IPB University Sends 3.399 Students on the Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture Program to 408 Villages and Overseas
IPB University is once again organizing the 2025 Thematic Real Work Lecture Program (KKNT) Innovation by sending 3.399 students to 408 villages both domestically and internationally. This program was initiated as an effort to directly assist rural communities by prioritizing innovative and collaborative interdisciplinary approaches.
Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development at IPB University, Prof Ernan Rustiadi, explained that the Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture program is a concrete manifestation of IPB’s contribution to supporting the socio-economic resilience of rural areas.
“Students will live with the community for 40 days, exploring, observing, and addressing issues through the application of IPB University’s innovations. This is a concrete step toward achieving socio-resilience in agromaritime communities,” he stated in his opening remarks.
Furthermore, Prof Ernan noted that the 2025 IPB University Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture Program (KKNT) has expanded its reach to 408 villages/neighborhoods across 36 districts/cities in 8 provinces. The Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture Program is also integrated with other community service programs, such as the “Dosen Pulang Kampung” (Dospulkam) initiative.
Not only domestically, the program also includes strengthening international cooperation by sending 5 Real Work Lecture teams each to Malaysia and Thailand.
Additionally, there is the National Real Work Lecture Scheme, Real Work Lecture in collaboration with the Western Region University Cooperation Body (BKS PTN), and the Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture Literacy program, a collaboration with the National Library of Indonesia, which will be implemented in 60 villages/neighborhoods.
“One National Real Work Lecture team will be stationed in South Sulawesi, and one Real Work Lecture team in collaboration with BKS PTN Western Region will be deployed to Lampung Province,” he added.
A total of 3.399 students from 37 study programs and 11 faculties will participate in the Thematic Real Work Lecture period from June to August 2025. They will be accompanied by 201 Field Supervisors (DPL) and 38 Regional Coordinators.
Before being deployed to the field, Prof Ernan continued, the students have been equipped with comprehensive preparatory lectures. The materials cover technical aspects of program development, communication ethics, occupational health and safety, prevention of sexual violence, and the implementation of technologies such as IPB Digitani and social entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria stated that during the Real Work Lecture program, students are expected to apply their knowledge within the community and become true learners capable of learning anytime and anywhere.
He noted that rice fields, rivers, and markets are the true schools for students. Farmers and fishermen, he added, are teachers with field knowledge and wisdom not taught in classrooms.
“Wisdom is about the heart and cannot be replaced by machines. On campus, we sharpen intellectual skills based on the mind. But in the field, we learn with the heart,” he said. He emphasized that the presence of students in the village should provide added value that can be directly felt by the community.
Prof Arif also urged students to fully engage with both heart and mind to maximize the benefits. “The measure of success is not just the work program, but how much the community feels our presence and the benefits we bring,” he added.
According to Prof Arif, Real Work Lecture is a means of self-development that goes beyond technical skills. “Technical skills account for only 20 percent, while 80 percent is about collaboration, leadership, conflict resolution, and motivating people,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/PRO)
