Empowering Rural Communities: LLDikti III’s “Smart Village” Initiative in Kampus Merdeka Program

On August 20, 2024, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, through the Higher Education Service Institution Region III (LLDikti III), organized a virtual event titled “Smart Village” as part of the Kampus Merdeka Community Service Program. This initiative aligns with the mission to enhance the implementation of the tridharma of higher education, encouraging the practical application of research outcomes within communities, and fostering collaboration between institutions. The event was attended by representatives from universities and colleges under LLDikti III’s supervision.

The agenda of the event included a socialization session on the Kampus Merdeka Community Service Program, followed by a discussion on the registration process for the program. The event commenced with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Toni Toharudin, S.Si., M.Sc., the Head of LLDikti III, who emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration in advancing the goals of higher education. The keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Juneman Abraham, S.Psi., Vice Rector of Research and Technology Transfer at BINUS University, further elaborated on the program’s objectives and the potential impact of the Smart Village initiative.

The Smart Village program is designed to involve faculty members and students in empowering rural communities through the sustainable use of technology. By leveraging academic resources and research, the program aims to foster socio-economic development in villages, creating a collaborative ecosystem that bridges the gap between academia and society. The initiative is expected to be a significant step toward achieving the goals of Kampus Merdeka, promoting the role of higher education in societal development.

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