From Monday, July 14 to Thursday, July 17, 2025, students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), carried out a community service program called MANDALA in Kepetingan Hamlet, Sawohan Village, Buduran District, Sidoarjo Regency. This initiative served as a form of dedication to one of the pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—community service—while also promoting the integration of academic knowledge and social values into the daily lives of local residents. The program commenced with opening remarks from the committee chair, the head of the Fisheries Product Technology Student Association, and the village head, followed by a ceremonial tumpeng cutting as a symbol of gratitude and collaboration.
The MANDALA program was filled with a variety of educational and social activities designed to foster community development and environmental awareness. Students provided teaching assistance to elementary school children from grades one to six, organized Qur’an recitation sessions, and conducted a creative tie-dye workshop where children learned to design and decorate bags. To promote environmental responsibility, the team also planted seedlings around the Dewi Sekardadu tomb area, emphasizing the importance of green conservation practices. In addition, fun games and competitions were held for both children and mothers, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere that encouraged participation and strengthened community bonds.
Through this initiative, the FPK UNAIR team aimed to provide practical solutions to the challenges faced by local residents, particularly in enhancing community independence and improving both social and economic well-being. The enthusiastic involvement of the Kepetingan villagers throughout the program reflected their strong motivation to learn and grow together. For students, MANDALA served as an opportunity to apply their academic insights beyond the classroom, fostering empathy, leadership, and teamwork skills while deepening their understanding of local wisdom and community life. Documentation and evaluation reports from the event were also compiled to serve as a reference for future community service programs.
MANDALA adopted a participatory and inclusive approach, ensuring that the residents were actively engaged in every process. Each activity was conducted in a warm and communicative atmosphere, allowing villagers to voice their aspirations and needs directly. The students’ collaboration with local leaders and residents not only enhanced mutual understanding but also created a sustainable model for community-based empowerment. The success of this event was reflected in the positive feedback from participants, who expressed gratitude and appreciation for the students’ dedication. The harmonious synergy between students and the Kepetingan community is expected to become a strong foundation for future community engagement and development initiatives led by FPK UNAIR.
