UPNVJ Public Relations – The Student Executive Board of the Veteran National Development University Jakarta (BEM UPNVJ) initiated the 2026 Outer Baduy Sustainable Village program in Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District, Lebak Regency, Banten. The program, scheduled for July 18–27, 2026, integrates community empowerment activities in the fields of economics, health, education, the environment, and strengthening communication capacity.

With the theme "Threads of Change: Weaving Impact Together," this activity is designed as a form of student service focused on community needs. Students will be involved as facilitators in digital marketing assistance, health checks, non-formal education, waste management, and communication training for local businesses and guides.

The program stems from the economic and cultural potential of the Kanekes Village community. Based on observations and interviews included in the activity proposal, approximately 90 percent of households work in the farming sector and utilize non-timber forest products, such as honey, medicinal plants, ginger, turmeric, and galangal.

Honey production in the region is estimated at around 50 units per day, involving approximately 100 sellers from seven villages. Furthermore, traditional weaving skills provide a source of income for the community. The local economic potential is also boosted by visits to Baduy cultural festivals, which attract an estimated 120,000 visitors annually.

However, this potential still faces several challenges. Marketing of community products is largely done through direct sales and traditional markets. Skills in using digital platforms, product photography, packaging, and cashless transactions are also deemed to need improvement.

Through the economic development program, UPNVJ students will assist businesses in creating and using QRIS, e-commerce accounts, social media platforms, and digital catalogs. This program targets at least 15 businesses to gain broader access to promotions and transactions without neglecting the character and cultural values of the local community.

Mentoring also includes creating social media platforms to support cultural information. Once the accounts and digital promotional tools are established, students will conduct outreach, monitoring, and evaluation so the community can continue managing them independently.

In the health sector, the Outer Baduy Sustainable Village program targets at least 40 adult residents to participate in health screenings and outreach on the use of herbal plants. The screenings include basic health checks, such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid levels.

Students will also provide education on clean and healthy living habits and first aid for snake bites. This education is primarily aimed at people working in fields and forest areas, with a target of at least 15 participants. Kanekes Village's geographical location, dominated by hills and forests, makes understanding safety and emergency response a crucial need for the community.

Meanwhile, the education sector focuses on children aged 5–12. Non-formal learning will be conducted through smart boxes, health education, nature-based creativity activities, and the creation of crafts from natural materials. This program targets at least 15 children to participate in educational, participatory, and fun learning activities.

Local business owners and guides will also receive training in public speaking and digital communication. This training is expected to help them communicate information about local products, services, and culture in a more structured manner when interacting with visitors.

In the environmental field, students will encourage the public to identify waste accumulation points, sort waste, and understand more targeted waste management. The program also targets the construction of at least two smoke-free incinerators, along with trials and public awareness campaigns.

Management of these facilities is planned to involve local community groups so that their benefits can continue after the student activities conclude. This approach is expected to go beyond providing equipment and also build community awareness and habits regarding waste management.

The Outer Baduy Sustainable Village program is divided into two phases. The first phase focuses on health and economic development, while the second focuses on education and the environment. This division ensures that each program can be implemented more measurably and appropriately for the target group.

This program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically quality education, a healthy and prosperous life, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and climate change mitigation. It also provides students with a platform to develop leadership, teamwork, social awareness, and communication skills.

Glen Christhover Aprilano, the Chief Executive of the 2026 Outer Baduy Sustainable Village, and the UPNVJ Student Executive Board (BEM) coordinated the program's implementation with village officials, local leaders, community groups, business owners, and residents of Kanekes Village. This collaboration is necessary to ensure that each activity is tailored to the community's needs while respecting local wisdom passed down through generations.

This spirit of service aligns with UPNVJ's policy direction, which encourages higher education innovation to be oriented toward community needs. UPNVJ Rector, Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., emphasized the importance of developing innovations that provide tangible benefits and address societal issues in a previous official university agenda.

Through the Sustainable Village Baduy Luar, UPNVJ is strengthening the role of students as agents of change, not only presenting ideas but also directly engaging in the empowerment process. This collaborative and sustainable approach is expected to strengthen local potential, improve the community's quality of life, and maintain a balance between development and the preservation of Kanekes Village's culture.