A total of 23 bags of blood were collected during a blood donation drive held by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's KKN (Community Service Program) Team Tanah Rencong, together with the community of Uteuen Gathom Village, South Peusangan District, Bireuen Regency, on Friday, August 21. The event was part of the Gathom Meuseuraya Festival, held to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

From early morning, residents from all walks of life came to Meunasah Nibong in Uteuen Gathom Village. Some came to donate blood, while others took advantage of the free health checkups offered as part of the event.

Residents wishing to donate blood first underwent blood pressure and hemoglobin (Hb) level checks to confirm they met the health requirements for donation. Once cleared, residents were then directed to the donation station, staffed by blood transfusion personnel from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

One donor, Muhammad Asyraf Murfid, admitted he had felt a bit anxious before donating blood. But after passing the health check and being cleared to donate, he decided to go through with it.

“After donating blood, I actually felt fresher and more energized. Turns out, donating blood wasn't nearly as painful as I imagined,” Asyraf said.

A similar experience was shared by Syukron, a young man from Uteuen Gathom Village who also donated blood. Although he felt a bit dizzy and weak right after donating, the feeling didn't last long.

“This won't be my last time donating blood. In fact, going forward, I want to donate again and encourage other people to take part too,” he said.

Meanwhile, another resident, Ayu Irma, said the event gave her the chance to contribute and help others. She expressed hope she could take part in blood donation again whenever her health allows.

Initiated by UIN Sunan Kalijaga's KKN Team Tanah Rencong, the blood donation drive and health checkups were part of the broader Gathom Meuseuraya Festival. Leader of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's KKN Team Tanah Rencong, Nazira Niswah, said the event was the result of collaboration between KKN students, the village government, health workers, PMI, and the community.

“We hope this activity can bring real benefit to all the residents of Uteuen Gathom Village,” Nazira said.

Head of South Peusangan District, Juliadi, S.E., praised the initiative taken by UIN Sunan Kalijaga's KKN students in bringing social and health activities to the community. According to him, the blood donation drive could serve as an initial step toward building an ongoing social and health agenda at the village level.

“We deeply appreciate this activity initiated by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's KKN Team Tanah Rencong. This lays an early foundation so that activities like this can continue and become an example for other villages, particularly within South Peusangan District,” he said.

Juliadi also expressed gratitude to the KKN Team Tanah Rencong students, who have been carrying out community service in Uteuen Gathom Village, and expressed hope that the various programs they had run would continue to benefit the community.

Beyond the blood donation drive and free health checkups, the Gathom Meuseuraya Festival also featured a betel-leaf arrangement (sirih) competition for the women of Uteuen Gathom Village, as well as a coloring competition for kindergarten-age children.

The event, held at Meunasah Nibong, was also attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Muspika), Commander of the South Peusangan Military Rayon Command Sergeant Major Novriadi, Police Sector Chief First Brigadier Hendra Saputra, Chair of the Bireuen Regional Chapter (DPD) of Ikan Mukhlis, S.E., MM, Uteuen Gathom Village Head (Keuchik) Juhari, PMI blood transfusion personnel, and health workers from the South Peusangan Community Health Center (Puskesmas).

UIN Sunan Kalijaga's KKN Team Tanah Rencong carried the spirit of independence into the everyday life of Uteuen Gathom Village's residents. Through the Gathom Meuseuraya Festival, they brought together care, health, and togetherness in a single space, brought to life alongside the community.

Through the blood donation drive and health checkups, students also delivered a contribution aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being. When care grows from within a community and is set in motion together, service finds the room to leave a much longer-lasting impact. (humassk)