Kasta: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): August

Building Community Engagement Through Service-Learning: Lessons from Social Innovation Programs in Rural Communities

Sri Narti (Dehasen University Bengkulu)
Churin ’In (Dehasen University Bengkulu)
Ali Salman (International University of Malaya-Wales)
Martha Heriniazwi Dianthi (Dehasen University Bengkulu)
Manual Selvaraj Bexci (Lincoln University College)
Riski Depa Agung (Dehasen University Bengkulu)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Aug 2026

Abstract

The service-learning approach is increasingly applied in higher education because it is able to connect the academic learning process with the real needs of the community through the direct involvement of students in community empowerment activities. However, most previous research has focused on the impact of service-learning on student learning outcomes, while its contribution to community engagement and social innovation is still relatively limited to be studied. This research aims to analyze the role of service-learning in building community engagement, examine the knowledge exchange process between students and the community, and identify forms of social innovation that appear in community empowerment programs. ZThis study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design on the Community Service-Community Empowerment Program by Students (PKM-PMM) in Rama Agung Village, North Bengkulu Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, documentation, and reflective log book analysis of students. The research informants consisted of tourism village managers, MSME actors, community leaders, and students involved in the program. The results of the study show that service-learning contributes to strengthening community engagement through a participatory approach that involves the community in identifying problems and developing solutions. This research also found that there is a reciprocal learning process that allows students and the community to exchange knowledge, experiences, and skills. This process encourages the emergence of various forms of social innovation, such as the development of tourism village promotional media, strengthening the identity and marketing of MSMEs, and the formation of new collaboration patterns that support community empowerment. The findings of the study confirm that service-learning not only produces learning benefits for students, but also contributes to capacity building and empowerment of rural communities.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

kasta

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

KASTA adalah Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan dibawah lembaga Bale Literasi . Jurnal ini terbit tiga kali setahun, yaitu bulan April,Agustus dan Desember, ini memuat tentang ilmu-ilmu sosial, keagamaan, baik dalam pemikiran Islam,dan kajian Islam lainnya, kajian tetang budaya serta ilmu ...