Unismuh Makassar PAI and KPI Students Instill Islamic Values through Educational Films in Southern Thailand

UNISMIUH.AC.ID, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand — Students from the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI), Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh Makassar) conducted Islamic History lessons for 2nd-grade junior high school students at Mattayom Sungai Padi School, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. This activity was part of the International Community Service Program (KKN) Batch 2 organized by the Institute for Development, Research, and Community Service (LP3M) of Unismuh Makassar.

The program is part of an International Community Service scheme that places students in several areas of Southern Thailand, including Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. This activity aims to introduce the history of Islamic civilization and instill character values in students through a cross-country learning approach.

Unismuh Makassar PAI students, Aina Mardhiyah and Nur Ain Syafika, presented Islamic history material covering the missionary journey of Prophet Muhammad SAW, the era of the Khulafaur Rasyidin, and the development of Islamic civilization in the fields of science, education, and culture. The material was delivered in simple language to be easily understood by students.

Learning was not only one-way but also utilized interactive methods such as group discussions, inspiring stories, Q&A sessions, and value reflection. This approach made the classroom atmosphere more lively and increased student participation in understanding Islamic history material.

Aina Mardhiyah emphasized that learning Islamic history focuses not only on knowledge but also on character building. She stated, "Islamic history holds many valuable lessons about struggle, honesty, responsibility, and the spirit of seeking knowledge. Through this learning, we hope students can draw inspiration from Islamic figures and apply it in their daily lives," she said.

Meanwhile, Nur Ain Syafika believes that understanding Islamic history is important for building identity awareness and civilizational heritage. She said, "We want students to understand that Islamic civilization has made significant contributions to the development of science and global progress. By understanding history, they can better appreciate the intellectual heritage of Islam and be motivated to become an accomplished and noble generation," she revealed.

During the activity, the students of Mattayom Sungai Padi School showed high enthusiasm. They actively answered questions, participated in discussions, and expressed views related to the values that can be drawn from Islamic history. This positive response indicates a high interest in learning the material presented.

The school expressed its appreciation for the implementation of the International KKN program. According to Mattayom Sungai Padi School, the interactive learning methods used by Unismuh Makassar students were able to enhance student understanding and enrich their learning experience. This was also seen as strengthening cross-country educational relations.

The Head of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program at Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Abdul Fattah, S.Th.I., M.Th.I., appreciated the students' creativity in teaching. He stated, "PAI students are not only required to master Islamic material but also to be able to deliver it through creative and effective learning methods. This activity demonstrates the students' ability to integrate knowledge of Islamic history with an educational approach that can build the character of students," he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Amirah Mawardi, S.Ag., M.Si., considered this activity a tangible contribution of students at the international level. She explained that the students' involvement in this program is an effort to introduce moderate and progressive Islamic values to the global community, as well as strengthen Unismuh Makassar's role on the international stage.

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

Through this Islamic History learning activity in Southern Thailand, Unismuh Makassar PAI students affirmed the role of education as a means of knowledge transfer and character building. The activity is expected to strengthen the understanding of Islamic values among the younger generation and open avenues for sustainable international educational collaboration.