Kokoda, Mayamuk, Sorong, West Papua is a village cultivated by Council for Community Service of Central Board Muhammadiyah and Office of Education, Research, and Community Service (LP3M) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) through a community service program at 3T (the frontier, outermost, and remote) areas, namely Mahardirka Bakti Nusantara (MBN).
Division Head of Community Service of the LP3M of UMY Dr. Aris Slamet Widodo, S.P., M.Sc. stated that the MBN program has been conducted since 2016. In this 3rd year, the program focuses on social inclusion issues in order that all community elements gain equal rights regardless their background.
“The MBN program will utilize a social and education approach by establishing ‘Rumah Baca’, a library, and ‘Rumah Adat’,” mentioned Aris.
Meanwhile, Headman of Warmon Kokoda Syamsudin Namugur thanked the MBN of UMY for the establishment to be launched on 12 January. Rector of UMY Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P. and Chairman of Central Board of Muhammadiyah Haerdar Nashir will attend the inauguration. Besides, there will be groundbreaking of elementary school construction.
Syamsudin told that Kokoda people always wait for a visit of UMY students since the students share knowledge with the people.
One of the programs provided by the students is education for illiterates. The students also promote functions of village officials. Other programs are also regarding health and agriculture. “The MBN is a vanguard of the people, inspires, and gives hopes for the Papua people and immigrants to create a safe and peaceful environment,” declared Syamsudin.
