In early September, the “Kolej Rahman Putra Goes to Surabaya” program, held by the World University Association of Community Development (WUACD) in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through Kolej Rahman Putra, Universitas Airlangga, in cooperation with Universitas Airlangga Student Executive Board, took place for over a week, starting from September 2nd up until September 10th. Held in Desa Wonokitri, Tosari, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java, the initiative was designed to not only improve the welfare of the residents but also foster collaboration between students and local communities, while addressing social and environmental needs in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over the course of their nine-day stay, participants engaged in a wide variety of activities. Among them was a community clean-up aiming to revitalize local and cultural spaces while also strengthening ties with local residents. The clean-up was carried out throughout the village at different significant sites, including Balai PKK, Balai Penunggu, Pura Dhang Khayangan, and an altar where sacred items are kept. All of these locations hold different importance to the people of Desa Wonokitri, both practically or religiously, thus the need to keep them maintained arose. By focusing on these sites, the activity not only addressed the cleanliness but also the initiative to preserve culture and heritage. This activity is in line with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, actively promoting sustainability, making living spaces more livable.

In an attempt to reach the SDG goal, students gathered in the early morning and collectively started to sweep, rake, collect trash, and refresh the communal spaces. Located on a mountain, Desa Wonokitri provided a cool and fresh atmosphere for the students to carry out their cleaning duties. Working side-by-side, they fostered unity and this experience allowed them to directly contribute to the well-being of the village, a means for them to learn to appreciate their living space, and also serves as a token of gratitude for the hospitality provided by the local community.

Beyond the immediate impact, this action contributed to a larger vision that aligns with another one of the Sustainable Development Goals. With cross-border cooperation between students of Universitas Airlangga and Kolej Rahman Putra UTM, combined with the active participation of the local community, this activity reflects SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, advocating for global partnerships to achieve a bigger goal.

This joint initiative, held by the students of Universitas Airlangga and Kolej Rahman Putra UTM, not only improved the welfare of the residents of Desa Wonokitri, but also strengthened collaboration across borders and gave the students valuable lessons on community empowerment. The cumulative efforts from this program may seem small, but they represent a step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future, with the hope that others will be inspired to do the same.