Jakarta, August 19, 2026 — As opportunities for technological development and the creative economy continue to expand, strengthening and broadening access to knowledge and skills has become increasingly important. By equipping communities with relevant competencies, they can strengthen their competitiveness, enhance their economic resilience, and create innovations that contribute to long-term sustainability.

As part of its commitment to strengthening literacy and empowering communities, Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA), together with 38 other higher education institutions that are part of the Creative Economy (Ekraf) Working Group, participated in the Thematic KKN program organized by LLDIKTI. The program carries the overarching theme, “Together We Build A Stronger Nation.”

As part of this Thematic KKN program, UNDIRA sent three student representatives: M. Rifqy Noviansyah from the Communication Studies Program, Roval Malzitul Faja from the Mechanical Engineering Program, and Dini Sabila from the Accounting Program. They contributed to efforts to support the development of local resources under the supervision of field supervisor Anton Kurniawan, S.P., M.M.

The program took place from July 31 to August 31, 2026, in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. During the program, the UNDIRA team, together with members of the Thematic KKN group, had the opportunity to engage directly with local residents to discuss their needs and explore the potential of the resources available within the community. Following these discussions, the team identified the development of the local MSME sector and the strengthening of agricultural products as two areas with the greatest potential for further development. 

According to field supervisor Anton Kurniawan, these initiatives were undertaken with the hope of revitalizing local businesses and MSMEs while helping them strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

The first initiative focused on strengthening the creative economy and digital marketing capabilities of the community. The UNDIRA team provided a series of digital marketing training sessions covering the use of social media and supporting software to enhance the visual appeal and marketability of products on digital marketplaces, including Canva and CapCut. The team also introduced digital payment solutions through QRIS, assisted residents in establishing active marketplace accounts, and encouraged the development of new innovative products such as Thai Tea, Beaded Balls, and Aromatherapy Candles.

Following these efforts to strengthen the creative economy and digital marketing sector, the UNDIRA team provided intensive assistance aimed at developing the agricultural and agribusiness sectors. This initiative was designed to diversify community income sources while promoting long-term sustainability through the responsible utilization of Agam Regency’s local natural resources.

Through these activities, residents gained practical knowledge of soil-free cultivation through hydroponic farming, as well as guidance on selecting vegetable seeds with strong market value and commercial potential. The UNDIRA team also conducted training on producing compost from organic waste and agricultural residues generated within the local community. In this way, materials that were previously viewed as waste could be repurposed into valuable resources for more sustainable agricultural practices.

The initiatives and knowledge shared by the UNDIRA team and the broader Thematic KKN group received a positive response from the local community. More importantly, the program demonstrates how universities today can move beyond being merely knowledge-centric institutions. Higher education can also play a direct and meaningful role in strengthening local capabilities, developing community-based knowledge, and creating practical solutions that support a more sustainable future.

Through the series of activities, training sessions, and mentoring provided throughout the program, the Thematic KKN initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable development among communities in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. By strengthening local capabilities and unlocking the potential of available resources, communities can become more resilient and competitive amid an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

More than simply a community service initiative, this collaboration reflects UNDIRA’s commitment to nurturing a generation of young people who are not only academically capable but also socially aware and responsive to the needs and potential of communities across Indonesia. Through meaningful engagement with society, UNDIRA continues to encourage its students to transform knowledge into action and contribute to sustainable development beyond the university campus.