EduAsiaNews, Malaysia – Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to extending community service initiatives to the international level through the implementation of the International Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) program. This program is part of UMM’s strategy to strengthen its academic and social contributions on the global stage. The send-off ceremony for UMM students participating in the International KKN program to Penang, Malaysia, was held on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) at Innovation Room, Field 4, UMM.
A total of four selected students were officially dispatched and scheduled to depart for Malaysia on Wednesday (January 21, 2026).
UMM’s Vice Rector IV, Muhamad Salis Yuniardi, M.Psi., Ph.D., emphasized that the International KKN is not merely a cross-border community service program but also a core part of UMM’s internationalization agenda, grounded in the principle of usefulness and societal impact.
He highlighted that students participating in the program carry a strategic role as ambassadors of the university in the global arena.
According to him, the International KKN serves as the initial step for UMM in delivering community service practices that have broad and internationally relevant impacts. Students are expected to demonstrate academic competence, social awareness, and the implementation of Muhammadiyah values in cross-cultural dynamics.
Furthermore, Salis explained that the program is conducted in collaboration with the Indonesian Community Association in Malaysia (Permai Malaysia).
This partnership was chosen due to the unique character of the Permai community. Although well-assimilated as Malaysian citizens, they maintain strong cultural and emotional ties to Indonesia, making it an ideal environment for UMM students to conduct cross-cultural community service.
Echoing this, the Chair of UMM’s Institute for Education and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Ir. Sutawi, MP., stated that the International KKN is a pioneering program initiated by LPPM to develop internationally scaled community service schemes.
The program is facilitated by the Cooperation Division under the coordination of Vice Rector IV. For the 2025–2026 period, UMM will prioritize strengthening its community service networks across the ASEAN region, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
He explained that focusing on the ASEAN region initially aims to ensure that the service models developed can be executed effectively and systematically. If the initial program succeeds and demonstrates significant impact, UMM plans to expand its service networks beyond ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Head of Community Service Division at LPPM UMM, Dr. Arina Restian, M.Pd., stated that participants in the International KKN not only engage in social activities but are also guided to produce sustainable academic outputs.
These outputs include compiling a community-based Malaysian diplomatic history book, submitting intellectual property rights for social phenomenon studies, and producing scientific publications.
Through an integrative approach that combines service, research, and publication, students are expected to transform their cross-cultural experiences into tangible academic contributions for both the university and society.
Looking ahead, UMM aims to increase the number of International KKN participants as the number of overseas partners grows.
The program is envisioned as a flagship initiative for UMM’s sustainable international community service, oriented toward delivering real-world solutions.
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