Serving in Nangalili Village, UIN Sunan Kalijaga KKN Students Welcomed Like Own Family

Yogyakarta (UIN Sunan Kalijaga) - UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta deployed thousands of students through the Student Community Service (KKN) program, distributed across various regions in the archipelago, including coastal and mountainous areas. One of the deployment locations is Nangalili Village, South Lembor Subdistrict, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, where this program collaborates with PCNU West Manggarai to conduct community service in the village.

Nangalili (UIN Sunan Kalijaga KKN) - The handover procession of UIN Sunan Kalijaga KKN students, which took place at a resident's house in Nangalili Village on Tuesday (7/7/2026), was filled with warmth. The students' presence was greeted with high enthusiasm and friendly smiles from local residents and community leaders. A familial atmosphere was immediately felt as the residents welcomed the students with open arms to live and mingle in their homes during the service period.

The event began with remarks from the Chairman of the West Manggarai Regency PCNU, Mr. KH. Ishak Muhammad Jabi, S.P. In his speech, he expressed his hope that the students could carry out social activities together with the community by well applying the principles of religious moderation. This community service will last for 45 days in Nangalili Village, which has religious and ethnic diversity. It is noted that Nangalili Village itself is inhabited by approximately 70% Muslims and 30% non-Muslims, with three majority tribes, namely the Ende, Bima, and Manggarai tribes.

Meanwhile, the coordinator of the KKN team in their speech expressed gratitude for the reception and warm welcome from the community of Nangalili Village. They emphasized that the KKN team is committed to continuously learning to live in society, understanding the social life of the residents, and maximizing all the potential existing in the village. They also shared the motto held firmly by their team, which is "the big change we hope for starts from the small changes we strive for". In closing, they hoped to continue collaborating and working together with all elements of society to bring Nangalili Village toward a better direction.

Meanwhile, the Field Supervisory Lecturer (DPL) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga KKN, Mr. Dr. Ahmad Salehudin, S.Th.I., M.A., delivered a profound message to the students. He emphasized that the presence of KKN students is not to feel more knowledgeable or simply to lecture the villagers. "KKN students are not people from the city coming to the village to teach something to the community. Instead, students come to learn from the community, understand social ways of life, respect traditions, and absorb the local wisdom present in West Manggarai," said Mr. Ahmad Salehudin.

Furthermore, he explained that this program is designed in line with the four Asta Protas of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) and the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through active collaboration together, he hopes the students' presence can become learning partners who listen to the residents' needs. "We want to move together with the community. With this synergy, KKN is expected to be able to leave real traces of change that can continue to grow for at least the next three years," he concluded.

As the peak event and symbolic reception, the Head of Nangalili Village, Mr. Alfin Husen, delivered an official welcome to all students. In his speech, he emphasized that physical aspects such as appearance are useless without scientific knowledge and advanced technology acquired from college. Closing the series of events, he placed high hopes that these UIN Sunan Kalijaga KKN programs can build harmonious relationships with the residents, while bringing about real change for the progress of Nangalili Village toward a better direction.