On the morning of February 12, 2025, the atmosphere at Wira Krida Taruna Field in Kaliwiro, Wonosobo, was unlike any other day. Hundreds of students from Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto (UMP) gathered with enthusiasm and excitement. After 32 days of service through the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN), they were ready to present the results of their hard work to the public.
For more than a month, 713 UMP students from various study programs, including English Literature, immersed themselves in villages across Wonosobo. They collaborated with local residents, identified community potentials, and created innovations aimed at improving local welfare. The highlight of these efforts culminated in the KKN Expo held at Wira Krida Taruna Field, where each group showcased a variety of products and initiatives born from their collaboration with the community.
This expo was more than just a display; it served as concrete evidence of students’ dedication to community empowerment. Local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Sukoharjo, Kaliwiro, and Wadaslintang were featured, highlighting innovations developed throughout the program. One student group in Kajeksan Village, for instance, identified salak fruit as a key local commodity and successfully transformed it into value-added products.
English Literature students played an important role in the program as well. They contributed by teaching English to local children, opening a window to the world for Wonosobo’s younger generation. Additionally, they assisted in promoting local products through social media, helping expand the market reach of local MSMEs.
Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto, recognized as one of the leading universities in Purwokerto with an “Excellent” accreditation, continues to demonstrate its commitment to community service. Guided by its motto “Excellent, Modern, Islamic”, UMP equips students with knowledge and values relevant to addressing contemporary challenges.
The 2025 KKN Expo was also enlivened by a Dolalak dance performance by students from a vocational school in Wonosobo, adding cultural vibrancy and attracting public attention.
This program not only provided invaluable experiences for students but also had a positive impact on the Wonosobo community. The collaboration between students and local residents fostered innovative solutions to local challenges, proving that synergy between academia and the community can drive meaningful change.
As the 2025 KKN concluded, UMP students returned to campus carrying stories and experiences that will shape them into resilient and socially conscious individuals. Meanwhile, the Wonosobo community continues to benefit from the initiatives introduced, with hopes that such collaborations will endure in the future.