Unismuh Development Economics Students Promote Community Self-Reliance through BINEKA 2026 in Malaka Village

UNISMUH.AC.ID, PANGKEP — The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar, through the Student Association of Economics Department (HIMAJEP), implemented the "BINEKA 2026 Village Economy Development Program" in Malaka Village, Tondong Tallasa sub-district, Pangkajene and South Sulawesi (Pangkep) from May 18-24, 2026.

The program, themed "Developing the Economy of Malaka Village to Achieve Self-Reliance and Productivity," served as a platform for student community service through various empowerment programs in the fields of economics, education, and village development.

During the week-long program, students conducted various activities designed to directly benefit the community. The program focused not only on education but also on fostering skills that could be developed into business opportunities for local residents.

The program began with an official opening ceremony that was warmly welcomed by the residents of Malaka Village. During the event, a workshop on entrepreneurship was held, featuring Dr. Ismail Rasulong, S.E., M.M., a lecturer from the Faculty of Economics and Business of Unismuh Makassar.

In his presentation, Ismail emphasized the importance of developing entrepreneurial spirit, creativity in developing businesses, and utilizing local potential as capital for community economic independence.

One of the highlights of BINEKA 2026 was a joint soap-making training and practice with the community. The goal was to provide new skills that could be developed into a profitable home-based business.

Students directly assisted the residents, from introducing raw materials and the production process to packaging techniques. The program aimed to enable the community to utilize the acquired skills as sustainable business opportunities.

In addition to economic empowerment, the students also conducted university socialization for high school students in Malaka Village and surrounding areas. The purpose was to motivate students to pursue higher education and introduce Unismuh Makassar, particularly the Economics Department.

In the field of education and character building, the organizers held various competitions involving children from the village. Some of the activities included elementary school quiz competitions, short surah recitation competitions, and call-to-prayer competitions, as well as various educational games.

The various competitions were warmly welcomed by participants and the community. A spirit of togetherness, learning, and family was evident throughout the program.

The peak of BINEKA 2026 was held on Saturday evening, May 23, 2026, through an event of a friendly gathering and closing ceremony. The event was a moment to strengthen the relationship between students, village government, and local residents.

During the closing ceremony, the organizers also distributed the soap products produced by the community during the program.

Muhammad Albi Rusli, the Head of Malaka Village, expressed his appreciation for the students' contribution, which he said had a positive impact on the community, especially through the soap-making training which was very beneficial and offered business opportunities for residents. The presence of students also provided new inspiration for the children and the people of Malaka Village.

Faiz Ikhwan, the Chairman of HIMAJEP, said that BINEKA was an opportunity for students to interact directly with the community and provide real contributions through various empowerment programs.

"BINEKA is an opportunity for students to learn and collaborate with the community, and to provide real contributions through economic, educational, and social empowerment programs. We hope that what has been done can provide long-term benefits for the community of Malaka Village," he said.

Dr. Edi Jusriadi, S.E., M.M., Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Unismuh Makassar, also expressed his appreciation. He said that the program was a real implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the aspect of community service.

He hoped that students would continue to maintain a spirit of collaboration, social responsibility, and innovation in supporting the development of village economies.

Ramdani M. Nur, the Chairman of BINEKA 2026, expressed his gratitude for the smooth implementation of all activities, thanks to the support of various parties, starting from the organizers, participants, village government, and the local community.

Through BINEKA 2026, HIMAJEP FEB Unismuh Makassar aims to empower students to be agents of change that can provide solutions and real contributions to the community. The community is also expected to continue developing local skills and potential that have been introduced during the program, so that the dream of a self-reliant and productive village can be achieved sustainably.