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TULUNGAGUNG – In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, this has not stopped IAIN Tulungagung from carrying out community service. A number 1.537 IAIN Tulungagung students carry out real work lectures (KKN) virtual from home (VDR). This implementation was officially released by the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration (PDTT) Dr. Abdul Halim Iskandar, M.Pd Monday (20/7/2020) by online.
In his speech, Gus Halim hopes that the implementation of KKN in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic can be carried out well. The reason, The existence of KKN will have a good impact on rural communities.
According to the Minister, The KKN program initiated by LP2M IAIN Tulungagung is very interesting. Reason, one of the focuses is on assisting village-owned enterprises (Bumdes). Gus Halim said, Currently, there are not many BUMDes who can survive in very difficult conditions. Only around tens of thousands of BUMDes are still able to survive throughout Indonesia. Therefore, He hopes that students can take part in ensuring that BUMDes can survive and continue to develop.
''Therefore, This KKN is in line with the Ministry of Villages,explained the man who had just received an honorary doctorate from Yogyakarta State University.
Gus Halim continued, There needs to be strengthening of BUMDes data collection. The hope, Bumdes can register themselves with the Ministry of Villages who will then get a number. Furthermore, The Ministry of Villages can also oversee the Bumdes.
''Hopefully the students and their field supervisors can accompany the Bumdes,'' he said.
The former chairman of the East Java DPRD also believes that IAIN Tulungagung, which will soon become UIN Tulungagung, can be the successor to the history of Indonesian civilization..
''Hopefully IAIN Tulungagung will be even more successful. Happy doing KKN,'' he explained, officially releasing the students who were going to do KKN.
Meanwhile, Director General of PDT, Ministry of Villages, PDTT RI, Drs. Samsul Widodo, M.A emphasized that the KKN VDR concept could be maximized to bring rural products to the market.
''I am sure that students will be able to provide assistance in marketing products in the village,he explained.
One of them, by taking advantage of the many online stores in Indonesia. He explained, If the economy in the village turns around then in these quite difficult conditions it will still be able to survive.
''There are many products in the village that can be marketed and developed,he explained.
Chancellor of IAIN Tulungagung Prof. Dr. Maftukhin, M.Ag said that it is hoped that the ongoing KKN will be a milestone in new life in the nation and state. According to the Chancellor, This pandemic has affected things. Namely the economic sector. This is proven by the existence of countries that have declared a recession.
''Therefore, This KKN is a strength to continue to raise the potential that we have,he explained.
The professor in the field of philosophy invited students to continue exploring the potential of their respective villages.
''We have a lot of potential. We have natural potential. we have the sea, forest mountain, and rice fields. And of course the most important thing is how the potential can be developed properly to increase MSMEs in the village. Because of that, The existence of BUMDes is an important answer when global economic conditions are difficult,he explained.
Maftukhin added, The economy in the village is the cornerstone. Therefore, He hopes that students can play a role when implementing KKN at this time.
Chairman of LP2M IAIN Tulungagung Ngainun Naim explained, The KKN held this year is different from previous years. Nevertheless, Community service programs must continue to run.
''Our KKN is virtual and is done at home. So students are in their respective villages. One of them is that they can participate in analyzing the potential that exists in the village,’’ he explained.
About Bumdes, continued Naim, students are asked to create their profiles. Although, It is possible to participate in marketing the products produced by the Village Village itself through cyberspace.
''All activities held by students must comply with health protocols,he stressed.
Said Naim, Students also serve religious moderation by spreading peace on social media. (*)
