Empowering the Next Generation: HIMATI Universitas Mulia Brings Network Security Mastery to Balikpapan Schools
In an era where digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity, the Information Technology Student Association (HIMATI) of Universitas Mulia is taking a proactive stance. Through their "Goes to School" initiative, they recently completed a two-day intensive outreach program in Balikpapan. On May 15 and 16, 2025, the team visited SMKN 6 Balikpapan and SMK Airlangga Balikpapan to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world IT applications.
This program isn't just about technical jargon; it’s a mission to equip vocational students with the foundational skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. By combining technical workshops with an introduction to the Information Technology Study Program at Universitas Mulia, HIMATI is effectively scouting and nurturing the tech leaders of tomorrow.
Practical Networking at SMKN 6 Balikpapan
The first leg of the journey took place at SMKN 6 Balikpapan, focusing on students from the Computer and Network Engineering (TKJ) department. Given their background, the training was designed to be rigorous and hands-on. Participants were introduced to the intricacies of Mikrotik OS using the Winbox interface.
The curriculum was comprehensive, covering essential tasks such as IP Address configuration, hotspot user management, and the implementation of web filtering to block harmful content. Beyond just "how-to" steps, the students were educated on the broader concepts of network security and healthy internet practices. Rian Saputra, one of the participants, noted that the hands-on approach made the complex material easy to digest. He expressed his excitement, stating that he finally understood how to manage hotspots and secure a network, and hoped for more sessions in the future.
Introducing Basics at SMK Airlangga
The second day at SMK Airlangga Balikpapan presented a different challenge. The target audience was 10th-grade students, many of whom were seeing a professional router for the first time. To ensure no one was left behind, the HIMATI team adapted their teaching style to be more foundational and step-by-step.
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The session began with an introduction to networking hardware and basic concepts. From there, students moved on to practical exercises including DHCP Client and Server setups, and basic IP configuration. By the end of the day, students who started with zero knowledge were successfully navigating basic router configurations, proving that with the right guidance, technology is accessible to everyone.
Building Empathy and Community Impact
Agus Wijayanto, S.Kom., M.Kom., the Head of the Information Technology Program at Universitas Mulia, views this initiative as more than just a training session. For him, it’s a vital tool for student development. He believes that by teaching others, university students develop a deeper sense of empathy and social responsibility.
"We want to push our students to be more sensitive to the actual problems existing in our society," Agus remarked. He envisions this program as a gateway to cultivating a culture of lifelong learning and a way to introduce the academic excellence of the IT Program to the local community.
More Than Just Code: Building Connections
To keep the atmosphere light and engaging, HIMATI incorporated ice-breaking sessions throughout the workshops. These moments of fun—ranging from charades to tech-themed quizzes—helped break down the barriers between the university mentors and the high school students. This social interaction is key to HIMATI’s goal of making technology feel approachable and exciting.
Fajar Pratama, representing HIMATI, emphasized that the "Goes to School" mission is deeply rooted in collaboration. "We want these students to see Universitas Mulia not just as a campus, but as a partner in building their digital future," he said. The program isn't merely a promotional tool; it's an investment in the local tech ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The journey is far from over. HIMATI has plans to extend this program to four additional schools across Balikpapan. Universitas Mulia remains committed to being a pillar of digital literacy, ensuring that higher education remains relevant to the fast-evolving needs of the industry. For those looking to dive deep into the world of tech, the S1 Information Technology program at Universitas Mulia is ready to welcome the next batch of innovators.