Unismuh Makassar Architecture Students Hold STEP UP Event: Strengthening Leadership and Social Responsibility in Takalar Regency.

TEKNIK.UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR — The Architecture Student Association (HMA) of Muhammadiyah University Makassar successfully held an event titled "STEP UP – Preparing for the Next Generation," with the theme "STEP UP IN ACTION: Leadership and Social Responsibility of Students Focused on Community Service."

This three-day event, taking place from October 27th to 29th, 2025, was held in the Polongbangkeng Selatan district, Takalar Regency, and involved students from UPT SMAN 9 Takalar. The program is part of the HMA – FT Unismuh Makassar Organizational Development Department's agenda, which aims to foster leadership, social awareness, and a spirit of service among students to the community.

On the first day, the event opened with a workshop titled "From Education to Action: Strengthening the Capacity of Community-Based Tourism (Pokdarwis) Towards Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Tourism Areas."

The workshop featured speakers from academia and practitioners who shared insights on the importance of community involvement in maintaining tourism areas to ensure their sustainability and environmental friendliness. Following the workshop, students from Unismuh Makassar also conducted a socialization session at UPT SMAN 9 Takalar, educating students about the importance of young people in raising environmental awareness and developing local-based tourism potential.

On the second day, the event continued with an architecture sketching competition, which was participated in by students from UPT SMAN 9 Takalar. This competition provided a platform for students to express their creativity while introducing them to the field of architecture. Through this activity, participants were encouraged to express ideas about public spaces and environmentally friendly designs that are suitable for the community, in line with the concept of sustainability.

The final day of the event was filled with morning exercise and various interactive games, aimed at strengthening the relationship between students and the surrounding community. The atmosphere of camaraderie and community spirit marked the closing of the event.

The event coordinator stated that the STEP UP activity is a concrete manifestation of the Architecture students' contribution to fulfilling the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the field of community service. "Through this activity, we want to instill values of leadership, social responsibility, and strengthen collaboration between students and the community in building a sustainable environment," he said.

The STEP UP – Preparing for the Next Generation activity also received full support from the Faculty of Engineering, Unismuh Makassar, and other student organizations.

It is hoped that such activities can be carried out continuously so that students not only excel academically, but also have social sensitivity and a spirit of service to the community.