EduAsiaNews, jakarta – The Rector of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm., officially sent off five students selected to participate in the 2026 BKS-PTN Barat International Community Service Program (International KKN). The send-off ceremony took place at the lobby of the UPNVJ Rectorate Building in Jakarta on Monday (20 July 2026), ahead of the students’ 32-day community engagement program in Tasikmalaya Regency and Pangandaran Regency, West Java, from 21 July to 24 August 2026.
The students’ participation reflects UPNVJ’s commitment to strengthening inter-university collaboration while expanding students’ cross-cultural community engagement experiences. Through the program, participants are expected to apply their academic knowledge to address community needs through collaborative and sustainable initiatives.
The BKS-PTN Barat International KKN brings together students from universities in Indonesia and abroad. Participants will work closely with local communities, identify regional potential, and develop multidisciplinary community empowerment programs.
The program also involves universities, local governments, communities, businesses and industries, as well as professional and community organizations. This collaborative approach aims to produce community service initiatives that address local needs while supporting sustainable regional development.
In his remarks, Prof. Anter Venus emphasized that community service embodies the same spirit as the State Defense (Bela Negara) values that define UPNVJ’s identity. He noted that students should be able to transform the knowledge gained on campus into practical solutions that create tangible benefits for society.
“Community service reflects the same spirit as the State Defense values that define UPN Veteran Jakarta. Through this program, students are expected to recognize the opportunities and potential of their assigned communities and develop solutions that provide real benefits for local residents,” he said.
He added that universities fulfill their mission not only through education and research but also by directly serving communities through impactful outreach programs.
Throughout the program, students will gain firsthand experience interacting with communities from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. This experience is expected to strengthen their social empathy, leadership, communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
The program also aims to foster awareness of State Defense within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, strengthen cross-border student networks under the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), and promote community empowerment through programs tailored to local needs.
Prof. Anter Venus encouraged the participants to uphold the university’s reputation, respect local cultures, and build open communication with communities and all stakeholders at their service locations.
“Treat this community service program as both a learning opportunity and a platform to contribute. Build strong relationships with the community, respect local traditions, and implement programs that improve people’s quality of life,” he said.
He also noted that well-designed and sincerely implemented programs could pave the way for broader future collaboration between UPNVJ, partner universities, local governments, and communities.
The five UPNVJ delegates participating in the 2026 BKS-PTN Barat International KKN are:
Addyne Aulyfah Arvrian – Bachelor of Law, Faculty of Law;
Sutyasari – Bachelor of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences;
Ameilya Az-Zahra – Bachelor of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences;
Majid Ali – Bachelor of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences; and
Zahir Khan Makakmayum – Bachelor of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business.
Through the program, students are expected not only to complete their community service activities but also to develop ideas and initiatives that can be sustained by local communities. Their ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams will also serve as valuable preparation for future global challenges.
For Prof. Anter Venus, sending these five delegates reflects UPNVJ’s commitment to realizing the vision of an Impactful Campus (Kampus Berdampak). The university’s State Defense values are demonstrated through the courage to identify societal challenges, concern for community welfare, a spirit of mutual cooperation, and the dedication to applying knowledge for the benefit of the nation and its people.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
