KKN DI DESA WAIMITAL: KISAH KASIM DAN KKN 15 TAHUN | Eps 47

Summary

Muhammad Kasim Arifin, an agricultural student from Institut Pertanian Bogor, embarked on a 15-year journey of community service in the remote village of Waimital, Maluku. Tasked with introducing agricultural programs, he immersed himself in village life, working alongside local farmers. Despite initial KKN (community service) being short-term, he stayed, forsaking personal ambitions to dedicate himself fully to the community. His unwavering commitment earned him respect, eventually leading to recognition and an honorary degree. Kasim’s story of selfless service, dedication, and impact continues to inspire, symbolizing the true essence of community-driven development.

Takeaways

• 😀 A student named Muhammad Kasim Arifin from Aceh began his journey with a KKN (Community Service) assignment in 1964 to the village of Waimital in Seram, Maluku.
• 😀 The KKN, which was originally intended to last for a few months, turned into a 15-year-long commitment for Kasim, as he dedicated his life to improving the lives of the local farmers.
• 😀 Kasim chose to live as a local farmer, shedding his urban identity by wearing simple clothes and sandals, and walking long distances with the villagers to the fields every day.
• 😀 He worked to build new irrigation systems, roads, and even new farmland, earning the respect and admiration of the local community.
• 😀 The community started calling him 'Antua,' a term used to describe someone highly respected in Maluku.
• 😀 Despite his university peers returning home after a few months, Kasim chose to remain in Waimital, continuing his work for over a decade and a half.
• 😀 Kasim's family and even his professors urged him to return, but he remained steadfast in his decision to stay in Waimital and help its people.
• 😀 He only left the village after 15 years when his professors, including IPB Rector Prof. Andi Hakim Nasoetion, personally came to bring him back.
• 😀 Kasim completed his studies after a long delay, turning his life and work in Waimital into the subject of his thesis, which moved his peers deeply.
• 😀 Kasim graduated in 1979, receiving special recognition from IPB, and was offered a position to study agriculture in the USA, but he declined, choosing to continue his work in Waimital.
• 😀 In 1982, Kasim was awarded the prestigious Kalpataru award for his dedication to agriculture, although he dismissed the recognition as unimportant and even discarded the award at one point.
• 😀 Kasim passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on in Waimital, where a street is named after him, and his contributions are commemorated through a poem written by the legendary poet Taufik Ismail.

Q & A

Who is Muhammad Kasim Arifin, and what was his role in the KKN program?

Muhammad Kasim Arifin was a student from the Faculty of Agriculture at the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), who was assigned to conduct KKN (community service program) in the village of Waimital, located on Seram Island in Maluku. He devoted 15 years to helping the local farmers, teaching agricultural practices, and assisting in building infrastructure such as irrigation and roads.

Why did Muhammad Kasim Arifin decide to stay in Waimital for 15 years?

Despite the KKN program typically lasting only a few months, Kasim felt deeply connected to the community in Waimital and was committed to continuing his work. His desire to help the farmers and improve the village led him to stay for 15 years, even when his peers returned to their normal lives.

How did the local community view Muhammad Kasim Arifin?

The local community in Waimital respected and admired Kasim. He was seen as a humble, hardworking, and generous figure, who earned the nickname 'Antua,' a title of respect in Maluku. His dedication and sincere efforts made him a beloved member of the community.

What challenges did Kasim face during his time in Waimital?

Kasim faced several challenges, including adapting to a completely different lifestyle from his life as a city student. He lived as a farmer, walked long distances with local farmers, and worked without any salary. Despite these hardships, his passion for helping the villagers never waned.

What happened when Kasim's KKN period officially ended?

Even though his KKN period officially ended after a few months, Kasim chose not to leave Waimital. He continued his work there for 15 years, helping the villagers build better agricultural practices and infrastructure, despite numerous requests from his family, university professors, and the university rector to return home.

How did Kasim eventually complete his education?

After 15 years, Kasim returned to Bogor to finish his studies. He struggled to write his thesis but, with the help of his friends, he eventually wrote about his experiences in Waimital, which became his thesis. He was then able to graduate in 1979.

What recognition did Muhammad Kasim Arifin receive for his work?

Kasim received several forms of recognition, including an honorary degree in agricultural engineering from IPB in 1979. He also received the Kalpataru award from the Indonesian government in 1982 for his tireless work in the agricultural sector and his dedication to the rural community.

What was Kasim's reaction to receiving the Kalpataru award?

Despite receiving the Kalpataru award, Kasim did not view the recognition as particularly significant. He was not interested in awards and even discarded the award when it was brought to his home, reflecting his humble nature and focus on his work rather than personal recognition.

What impact did Kasim's work have on the village of Waimital?

Kasim's work had a profound and lasting impact on Waimital. He introduced better farming techniques, helped improve infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems, and earned the respect of the community. His efforts helped lift the village's agricultural productivity and overall quality of life.

How is Muhammad Kasim Arifin remembered today?

Kasim is still remembered fondly in Waimital, where his legacy lives on. A street in the village is named after him, and his story continues to inspire others. Additionally, a poem was written in his honor by legendary poet Taufik Ismail, which reflects the deep respect for Kasim's selfless dedication.