Culturally Responsive Community Service in Islamic Higher Education Institutions: A Survey of Borneo Communities in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Authors

  • Fauziah Fauziah Faculty of Dakwah and Islamic Communication, IAIN Pontianak, Pontianak Indonesia
  • Nuzha Mohamed Taha Faculty Education and Humanities, UNITAR International University, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Augusto da Costa Master of Education, Instituto Superior Cristal, Dili Timor Leste
  • Patmawati Patmawati Faculty of Dakwah and Islamic Communication, IAIN Pontianak, Pontianak Indonesia
  • Cucu Cucu Faculty of Dakwah and Islamic Communication, IAIN Pontianak, Pontianak Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51805/ijss.v1i2.580

Keywords:

community service, culturally responsive, multiculturalism, Islamic higher education, Borneo communities

Abstract

Community service (pengabdian kepada masyarakat, PKM) is one of the three pillars (Tri Dharma) of Indonesian higher education and is obligatory for Islamic higher education institutions (Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam, PTKI). In West Kalimantan, community service is delivered among Borneo communities that are ethnically, religiously, and culturally diverse, which makes cultural sensitivity a prerequisite for programme success. This study describes (1) the development of culturally responsive community service programmes, (2) the steps taken to implement them, (3) their perceived effectiveness, and (4) the obstacles faced by PTKI in West Kalimantan. A descriptive quantitative survey of 70 respondents from three PTKI was conducted and complemented by interviews, observation, and document analysis. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics with three score categories (high, moderate, low). All respondents (100%) rated programme development, implementation steps, and effectiveness as high. Five strategic steps were identified: a culture-integrated service curriculum, partnerships with external stakeholders, multicultural training, empowerment-oriented mentoring, and the use of technology and media. However, 69 respondents (98.57%) rated the obstacles as high, mainly geographic and infrastructural constraints, educational disparities among villagers, and villagers’ limited free time. The findings suggest that community service that respects local customs and religious practices can proceed harmoniously, but that dedicated strategies are needed to overcome structural barriers in remote areas.

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Published

2025-11-28

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): IJSS: International Journal of Social Sciences

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Fauziah Fauziah, Nuzha Mohamed Taha, Augusto da Costa, Patmawati Patmawati, Cucu Cucu (Author)

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