Jakarta, 22 August 2026 - The ideas in a proposal generally include objectives, a designed program, complete with a budget and activity targets. However, a good idea doesn't just end in a proposal. It must be realized, and the journey to that realization often changes when it encounters realities on the ground.
The experiences of the four finalists in the 2026 Genera-Z Berbakti program are proof of this. Their journey in Bakti BCA's fostered tourism villages isn't solely about proving their ideas. The demands of working as a team amidst individual differences, exploring new experiences, listening to residents, and improvising when unexpected situations arise are all part of the challenges they face in the field, which can be a learning experience.
This was felt by the four teams; Laskar Selasik (University of Gadjah Mada) in Terong Creative Tourism Village, Belitung Regency, Pelita (University of Padjadjaran) in Gunung Padang Site Tourism Village, Cianjur Regency, Amerta Pertiwi Team (University of Airlangga) in Patakbanteng Tourism Village, Wonosobo Regency, and KATALIS Team (University of Indonesia) in Kakaskasen Dua Tourism Village, Tomohon City.
The four of them brought ideas and concepts to their respective villages. Here are the stories of each team's excitement.
UNPAD Pelita Team: What happens if the maggots fail to survive?
The Pelita Team arrived at the Gunung Padang Site Tourism Village with a maggot cultivation program to process organic waste into nutritious animal feed and produce organic fertilizer. This program was designed to introduce the community to the application of a circular economy through self-sustaining waste management.
However, their noble intentions were tested in the field. Most of the five kilograms of maggots they had ordered did not survive the journey to the Gunung Padang Site Tourism Village.
On paper, this situation could have spelled failure. However, in the field, the team had to quickly find a solution. "After learning that there was a maggot seller nearby, we immediately visited the seller and replaced the maggots in the hut with new ones," said Dika, the person in charge of the Pelita Team's maggot house program.
For the students, this issue served as a reminder that the success of a program is not always determined by the perfection of the initial planning. Sometimes, the ability to read the situation and make quick decisions is a crucial part of the community service process.
UI KATALIS Team: The Process of Bridging Differences
A similar story came from the KATALIS Team in Kakaskasen Dua Tourism Village. Their challenges were not solely related to the program they were implementing, but also came from within the team itself.
Working together for a month made differences in character and communication styles increasingly apparent. It was not uncommon for team members to question decisions made to enforce regulations.
On the other hand, this adaptation process later became a key factor when the KATALIS Team began implementing an English language learning program. The program, which targeted children and local tour guides, received a positive response.
"I was quite surprised by how enthusiastic the residents were about participating in the training we provided. This shows they have a strong desire and are ready to participate in our activities," said Sarah.
At that point, the program was no longer simply about the material the students wanted to provide to the residents. It was a two-way process: the students learned to understand the community's needs, while the community demonstrated a readiness to develop through programs deemed relevant.
UNAIR Amerta Pertiwi Team: When plans must change
In Patakbanteng Tourism Village, the Amerta Pertiwi Team faced a different situation. Their initial plan was to revitalize the seedling house. However, after coordinating with residents and the local community, the idea evolved into something larger: a complete reconstruction.
The Amerta Pertiwi Team had to think creatively because, before listening to the residents' perspectives, they had already conducted detailed budget calculations.
"There were negotiations to ensure we could maintain budget savings, but the residents were very supportive, and the Environmental Lovers Community helped," said Adib, a Veterinary Medicine student and member of the Amerta Pertiwi Team.
For Amerta Pertiwi, this experience demonstrated that the community is not simply the recipient of the program. They also have knowledge, needs, and considerations that must be taken into account in the decision-making process.
UGM Laskar Selasik Team: Understanding the Village in the Early Morning
The Laskar Selasik Team aims to incorporate the culture of Terong Village into a cultural catalog as part of the Terong Xplore program. Research and firsthand study of the village's strengths are their ways of gaining understanding.
Uniquely, one of the team's research projects in Terong Village involved visiting the sea at 2:00 a.m., a time when most people are fast asleep. They conducted their research by conducting nyuluh, the activity of searching for shrimp at night using flashlights.
For local residents, nyuluh is a part of daily life. However, for the Laskar Selasik team members, they gained new perspectives on the village's potential that they might not have discovered through data alone.
