Growing with the Village Ganggangpanjang: A Journey of Learning and Build Digital Generations

By: Adi Bagus Nugroho

Hello, my name is Adi Bagus Nugroho, and I am currently a 6th-semester student in the Information Systems program at Narotama University, Surabaya. In 2025, I had the remarkable opportunity to participate in the Community Service Program (KKN), which took place in Ganggangpanjang Village, specifically in Dusun Luwung, located in Kabupaten Sidoarjo. This program became one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences in my academic journey. It was not only about contributing to the community, but also about discovering the true potential that lies within a village setting.

During the KKN program, I took part in several community based initiatives designed to uplift and empower the local residents. One of the most exciting and memorable moments for me was being given the responsibility to act as the Master of Ceremony (MC) in all of our events and group activities. Despite it being my very first experience speaking in front of a crowd in such a formal setting and feeling quite anxious at first it became an incredibly rewarding experience. This opportunity helped me break through my nervousness, build greater self assurance, and develop stronger skills in public speaking and communication.

In addition to that, I had the chance to deepen my understanding of how village level governance operates, particularly in the area of public administration. I worked closely with the village staff and assisted residents in navigating and using the SIPRAJA application digital platform designed to simplify access to public services. This experience helped me see the importance of integrating digital solutions into local governance to ensure that rural communities can receive efficient and modern public services.

Our KKN team also focused on creating promotional content to highlight and popularize the village's tourism potential, especially Punden Mbah Reco, a culturally rich site located in Dusun Luwung. This site offers a combination of beautiful natural scenery, local culinary delights, and traditional toys sold by the residents. I truly believe that with the right promotional strategies and consistent efforts, this site could become a major tourist attraction. Moreover, I hope that tourism development expands beyond just Dusun Luwung, because every part of Ganggangpanjang Village has unique features and local wisdom that deserve recognition and appreciation.

My aspiration for Ganggangpanjang Village is that it not only becomes well known on a local level, but also grows to gain attention at the national and even international level. With proper management, sustainable promotion, and strong collaboration between local leaders and the youth, I am confident this village holds immense potential to shine and set an example for other communities.

Participating in this KKN program has been more than just serving the community, it has been a journey of personal growth and character building. I have learned the true essence of teamwork, leadership, communication, and cultural sensitivity. These lessons are not only applicable to academic life but will also be deeply valuable in my future career and personal life. Without a doubt, this is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.