Unismuh Makassar Sends Seven International KKN Students to Thailand and Egypt

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar officially dispatched seven undergraduate students participating in the Real-World Community Service (KKN) program, who will be carrying out their service in Thailand and Egypt. The departure ceremony took place in the Senate Room, 17th Floor of the Iqra Tower Building, Unismuh Makassar, Monday, January 19, 2026, accompanied by a religious lecture and academic preparation as part of the effort to strengthen the internationalization of the university.

The event was attended by university leadership, including Dr. Abdul Rakhim Nanda as Rector of Unismuh Makassar, Vice Rectors, Deans of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Agriculture, and Faculty of Engineering.

Also present were the Head of the Department of Water Resources, Islamic Religious Education (PAI), State Administration Science (Ilmu ADN), Management, and Agrotechnology. The Heads of the Divisions of Research, Development and Community Service (LP3M), the Institution for Cooperation and International Affairs (LKUI), and the Language Development and Supervision Institution (LP2B).

The event began with a religious lecture delivered by Dr. KH. Mawardi Pewangi, Vice Rector III of Unismuh Makassar. He emphasized that traveling abroad is not just physical mobility, but a process of social, cultural, and spiritual learning. He referred to the command in the Quran that encourages humans to walk on earth to learn from various civilizations and social conditions encountered.

According to him, the journey has three main goals: to learn, to find income, and to expand brotherhood. Therefore, students are expected to understand the local culture and customs in order to adapt wisely and foster tolerant attitudes in community life. Understanding of local culture is part of the practice of bil hikmah in preaching and social service.

The Head of LP3M of Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Muh. Arief Muhsin, stated that the departure of these seven students is the initial stage of strengthening the university's international program. He explained that in 2026, Unismuh Makassar targets at least 200 students to participate in activities abroad through various international schemes that are being prepared.

He added that after Ramadan, Unismuh Makassar plans to carry out an international KKN with a larger number of participants through cooperation with various foreign partners, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This step is in line with the vision of Unismuh Makassar to strengthen global networks and improve the international reputation of the institution.

In his speech, Dr. Abdul Rakhim Nanda emphasized that the involvement of students in international programs is a strategic choice that deserves appreciation. According to him, international interactions among students are an important indicator in the development of the quality of higher education, strengthening accreditation, and improving the global reputation of the university.

He hopes that the participants in the International KKN program will maintain the reputation of the university, adapt to the new environment, and make cross-cultural experiences as an academic and social asset in the future. Through this program, Unismuh Makassar reaffirms its commitment to encouraging students to contribute at the global level through service based on Islamic values, Muhammadiyah values, and national identity.