Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Independence Day of Republic of Indonesia (RI), a lot of Indonesian conducted various activities. One of them is team 90 thematic KKN (Community Service) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), in Dengok, Tanjungharjo, Nanggualan, Kulonprogo.
The team commemorated the Independence Day with the community by undertaking several activities like competition for children, national awareness seminar delivered by a lecturer of Governmental Studies of UMY Dr. Inu Kencana Syafiie, M.Si., Malam Tirakatan (praying together), and art performance as the closing. The events were carried out on 16-18 August and by collaboration with several boards of Dengok such as LPDM (Village Community Empowerment Board) and RISMA (Muslim Youth Organization).
The seminar was held on Sunday (16/8). Dr. Inu Kencana Syafii, M.Si.stated that we need to concern with the condition of Indonesian youth that do not reflect youth loving their county. One of the factors is the influence of the rapid development of western culture in Indonesia. “It is sad if I notice the condition of Indonesian youth nowadays. A lot of issues in Indonesia engaged on youth. One of the issues is the use of drug. The other is that they are more enthusiastic to learn western culture than their home culture,” he conveyed.
Inu inserted that this Independence Day is a right moment for Indonesian people and government to reflect and foster Indonesia to be prosperous. “Celebrating this Independence Day, it is essential for Indonesia development as the way of raising awareness and motivating the youth to love Indonesia. Culture, mutual cooperation, and tolerance among religions should be maintained,” he added.
Herdian Alhusnan, chief of the team KKN 90 and a student of Accounting of UMY, said that the events aimed at filling responsibility as university students and actualizing one of the Three Principles of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), namely community service. “Essentially, the events are an additional program of my team, yet it also pointed at inviting Dengok people to reflect the Independence Day of Indonesia,” he informed.
Herdian inserted, “Carnival of Dengok represents Tanjungharjo District so that we involved to participate and assist them. Besides, there will be several art performances of Dengok such as Karawitan and Jatilan,” he added.
Moreover, Head of LDM of Dengok Drs. Pujo expressed that KKN team 90 are helpful. “We perceived assisted by KKN UMY. The events aimed at reflecting the Independence Day and acquainting Indonesia culture such as Karawitan and Jatilan that most of Indonesia people do not care of their own culture,” he told.
