Illustration of Student Creativity Program (PKM) (Photo: news.okezone.com)

Semarang – The Student Creativity Program (PKM) is a manifestation of the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education to grow, accommodate, and realize student creative and innovative ideas in Indonesia. This prestigious event among students is held annually by the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Directorate General of Research and Development Strengthening, Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education (Kemenristekdikti). The Student Creativity Program was implemented for the first time in 2001 and was the beginning of the National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS).

Diponegoro University Communication Science Department also participated in celebrating this annual euphoria. Departing from the problem of the low participation interest of Communication Science students following PKM the previous year, the Department of Communication Sciences made a breakthrough by holding outreach to all students. No half-hearted anymore, this effort is also accompanied by direct guidance by lecturers who are experienced in their respective fields, one of which is Dr. Yanuar Luqman S.Sos., M.Si.

“Yesterday, the last record, if I’m not mistaken, there were 33 proposals, only titles, the proposals did not exist in a new form of title reference. Yes, that’s what causes us as managers to be quite concerned too, “explained Yanuar.

Not only in the Department of Communication, Diponegoro University, it turns out that the low interest in joining PKM is also felt by several other universities.

“Well, actually I have talked with friends majoring in Communication at other universities, the phenomenon is almost the same, especially Communication students, it is rather difficult to invite them to PKM because the Communication students have many competitions that can be a choice of competition,” he added.

Although the Department of Communication Science admits that there is no specific target for PIMNAS, the preparation and ambition in PKM are fairly mature. For example, by inviting new generations to do counseling and material giving, to the execution stage of the PKM proposal preparation through the 2020 PENDIKAR (Character Education) Communication Science Study Program Student Association (HMPS) under the direct supervision of the Communication Science Department.

“We have a lot of hope for the progress of HMPS to advance PKM targets, yes, of course, the Study Program will not let go of their hands, meaning because those who are directly related to students are HMPS,” concluded Yanuar.

Besides, the Department of Communication also held online socialization on Tuesday (9/2) with the hope that there will be an increase in the participation of Communication Science students in PKM. Socialization is a form of concern and responsibility for students who have or want to compile a PKM proposal.

“The department is quite facilitating, yesterday, my friends and I also had the opportunity to share about PKM. So, there is support from the department, ”explained Muhammad Afi, a 2019 class of Communication Science student.

Furthermore, after the efforts made by each element of the Department of Communication Sciences, Afi hopes to increase student interest in fulfilling the Tridharma of Higher Education so that it can make the Department of Communication Sciences proud.

“Hopefully in the future, there will be more and more students who are interested in PKM and will make championships that can make the department proud,” said Afi.

Reporter: Dinda Khansa Berlian / Luthfi Maulana Adhari

Author: Kartika Conny Brilliant Dwikananda / Rahma Kurniasari