CEC has a dynamic and multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects and behaviors, including connection, interaction, participation, and community involvement. CEC serves as an educational initiative which is applicable in society and represents a manifestation of the tridharma of higher education.

“They’re not only engaging in college courses, but also in research and community service. There is a process, there is a problem identification, which will lead them to the development of solutions that are implemented in the end. Therefore, CEC isn’t only an action plan, but is actually a complete package,” said the activity supervisor, Dr. Epin Saepudin, M. Pd., during the CEC showcase on Tuesday (5/12/2023).

This time, CEC was held in RW 06 and RW 07, Palalangon Village, Ciporeat Village, Cilengkrang District, Bandung Regency. The participants were divided into five social project groups with different topics.

This activity involves a live-in where students reside within the community for three days and two nights. Through this concept, students learn to adapt and socialize with the local community, engaging in daily activities such as milking cows, mowing grass, selling at the market, farming, and other routine tasks assigned by their foster parents.

“They have the opportunity to experience living with people from the local community, even if it’s only for six days and four nights spread across two sessions. However, at the very least, they can observe the problems and situations within the community,” he added.

Participants also learn about problems and adapt the projects they design to the existing conditions in the village. Surveys are regularly conducted by each group to finalize the activity concept. Up until November 26, 2023, all projects were successfully executed. Here is the list of activities for each topic.

1. Creative Economy: Marketing and Management of Ecobrick, along with Digital Strategy and Social Media Training Program for SMEs;

2. Environment: Creative Environmental Program with the Ecobrick Movement in Waste Management in Ciporeat Village;

3. Health: Health Socialization and Education for Parents and Middle School Students to Prevent Early Marriage;

4. Environment: Inspiring Smart Generations: Efforts to Increase Students’ Interest in Learning;

5. Energy: Installation and Revitalization of Solar-Powered Street Lighting.

The students then proceed to participate in the second live-in session from 1 to 3 December 2023. They also monitor, control, and follow up on the projects that were completed earlier. During this session, the closing of the 2023 ITB CEC series was held with the local residents.

Dr. Epin Saepudin expressed that this series of processes could have an impact on each participant and serve as an example for others.

One of the students participating in the activity, Hasan Wahab from ITB Physics Department, admitted that he gained a lot of lessons from the program. He feels like he understands better about the roles and actions that need to be taken for society.

“I am tired, but it had a positive impact on me, especially on responsibility, sacrifice, and sincerity. Responsibility as the leader, student, and also as a citizen. The sacrifices are mainly in terms of energy, time, and thoughts,’ he said.

Reporter: Muh. Umar Thoriq
Translator: Sherina Wijaya (Geological Engineering, 2019)
Editor: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)