Ciambar, Sukabumi – As part of an effort to advance rural development and realize sustainable growth, nine students from Universitas Trisakti carried out the Kuliah Usaha Mandiri Ilmu Teknologi Terapan (KUM-ITT) program in Ciambar Village, Ciambar Subdistrict, Sukabumi Regency, from July 3 to 12, 2025. Accompanied by Field Supervisor Dr. Nurhayati, SE, ME, this initiative represents a concrete contribution from the younger generation in addressing various challenges faced by rural communities—ranging from economic and environmental issues to infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Like many other villages in Indonesia, Ciambar continues to face a range of development challenges. Limited access to education on cooperative management, the low competitiveness of local products, and environmental concerns such as waste and diaper disposal are among the pressing issues. In addition, problems such as stunting, early childhood education, and inadequate infrastructure—such as street lighting and public facilities—also remain unresolved.

To address these challenges, the students implemented five core programs consisting of ten subprograms, carefully designed to meet the real needs of the community while supporting the achievement of the Village Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiatives were aligned particularly with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDGs 12 & 13 (Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action).

Over the ten-day period, the students introduced and executed five main programs. The community welfare program featured cooperative education for local cooperative members and training to improve the market value of traditional products such as opak and enyek. In the environmental sector, residents were educated on household waste segregation, and introduced to eco-friendly innovations such as recycling used diapers into plant pots and growing media. Infrastructure revitalization efforts included repainting a bridge, installing street lights, and placing convex mirrors to enhance safety and comfort in public spaces.

Women empowerment was also a key focus, with creativity workshops for early childhood education (PAUD) teachers and nutrition education to prevent stunting—strengthening the role of mothers in supporting child development. In the area of children’s education and health, the students conducted basic English language training and promoted proper toothbrushing techniques—steps toward nurturing a healthier and more capable future generation in the village. Together, these activities reflect a commitment to achieving multiple SDGs at the village level, including poverty alleviation, improved health and education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

“I’m delighted to have met such intelligent and critical-thinking students. Their presence has taught me many new things. I hope that the people of Ciambar Village will truly absorb and apply the knowledge shared by these students, so the village can continue to develop in the future,” said Mr. Suparkah, Head of Ciambar Village.

Through a cross-sectoral approach, this student community engagement initiative in Ciambar not only served as an avenue for applying academic knowledge but also as a meaningful contribution toward solving critical local challenges. It demonstrates how collaboration between the younger generation and local communities can lay a strong foundation for sustainable development at the grassroots level.

This program is expected to inspire others by showing that village development is not solely the responsibility of the government—it is a collective movement that must involve all stakeholders, including universities and young people as agents of change.