Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE) has once again strengthened its international collaboration through the World Friends Korea ICT Volunteers (WFK-ICT) 2026 program, an international community service and cultural exchange initiative conducted in collaboration with Kyungpook National University (KNU), South Korea. Supported by the National Information Society Agency (NIA), the program marks the seventh year of WFK-ICT implementation at POLIJE since 2019.

This year, WFK-ICT adopts a student-centered approach, giving students from POLIJE and KNU a greater role in designing and implementing the program. The initiative also involves approximately 10 polytechnics across Indonesia, creating a broader platform for students to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and strengthen international networks.

The program combines technology, education, and cultural exchange through various activities. Participants have the opportunity to engage in cultural programs such as K-Food and K-Game, as well as traditional Korean games. These activities provide a space for Indonesian and Korean students to learn about one another’s cultures while developing stronger interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

President of WFK-ICT Volunteers from KNU, Jeong Donggi, highlighted the importance of involving students from both countries from the early planning stages. The teams also developed several collaborative projects, including a Smart City project for Jember and a Media Facade project showcasing the beauty of Indonesian batik.

From POLIJE, President of WFK-ICT Volunteers Azrieal Akbar Zackiansyah said that the student-centered concept provided valuable opportunities for students to take leadership roles throughout the program. Their involvement from planning to implementation helped strengthen their confidence, teamwork, and ability to collaborate in an international environment.

The program also received appreciation from Prof. Wonil Chung, who recognized POLIJE’s consistency in hosting WFK-ICT for seven consecutive years. According to him, the initiative serves as an important platform for Indonesian and Korean students to collaborate while gaining a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and learning to appreciate diversity.

POLIJE Director Saiful Anwar, S.TP., M.P. emphasized that WFK-ICT represents a strong and sustained partnership between POLIJE and KNU. Beyond strengthening students’ technological competencies, the program also develops cross-cultural communication skills and prepares students to become globally minded graduates. POLIJE hopes that the partnership can be expanded through joint research, student exchanges, and other strategic international programs.

Through the continued implementation of WFK-ICT, POLIJE demonstrates its commitment to strengthening internationalization through meaningful student-centered collaboration. The program not only connects higher education institutions in Indonesia and South Korea but also creates opportunities for students to develop technological, leadership, cultural, and global competencies. POLIJE looks forward to expanding this collaboration and creating greater international opportunities for its academic community.