"Nyuluh was a first-hand experience for me. After I got involved directly with the residents, it felt completely different. The Terong Village residents could easily find shrimp, whereas it took me an hour on my own," said Faruq, a member of the Laskar Selasik Team.
This simple experience became more than just a research activity. There's a process of seeing the village through the experiences of the people who live there, starting with understanding the customs, potential, and how the community utilizes the environment around them.
It's not about perfection
Ultimately, the village became a learning space for students to re-examine their ideas. Hera F. Haryn, EVP of Corporate Communications & Social Responsibility at BCA, stated that the experiences of the Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 winners in the field demonstrate the spirit of the younger generation in facing challenges and seeking solutions with the community.
"We are proud to see the passion and dedication of the four Genera-Z Berbakti finalist teams in facing various challenges in the field. This experience demonstrates the concern and creativity of the younger generation to continue seeking solutions and making a real contribution to the community," said Hera.
A month in the village was not only part of the Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 journey. This time also provided new experiences for them. The four teams' journey in the Bakti BCA-assisted villages is not over. Their story continues, with the community playing a vital role in every process.
Follow the journey of Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 in the Bakti BCA-assisted tourist villages on BCA's YouTube channel (@SolusiBCA), bca.id/genzberbakti page, and various official BCA social media platforms.
Picture Information 1:
Ideas That Grow Together with the Community – The Amerta Pertiwi Team (University of Airlangga) worked together to reconstruct a seedling house in Patakbanteng Tourism Village, Wonosobo, as part of the Genera-Z Berbakti 2026 journey that proves that even the best plans need to adapt to the voice of the community.
Picture Information 2:
When Residents' Enthusiasm Becomes a Surprise – Members of the University of Indonesia KATALIS Team accompanied the children of Kakaskasen Dua Tourism Village, Tomohon City, in an English language training program at Genera-Z Berbakti 2026. Amidst the adaptation process and differences in character within the team, the residents' warm welcome to this program was actually a warm surprise.
Picture Information 3:
Nyuluh with Terong Village Residents – Members of the Laskar Selasik Team from Gadjah Mada University show their shrimp catch after participating in nyuluh, a nighttime shrimp-finding activity using flashlights, with residents of Terong Village, Belitung Regency. This early-morning experience is part of the Laskar Selasik Team's research for the Terong Xplore program within Genera-Z Berbakti 2026.
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About Bakti BCA
Bakti BCA is the corporate social responsibility umbrella of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), focused on creating positive impact and sustainable development in Indonesia. Through Bakti BCA, the company implements various programs in education, health, the environment, culture, and community empowerment. BCA offers programs such as BCA Berbagi Ilmu, Beasiswa Bakti BCA, and makeup training and coaching for Friends with Disabilities (Teman Tuli) to support the development of the younger generation in the education sector. Bakti BCA also operates in the health sector, including health social services, free check-ups, and stunting prevention campaigns. In the environmental sector, BCA supports biodiversity conservation through turtle conservation, orangutan rehabilitation, and the protection of endemic species such as the Javan Leopard. Through these initiatives, Bakti BCA reflects BCA's commitment to growing with the community and contributing to a more sustainable future.
About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (as of 31 March 2026)
BCA is one of Indonesia's leading banks, focusing on transaction banking and providing credit facilities and financial solutions for corporate, commercial, SME, and consumer segments. As of the end of March 2026, BCA serves 44 million customer accounts and processes more than 122 million transactions daily, supported by 1,270 branch offices, 20,336 ATMs, as well as internet & mobile banking services and the Halo BCA contact center, which is accessible 24 hours a day. BCA's presence is supported by a number of subsidiaries that focus on vehicle financing, Sharia banking, securities, general and life insurance, digital banking, and venture capital. BCA is committed to building long-term relationships with customers, prioritizing mutual interests, and creating a positive impact on society at large. With more than 27,600 employees, BCA's vision is to become the main bank of choice for the community, serving as an important pillar of the Indonesian economy.
PT BANK CENTRAL ASIA TBK
Group Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility - CCR
Corporate Communication
Address : Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1, Menara BCA, 22nd Floor, Jakarta 10310
Phone : (021) 2358-8000
Fax : (021) 2358-8339
E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
