Non-Muslim Students of Physiotherapist Profession of UNISA Yogyakarta Conduct Al-Ma’un Project of Jami Muhammadiyah Mosque of West Sumba
Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta has once again demonstrated its commitment as a higher education institution that is inclusive, humanist, and open to diversity. In a community service activity entitled Project Al-Ma’un, a student of UNISA Yogyakarta’s Physiotherapist Professional Study Program, who is a non-Muslim student by the name of Mieke Paulina Ivana Dimu, conducted health counseling at the Jami Muhammadiyah Ar Rahmah Mosque, West Sumba, Sunday (13/4/2025).
This activity raised the theme of counseling on Low Back Pain, a health complaint that is often experienced by the wider community. Residents received education about the causes, prevention, and simple stretching exercises that can be done independently. In addition, the activity was also accompanied by question and answer sessions and direct demonstrations by students.
The participation of Mieke, a non-Muslim student from East Nusa Tenggara, is a clear manifestation that UNISA Yogyakarta not only accepts, but also facilitates and fully supports students from various religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. “I feel very welcome at UNISA, both by my friends and lecturers. I never felt excluded or different. Instead, I feel like I am growing and can learn a lot about tolerance, empathy, and interfaith collaboration,” Mieke said.
Mieke also added that the UNISA Yogyakarta campus environment is very comfortable and supportive for non-Muslim students to adapt, both in academic and social activities. According to her, her involvement in the activities that take place in the mosque is proof that differences are not a barrier to serving and contributing to society.
“I hope UNISA Yogyakarta continues to strengthen its inclusiveness and become an example that an Islamic campus can be a warm learning home for anyone,” said Mieke.
Hilmi Zadah Faidullah, M.Sc., PhD (PT), Head of UNISA Yogyakarta’s Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Study Program, stated that this activity is not only a place for scientific practice, but also a space for learning character and values. “The involvement of students like Mieke shows that inclusivity is not just a slogan at UNISA Yogyakarta, but a value that is lived and realized in every aspect of education,” he explained.
Jami Muhammadiyah Ar Rahmah Mosque, as the location of the activity, welcomed the presence of the students. The congregation and local community leaders expressed their appreciation. They are proud to be part of this activity. The spirit of helping and educating the community regardless of faith background is a reflection of the noble values of the nation.
Through Project Al-Ma’un, UNISA Yogyakarta not only instills the value of professionalism in its students, but also emphasizes the important role of universities in building bridges of tolerance and humanity. The presence of students from various backgrounds who can unite in social missions proves that the value of inclusiveness at UNISA Yogyakarta is not only strong, but also rooted and felt by the entire academic community.
