Pekalongan Regency, (02/08/2024) – Team II students of Diponegoro University Community Service Program (KKN) 2023/2024 designed a program to improve bridge maintenance capabilities in Pakumbulan Village. This program is designed to increase the awareness and skills of villagers in maintaining and caring for village bridges, which have been an essential route for daily activities.
This program began with submitting an educational leaflet regarding bridge maintenance at the Pakumbulan Village Hall on Friday, August 2, 2024, to Mr. Rifky, the Secretary of Pakumbulan Village. This leaflet invites the community to understand simple but essential steps to maintain the bridge’s condition to remain safe and function properly. This educational activity includes cleaning the bridge of garbage and wild plants around the bridge, identifying early signs of damage, and routine maintenance actions that can be carried out independently by the community, such as repainting.
After that, this program continued cleaning the bridge with the Pakumbuan Village community. They cleaned up trash, dirt, and other objects piled on the bridge. This activity was carried out very seriously and disciplined so that the bridge looked cleaner and tidier in a short time. We, as students, participated in this activity and felt how vital togetherness is in maintaining village infrastructure.
After the cleaning was complete, the bridge was repainted. The painting was done using weather-resistant paint that beautifies the bridge and provides an additional layer of protection against corrosion and damage due to weather exposure. The bright colors make the bridge look fresher and safer to cross, especially at night. This repainting was done using simple equipment and red and white paint. The choice of these colors is also a form of celebrating the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, which symbolizes the spirit of nationalism and the residents’ pride in maintaining our shared infrastructure.
During the activity, many people took part in the maintenance process. They helped clean the bridge, applied paint, and provided moral support to the hard-working team. This community participation shows how important togetherness is in maintaining village infrastructure.
This bridge maintenance capability improvement program was designed by Dhea Agustien Puspita Ningrum, a student of Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Architectural Design at the Faculty of Vocational School, which is expected to have a long-term impact on Pakumbulan Village. With the active involvement of residents in maintaining and caring for the bridge, this infrastructure can last longer, reduce future repair costs, and continue to support the economic and social activities of village residents.
With strong collaboration between students, village government, and the community, this program is a real example of how dedication and cooperation can bring about sustainable positive change.
Author: Dhea Agustien Puspita Ningrum (Civil Infrastructure Engineering and Architectural Design, Faculty of Vocational School, Diponegoro University)
Field Supervisor (DPL): Dr. Ir. Bambang Dwiloka, M.S
Location: Pakumbulan Village, Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency