Yogyakarta – The Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta officially inaugurated a Botanical Garden donated through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of Bank BPD DIY on Tuesday (July 29). The inauguration marks a significant milestone in FITK’s commitment to strengthening an environmentally oriented learning ecosystem through its Open Ecopedagogy Lab System—an open laboratory designed to support education, research, and community engagement.
The Botanical Garden is the result of a collaboration between the higher education sector and industry in promoting a sustainable green campus. More than just a green open space, the garden has been designed as an interdisciplinary learning environment that integrates scientific knowledge, environmental conservation, and Islamic values.
Dean of FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Dr. Sigit Purnama, M.Pd., expressed his appreciation to Bank BPD DIY for its contribution to the development of educational facilities within the faculty.
“We sincerely thank Bank BPD DIY for its generous support. We hope this Botanical Garden will become a vibrant learning space that not only enhances the beauty of our campus but also serves as a center for environmental education, research, and character development. Its establishment reflects FITK’s commitment to producing graduates who excel academically while demonstrating strong environmental awareness and social responsibility,” he said.
The Botanical Garden was developed through the collaboration of various stakeholders. Garden designer Mike Dewi K, together with Dr. Winarti, M.Pd., explained that the garden was envisioned as a contextual learning environment where students can gain first-hand experiences through direct interaction with nature.
According to Mike, the Botanical Garden enables students to observe biodiversity firsthand, understand ecosystem dynamics, and develop greater awareness of environmental issues through collaborative and interdisciplinary learning approaches.
Meanwhile, Syafni Sukmana, Head of Development Executor from Bustan Sustainability, explained that the entire Botanical Garden was developed based on ecological and educational principles. Every feature has been designed as a living laboratory that supports experiential learning.
Among its key facilities are the Botanical Taxonomy Zone, featuring plant collections organized according to scientific classification for botanical studies; QR codes integrated with the iNaturalist platform, encouraging citizen science activities; Trigona Bee Hives along with supporting vegetation as an entomology learning resource; and an Environmental Management Zone, which promotes waste management awareness and environmental stewardship among the university community.
Throughout the garden, visitors will also find educational signage highlighting the concept of the Integration and Interconnection of Knowledge, reflecting the academic philosophy of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Through this approach, the Botanical Garden is expected to become a comprehensive learning space that bridges science, education, and Islamic values within a unified educational ecosystem.
The Botanical Garden donation from Bank BPD DIY represents a successful multi-stakeholder partnership in advancing sustainable higher education. Beyond strengthening FITK’s academic facilities, the garden is expected to become a landmark for environmental education, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reaffirm UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s commitment to delivering innovative education that benefits both society and environmental sustainability.
(FITK Public Relations/AF)