ITS Campus, ITS News — The campus introduction period for new students at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) is always a crucial opportunity to explore their potential. Through the Gerigi x UKM Expo ITS 2026 series of activities, 15 Student Activity Units (UKM) in Special Fields are present to develop superior, creative, and solution-oriented students. 

Nur Pujiati Dwi Rahayu, Head of the Special Interest Unit Bureau (LMB) at ITS, explained that the Special Interest Unit is an official organization under the coordination of the ITS Directorate of Student Affairs. This unit focuses on student self-development in the areas of specific interests, talents, and expertise. “The Special Interest Unit also serves as an incubator for students to apply the knowledge they gain in college into practical, real-world projects,” she added. 

The woman, familiarly known as Ayu, explained that, based on this function, students can develop various skills according to their fields of interest. These skills include astronomy, robotics, automotive, cybersecurity, languages, leadership, entrepreneurship, environmental, social, and religious fields. The diversity of existing Special Field Student Activity Units (UKM) provides choices based on students’ interests and desired development goals.

In line with the skills offered, the Special Field Student Activity Units (UKM) are divided into research and non-research categories. The research category focuses on developing students’ knowledge, technology, and analytical skills, while the non-research category covers social, language, leadership, entrepreneurship, environmental, and religious fields. “Students can gain experience that supports the development of skills beyond academics,” he explained.

In the research category, there are UKM Cyber ​​Security (UCS), Maritime Challenge (MC), Reasoning, Robotics, Automotive, and ITS Astronomy Club (IAC). Meanwhile, the non-research category includes UKM Volunteer Corps of the Indonesian Red Cross (KSR-PMI), Environmental Lovers (PLH) Cycle, Student Regiment Unit (Menwa), Scouts, ITS Foreign Language Society (IFLS), Model United Nations (MUN), Technopreneurship Development Center (TDC ITS), Student Cooperative (KOPMA), and ITS Quran Society. 

As an example of its implementation in the research realm, the ITS Reasoning Student Activity Unit (UKM Penalaran ITS) consistently cultivates a culture of scientific study to achieve success both nationally and internationally. Diana, a member of the ITS Reasoning Student Activity Unit, emphasized that this unit fosters critical thinking so that students can produce work that impacts their environment. “We want students to become agents of change through their writing,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, for the non-research category, the ITS PLH Sepeda is a suitable place for students who love the environment and outdoor sports. Aulia, a member of the ITS PLH Sepeda, explained that this unit offers activities that include outdoor activities as well as social and organizational development. “Our SESION Environmental Service Action (SIKLUS) program focuses on restoring mangrove and seagrass ecosystems as a solution to climate change,” she explained.

The diversity of Specialized Student Activity Units (UKM) at ITS demonstrates that students excel not only academically but also in the community. The self-development and innovations born from the minds and hands of ITS students align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The points achieved include point 4 on Quality Education and point 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. (*)

Reporter: Nur Anisa Alya Eriska
Redaktur: Ahmad Naufal Ilham