Tangerang Selatan, FU Online News — The Department of Comparative Religion, Faculty of Ushuluddin, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, conducted a Community Service Program (Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat or PKM) under the theme “Building Ecological Awareness among Santri.” The activity took place at Pesantren Luhur Sabilussalam, South Tangerang, from Wednesday to Saturday, October 15–18, 2025.

Head of the Comparative Religion Department, Lisfa Sentosa Aisyah, M.A., explained that the program’s environmental theme reflects the department’s academic concern for the increasingly urgent ecological issues.

“This PKM aims to build ecological awareness among santri. The current state of the environment is alarming, and it is essential to raise awareness from an early stage, including within pesantren,” she stated.

Lisfa further noted that religion and the environment are among the academic topics discussed in the department’s courses. Through this community service initiative, such theoretical studies are brought into real social practice.

Meanwhile, the Department Secretary, Wasil, M.A., emphasized the strategic role of santri in promoting ecological consciousness.

“In the context of ecotheology, santri hold a vital role as they possess strong religious understanding. Through this PKM, they are expected to internalize theological values concerning the harmonious relationship between humans, God, and nature, and translate them into real actions for environmental preservation,” he explained.

The activity received positive responses from the pesantren community. Aghnin Khulqi, S.Hum., M.A., a representative of Pesantren Luhur Sabilussalam, expressed his appreciation for the program.

“Programs like this should be continuously maintained. The theme is very relevant, showing that academia is sensitive and proactive in addressing environmental issues. This initiative brings significant positive impact, especially for our santri,” he said.

Enthusiasm also came from the santri participants. Helmi Fauzan, one of the student participants, shared his appreciation.

“I’m very grateful for this community service program. Learning about ecological awareness has made me realize our responsibility as santri and as members of society to protect the environment. I hope this kind of program continues and reaches a wider community,” he remarked.

The PKM program concluded with a clean-up and tree-planting activity within the pesantren compound. The event involved lecturers and students from the Comparative Religion Department, including Syaiful Azmi, M.A. and Muria Khusnun Nisa, M.Ag., along with students Dicky Darmawan, Eka Maulidya, Zalina Aulia Nuristifani, and Khumairotul Mukhtariyah.

Through this program, the Department of Comparative Religion reaffirms its commitment to integrating religious values with ecological awareness, while strengthening the role of pesantren as centers for promoting environmental consciousness within the broader community.

(Witer: Wasi | Editor: Ishmatun Nisa | Photo: SAA Departement)