KBS HIMAGROTEK 2024 Officially Launched, Agroecotechnology Students of UNIB Engage in Community Service Activities in Barat Wetan Village
Bengkulu, April 12th, 2025 — The Student Association of Agroecotechnology (HIMAGROTEK), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, is currently conducting the 2024 Community Service Camp (Kemah Bakti Sosial/KBS) in Barat Wetan Village, Kepahiang Regency, from April 11th to 13th, 2025. This year’s theme, “Students with a Social Spirit, Integrity, and Environmental Awareness through KBS HIMAGROTEK 2024,” reflects a holistic vision of student character development and environmental stewardship.
A total of 96 undergraduate participants are actively engaging in immersive rural activities designed to enhance their socio-ecological awareness, leadership capacity, and applied agricultural knowledge through direct interaction with local communities.
Official Launch and Student Departure from the Faculty of Agriculture
The formal opening ceremony was held on Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at the Multimedia Hall of the Agronomy Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture. The event featured a Qur’anic recitation by Dika Julian Ariko, renditions of the national anthem and HIMAGROTEK’s official hymn, and a series of addresses delivered by key stakeholders.
Among the speakers were Maynaldo Putra Insani Sinaga (Chair of the Organizing Committee), Rio Asri (Chair of HIMAGROTEK), and esteemed lecturers, including Ir. Eko Suprijono, M.P., Muhimmatul Husna, SP., M.Si., and Dr. Hesti Pujiwati, SP., M.Si., who formally inaugurated the program. The session concluded with a prayer led by Dini Okta Saputra, followed by the ceremonial release of participants on the following morning.
Onsite Implementation Underway: Learning through Community Immersion
The KBS program is in progress, with a vibrant array of activities in Barat Wetan Village. Participants have been fully immersed in agroecological fieldwork, assisting their foster families in agricultural practices, observing on-farm challenges, and participating in community service efforts, including cleaning religious, educational, and public facilities.
One of the core highlights is the agroecological dialogue and demonstration session featuring faculty experts — Ms Ela, Ms Wuri, and Mr Sumardi — focusing on the “Utilization of Coffee By-products into Valuable Products.” This session integrates knowledge exchange between University scholars and local farmer groups, fostering collaborative innovation in sustainable farming systems.
Evening activities include cultural enrichment, such as bonfire sessions and student art performances, which strengthen social bonds and express collective creativity.
Upcoming Closing Ceremony and Student Induction
The program is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, with a symbolic induction ceremony, officially recognizing participants as full members of HIMAGROTEK. The event will culminate in a closing ceremony attended by University faculty, village officials, and community members, followed by the participants’ return to Bengkulu.
KBS HIMAGROTEK 2024 exemplifies integrating civic responsibility, agroecological practice, and transformative learning. It represents a living laboratory where students engage with real-world agricultural and social dynamics. Through this experience, participants are expected to cultivate empathy, integrity, leadership, and a deepened commitment to community-based development.
