As part of its commitment to the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the Mathematics Department, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, organized a Community Service Program (PkM) at MTs Negeri 1 Purworejo, Central Java, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The event was attended by lecturers from the Mathematics Department who actively participated in various activities designed to inspire and support students’ learning enthusiasm in mathematics.

This year’s PkM activity took the form of a mathematics competition for MTs Negeri 1 Purworejo students. The competition aimed to foster students’ interest in mathematics and enhance their critical, logical, and creative thinking skills. The event also sought to demonstrate that mathematics is not merely about numbers and formulas but is a discipline that plays an essential role in daily life and technological advancement.

The competition was filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Students eagerly engaged in each round, tackling challenging problems and showcasing their analytical abilities. Teachers and organizing committees provided great support, making the learning environment both enjoyable and inspiring.

In his opening remarks, the Head of the Mathematics Department, represented by the Department Secretary, Mr. Arif Munandar, expressed his appreciation to MTs Negeri 1 Purworejo for their warm welcome and cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of mathematics as a fundamental component in the development of modern technology.

“Technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), are built upon mathematical concepts. Therefore, it is important for students to realize that mathematics is not only about calculations but also about developing systematic and analytical thinking skills, which are crucial in facing future technological challenges,” said Mr. Arif Munandar in his address.

In addition to the competition, the program also served as an opportunity for lecturers to engage in discussions with teachers from MTs Negeri 1 Purworejo about effective and enjoyable approaches to teaching mathematics. The lecturers shared insights and experiences on integrating technology into mathematics learning, such as using interactive software, simulations, and problem-based learning methods.

The Principal of MTs Negeri 1 Purworejo expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the program, emphasizing its positive impact on students’ enthusiasm for learning mathematics. “We are very thankful to the team from UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Our students were very happy and motivated. Hopefully, this activity will inspire them to continue learning and achieving more in mathematics,” he remarked.

Through this activity, the Mathematics Department of UIN Sunan Kalijaga demonstrates its strong commitment to fostering collaboration between universities and secondary schools in strengthening students’ scientific and numerical literacy. Such community service initiatives are expected to continue in the future across various regions as a tangible contribution of academia to improving the quality of education in Indonesia.

With a spirit of collaboration and dedication, the Mathematics Department of UIN Sunan Kalijaga strives to make mathematics a discipline that is not only studied in classrooms but also practiced and appreciated within the community, bringing meaningful impact for education, society, and the progress of the nation.