Balikpapan — The impact of higher education is not only created in classrooms, laboratories, or research projects. It is also shaped through direct engagement with communities, where students learn, contribute, and become part of meaningful change. This spirit aligns with the Impactful Higher Education and Science Initiative (Diktisaintek Berdampak), which encourages universities to develop graduates who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and committed to making a positive difference in society.

Through the Impact Trail series, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) highlights stories of students who transform their learning experiences into real contributions. One such story comes from Syakila Putri Maulida, a Digital Business student from the Class of 2022, who participated in the Community Service Program (KKN) at Pasar Bangun Reksa.

During the program, Syakila and her team conducted observations to better understand the conditions, challenges, and needs of local market vendors. They also organized community outreach activities and took part in a collaborative clean-up effort aimed at creating a cleaner, more organized, and more comfortable market environment for both traders and visitors. For Syakila, the experience provided valuable lessons that could not be fully learned in a classroom setting. Interacting directly with the community helped her realize that meaningful change often begins with simple actions, such as promoting environmental awareness and encouraging collective responsibility.

"The program was exciting and gave me many new experiences. We had the opportunity to interact directly with the community, understand real conditions on the ground, and learn how small actions can make a positive impact on the environment," she said.

More than just completing a community service project, the KKN program became an opportunity to strengthen empathy, communication skills, and adaptability. The experience demonstrated that students are not only learners but also partners who can contribute to society through their knowledge and initiatives. Syakila’s story reflects the spirit of ITK Impact, where students actively engage with communities and apply their knowledge to create meaningful contributions. Through community-based activities and service programs, students gain valuable life experiences while delivering tangible benefits to the people around them.

Through programs such as KKN, ITK continues to nurture graduates who are not only prepared for future challenges but are also committed to contributing to society. Ultimately, impactful higher education is not only about what students learn, but also about how they use that knowledge to create positive change for others.