The Physics Education Study Program at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sriwijaya University (FKIP UNSRI), held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and dissemination event themed “FGD and Dissemination of STEM-IoT and Minecraft Education Community Service Results to Improve Energy Literacy and Computational Thinking.” The event, chaired by Dr. Ketang Wiyono, S.Pd., M.Pd., was part of the University of Sriwijaya’s EQUITY Program for 2025–2026 and was held at the Batiqa Hotel in Palembang on Saturday, 4th April 2026.

“This activity is a follow-up to the community service program previously conducted at Indralaya Utara State Junior High School No. 5. The activity focused on training in the creation of STEM-based learning materials to improve students’ energy literacy. The results of the community service program showed a significant improvement, with an average post-test score of 88.4 (high) compared to a pre-test score of 58 (low), as well as an N-Gain score of 0.72, which falls into the high category. These findings indicate that the training provided was effective in improving students’ energy literacy,” he explained.

He added, “The FGD session was focused on evaluating and reflecting on the implementation of the community service program, while also formulating strategies to strengthen and ensure the sustainability of STEM-IoT and digital technology-based programs such as Minecraft Education. This discussion also aimed to strengthen synergy between universities, schools, and stakeholders in improving the quality of science education.”

In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at UNSRI, Dr. Hartono, M.A., emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and schools in developing STEM-based learning innovations.

Meanwhile, the report on community service activities at SMP Negeri 5 Indralaya Utara was presented by Dr. Frendi Ihwan Syamsudin, S.Pd., M.Pd., who highlighted the improvement in students’ science literacy and 21st-century skills. Additionally, a report on international community service at SK DARY was presented by a Master’s student in Physics Education at FKIP UNSRI, demonstrating that the use of Minecraft Education can enhance student engagement and computational thinking skills.

The event was also attended by various strategic stakeholders, including the Director of the Academic Directorate at UNSRI, Prof. Dr. Ida Sriyanti, S.Pd., M.Si.; the First Deputy Dean of FKIP UNSRI, Dr. Rita Inderawati, M.Pd.; the Coordinator of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education at FKIP UNSRI and Chair of the Implementation Team, Dr. Ketang Wiyono, S.Pd., M.Pd.; and the Secretary of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Drs. Kodri Madang, M.Si., Ph.D. Also present were the coordinators of related study programs, the community service team, lecturers, representatives from the Palembang City Education Office, junior high school supervisors, the Chair of the Science Teachers’ Working Group (MGMP IPA), school principals, science and physics teachers from Ogan Ilir Regency and Palembang City, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in Physics Education at FKIP UNSRI.

International participation was also evident through the involvement of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) as an overseas partner, with Dr. Nor Farahwahidah serving as the keynote speaker. She presented a STEM approach to science education that is not only theoretical but also practical in real-world learning contexts. She also explained the implementation of STEM practices in Malaysia and strategies for sustaining technology-based programs to improve the quality of education.

This collaboration is part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the areas of community service, research, and publication. One such initiative is an international community service activity jointly organized by the Physics Education Department of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at UNSRI and UTM at Dato’ Abdul Rahman Yassin National School (SK DARY), which utilizes the Minecraft Education platform to enhance students’ computational thinking skills.

The event continued with an interactive discussion session moderated by Dr. Ketang Wiyono, S.Pd., M.Pd., featuring constructive input from the Chair of the Science Teachers’ Working Group (MGMP IPA), junior high school supervisors, school principals, as well as science and physics teachers.

Through funding from the EQUITY Program, the Physics Education Study Program at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, UNSRI, has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the achievement of SDG 4 (Quality Education) through STEM-based learning innovations and digital technology. This initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration among universities, schools, and international partners, as well as promote improvements in the quality of research and community service. Additionally, the outcomes of this initiative are expected to contribute to an increase in collaborative scientific publications, both at the national and international levels, as part of strengthening the institution’s academic reputation.