Yogyakarta, July 7, 2025 — Ajengkanthi Prabaningjati, a 2022 student of the Japanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in the Community Service-Learning and Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) Period II of 2025 in Wardo Village, West Biak, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province.

Ajeng is part of a KKN team called Biak Elok, whose main program theme is “Optimizing Sustainable Marine Resources to Realize a Blue Economy.” The program focuses on empowering local communities through the sustainable utilization of marine wealth. “Most people in Wardo Village work as fishermen, with fish as the main commodity,” explained Ajeng.

Within the team, Ajeng serves as the Coordinator of the Education Division. Together with her team, she focuses on teaching activities, especially for elementary school children, with an emphasis on character education. “The education division and I focus on teaching the elementary school children in Wardo, but we also open community classes for anyone who wants to learn in the Church environment, and we also assist as mentors for Sunday school. I hope we can make a lasting impact on the children here,” she expressed.

During the KKN program, Ajeng and her fellow team members stayed at the GKI Betel Wardo Church. They were warmly welcomed and cared for by a couple they affectionately call Mama Regina and Papa Ben. “Mama and Papa have been a great help to us, especially in terms of food. Not only that, but the Church community has also been very friendly and welcoming. The children often play with us too. Honestly, I feel very grateful to be accepted here,” added Ajeng.

Despite the remote location, the Biak Elok team managed to gain attention on social media. Thanks to their media team’s creativity, various moments from their community service from the natural beauty of Wardo Village to heartwarming interactions with the children—were captured in videos uploaded to Instagram and TikTok. Some of the posts even went viral and received positive responses from netizens.

One of the most touching experiences for Ajeng during the KKN program was witnessing the enthusiasm for learning among the children in Wardo Village. “Their eagerness to learn and their deep curiosity I think that’s already a strong foundation for them to achieve their dreams,” she said.

At the end of the interview, Ajeng shared a message for fellow students, especially those from FIB who will undertake KKN. “In my opinion, KKN is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not everyone gets to have. So when your time comes, try to enjoy every part of it. From the small things that may seem trivial to the big moments that will teach you a lot. I hope FIB friends can discover new, meaningful, and memorable stories through their journey.”

[Public Relation, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

On August 7, 2024, a significant educational event took place in the hall of Kalurahan Kelapa, located in Kalurahan Kelapa, North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Thousand Islands Regency, DKI Jakarta. This initiative aimed to improve the understanding of tourism and tourist characteristics among the local community, particularly the members of the Tourism Awareness Group (POKDARWIS) from both Kalurahan, namely Kalurahan Kelapa and Kalurahan Harapan. The event was organized in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation, basic education, ecosystem protection and ocean conservation.

The event began with remarks from local government representatives, who highlighted the important role of tourism in the local economy. Speakers emphasized that sustainable tourism practices are essential to maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of the islands. This is in line with the SDG goal to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism.

After the opening remarks, a presentation on Tourism and Traveler Characteristics was delivered, which focused on various aspects of tourism, mainly marine tourism in accordance with the location of the venue, namely the sea and beaches of Harapan Island and Kelapa Island. Experts in the field shared insights on tourism and the characteristics of modern travelers, including their preference for green travel options and their growing awareness of environmental issues. This information is vital for local communities, as it helps them tailor their services to the expectations of eco-conscious travelers.

One of the key topics discussed was the importance of ecosystem protection. Participants learned about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impact of tourism on these environments. The event emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices that minimize damage to local wildlife and habitats. This education is crucial to ensure that the natural resources of the islands are preserved for future generations.

In addition to ecosystem protection, the event also addressed the importance of ocean conservation. Speakers highlighted the threats posed by pollution and overfishing, urging communities to adopt practices that protect their marine environment. Local fishermen and tour operators were encouraged to participate in ocean conservation efforts, reinforcing the idea that healthy oceans are essential for sustainable tourism.

Educational sessions also included discussions on basic education of the ocean and its resources, as well as its role in promoting sustainable tourism. Participants are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and share their knowledge with others in the Pokdarwis community. This approach not only empowers individuals but also builds a culture of sustainability, particularly in the two aforementioned kalurahan.

In subsequent sessions, participants engaged in interactive activities designed to reinforce the concepts learned during the presentation. These activities included discussions and Q&As, role-play scenarios, and demonstrations of sustainable tourism practices. The enthusiasm among participants was palpable, reflecting their commitment to becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

The event closed with a commitment from POKDARWIS members to apply the knowledge gained in their daily practices. They pledged to promote green tourism initiatives and educate visitors on the importance of protecting the local environment. This collective effort is a significant step towards achieving the SDGs related to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Overall, the educational event held at Kalurahan Kelapa Hall was an encouraging success. The event not only provided valuable information on tourism and its impact on the environment, but also built a sense of community responsibility towards ecosystem protection and ocean conservation. Local communities are now better equipped to welcome tourists while ensuring the preservation of their natural heritage.