Banyuwangi, February 21, 2025 – A group of 50 students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) along with several students from the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) traveled to Banyuwangi for the implementation of the Go-East Java 2.0 program. This is a collaborative program between the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), the Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine, and Natural Sciences (FIKKIA), and the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) of UNAIR. The delegation embarked on an 8-hour journey and arrived at Pendopo Sabha Swagata on Friday, February 21, 2025, where they were warmly welcomed by M. Yanuarto Bramuda, the Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare from the Banyuwangi Regency.
In his speech, Bramuda explained that Banyuwangi is the largest regency in East Java, with an area equivalent to five other regencies such as Ponorogo, Ngawi, and Madiun. Due to its vast area, Banyuwangi is rich in natural resources, ranging from natural tourism, culture, arts, to culinary delights. However, he also highlighted some of the challenges faced by the region, particularly in the field of health. These challenges align with the community service program of Universitas Airlangga, which focuses on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Therefore, it is expected that there will be synergy between the Banyuwangi Regency Government and FIKKIA UNAIR Banyuwangi to address the existing health issues. The Dean of FIKKIA UNAIR, Prof. Dr. Soetojo, dr., Sp.U.(K) emphasized that the community service program will focus on health and social issues.
During the program, the Go-East Java 2.0 delegation will stay in Licin Village until March 7, 2025, and engage in various community service activities. On Saturday, February 22, the opening ceremony for the International Community Development was held, involving local village officials. This event was attended by several parties, including the Head of Licin Village, Prof. Sharul Kamal Bin Abdul RA as a representative from UTM, Jayanti Dian Eka Sari, S.KM., M.Kes. as a representative from FIKKIA Banyuwangi, representatives from FST UNAIR Surabaya, healthcare workers from the Licin Health Center, and several security personnel.
The community service activities will focus on four villages: Licin, Banjar, Jelu, and Gumuk. Over the course of two weeks, the program will cover various fields such as education, health, environment, and economics. However, the primary focus of this community service is to reduce maternal mortality rates and address stunting issues in the region.
With the successful implementation of this program, it is hoped that the collaboration between UTM, UNAIR, and the Banyuwangi Regency Government will become stronger and provide tangible benefits for the welfare of the local community.
