Found a New Family. “And i can go anywhere i want, just not… | by Agisni Maharani | Aug, 2025
“And i can go anywhere i want, just not home.” — Taylor Swift (My Tear Ricochet)
It all started years ago when I realized that I had to participate in a community service program from my university called KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata). From the many stories about KKN circulating among my seniors, one thing that was always present in all their stories was drama. I thought, well, that’s understandable because imagine living in one house with a dozen people you’ve never met before (mostly members of the regular KKN group at my university, which can even reach 15 people). Then I came across information about National KKN and International KKN, which were very appealing because they were held outside the city, even on other islands. Considering I’m a child with very strict parents, I felt this would be a unique challenge to try a new experience and live far from my parents.
The sixth semester arrived, requiring me to enroll in the Community Service Program (KKN). I made efforts to gather as much information as possible about both KKN programs from anyone I could, including my senior peers (special thanks to Ceu Tiara and Teh Sabila for all the information and assistance they provided). I still remember that the LPPM UNSIL opened registration for this international KKN program in March, and without hesitation, I immediately prepared all the required documents. I even took a retest at the campus to meet the English language proficiency requirements. I did all of this for one reason: “to get out of the house.”
I don’t have any issues with leaving home or being far from it, but as I get older, I feel that I need to do it at least for myself. And after doing it, I never regretted it — in fact, I want to do it again and again.
One thing that can describe our first meeting via Zoom is that it was… noisy. That’s true, and that first impression quite took me aback. As an INTJ, even before we met in person, my mind immediately began piecing together a “possibility” about them based on their backgrounds — Palembang, Padang, Medan, Jambi, Batam, Java… and all those possibilities led to one conclusion: my KKN camp would be very lively.
The first member I met in person was a person from Palembang named Halist. We were roommates in the dormitory, and she would also be my roommate for the next month alongside Anis, a forestry student who liked to nudge me while I slept. The two of them were the perfect combination to keep me awake until late at night — one loved to talk, the other loved to joke around (and now I’m writing this in a quiet room, missing the bustling atmosphere of our room back then).
It has been a month filled with surprises, as my group members are so diverse, full of different energies, and brimming with endless ideas. They seemed to complement each other perfectly — some were the mood makers, others the brainstorming hubs, storytellers, and even the ones who cracked jokes that occasionally crossed the line. But what I’m most grateful for is that there was never any drama among us because these people aren’t easily offended (Chika said all our team members are bullies, so we don’t get offended when bullied), which is so funny!
In addition to our group members who were always there for us, another positive aspect was that the village where we conducted our community service program had a very friendly community that welcomed us with open arms. Starting with Mr. Suyanto, the head of Hamlet 5 where our base camp was located, he was very kind and often accommodated our various requests and questions. We are grateful to have him as our “parent” during our time in Braja Yekti Village.
Twenty-eight days is a very short time, but somehow I feel deeply connected to the place and the people there. The house we stayed in, the streets we walked on, the places we visited, and the people I met — it feels as though I’ve known them for a long time.
Of course, during the KKN, I missed everything from my hometown — my family, my friends, my boyfriend, and the places I used to play. But now, I also miss the various things and routines I did in the village. Going out on work assignments with the ambulance, visiting schools, going to the market, hunting for Hot Wheels at the only Alfamart, exploring Way Kambas National Park, riding around the village on the borrowed motorcycle, going to the canal to fish (this was especially memorable because it was the first time I’d ever fished in my life), and watching the sunset at the village border.
I acknowledge that our group, our village, and I am not perfect. We all have flaws that may become apparent if we try too hard to cover them up, forgetting that the most important thing is to enjoy ourselves. I admit that I cannot cook properly, but they do not judge me even though I have never fulfilled their request to make Sundanese seblak (I apologize in writing).
Our main focus is not to hide the imperfections among us, but to embrace them so that they no longer become significant issues that need to be covered up with falsehoods. I can be very open with my two roommates, and I am very happy about that. Even as I prepare to return home, I sincerely hope that one day we can meet again in a different story, yet still with the same energy, feelings, and vibes.
It wouldn’t be complete if this part was left out! After participating in the expo and winning first place for the best favorite booth stand (and debut in the editorial article of Unila. Here’s the link), We then went on a night ride in Bandar Lampung to look for various souvenirs typical of Lampung. That night was very memorable because, among the excitement of seeing new places, we also had a flat tire on one of the motorcycles we were using. Waiting by the side of the road, sharing stories, really made me feel warmer and think that, at least in our parting, there were many things we could take with us and keep. That night felt longer than usual, and upon returning to the dormitory, my body was filled with fear because this moment might never happen again (always praying that such a moment could be repeated someday without the drama of a flat tire).
After wandering around the village of Braja Yekti with all its endless hustle and bustle, we had to return to our respective homes. Every meeting must have a parting, right? Life must go on even though people come and go (but I hope we can still keep in touch at least in a WhatsApp group and reminisce together through the songs we have saved in our shared playlist).
I returned to Tasikmalaya, my hometown, the city that gave me a life that wasn’t smooth, forcing me to improvise constantly to keep feeling “alive”. Yet despite that, I won’t be alone because there’s someone who’s always waiting for me, even watching over me from afar. Special thanks to my parents for all your sacred prayers, and to my amazing man, Faridz Nofi, for all the support and help you’ve always given, proud of your achievement, dear!
And last, for the Group 2 KKNI Braja Yekti, I’m very proud of us. Let’s meet again later with even more amazing stories.
“So many adventures couldn’t happen today
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams swinging out of the blue
We’ll let them come true.” — Alphaville (Forever Young)
