UNS – As part of the Thematic Students Community Service Program (KKN) for Village Development, students from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta conducted an awareness campaign on self-protection in the digital era. The program targeted the youth of Giriroto Village, Ngemplak Subdistrict, Boyolali Regency, working alongside the local community to make tangible efforts toward improving well-being.

The KKN program represents one of the pillars of higher education’s Tri Dharma, namely community service. It is also a testament to the success of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative at UNS. The KKN activities carried out by Group 35 took place throughout July-August 2024.

The group comprised UNS students Lutfi Ikhtiar Fauzy, Lintang Nora Andani, Marchelia Nindya Fadhilah, Azrul Laila, Kalvin Alwi, Neha Oktaviani Astuti, Atadila Berliani Daniswara, Tiara Hasna Salsabila, Annisa Dewi Sakuntala, and Renny Indah Setefani. Under the guidance of Prof. Ir. Ari Handono Ramelan, M.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., as the Field Supervising Lecturer (DPL), Group 35 worked in synergy to address the theme “Smart Village and Education,” striving to gather and disseminate accurate and relevant information.

The digital era has brought significant challenges, particularly for the younger generation, who face risks such as online loans (Pinjol), online gambling (Judol), and sexual violence. These issues require increased awareness and vigilance to ensure self-protection. Based on a problem-mapping exercise, the group found that there was a lack of awareness and understanding among residents about the importance of digital literacy, especially regarding the dangers of Pinjol and Judol. In response, Group 35 organized an awareness session titled “The Dangers of Online Loans, Online Gambling, and Sexual Violence.”

“This activity aims to raise awareness among the village’s youth about the risks and negative impacts of these three critical issues. The event was attended by young men and women from Giriroto Village, who are particularly vulnerable to these digital threats,” Lutfi Ikhtiar Fauzy explained.

Pinjol, which often comes with high interest rates and unethical collection practices, was highlighted as a major concern. Participants were reminded that relying on online loans can not only deplete personal finances but also lead to psychological and social problems. The issue of online gambling also received significant attention, with UNS students stressing that Judol can lead to addiction, resulting in financial loss and personal and social damage. Additionally, the UNS students addressed the ongoing issue of sexual violence, stressing the importance of recognizing the signs and knowing how to protect oneself and report incidents.

The awareness campaign was well-received by the local community. One of the participants, Risnanda, shared that the session opened his eyes to the dangers surrounding online loans, gambling, and sexual violence, helping him better understand the risks and the importance of self-protection.

KKN UNS students hope that through this initiative, the youth of Giriroto Village will become more prudent in resisting the temptations of Pinjol and Judol, and more vigilant and proactive in combating sexual violence within their community. In the future, it is hoped that similar campaigns will continue to build a more informed and protected society, resilient against various social threats.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti