Balikpapan - Five students from Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) have completed the 2026 Joint Community Service Program (KKN) of the Kalimantan Universities Consortium (KUC)–Borneo Studies Network (BSN) after three weeks of community engagement. The student and Field Supervisor (DPL) withdrawal ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) area.

The 2026 KUC–BSN Joint KKN involved 34 students from various universities across Kalimantan. ITK was one of the participating institutions, sending five students to take part directly in the cross-university community service program.

The participation of ITK students was not only part of their learning experience beyond the classroom, but also provided an opportunity to collaborate with students from different academic backgrounds and universities. During the three-week program, the students interacted with local communities while gaining firsthand insight into the development and social dynamics surrounding Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.

Learning Together Amid the Transformation of Nusantara

The KUC–BSN Joint KKN served as a platform for students to apply knowledge gained at university within real community settings. Through a collaborative approach, students were encouraged to adapt, work in cross-university teams, identify community needs, and contribute through activities relevant to local conditions.

For ITK students, the program was in line with the university’s commitment to providing education that extends beyond classroom learning. Direct engagement with communities enabled students to strengthen their communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and social awareness.

Their experience in the Nusantara area also provided a broader perspective on the development of Indonesia’s new capital. Students were able to see that development involves more than physical infrastructure; it also requires community participation, human resource development, education, and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

ITK Strengthens Collaboration Among Universities in Kalimantan

ITK was also represented at the closing and withdrawal ceremony by institutional representatives, including ITK Rector Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., representatives of the university’s community service unit, the KKN coordinator, and ITK’s Public Relations team.

The event was also attended by representatives from Universitas Balikpapan, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Samarinda, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Universitas Borneo Tarakan, Universitas Kutai Kartanegara, Universitas Mulawarman, and LLDIKTI Region XI.

Bringing together universities through a single community service program reflects efforts to strengthen higher education networks across Kalimantan. The collaboration enabled students not only to learn from communities, but also to exchange experiences, ideas, and perspectives with fellow students from other universities.

The withdrawal ceremony also featured reflections and messages from student and DPL representatives, representatives of OIKN work units, as well as university leaders and other stakeholders in attendance.

Community Service Does Not End with KKN

The conclusion of the 2026 KUC–BSN Joint KKN marked the end of the students’ field activities, but the experiences and lessons gained throughout the program are expected to continue shaping their academic and personal development.

For ITK, participation in cross-university programs such as this is an important part of preparing graduates who possess not only academic competence, but also the ability to collaborate, understand real community challenges, and contribute solutions based on their respective fields of expertise.

Through the participation of five students in the 2026 KUC–BSN Joint KKN, ITK continues to promote the spirit of an impactful university, bringing students closer to communities and to the development of Kalimantan. From the classroom to the field of community service, this experience represents another step in preparing a generation ready to contribute to the future of Nusantara.

SPECTA! For the Creator and Bumi Etam!