UKDW and PolyU Deepen International Collaboration, Focus on Elderly Health in Sedayu
YOGYAKARTA — Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) welcomed a delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for the opening of the 2025 International Service-Learning (ISL) program, held at UKDW’s Koinonia Auditorium on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. This initiative marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between UKDW and PolyU, particularly in cross-border community engagement programs facilitated by UKDW’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM).
This year’s ISL program involves 21 nursing students from PolyU’s School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, collaborating with 30 UKDW students through a thematic community service project (KKN Tematik ISL 2025). Under the theme “Local Wisdom-Based Community Empowerment Focusing on Elderly Assistance Program and Utilization of Local Resources”, the program will take place from July 9–11 and 14–15, 2025, across five hamlets in Argosari Village, Sedayu Subdistrict: Kalijoho, Tapen, Gayam, Jurug, and Sedayu.
Addressing Demographic Shifts Through Global Collaboration
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rosa Delima, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research, emphasized the timeliness and urgency of this year’s ISL theme. Based on demographic trends, the Yogyakarta Special Region is on track to become an aging society, with a sharp rise in its elderly population. As such, issues surrounding elder health and well-being are increasingly pressing.
“This ISL program is a tangible response to real societal needs. Through collaborative, hands-on experiences, students are not only gaining valuable field experience but also making direct contributions to communities — especially to elderly residents in Sedayu,” said Dr. Rosa Delima.
Local Government Voices Support
Representing the Subdistrict Head of Sedayu, Mr. Saniman, S.H., Head of Government Affairs at the Sedayu Subdistrict Office, expressed gratitude for the program.
“We truly appreciate the presence and contributions of the students. Their involvement brings new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences that are invaluable to our communities. We hope this collaboration continues to grow and delivers lasting benefits to Sedayu, the students, and UKDW,” he stated.
Elderly Health at the Center of 2025 Program
Dr. Patrick Kor of PolyU noted that this year’s program builds on previous collaborations but introduces a more focused agenda.
“This year, we’re concentrating on elderly health, especially in the areas of dementia prevention, obesity, and hypertension education. We hope that our community assessments and educational activities not only benefit local residents but also enrich our students’ understanding and empathy,” he explained.
Cross-Cultural and Health Preparedness Training
To prepare for the fieldwork, international participants received briefings on cultural and health-related topics. Arida Susyetina, S.S., M.A., delivered a session titled “Indonesian Culture and Etiquette: A Practical Guide”, offering insights into local customs, communication norms, and respectful engagement with the community. Meanwhile, Dr. Haryo Dimasto Kristiyanto provided practical guidance through a session on “Food Safety and Health Tips”, covering health risks in tropical environments — including mosquito-borne diseases, bacterial infections, and the importance of hygienic food and water consumption.
Formalizing the Partnership and Project Consolidation
As a formal step in continuing the partnership, an Implementation Arrangement was signed between LPPM UKDW and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event concluded with a project consolidation session to establish the technical and strategic framework guiding the field activities.
Through this joint initiative, UKDW and PolyU aim to build a sustainable international collaboration that not only enhances community well-being — particularly for elderly populations — but also fosters cross-cultural learning and global empathy among students as future changemakers. [humasukdw/tr.drr]
