Six student programs at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) have successfully secured grants from the Holistic Village Development and Empowerment Program (PHP2D). The program is organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.
PHP2D is a community development and empowerment activity carried out by students through student activity units (UKM) and/or student executive bodies. Students implementing PHP2D are expected to foster a sense of care and contribute to village communities, so as to build partner villages (desa binaan) that are active, self-reliant, entrepreneurial and prosperous.
In an interview on Friday (23 July), the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. drg. A. Arsunan Arsin, M.Kes., said that the pandemic had not dampened students’ enthusiasm for a wide range of positive activities, particularly taking part in the various Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) programs.
“I salute the students who keep taking the initiative to sign up for the various program opportunities on campus. They contribute through community service and research and, most importantly, are able to realize their potential in line with the knowledge they gain through these programs,” Prof. Arsunan explained.
To optimize improvements in the implementation of student affairs programs, an approach that creates synergy is essential, namely by spurring student achievement, developing future leaders and maintaining a conducive, stable campus environment.
Prof. Arsunan added that, through this program, students who have successfully continued their programs can share their experience and knowledge with other students, which can then serve as a reference for developing research and innovation.
“We hope the students can use this funding in line with the needs of the programs they are running. That way, as they are carried out, the programs can contribute to regional development,” said Prof. Arsunan.
The following are the titles of the six programs that received 2021 PHP2D grants, with total funding of IDR 201,800,000:
1. Mataran Berdaya: Innovation and Diversification of Dangke as a Leading Local Food Based on Upstream-to-Downstream Creative Economy Development in Mataran Urban Village, Anggeraja District, Enrekang Regency.
2. Alleviating Poverty among Salt Farmers by Upgrading Smallholder Salt into Industrial Salt with Portable Hydroextraction in Arungkeke Village, Jeneponto Regency.
3. Developing a Trigona Bee Thematic Village as a Community Empowerment Effort in Rompegading Village, Maros Regency.
4. Using Solar-Powered Irrigation Technology to Increase the Agricultural Productivity of the Community of Belabori Village, Parangloe District, Gowa Regency.
5. Creative Industry-Based Optimization of Lipa Bira as an Effort to Boost the Economy and Local Wisdom of the Distinctive Weaving Craft of Bira Village, Bulukumba Regency.
6. Profesor (Porang Agroforestri Production Center): Creative Use of Porang to Increase the Productivity of the Setia Hingga Akhir Porang Farmer Group in Borisallo Village, Parangloe District, Gowa Regency. (*/dhs)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.