Thailand, FU Online News – The Student Executive Board (DEMA) of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Ushuluddin of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, successfully organized an International Community Service Program (KKN) through the Ushuluddin Goes International 2026 initiative. Held from 5–28 July 2026 in Pattani and Bangkok, Thailand, the program integrated community engagement, academic collaboration, and cultural diplomacy as part of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education on the international stage.

Carrying the theme "Ushuluddin in Action: Promoting Peaceful Islam through Education and Cultural Exchange," the program marked the first international initiative ever organized by the Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. It also served as the flagship grand design of the Evolution Cabinet of the Faculty's Student Executive Board (DEMA) for 2026 under the leadership of Muhammad Zainin Nufus as President of DEMA and Zahra Mustafida as Vice President.

Through this program, students gained valuable cross-border learning experiences while serving as ambassadors of Indonesian education and culture. A series of activities were designed to promote the values of peaceful, moderate, and inclusive Islam through educational initiatives, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration with local communities and educational institutions in Thailand.

The program was led by Zahra Mustafida as Project Manager, supported by the core organizing team consisting of Naila Qiyya, Muhammad Zulkhairi Akram, Muammar Gheys Qadhafi (Dafi), Zaidaan Al Faraouq (Daan), and Syauqiyatus Shofaul Lailah (Shofa). The team was responsible for designing the overall program, establishing communication with partners in both Indonesia and Thailand, coordinating the student delegates, and ensuring that every stage of the program was implemented according to plan.

The successful implementation of this International Community Service Program (KKN) was made possible through the strong support of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, which provided academic supervision, facilitated international partnerships, and supported the overall execution of the program. One of the program's most significant achievements was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Faculty of Ushuluddin and five partner schools in Pattani, marking a strategic step toward establishing long-term collaboration in education, community engagement, student exchange, and the development of international academic programs.

The International KKN program involved 21 students from the Faculty of Ushuluddin, accompanied by Dr. Lilik Ummi Kaltsum, M.A. and Dr. Yuminah, M.A. During their stay in Southern Thailand, the delegates carried out community service activities at five partner schools: Saengprathip School, Thawee Witthaya School, Al Islamiyah Witthaya Munithi School, Bamrung Muslimin School, and Sassamakki School.

Throughout the community engagement program, the delegates conducted Qur'anic learning sessions, Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) classes, introduced Indonesian culture, facilitated cultural exchange activities, promoted the values of peaceful Islam and religious moderation, and organized a variety of educational and interactive activities involving students, teachers, and members of the local community.

Through these initiatives, the students not only applied the knowledge and skills they had acquired during their academic studies but also strengthened educational cooperation and fostered lasting friendships between Indonesia and Thailand.

The program continued with an Academic Mobility Program at the International Islamic College Bangkok (IICB), Krirk University. The agenda included a campus visit, academic seminars, an international conference, scholarly discussions, and an Indonesian Cultural Presentation entitled "Unity in Diversity: Exploring the Richness of Indonesian Culture Through Provincial Perspectives." Through this forum, the delegates introduced Indonesia's rich cultural diversity as part of the country's cultural diplomacy while expanding academic networks with the faculty members and students of Krirk University.

The delegation also paid an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Bangkok to gain deeper insights into Indonesia's diplomatic efforts abroad and to better understand the role of Indonesian diplomatic missions in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Thailand.

According to Zahra Mustafida, Project Manager of Ushuluddin Goes International 2026, the program is far more than an overseas academic trip. Instead, it serves as a platform for learning, community engagement, and international collaboration that is designed to create meaningful impacts for both students and the wider community.

"Ushuluddin Goes International reflects our commitment to providing students of the Faculty of Ushuluddin with firsthand international learning experiences through community service, academic collaboration, and cultural exchange. We hope this initiative will serve as the beginning of sustainable international partnerships while opening more opportunities for our students to contribute as ambassadors of education, culture, and the values of peaceful Islam on the global stage," she stated.

The successful implementation of Ushuluddin Goes International 2026 demonstrates that student organizations can serve as key drivers of impactful innovation through strong synergy with the faculty and international partners. The program is expected to become a solid foundation for sustainable international cooperation while further strengthening the role of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, in advancing higher education, promoting cultural diplomacy, and disseminating the values of peaceful Islam at the global level.

(DEMA Faculty of Ushuluddin / Public Relations Office, Faculty of Ushuluddin)