Community Service (SCS-CEL) is a compulsory program that must be completed by every UGM student in their bachelor strata or equivalent to be eligible for graduation. UGM’s SCS-CEL program is a form of every university in Indonesia’s vision to implement community service. Considering the widespread of UGM’s SCS-CEL program covering from Sabang (Western-most area in Indonesia) to Merauke (Eastern-most area in Indonesia), it is expected for this program to be able to contribute in Indonesia’s rural area development
In one hand, by joining SCS-CEL Program, students will gain first hand working experiences on application and development of science and technology to empower local communities. Through team work, students are also expected to develop an advanced problem-analyzing and problem-solving skills. Combined with the opportunity to work within a group of students coming from mixed educational background, students will have a chance to cooperatively nurture their own attitude of professionalism.
In the other hand, considering Indonesia’s abundance in culture, tradition, and art, SCS-CEL students will have the experience to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural environment. Through a deeper understanding of Indonesian cultural diversity, a more open minded mindset will be developed by the students while also constructing an advanced cross-cultural communication skills. Such mindset and particular set of skills are vital for the students, in order for them to be able to survive in a heterogenic society; a globalized society where students will live and work in their near future.
Benefits are also gained by the communities where students are working with, stakeholders, partners, and other governmental elements involved in SCS-CEL program. Mainly, SCS-CEL contributes in the development of paradigm and scientific approach towards planning and executing strategic infrastructures. A mixed-discipline scientific approach will help in planning, formulate, and also ideas-implementation to develop rural areas. The presence of SCS-CEL students are also expected to inspire children in less-developed rural communities to pursue higher educational level, which eventually will lead to an independent and sustainable development of their community.
All in all, UGM SCS-CEL will benefit all stakeholders involved in the creation and implementation of the program. SCS-CEL can also be viewed as an open arena for cooperation, in which every stakeholders will be able to work together with one and another while still sharing the same goal; to further assist in the development of small and rural communities. Only through cooperation, creative and effective ways to solve community’s problems can be achieved.