UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta showed strong support for the launch of the Kecamatan Berdaya (Empowered District) Program in Jebres District, Surakarta. The event took place at Taman Cerdas Jebres on Wednesday (23/4/2025). Notable figures attended the event, including the Governor of Central Java, Commissioner General of Police (Ret.) Drs. Ahmad Luthfi, S.H., S.St., M.K. The Chairperson of the Central Java Family Welfare Movement (PKK) Nawal Arafah Yasin, M.Si., was present. The Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., also attended.
The program underscores UNS’s dedication to supporting strategic initiatives led by the Central Java Provincial Government. It focuses on improving community welfare.
Strengthening Community Empowerment
The Central Java Government launched the Kecamatan Berdaya Program to empower communities at the district level. The program targets vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and creative youth. Its success depends on collaboration between local governments, universities, businesses, and community organizations.
UNS Rector Prof. Hartono highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, which is at the heart of the program. He noted that the initiative aligns with UNS’s strategic values of “Together” and “Active.” This is part of the university’s commitment to the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education).
“This program focuses on improving the welfare of communities, particularly children, women, and persons with disabilities. As it aligns with our values, UNS will fully support this initiative,” Prof. Hartono said.
UNS’s Role in the Program
Prof. Hartono further explained that UNS will contribute to the program through its commitment to education, training, and community service. The university will deploy community service teams through its Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM). It will also engage students through the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN Tematik).
Nawal Arafah Yasin, M.Si., is the Chairperson of the Central Java PKK and the Coordinating Team for the Kecamatan Berdaya. She also serves as the Chairperson of Women and Child Protection House (RPPA). She stressed the collaborative nature of the program. She emphasized that it brings together resources from various sectors to build a safer, more inclusive, and empowered society.
“The Kecamatan Berdaya program unites the efforts of government institutions, universities, and businesses to empower communities. It focuses on supporting women, children, persons with disabilities, and creative youth. We hope this initiative helps reduce poverty and supports the development of Central Java,” she explained.
Facilities and Initiatives under the Kecamatan Berdaya Program
The program introduces several facilities and support initiatives, including the Zilenial Card and vocational training at Work Training Centers (BLK). It also offers content creator workshops, Santripreneur and Millennial Farmers programs, and a sports center. The program provides internet access for villages, organizes sports tournaments, and develops inclusive public spaces. The program also aims to create safe, bullying- and violence-free school environments.
Governor Luthfi’s Support for Collaboration
Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed his gratitude for the partnership between local governments and universities in the Kecamatan Berdaya program. He stated that future efforts would continue to align with ministry, university, and departmental programs.
“Kecamatan Berdaya will collaborate with ministry programs, universities, and related departments. I am grateful to the Rector of UNS. The Thematic KKN Program can be integrated into district-level activities,” Governor Luthfi said.
Inauguration of Key Initiatives
In addition to launching the program, the event inaugurated the Women and Child Protection House in Jebres. It also introduced the Zilenial Card. These initiatives aim to provide youth with better access to entrepreneurship training, sports facilities, and digital literacy resources.
UNS’s Impact on Community Empowerment
UNS aims to make a significant impact on community empowerment and the protection of vulnerable groups. The Kecamatan Berdaya Program offers a collaborative model for regional empowerment efforts. Other regions could replicate this model to support their communities. The program builds strong partnerships between universities and local governments. It addresses key societal challenges and strengthens the role of higher education in regional development. Various stakeholders support the Kecamatan Berdaya Program in Jebres to make it a model for sustainable, community-based empowerment. The program also reflects UNS’s commitment to applying its Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi in addressing critical community needs.
Humas UNS
