In commemoration of the 65th Anniversary of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala (FKG USK), held the 16th Aksi Kaninus in Montasik Subdistrict, Aceh Besar, on Friday (September 18). Carrying the theme “Bakti Geutanyoe, Seunyum ke Nanggroe,” the activity served as a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge while making a direct contribution to the community through dental and oral health services and education.
The Chairperson of the 16th Aksi Kaninus Committee, Abdi Reda Wira Pratama, stated that the activity reflects the commitment and concern of FKG USK students toward the community. According to him, Aksi Kaninus is not only an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they have gained throughout their education, but also provides valuable experience in engaging directly with the community and understanding local health needs.
“The 16th Aksi Kaninus carries the theme Bakti Geutanyoe, Seunyum ke Nanggroe. Through this activity, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to the community while bringing our best smiles to the people of Aceh,” he said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. drg. Zulfan M. Alibasyah, Sp.Perio, also expressed his appreciation for the successful implementation of the activity. He expressed hope that the services provided would benefit the community while strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions, local government, and the community.
“We greatly appreciate the implementation of the 16th Aksi Kaninus. We hope that every service provided will benefit the community and that the collaboration established among the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, the community, and the local government can continue in the future and contribute to broader and more sustainable efforts,” he said.
Appreciation was also conveyed by the Rector of Universitas Syiah Kuala, who was represented on the occasion by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, S.Kep., M.Si., FRSPH. She emphasized that students are not only expected to be active in academic pursuits but are also encouraged to take initiative, create meaningful contributions, and engage directly with the community.
“Students are not only expected to be active academically, but must also have the courage to take action, create meaningful work, and make tangible contributions to society. Through the 16th Aksi Kaninus, the spirit of student service and community engagement is expected to continue growing and provide meaningful benefits to the people of Aceh,” she stated.
Support for the activity was also expressed by the Government of Aceh Besar Regency. The Regent of Aceh Besar, represented by the Assistant II for Economic and Development Affairs of the Aceh Besar Regional Secretariat, H. Muhammad Ali, S.Sos., M.Si., conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to USK, particularly the Faculty of Dentistry, for its contribution to providing dental and oral health services to the people of Aceh Besar.
He noted that the activity provides meaningful benefits to the community, considering that oral health is an important component of overall well-being and plays a role in supporting people’s comfort and daily activities.
“On behalf of the Aceh Besar Regional Government, we highly appreciate and are grateful to Universitas Syiah Kuala, particularly the Faculty of Dentistry, for its tangible contribution to the people of Aceh Besar. This activity is very beneficial to the community, particularly through the provision of dental health services and care,” he said.
He further expressed his hope that similar activities could continue to be carried out on a sustainable basis so that their benefits can reach a wider segment of the Aceh Besar community.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Aceh, represented by the Head of the Bureau of Aceh Special Affairs and People’s Welfare, Dr. Drs. H. Yusrizal Zainal Abidin, M.Si., highlighted the role of community service activities in fostering students’ social awareness and sensitivity to the needs of society.
“Activities such as the 16th Aksi Kaninus not only contribute to developing academically capable young generations, but also foster social responsibility and sensitivity to the needs of the community,” he said.
He added that higher education is not solely oriented toward the development of knowledge and academic competencies, but also carries a responsibility to shape young people into individuals who are able to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Community service activities such as this demonstrate that higher education is not only focused on scientific knowledge, but also plays an important role in shaping students’ character so that they become caring, socially aware, and capable of making meaningful contributions to society,” he concluded.
The opening ceremony continued with the signing of an Implementation of Agreement (IA) by the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. drg. Zulfan M. Alibasyah, Sp.Perio, and the Regent of Aceh Besar, represented by the Assistant II for Economic and Development Affairs of the Aceh Besar Regional Secretariat, H. Muhammad Ali, S.Sos., M.Si. The signing marked a commitment to strengthening collaboration in supporting the implementation of the activity and sustaining cooperation between the two parties.
The opening of the 16th Aksi Kaninus was then officially marked by the symbolic joining of two puzzle pieces. The ceremony was carried out by the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. drg. Zulfan M. Alibasyah, Sp.Perio, together with the Governor of Aceh, represented by the Head of the Bureau of Aceh Special Affairs and People’s Welfare, Dr. Drs. H. Yusrizal Zainal Abidin, M.Si. The joining of the two pieces symbolized synergy and collaboration between higher education institutions and the government in implementing programs that provide meaningful benefits to the community.
As part of the 65th Anniversary celebration of Universitas Syiah Kuala, the 16th Aksi Kaninus represents one of FKG USK students’ contributions to fulfilling the university’s Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi), particularly in the area of community service. Through the spirit of “Bakti Geutanyoe, Seunyum ke Nanggroe,” the activity is expected to strengthen collaboration among students, the university, government institutions, and the community, while contributing to greater awareness and improved dental and oral health among the people of Aceh Besar.
16th AKSI KANINUS — “Bakti Geutanyoe, Seunyum ke Nanggroe.”
