The Faculty of Law at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) sent off 428 students participating in the Regional Community Service Program (KKN) and 59 students participating in the International KKN Program in Malaysia. The send-off ceremony was held on Tuesday (August 11) at the UMSU campus courtyard on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The regional KKN participants will be deployed across 15 villages in Deli Serdang Regency, while the international KKN participants will carry out their programs in Penang, Malaysia. The programs will run for one month, from August 12 to 25, 2026.
The students were officially sent off by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., represented by Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni (KA), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faisal, S.H., M.Hum. He emphasized that the KKN program must create a tangible impact on the communities where students are assigned.
“The impact of KKN must be clearly felt by the community, and the program should produce tangible outcomes. Our university must continue to develop as a digital, research-based, and innovation-driven institution,” he said.
He explained that students do not need to develop large or complex programs. Simple initiatives can create significant benefits when they are aligned with the needs of the community and implemented consistently.
“Implement simple programs that create a real impact. Educate the community in simple and accessible ways. Uphold the reputation of UMSU by carrying out your KKN responsibilities properly. Do not allow people to feel that our students are taking them for granted,” he stressed.
He explained that this year’s concept of Impactful KKN is intended to ensure that student activities offer meaningful improvements compared with previous KKN programs.
“The idea behind Impactful KKN is that this program must be different from previous KKN initiatives and create a tangible impact on the community in accordance with the students’ respective fields of study,” he explained.
Earlier, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainuddin, S.H., M.H., urged all students to maintain the good reputation of their alma mater while carrying out their KKN programs in the community.
He emphasized that the success of KKN should not be measured solely by the scale or sophistication of the programs, but by the sincerity of students in providing meaningful benefits to the community.
“Let us uphold the reputation of our alma mater throughout the KKN program. What matters is not how grand or elaborate the program is, but how sincerely it is carried out. No matter how small the program, if it is conducted with sincerity and dedication, it can make a meaningful difference,” said Dr. Zainuddin.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law encouraged students to carry out all KKN activities with enthusiasm and a positive spirit. He said this was important to ensure that students could perform their responsibilities effectively while maintaining the reputation of both the faculty and the university.
“Carry out your programs with enthusiasm and joy, so that you can perform well and avoid anything that could harm the reputation of the faculty or university. We hope that all students will successfully complete their KKN programs,” he said.
Under this year’s KKN arrangement, students are not required to stay overnight at their assigned locations. They will carry out their daily activities and return home after completing their programs each day.
The policy is also part of the university’s effort to reduce the financial burden on students’ parents during the KKN period.
Meanwhile, Fuad, one of the participants in the International KKN Program, said that the program in Penang, Malaysia, would provide students with an opportunity to introduce Indonesian culture while learning about the culture of another country.
“During our time in Penang, Malaysia, we will introduce Indonesian culture, learn about local culture, and build international networks while gaining a broader understanding of how legal principles are applied in Indonesia,” he said.
The Regional and International KKN Programs are expected to broaden students’ perspectives beyond academics, while also strengthening their understanding of cultural diversity and fostering cross-border relationships.
