Unismuh Makassar Islamic Studies and Public Policy Students Plant Islamic Values Through Educational Films in Southern Thailand

UNISMIUH.AC.ID, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand — Students from the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Department of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Muhammadiyah University of Makassar (Unismuh Makassar) conducted Islamic history lessons for 2nd-grade SMP students at Mattayom Sungai Padi School, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The activity was part of the International Community Service (KKN) Program Batch 2, organized by the Unismuh Makassar Center for Development, Research, and Community Service (LP3M).

The program was part of the International Community Service scheme, placing students in various regions of Southern Thailand, including Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. The aim was to introduce Islamic civilization and instill values in students through cross-cultural learning.

The PAI students, Aina Mardhiyah and Nur Ain Syafika, presented Islamic history, covering the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW, the period of the Righteous Caliphs, and the development of Islamic civilization in the fields of science, education, and culture. The material was presented in simple language to facilitate understanding for the students.

The learning process was interactive, using methods such as group discussions, inspirational stories, Q&A sessions, and value reflection. This approach created a more engaging classroom environment and increased student participation in understanding Islamic history.

Aina Mardhiyah emphasized that the Islamic history lessons were not only about knowledge but also about character development. She stated, "Islamic history contains valuable lessons about struggle, honesty, responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through this learning, we hope students can draw inspiration from Islamic figures and apply them in their daily lives."

Nur Ain Syafika also emphasized the importance of understanding Islamic history for building identity and cultural heritage. She said, "We want students to understand that Islamic civilization has made a significant contribution to the development of science and the progress of the world. By understanding history, they can better appreciate Islamic intellectual heritage and be motivated to become a generation of successful and virtuous individuals."

During the activity, the students of Mattayom Sungai Padi School showed high enthusiasm. They actively answered questions, participated in discussions, and expressed their views on the values that could be taken from Islamic history. This positive response indicated a strong interest in learning the material.

The school expressed its appreciation for the implementation of the International KKN program. According to Mattayom Sungai Padi School, the interactive teaching methods used by the Unismuh Makassar students helped improve student understanding and enriched their learning experience. This also strengthened cross-country educational relationships.

Dr. Abdul Fattah, Head of the PAI Department at Unismuh Makassar, praised the students' creativity in teaching. He stated, "The PAI students are not only expected to master Islamic material, but also to convey it through creative and effective teaching methods. This activity demonstrates the students' ability to integrate Islamic history knowledge with educational approaches that can build the character of learners."

Dr. Amirah Mawardi, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Unismuh Makassar, considered this activity as a concrete contribution of students at the international level. She explained that the involvement of students in this program was an effort to introduce moderate and progressive Islamic values to the global community, while strengthening the role of Unismuh Makassar on the international stage.

The International KKN Batch 2 program, managed by the Unismuh Makassar LP3M, involved 30 students from various faculties. Eight of them came from the Faculty of Islamic Studies, consisting of five PAI students, two students from Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (KPI), and one student from Arabic Language Education (PBA). This program was a platform for cross-cultural learning and community service.

Through the Islamic history learning in Southern Thailand, the PAI students of Unismuh Makassar emphasized the role of education in transferring knowledge and shaping character. The activity is expected to strengthen the understanding of Islamic values among young people and create opportunities for sustainable international educational collaboration.