutions to provide essential health services and conducted educational sessions on the importance of hygiene and maintaining a clean environment. These initiatives were crucial in promoting better health practices in the community, especially since many had limited access to healthcare resources.

Interacting with the people of Kampung Padang Halban was an eye-opening and invaluable experience. Despite their simple lifestyle, the community displayed a strong sense of togetherness and cooperation. They welcomed us warmly and invited us to participate in traditional activities, such as preparing two traditional dishes, Bubur Asyura and Ketupat. We also took part in a community cleanup, working together to maintain the cleanliness of the environment.

Participating in the 2024 Community Engagement Program for one month, in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia and the Kampung Padang Halban community, was not only an academic endeavor but also a journey of personal growth. The experiences taught me about helping others and appreciating their way of life. They have inspired me to continue contributing to communities, both locally and globally.