Humanities for Health: FIB Unpad’s Role in Advancing SDG 3
The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran (FIB Unpad), is strongly committed to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through the implementation of Community Service Programs (KKN-PPM) as well as research funding dedicated to health and community welfare issues.
One concrete example is the program entitled “Community Empowerment in Restoring and Maintaining the Cikeruh River Basin”, conducted in Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency. This initiative engaged students through KKN and MBKM, focusing on river ecosystem preservation to reduce the risks of flooding and environment-related diseases. The program received a budget of IDR 7,500,000, with an actual expenditure of IDR 5,000,000. Beyond environmental conservation, it also provided environmental health education for communities living along the riverbanks, directly contributing to SDG targets 3.6 and 3.9.
Another relevant activity was “Enhancing Reading Interest among Millennials through Library Facilities at Riyadlul Jannah Orphanage” in Cikeruh Village, Jatinangor. While centered on literacy, this program also contributes to SDG 3 by strengthening the psychological well-being and creativity of children through sewing courses. This initiative, aligned with SDG target 3.4, helped children develop practical skills, self-confidence, and future economic opportunities, thereby supporting their mental and social health. The program was supported by IDR 7,500,000, with an actual expenditure of IDR 5,000,000, and actively involved students through KKN and coursework-based community engagement.
In the field of research, FIB Unpad has also allocated funds directly connected to SDG 3. Out of the total PPM research grant of IDR 241,000,000, a significant portion was dedicated to projects addressing community health and environmental well-being. In line with SDG target 3.b, the funding was not only distributed in cash but also through in-kind support such as mentoring, training, and research facilities. Several of these projects have resulted in peer-reviewed journal publications, scientific articles, and video documentation that broaden knowledge dissemination within the community.
Through the synergy of KKN-PPM activities and health-related research, FIB Unpad affirms its role as a humanities faculty that makes a tangible contribution to community health and well-being. This demonstrates how an interdisciplinary approach—integrating culture, environment, and health—can enrich strategies for achieving SDG 3 while delivering sustainable benefits to local communities.Red.
Red. Thurfah Mahira Ahnaf
