UIN Bukittinggi’s Ecotheology Movement: Alam Takambang Jadi Guru
Amid growing threats of environmental degradation across Sumatra, State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia, is pioneering a faith-based ecological movement that bridges Islamic theology with West Sumatra’s indigenous wisdom. By embedding the Minangkabau philosophy of Alam Takambang Jadi Guru (Nature as a Ultimate Teacher) into its core academic curriculum and community practice, the university seeks to transform environmental stewardship from a mere social campaign into a religious imperative, positioning Islamic higher education at the forefront of regional climate action.
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| The lush campus of UIN Bukittinggi |
UIN Bukittinggi’s Ecotheology Movement: Alam Takambang Jadi Guru
Dr Irwandi
A gentle mist sweeps over the campus of State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek in West Sumatra. Framing the backdrop of Bukittinggi’s lush Highlands, an intellectual shift is gaining momentum inside its lecture halls—one that redefines how Islam intersects with the global climate crisis. Rather than treating religious studies and environmental science as separate fields, UIN Bukittinggi scholars are merging them into a single, action-oriented philosophy: Tauhid-Based Eco-Theology.
The framework builds on the cherished Minangkabau adage, Alam Takambang Jadi Guru —meaning the expansive natural world serves as a master teacher. What long existed as a cultural value has been reimagined by UIN Bukittinggi’s academics as a core pillar of Tauhid, the Islamic doctrine of Divine Unity. Under this vision, environmental protection is no longer just a civic duty; it is an act of faith.
Nature as Cosmic Revelation
Central to this movement is a shift in how natural resources are viewed. Trees, rivers, and mountain valleys are not commodities for unchecked extraction. Instead, they are regarded as Ayat Kauniyah—the living, cosmic signs of God that exist alongside the written verses of the Quran.
Highlighting this connection between faith, culture, and environmental responsibility, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, underscores that ecological stewardship must be rooted in deep spiritual consciousness: "The ecological crisis we face today is fundamentally a spiritual crisis. By integrating 'Alam Takambang Jadi Guru' with the core values of Tauhid, UIN Bukittinggi positions environmental care not merely as a modern social movement, but as a religious imperative. Protecting nature is an inseparable expression of our faith in God and our responsibility as Khalifah on Earth," she stated.
In this context, damaging a forest is seen as a desecration of divine creation, and polluting a river as silencing the natural praise of the ecosystem. Humanity’s role is redefined from an unchecked ruler to a Khalifah—a steward entrusted with maintaining Mizan, or cosmic balance.
Institutional Anchor: Institutionalizing Green Faith
To ensure these principles extend beyond theoretical discourse, UIN Bukittinggi has established key institutional structures and global partnerships:
Center for Ecotheology Studies: Established under the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Adab, and Dakwah (FUAD), this center serves as the academic engine driving interdisciplinary research, curriculum integration, and policy recommendations centered on faith-based environmental stewardship.
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| Prof. Anna M. Gade, Ph.D., an academic from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, U.S., spoke at a forum hosted by the Center for Ecotheology Studies at FUAD UIN Bukittinggi on Jan. 2, 2026. |
Faculty-Led Research & Organic Agriculture Innovations: UIN Bukittinggi actively facilitates its academics to conduct research and community service centered around eco-theology. Pioneered by Ali Rahman, M.H., a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), a university team developed organic fertilizers tested in pilot paddy fields across Bukittinggi City and Agam Regency, West Sumatra. This initiative bridges academic research with sustainable agricultural practices.
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| On Nov. 10, 2025, the launch of the organic rice harvest in Dusun Halalang, Agam, led by Ali Rahman, M.H., (middle) was witnessed by UIN Bukittinggi Vice Rector, Prof. Iiz Izmuddin (right), alongside Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azima binti Abdul Manaf (left). |
Host to International Coalitions: Positioned at the forefront of global religious dialogue, UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi in hosted the Netherlands–Indonesia Consortium for Muslim–Christian Relations (NICMCR) on June 3–4, 2026. The university leveraged the platform to elevate eco-theology, framing climate change as an urgent, shared interfaith priority.
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| Muslim and Christian academics from Indonesia and the Netherlands attended the NICMCR 2026 forum at UIN Bukittinggi on June 3–4, 2026. |
Student Empowerment and Community Outreach
At the student level, UIN Bukittinggi’s eco-theology ethos is mobilized annually through the International Student Research Forum (ISRF) and the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN).
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| The 2nd International Student Research Forum (ISRF-2), running from 23 April to 4 June 2026, serves as a strategic platform to boost global research collaboration, integrate ecotheological insights, and deepen cross-border academic and cultural exchanges. |
These student-led initiatives yield tangible impacts. In 2026, driven by eco-theological innovation, UIN Bukittinggi students earned Second Place for Best Expo Stand and were named the Most Active Group at the closing of KKN Nusantara VI 2026 at the Leuwidamar District Meeting Hall. During the program, students successfully processed local lemongrass (sereh) into natural mosquito repellent products. By harnessing local natural potential to address community needs, this initiative exemplifies real-world service that strengthens religious values while promoting ecological preservation.
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| UIN Bukittinggi students turned lemongrass into "Nahwangi," a natural mosquito repellent, winning 2nd Place for Best Expo Stand at KKN Nusantara VI 2026. |
Turning Faith into Practical Policy
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| UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani ramps up ecotheology movement through initiatives on and off campus. |
UIN Bukittinggi’s approach stands out for its focus on everyday implementation across three main areas:
Eco-Worship: Everyday actions like tree planting, waste management, and reducing water use during ritual ablutions are reframed as religious deeds that carry spiritual value.
Green Outreach: Students and future preachers trained through FUAD incorporate environmental conservation and climate resilience directly into their community sermons and religious teachings.
Sustainable Operations: The campus promotes institutional practices aimed at curbing single-use plastics, boosting energy efficiency, and protecting local ecosystems.
A Regional Model for Climate Action
As Southeast Asia grapples with severe climate impacts and deforestation threats, UIN Bukittinggi’s eco-theology movement points to a spiritual solution for a modern crisis. It frames environmental degradation as a crisis of human values and disconnected stewardship.
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Dr Irwandi Head of Centre for International Affairs of UIN Bukittinggi |
By combining traditional regional wisdom, academic infrastructure, innovative grassroots research, and international partnerships with core Islamic principles, UIN Bukittinggi is delivering a practical message: safeguarding the environment is a fundamental responsibility for the modern world. []
Dr. Irwandi
Thank You
for taking the time to visit our website.
- Dr. Irwandi
- International Office of UIN Bukittinggi
- io@uinbukittinggi.ac.id
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