Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) officially sent off 466 students to participate in the Impactful Thematic Kandidat Sarjana Mengabdi (KSM) program. The ceremony was led directly by Rector Prof. Drs. H. Junaidi, M.Pd., Ph.D., at the UNISMA campus courtyard on Monday (August 4). The students will serve in communities for approximately one and a half months, until September 19, 2025.
The Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) UNISMA, Prof. Dr. Ir. Mahayu Woro Lestari, M.P., emphasized that this initiative goes beyond a conventional community service program. “This is a KSM program, more than just a regular KKN (Community Service Program), which typically focuses on providing manpower. Our students will bring innovation aimed at creating meaningful change and leaving a positive impact in the communities they serve,” she explained.
The 466 participating students come from ten faculties at UNISMA and are divided into three program categories: Thematic KSM, Nusantara KSM, and International KSM. Thematic KSM is implemented across the Greater Malang area, while Nusantara KSM takes place in various regions aligned with students’ hometowns, including Pasuruan, Bali, Lumajang, and Bima. Meanwhile, the International KSM program is organized by the Faculty of Medicine in collaboration with a partner university in Thailand.
“For Nusantara KSM, students will carry out their service in regions such as Pasuruan, Bali, Lumajang, Bima, and others. We hope everything runs smoothly and that they accomplish their missions as planned,” she added.
Prof. Woro expressed hope that students would explore and develop each village’s local potential through innovative approaches. For example, they are expected to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through marketing digitalization, business licensing assistance, and improved product packaging.
“Innovative touches like these can greatly empower MSMEs. Their contributions will become lasting memories for the community, even after the students return home. Their work and creativity will continue to be remembered,” she noted.
The KSM program is equivalent to 3 academic credits (SKS), and all participants are required to produce tangible outputs as a form of accountability. Expected outputs include news publications in mass media, journal articles, documentary videos, and even intellectual property rights (IPR) registration if new innovations emerge from the villages.
Through this Impactful Thematic KSM, UNISMA reinforces its commitment to ensuring that community service is not merely symbolic, but transformative, benefiting both students and society in sustainable ways.