The Islamic Community Development (PMI) Study Programme at the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, held a presentation of the results of its community development practice in the faculty’s first-floor lobby on Thursday (11 June 2026). The event showcased the practical work of 15 student groups who, over the course of two semesters, had been actively involved with various partner organisations in Yogyakarta and the surrounding area.
The students put the concept of ‘ecotheology’—an empowerment approach that combines environmental awareness with Islamic values—into practice at a variety of locations, ranging from Pertamina Rewulu’s CSR programme, the Yogyakarta Drug Rehabilitation Centre, the Inclusive Village of Wukirsari, to the Gold Trash area in Kulon Progo. The results of this work were not only showcased in the form of posters and products, but also documented in 15 books written directly by the students.
The Head of the PMI Study Programme, Siti Aminah, M.Si., described this dissemination as the culmination of the Outcome-Based Education (OBE)-based curriculum integration that has long been implemented in her study programme. Various sixth-semester modules are designed to be interlinked, with fieldwork serving as the culmination of the entire learning process. “These various modules do not stand alone. There must be continuity and interconnection; the sixth-semester modules form the ‘culmination’ of the programme,” said Aminah.
He also emphasised that the books produced by the students are a concrete manifestation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Asta Protas mission to preserve the environment. “These books detail eco-theological practices at the fieldwork sites. This is in line with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Asta Protas mission to protect the environment, as reflected in book titles such as ‘Rupiah from Rubbish, Rewards from the Earth’ and ‘Green the Earth, Revive Care’, as well as many other titles,” said Aminah.
In addition to the book launch, the exhibition featured various educational posters on gender equality and documentation of environmental programmes such as ‘Gold Trash’ in Kulon Progo.
This event also served as a forum for reflection among lecturers. Abu Suud, a senior lecturer who has recently retired, emphasised that field experience constitutes social capital that cannot be replaced by classroom teaching alone. “It was a small experience, but the impact was immense. It serves as a foundation for interacting with others, working across disciplines, and being held accountable both academically and morally,” said Abu Suud.
The Deputy Dean III of the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, Muhsin, added a dimension of literacy to the message he conveyed. Quoting the spirit of alladzi ‘allama bil qalam—God who teaches with the pen—he reminded the audience that a true community activist must not only take action but must also be able to document what has been done. He cited the example of how the Gajah Wong River basin, which is now neatly organised, is the result of years of consistent research and action by the PMI community. “You cannot merely lead tahlil prayers at your place of practice or mobilise the community; when you return home, you must have knowledge that is put into writing. The most powerful legacy of an academic is their written work,” said Muhsin.