From Campus to Loksado: Social Science Education Students Empower Villages through Innovation, Education, Research, and Community Service
From Campus to Loksado: Social Science Education Students Empower Villages through Innovation, Education, Research, and Community Service
A total of 83 students from the Social Science Education Program, Lambung Mangkurat University, carried out a Field Work Lecture (KKL) in two culturally rich and naturally beautiful villages: Loksado and Loklahung, located in South Hulu Sungai Regency. The activity took place over three days, from May 4 to 6, 2025.
The Head of the Social Science Education Program, Dr. Mutiani, S.Pd., M.Pd., delivered a spirited opening speech. She emphasized the importance of applying social science knowledge directly in communities rather than confining it to classrooms.
“This program is not just a field trip. It is a valuable opportunity to implement everything students have learned. The three pillars of social science—education, research, and community service—must be practiced through this experience,” she said.
Loksado and Loklahung were selected for their strong cultural identity, rich social values, and educational potential. Students directly engaged with local residents, observed daily life, and participated in community-based educational activities.
During the program, students actively joined dialogues with villagers, supported children’s learning, and documented local socio-cultural dynamics for academic and research purposes.
The KKL activity demonstrated the collaborative spirit between higher education institutions and rural communities. It expanded student perspectives while facilitating knowledge exchange between academics and villagers. Students are expected to grow into socially aware educators and researchers.
Both village heads welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm and expressed pride in their villages being selected for the student program.
1. Education
One of the highlights of the KKL program was a visit to SMPN 1 Loksado. Students were warmly welcomed by the principal, teachers, and students. They observed teaching practices, conducted microteaching sessions, and shared motivational stories with students.
The school principal expressed gratitude, noting that the visit brought renewed enthusiasm to the learning environment. Students gained hands-on experience as future educators and faced real-world teaching challenges.
The visit concluded with a ceremonial gift handover from the Study Program Coordinator to the School Principal as a token of appreciation.
2. Research
Research activities explored various themes such as Dayak Meratus local wisdom, women’s roles in village economies, and the impact of modernization. Students employed observation, interviews, and data collection techniques.
Villagers warmly welcomed the students and openly shared their life experiences. Village authorities expressed full support, highlighting the positive academic exposure and potential village development benefits.
The research segment concluded with a symbolic presentation of certificates and souvenirs to the Head of Loklahung Village.
3. Community Service
Community service activities included packaging design training for local MSMEs, cinnamon wax candle-making workshops, and digital content creation for tourism promotion.
Youth and villagers collaborated to produce promotional photos and videos showcasing Loksado’s natural beauty and cultural assets. The Head of Loksado Village expressed deep appreciation for the students’ efforts.
To conclude the entire KKL program, the Study Program Coordinator and faculty advisors presented appreciation tokens and certificates to the Head of Loksado Village. The ceremony celebrated community support and reinforced the commitment to future collaboration.
Students departed with more than just data or reports. They brought home valuable lessons on unity, trust, and shared growth. Loksado became a living classroom where theory meets reality and knowledge is practiced with heart.
