GLOBAL exposure, or immersing in international exposure, for the lecturers is an important step in cultivating competent human resources. This not only enhances their competence domestically but also equips them with the competitiveness needed at the international level. The Islamic Banking Program, FEBI, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, has recently taken this important step. In the new academic year 2023/2024, the program officially launched an international class with approximately 25 students under the leadership of Mrs. Ruspita Rani Pertiwi, S.Psi, MM, the head of the Islamic Banking Program. From October 24-26, 2023, they conducted international community service by inviting lecturers to engage in community service at the Songserm Islam Seska School in Thailand.

The Islamic Banking lecturers, including Farid Hidayat S.H.I., M.E.I., conveyed three key points during their engagement. Farid Hidayat led a discussion with the students on the halal industry, under the theme “Halal, Tayyibat, and Hygienic Food and Their Influence on Intention to Purchase Food.” He emphasized the importance of consuming halal food for students at the pesantren, highlighting that it encompasses not only halal ingredients but also healthy and hygienic aspects. Additionally, he underscored the significance of students comprehending the importance of purchasing certified halal food.

Mr. Farid’s presentation was complemented by Dr. Siti Nur Azizah, S.E.I., M.E.I., with the theme “Does pesantren economic independence strengthen the halal value chain ecosystem? Evidence from the economic and business association of pesantren (hebitren) in Indonesia.” Dr. Siti Nur Azizah, S.E.I., M.E.I., explained that pesantren and students play a crucial role in creating halal food businesses and serve as a catalyst for economic activities with halal certification, as pesantren are the closest religious propagation institutions to the community.

In addition to the international community service, Dr. Ruspita Rani, S.Psi., MM, and Dr. Jeihan Ali Azhar, as the Head of the International Pioneering Class Team of the Islamic Banking Program, motivated senior high school students to pursue their education with enthusiasm and complete their high school studies. They also introduced the students to the international pioneering class of the Islamic Banking Program. The program head further expressed, “We, at the Islamic Banking Program, are prepared to welcome prospective students from the Songserm Islam Seska School pesantren.”

Therefore, in addition to supporting the local community, particularly the students at the Songserm pesantren in relation to the halal industry, international community service is also prepared to facilitate human resources from Thailand to pursue studies in Indonesia, particularly in the Islamic Banking Program.

Author: SNA