Loksado, May 6, 2025 – Students of the Social Science Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts conducted a Field Work Lecture (KKL) in Loksado and Lok Lahung Villages, Loksado District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency, South Kalimantan. The three-day activity took place from May 4 to May 6, 2025, focusing on multidisciplinary research that directly engaged with the local community.
The participants were divided into research groups based on specific fields, such as health, culture, economy, education, environment, and tourism. Each group carried out field observations and data collection through participatory and interactive approaches involving local residents. This approach was designed to help students gain a deeper and more contextual understanding of social dynamics.
A key component of the program involved conducting interviews with various community members, including traditional leaders, local traders, farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, and homestay owners. The information gathered served as the foundation for academic outputs such as scientific articles, research videos, and posters as part of the course evaluation.
The KKL committee chair emphasized that the program not only enhanced the students’ research skills but also fostered social awareness and communication competence. “Direct interaction with the community allows students to observe real social conditions and appreciate local wisdom and village potential,” he stated.
During the research process, students accompanied villagers to the fields and observed health service activities like community health posts (posyandu). The program received a warm welcome from residents of both villages. Many expressed happiness in contributing to the research and hoped the students’ work would help promote their village’s potential to a broader audience.
One of the participants, Muhammad Imam Hulaimi from the 2024 cohort, shared that the experience enriched his knowledge and strengthened friendships among classmates. He also appreciated the guidance provided by lecturers during the fieldwork.
Another student, Misbah from the 2024 cohort, described the activity as a valuable challenge. She felt that engaging in direct conversation with villagers boosted her confidence and led to new insights. She highlighted the knowledge gained about cinnamon cultivation and its distribution, both domestically and internationally, by the residents of Lok Lahung Village.
The completion of this fieldwork marks a significant moment. The students not only returned with research data but also with a deeper understanding of the social realities and cultural diversity of rural communities in South Kalimantan. The program exemplifies the meaningful role of higher education in contributing directly to community development.
