Penguatan Pelayanan Administrasi Kependudukan melalui Program Magang Mahasiswa Berbasis Pendampingan Masyarakat di Kelurahan Wonorejo Kota Surabaya

Abstract

Population administration services are a fundamental component of public service delivery, ensuring citizens’ legal identity and access to essential public services. However, implementation at the local level often faces challenges related to procedural complexity and ineffective service communication. This article examines a student internship–based community engagement program aimed at supporting population administration services and strengthening public service communication at Wonorejo Village, Tegalsari District, Surabaya City, Indonesia, with particular emphasis on the Kalimasada outreach program. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the program was conducted over four months through participatory service assistance involving Communication Studies students in administrative service delivery, community outreach, and communication facilitation. The findings indicate that student assistance improved service efficiency, enhanced public understanding of administrative procedures, and fostered more human-centered and responsive communication practices. Additionally, student involvement supported the effectiveness of the Kalimasada program and helped reduce the operational workload of village officials. This study demonstrates that internship-based community engagement can serve as a strategic mechanism for enhancing local public service performance and government communication, while also strengthening the role of higher education institutions in supporting public service innovation at the grassroots level.