Selayar, Indonesia – Two international students from UIN Alauddin Makassar, Muzamil and Nassir from Sudan, gained valuable cultural and community experiences through their participation in the university’s Community Service Program (KKN) in the Selayar Islands.
Both students are enrolled in the Informatics Engineering Study Program and participated in the KKN program under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Hj. Djuwairiah Ahmad, M.Pd., M.TESOL, Head of the Center for Gender and Children Studies at UIN Alauddin Makassar, and Prof. Dr. Azman Arsyad, M.A., Professor at the Faculty of Sharia and Law UIN Alauddin Makassar.
Muzamil was assigned to Laiyolo Village, while Nassir joined Posko 1 in Patilereng Village. Their participation gave them the opportunity to engage directly with local communities and experience Indonesian village life beyond the academic environment.
For Muzamil, living in Selayar offered a new experience that was different from his daily life in the city.
“It was comfortable, clean, there was no traffic, and there were many beaches,” Muzamil said.
Nassir also experienced a period of adjustment when he first arrived in Selayar. Accustomed to urban life, he initially found it challenging to adapt to the different pace and environment of island life. However, the experience gradually became an opportunity for him to learn and connect with the local community.
“I learned a lot about the people and culture of Indonesia, and I also learned how to work together with others,” Nassir said.
Through their involvement in KKN, Muzamil and Nassir not only contributed to community activities but also gained firsthand knowledge of Indonesian culture and local ways of life. Their experience reflects the value of international student engagement in creating opportunities for intercultural learning and community interaction.
Head of the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar, Dr. Serliah Nur, M.Hum., M.Ed., welcomed the experience of the two students and emphasized the mutual benefits of international student engagement with Indonesian communities.
“They not only learn about Indonesian culture, but also bring meaningful contributions to the community. I hope they will become ambassadors of UIN Alauddin in their home country,” Serliah said.
The International Office continues to support international students in adapting to their academic and social environment at UIN Alauddin. Experiences such as KKN provide students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and develop meaningful connections with local communities.
For Muzamil and Nassir, their time in Selayar offered a different perspective on Indonesia one shaped not only by academic learning, but also by direct interaction with people, culture, and everyday life in an island community.
The two students officially completed their KKN program at a withdrawal ceremony held at the Selayar Regent’s Office on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Their experience in Selayar has become another meaningful chapter in their journey as international students at UIN Alauddin Makassar.
