( Banyuwangi, 04-12-2024 ) . Amidst the literacy challenges faced by Indonesia, Ketapang Village, Kalipuro District, Banyuwangi, is an inspiring example of community empowerment through the Indonesian Literacy House initiative. This is reflected in the Study Program-Based Community Service activities carried out by Lecturers of Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (KPI) of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, in collaboration with the local literacy community.

The event was opened by the Event Coordinator, Dr. Mohamad Yakub, MA, who emphasized the importance of synergy between universities and local communities. In his speech, he said that this collaboration is expected to be a solution to the low level of national literacy and empower communities in various aspects.

The second speech was delivered by the Head of KPI Study Program, Dr. Yopi Kusmiati, M.Sc., who expressed her high appreciation for the warm welcome from the host. She highlighted the low level of literacy in Indonesia as a major challenge that requires a joint solution. "We are inspired by the existence of the extraordinary Literacy House in Banyuwangi. This place is real proof that with commitment, literacy can be a door to social change," said Dr. Yopi.

Head of Rumah Literasi, Ns. Tunggu Harwanto, M.Kes., in his speech praised the role of local communities such as Posyandu Kerapu led by Mrs. Septi. This Posyandu is not only active in toddler health but also empowers teenagers, the elderly, and young people. He hopes that the media literacy training that will be implemented can broaden the horizons of local media managers to create quality content that is beneficial to the community.

In addition, Rumah Literasi is also a place for other local activists such as Mrs. Ati, who initiated a program to save organic waste to be processed into useful waste for farmers. Mr. Ahmadi, a local creator who processes bamboo from the forest into export products to Canada and Japan, is also in the spotlight. However, he said that limited technology is the main obstacle in developing these creative businesses. "We hope that there will be partnerships and government attention to help develop this local potential," said Tunggu Harwanto.

In a deeper reflection, Tunggu revealed that before the establishment of the Literacy House in 2014, the village faced various social problems such as high rates of child marriage, violence against women and children, and low levels of education. The presence of the Literacy House, initiated by Ibu Nur Hikmah, a graduate of Jember University, became a turning point for the local community. "This Literacy House was born from a concern to make this village better," she explained.

This activity was also attended by other KPI lecturers such as Zakaria, MA, who closed the event with a prayer, Sony Trilaksono, M.Sc., Pia Khoirotun Nisa, MIKom., Drs. Jumroni, M.Sc., and Ade Masturi, M.Sc., Dr Umi Musyarofah, MS.I., as well as KPI UIN Masters students, BPI alumni such as Mayang, and STIKOM Banyuwangi students. And opened by Mrs. Susi from the representative of the Village apparatus.

This event is not only a symbol of academic dedication, but also a real effort to build cross-sector networks to answer social challenges through literacy. With a shared commitment, it is hoped that Ketapang Village can continue to be an example of community-based transformation that inspires other regions in Indonesia. (Pia)