The Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), officially inaugurated the 2026 Village Partnership Program at the village hall (Meunasah) of Gampong Rumpet, Krueng Barona Jaya District, Aceh Besar. Dr. drg. Zulfan Alibasyah, Sp.Perio., stated that this program marks the beginning of a long-term community development initiative aimed at improving public awareness of the importance of oral health through collaboration between the university, local government, village authorities, schools, and the community. The Village Partnership Program consists of seven consecutive community visits designed to promote education, empowerment, and sustainable community engagement.
The Chairperson of the 2026 Village Partnership Program Organizing Committee, Alya Hamida Siregar, explained that this year’s program emphasizes continuous assistance and guidance for the community through a series of structured visits. She also expressed her hope that students would be able to apply their academic knowledge while contributing to the improvement of oral health literacy within the community. Meanwhile, the President of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Dentistry USK, Muhammad Alif Dhiya’ulhaq, emphasized that students have an important responsibility as agents of change who can provide solutions to various public health issues through education and community empowerment.
Representing the Head of Gampong Rumpet, Village Secretary Muhammad Salikhin expressed his appreciation for the collaboration established between the Faculty of Dentistry USK, the village administration, and local schools. According to him, this partnership represents a positive step toward increasing public awareness of oral health. The Principal of SD Negeri 1 Rumpet, Khumaini, S.Pd.I., M.Pd., also conveyed his support for the Little Dentist Program (Dokter Gigi Cilik), describing it as an effective initiative to instill healthy habits among children from an early age while encouraging them to become oral health ambassadors within their school and the wider community. During the ceremony, M. Arham Yurdhiya and Cut Alifah Humaira were officially presented with white coats as a symbolic appointment as the Little Dentists of SD Negeri 1 Rumpet.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. drg. Zulfan Alibasyah, Sp.Perio., emphasized that the Village Partnership Program is a tangible implementation of the university’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the area of community service. He noted that the program not only provides meaningful benefits to the community but also serves as an experiential learning platform for students to strengthen their academic competence, communication skills, leadership, and empathy—qualities that are essential for becoming professional, compassionate, and ethical dentists. The Dean further expressed his hope that the partnership established with the Government of Aceh Besar Regency, Krueng Barona Jaya District, and Gampong Rumpet would continue to grow and generate lasting benefits for the local community. He also encouraged the Student Executive Board (BEM) to continue developing sustainable collaborative programs that create long-term positive impacts for society.
The 2026 Village Partnership Program of the Faculty of Dentistry USK is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 4: Quality Education. Through sustained collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, schools, and local communities, the program is expected to strengthen promotive and preventive efforts in improving oral health while contributing to the advancement of Indonesia’s national health development agenda.
