Indonesian Literature students from Diponegoro University (UNDIP) held a free health checkup at the RW 02 Health Center, Gedawang Village, Banyumanik District, Semarang City, on Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025.
This activity is part of a series of programs under the Thematic Community Service Learning (KKN) and community service initiative titled “Identifying Local Wisdom in Gedawang Village for the Development of Environmentally Sustainable and Sustainable Community-Based Economy.”
Starting at 5:45 a.m., students from the Faculty of Public Health and several other faculties were already preparing. They brought medical equipment such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid (GCU) testing kits, blood strips, and latex gloves. Everything was neatly arranged on a long table at the activity headquarters before being taken to the Posyandu location.
Before the residents arrived, the students tested the equipment to ensure that everything was working properly. Although the atmosphere was relaxed during the preparation session, the KKN participants realized that the accuracy of the tests was very important because the results could determine important steps in the residents’ future lifestyles.
At 7:30 a.m., the students moved to the Posyandu location. The local Posyandu cadres had already arrived and prepared the integrated health service room, from the baby weighing table and height measuring equipment to data collection and supplementary food distribution.
The presence of these cadres served as a reminder of their important role in the community health system, even though they are often overlooked by the public.
At exactly 8:00 a.m., the Posyandu doors opened. Residents began to arrive one by one without formal invitations, only with information passed on by word of mouth.
A man was the first participant in the examination, who immediately asked about his cholesterol level. “Is my cholesterol high, Miss? I’ve been feeling dizzy and tired a lot lately,” he said as he offered his finger for a blood sample.
The results showed a cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL. Using simple and empathetic language, the student explained the condition and suggested changes in diet and light physical activity. “Oh, so I have to start reducing fried foods and walking more, right? Thank you, Miss, now I know,” said the man with a serious but relieved expression.
As time passed, the number of residents continued to grow. Mothers, fathers, and even grandmothers joined the queue to receive free health checkups. Many of them were enthusiastic, and remarkably, they placed their full trust in the students to handle these checkups.
This is strong evidence that a personal and empathetic approach is essential in community health services.
At another table, the student team was busy recording the examination results and systematically archiving the data. Babies were also weighed and measured, with the Posyandu cadres working non-stop. By 11:00 a.m., the activity was coming to an end, and the students were compiling and summarizing the data as part of the activity report and historical documentation.
This program is part of the “Science and Technology for UNDIP Mentored Villages (IDBU)” community service grant chaired by Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, S.S., M.Hum., and Drs. M. Hermintoyo, M.Pd., lecturers in the Indonesian Literature Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Diponegoro University.
A total of 50 students from various departments participated in the program, which ran from May to June 2025.
Although it only lasted a few hours, the activity left a deep impression. For the students, this experience was not merely an academic assignment but a moment to learn empathy, listen to the community, and be present as part of society. For the community, the service served as an important awareness of their health conditions and a new motivation to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
This community service activity demonstrates that a single drop of blood from a fingertip can spark a significant conversation about health, inequality, and hope. In a fast-paced world, UNDIP students chose to slow down for a moment to be present, greet others, and make a difference.
Additionally, Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, S.S., M.Hum., as the Head of the Indonesian Literature Program at FIB Undip, fully supports this KKN activity. He hopes this will inspire other students to actively participate in various activities within the Indonesian Literature Program.*** (Imam M, Silvia R.S, Shofia)