by: Nurfaizah, M. Hum.
Monday, May 4, 2026 marked an important moment for students of STAI Sirojul Falah with the official opening of the Kuliah Kerja Mahasiswa (KKM) program at Campus 2. In a time when technology is advancing rapidly and much of life is shifting online, it’s fair to ask: does KKM still matter today? The answer is simple—it does, and perhaps now more than ever.
KKM is not just a routine academic requirement or a box to check before graduation. It offers something that classrooms and online learning cannot fully provide. It pushes students to step outside their comfort zones and engage directly with real communities. This is where academic knowledge is tested, challenged, and made meaningful through actual experience.
In today’s digital era, students have easy access to information. However, understanding people, adapting to different environments, and building genuine empathy cannot be learned through screens alone. KKM creates space for students to listen, interact, and collaborate with communities that have diverse backgrounds and real needs. It turns abstract knowledge into something practical and grounded.
Beyond that, KKM plays a strong role in shaping character. It encourages independence, responsibility, social awareness, and problem-solving skills in real situations. For students in Islamic studies, it also becomes an opportunity to express Islamic values in ways that are relevant and impactful—not just through words, but through actions that benefit others.
In the end, the opening of KKM at STAI Sirojul Falah is more than a ceremonial event. It marks the beginning of a deeper learning journey. In a constantly changing world, programs like KKM remain important in preparing students to become not only academically capable, but also socially aware and ready to contribute in meaningful ways.