Poetry is not just a string of beautiful words, but another way of understanding the world. This is the spirit carried by the students of the Diponegoro University (UNDIP) Community Service Program (KKN) Team 14 when they held a Poetry Workshop: Earth Awareness, Self-Awareness at MTs Al-Burhan, Gedawang Village, Banyumanik District, Semarang City, on Friday (5/23/2025).
This activity, part of the “Science and Technology for UNDIP’s Model Village (IDBU)” community service grant program, encouraged students to pause from their routines and become more attuned to their surroundings through literary works, particularly poetry.
“Poetry can be one way to know and see, and also a second way to illuminate the world,” a quote by Billy Collins served as the opening statement for the training session.
UNDIP Faculty of Cultural Sciences students then guided the students to observe their environment and express their observations in poetry, which was later compiled into an anthology.
This activity was motivated by concerns over students’ low awareness of language arts and limited reading interest. These concerns were expressed by the students after interacting with school officials.
“Al-Burhan has two levels of education, namely MTs and MA. Because this is a boarding school, the boys and girls live separately,” explained the Head of MTs Al-Burhan, Solikin, when welcoming the KKN students.
This KKN activity is part of a thematic program with the theme “Identification of Local Wisdom in Gedawang Village in the Development of an Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Community Economy.” The program is chaired by Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, S.S., M.Hum., and Drs. M. Hermintoyo, M.Pd., both of whom are lecturers in Indonesian Literature at FIB UNDIP.
In addition to poetry training, the students also carried out various other educational activities, such as anti-bullying socialization, the importance of hand washing, and strengthening local culture in the school environment. The activities took place under the umbrella of a larger program entitled Environmentally Friendly, Healthy, and Cultured Schools.
“I am very proud. Traditional games and artistic activities like this convey messages of local wisdom that remain relevant, such as the values of togetherness and courage,” said Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, program chair and Field Supervisor for the Thematic Community Service Program.
Positive responses also came from students and teachers. Ahmad, a student from Purwokerto, admitted that this activity was very enjoyable and useful, “What was taught is very useful for everyday life,” he said.
The principal of MTs Al-Burhan hoped that the collaboration with UNDIP would continue, “This program is very helpful for the children. We hope that the students can become teachers in the future,” he said.
With a collaborative spirit and creative approach, this activity proved that community service can go hand in hand with developing the potential of students at school, including through literature that can express sensitivity and self-awareness.
Additionally, Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, S.S., M.Hum., as the Head of the Indonesian Literature Study Program at FIB Undip, fully supports this KKN activity. He hopes that this will inspire other students to actively participate in various activities in other Indonesian Literature Study Programs.*** (Syifa & Team14-Kel3)