The SBM ITB, visited Ciroyom Village as part of its societal impact program on Saturday (August 30). This visit not only provided a platform to review the progress of previously implemented initiatives but also served as a momentum to strengthen collaboration with the village community.
This event coincided with the “Cirata Punya Cerita” Festival, marking the 170th anniversary of Ciroyom Village. The festival embodies the spirit of becoming a cultural tourism village, featuring a variety of events such as a healthy walk, a nasi liwet cooking competition, folk games, arts and cultural performances, and a local MSME exhibition. The collaboration with SBM ITB added an educational dimension to the festival, particularly through MSME introductions, cultural workshops, and interactions between exchange students and the community.
The event opened with a Jaipong dance performance as a warm welcome for the exchange students. The event was also attended by representatives from the Executive Vice President and Chief Officer of Asia Pacific Americas and Membership at AACSB, Geoff Perry; the Head of the West Java Tourism and Culture Office, Iendra Sofyan; the Secretary of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) at the West Java Provincial Government (KBB), Eka Maryati; the Head of the Cipendeuy Subdistrict, Agus Ganjar Hidayat; the Head of Ciroyom Village, Sirojudin; and the Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs at SBM ITB, Eko Agus Prasetio. The village community packed the event center at the Ciroyom Village Food Court.
“This is the first time that foreigners, specifically SBM ITB students, have visited my village. For me, this visit has a positive impact on Ciroyom Village, introducing our growing potential in MSMEs and showcasing our existing culture,” said Sirojudin, the head of Ciroyom Village.
The SBM ITB societal impact program is a concrete implementation of the institution’s obligations as an AACSB-accredited business school. Yunieta Anny Nainggolan, the Head of the SBM ITB Societal Impact Team, stated that this activity differs from typical community service activities. While community service is typically short-term, societal impact is designed as a sustainable program integrated into the school’s strategic plan, focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically point 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
“As an accredited school, SBM ITB has a responsibility to positively impact the surrounding community. This program is not easy and differs from community service, which tends to be short-term,” said Yunita. “The goal of societal impact is to create sustainable activities that encourage village economies to become more independent by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. These supported villages will eventually be compared to previously successful ones, motivating them to continue progressing and achieving success.”
The societal impact roadmap is based on the principle of “one year, one village,” which aims for gradual and continuous development within each village. Key indicators of success include increased sales for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the creation of new jobs, and the emergence of innovative local businesses. Through this approach, Ciroyom Village is expected to develop into an independent and highly competitive community, serving as an inspiring model for other villages in Indonesia.
