MONEV: Scholarships, Service, and Success – PT. Pesona Khatulistiwa Nusantara (PKN) and Politeknik Piksi Ganesha Collaborate Partnering for Impact and Innovation for a Better Bulungan

April 21^st-23^rd 2025, Bulungan, North Kalimantan

Strong partnerships between mining companies, communities, and universities are key to creating real, lasting change. PT. Pesona Khatulistiwa Nusantara (PKN), a national mining company working in Bulungan, North Kalimantan, is putting this idea into action through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. According to Iwan Suryanto, PKN’s Community Development Manager, one major focus is long-term investment, like offering scholarships to local students, including opportunities to study at Politeknik Piksi Ganesha.

But it’s not just about hitting the books. Students are encouraged to get hands-on experience through internships, community service projects, and research that ties back to their studies. To help them succeed, PKN’s field team including Mr. Ardy, Mrs. Nagista, Mr. Sodik, and Mr. Ramli provide guidance and support out in the field.

During a recent visit to Bulungan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prihartono, Director of Politeknik Piksi Ganesha, along with supervisor Mrs. Widwi Handari, shared the campus’s commitment to staying involved every step of the way. “We feel responsible for mentoring, educating, guiding, and keeping an eye on our students to make sure they truly make a positive difference in their communities,” said Dr. Prihartono.

By continuously checking in and gathering feedback, the program hopes to keep improving and bringing even bigger benefits to the communities it serves. It’s a team effort and the future look bright!

Through continuous monitoring and evaluation, the program aims to gather valuable insights and recommendations to further enhance future initiatives. With this collaboration, it is hoped that real benefits will continue to reach and empower local communities.

Expanding on the student internship activities, the program reached a wide range of villages, focusing on economic development, information systems, and health services. Students were placed in Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) across Apung, Kelubir, Tanjung Agung, Bumi Rahayu, Wonomulyo, Sajau, Sakatak, Salimbatu, and Pimping villages. Some also contributed at the ComDev Office of PT. PKN and its business units in Tanjung Selor, while others gained valuable experience at Bulungan Regional General Hospital and by supporting service programs in local schools. In total, 46 students participated, divided into eight groups.

Throughout their internships, students discovered great potential to advance the operations of BUMDes, particularly those with official government licenses. Their work emphasized boosting agricultural and livestock production facilities and improving service systems through the use of modern information and health technologies. All research and community service projects completed by the students have been officially registered for Copyright and Intellectual Property rights.

Looking ahead, one key recommendation is to introduce stronger digital literacy programs for the local communities. By integrating digital skills, villages can expand their reach in business, services, marketing, and information sharing, allowing them to keep pace with technological developments. Additionally, students are encouraged to nurture their entrepreneurial skills, building digital or independent businesses based on the unique strengths of their home regions. This continuous education and empowerment aim to create a more advanced, independent Bulungan, true to the spirit of “Kaltara di Hati.”

Author: Prihartono Aksan Halim & Widwi Handari Adji
Editor: Santy Christinawati

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