ITS Rector Prof Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD, delivering his speech at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Literacy Thematic Community Service Program

ITS Campus, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) officially concluded the ITS 2025 Thematic Literacy Community Service Program (KKN). ITS Rector, Prof Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD, personally led the pickup of 154 students who had participated in community service in various partner villages in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday (9/8).

The man who is familiarly called BP emphasized that literacy is the primary foundation in efforts to improve the quality of human resources (HR) in Indonesia. Although access to reading materials is now easier, people’s interest in reading tends to decline. “This activity is an effort to instill a culture of reading as early as possible in the community,” he explained.

The Professor of the ITS Department of Mechanical Engineering also explained that this Thematic Community Service Program is not only beneficial for the community, but also for ITS students themselves. This program is a forum for students to understand social dynamics and foster empathy for the community in the region. In addition, this activity is also a means to realize ITS’s commitment as an impactful university by providing benefits to the community.

Nganjuk Regent, Dr Drs H Marhaen Djumadi AMd SE SH MH MBA, delivering his remarks to the ITS delegation at the Nganjuk Regent’s Office

BP did not forget to express his appreciation to all parties who have supported the implementation of the 2025 Thematic Literacy Community Service Program in Nganjuk Regency. This activity, initiated by the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI), is expected to continue even after the KKN program ends. “May it continue to be a sustainable movement to educate the nation,” he said.

In line with Bambang, Nganjuk Regent, Dr Drs H Marhaen Djumadi AMd SE SH MH MBA, fully supports community service activities in the field of literacy. This is in line with the Nganjuk government’s program, which has provided books through the village budget but does not yet have control over library management. “With this community service, the literacy program in 14 villages can run effectively through the assistance of students,” said Marhaen.

Marhaen added that the synergy of the Literacy Thematic Community Service Program students is in line with the government’s agenda to improve the quality of human resources through education and character building. In the future, he said, the local government is willing to facilitate similar activities to encourage village development and strengthen sustainable literacy.

(left) The Regent of Nganjuk, while discussing opportunities for cooperation between the Nganjuk local government and ITS

Head of the Community Service Sub-Directorate of the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) ITS, Prof Dr Nurul Jadid SSi MSc, reported that during the 40 days of implementation, the KKN team had completed three main program focuses. These included the optimization of reading materials, library management training, and strengthening partnerships in the management of literacy facilities.

Furthermore, the man who is familiarly called Jadid explained that the Thematic Literacy Community Service Program in Nganjuk Regency had successfully managed 15,996 books in various reading parks. There were 2,422 visits to libraries or reading parks by the community during the program. “In addition, the KKN team also set up more than 14 library markers to improve access to literacy services in 14 program locations,” he said.

Through the 2025 Literacy Thematic KKN, ITS strives to revive the culture of reading and improve library management skills at the village, school, and reading park levels. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4 on quality education, Goal 10 on reducing inequalities, and Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: A. Rifda Yuni Artika
Translator: Lael Soebakir