Dambades 2025: UPJ Students Build a Safe and Comfortable Learning Space in Cisoka, Realizing Inclusive Education

Bintaro, Tangerang, July 29, 2025 – DAKAURI UPJ Implements DAMBADES 2025 Program to Foster Inclusive Education through Infrastructure and Community Engagement

The student organization DAKAURI (Dari Kami untuk Negeri) from Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) has once again launched its flagship initiative, DAMBADES 2025, with clearly defined objectives: the advancement of education and teaching, alongside the physical reconstruction of classroom ceilings at MIS Al-Khaeriyah, located in Bojongloa Village, Cisoka Sub-district, Tangerang Regency.

Held from July 14 to 21, 2025, the program mobilized 49 students, with 45 actively engaged in onsite construction activities. The selection of MIS Al-Khaeriyah was based on the critical condition of its learning environment, particularly the substandard roofing structure, which posed safety concerns and hindered comfortable instruction.

In addition to infrastructure improvement, DAKAURI UPJ students implemented direct educational interventions, facilitating interactive learning sessions, academic tutoring, and the DAKALESTARI creativity program designed to cultivate student innovation. A comprehensive cleanup of the school compound was also conducted, promoting a hygienic and conducive atmosphere for learning.

Ahmad Umar, Principal of MIS Al-Khaeriyah, conveyed his profound appreciation:

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to the students of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya, particularly the DAKAURI organization. Alhamdulillah, our school was selected to receive ceiling renovations for three classrooms, significantly enhancing our learning environment. We sincerely hope DAKAURI continues to support underserved communities in meaningful ways.”

The initiative embodies the values of Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi—the Indonesian higher education mandate of education, research, and community service. Dandy Tri Widianto, Chairperson of DAKAURI UPJ, articulated this ethos:

“DAMBADES is an annual program that realizes the Tri Dharma in tangible ways. We believe students are not solely academics but also agents of social contribution.”

Executive Chairperson Diyaz Aprilian emphasized that student involvement encompasses more than construction:

“Our work includes logistics coordination, community dialogue, and ensuring that infrastructure outcomes are sustainable and serviceable for the long term.”

He further elaborated on the guiding principles of the initiative:

“Every child deserves to learn in a secure and nurturing space. This conviction drives our action. Through DAMBADES, we transform classroom unease into a peaceful learning environment.”

From an educational standpoint, DAMBADES cultivates students’ competencies in collaborative teamwork, field-based time management, and trust-building with local communities. The program also extends its influence to the wider community through environmental education. One such participant, Bella Hastaningsih, shared her insights:

“Participating in the biopore and maggot composting workshop conducted by DAKAURI students was enlightening. I now understand the environmental benefits and plan to implement these practices. It’s inspiring to see students genuinely care about community welfare.”

DAMBADES is not merely a physical development project but a participatory process grounded in community collaboration. The DAKAURI team bases its interventions on field surveys, direct dialogue, and contextual observations.

This year’s implementation of DAMBADES reaffirms the role of students as proactive contributors to community-based problem-solving—not as passive observers or unilateral service providers, but as engaged participants operating within—and responding to—the social fabric they serve.