UI GreenMetric joins UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Webinar for Enforcing the Role of Higher Education in Fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals
On the 6th of May, 2026, UI GreenMetric joined UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon for a webinar discussing the pivotal role of higher education in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, which brought together prominent institutions such as Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (Untirta) and Universitas Esa Unggul, marked a significant step forward in the sustainability discourse within Indonesian higher education. The webinar featured opening remarks from esteemed figures, including Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag. (Rector of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon), Dr. Vishnu Juwono, S.E., M.I.A. (Chairperson of UI GreenMetric), and Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, MA (Director of Islamic Higher Education at the Ministry of Religion).
In his opening remarks, Dr. Vishnu Juwono emphasized that discussions on sustainable development are crucial as they align with Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029, which prioritizes low-carbon development. He specifically highlighted the unique role of Islamic higher education institutions in this national strategy, noting their ability to integrate scientific knowledge with spiritual values and ethics, positioning humans as 'khalifa', or stewards of the earth. This sentiment was echoed by Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, who provided institutional support from the Ministry of Religion, stressing that modern education must be "friendly" and harmonious with humans, nature, and the entire universe.
The webinar transitioned into detailed technical presentations, starting with Prof. Dr. Ir. Fatah Sulaiman, Rector of Untirta, who shared practical efforts in building an eco-friendly campus. He detailed Untirta’s advanced water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and water recycling through electrochemical corrosion technology. Prof. Fatah also highlighted the university’s commitment to energy efficiency through solar panels and carbon credit monitoring, as well as a community engagement program that converts plastic waste into fuel for local fishermen, demonstrating a tangible circular economy.
From a pedagogical perspective, Dr. Djohar Maknun of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon introduced the concept of "Ecospiritualism." He argued for the necessity of integrating religious theology with ecological science through project-based and outdoor learning. By embedding environmental issues into diverse subjects such as language and health, the "green campus" concept becomes a lived experience for students rather than just a theoretical framework. Complementing this, Dr. P.H. Rian Adi Pamungkas from Universitas Esa Unggul offered a strategic viewpoint on how private institutions can overcome resource limitations. He emphasized that sustainability must be embedded into university governance, making it a requirement for research funding and community service incentives. Furthermore, he highlighted that true sustainability must be inclusive, ensuring that education for students with disabilities is a core priority of the mission.
The diverse insights shared by the speakers underscored a unified commitment to transforming Indonesian campuses into centers of sustainable innovation. By bridging technical engineering, spiritual values, and inclusive policy-making, the webinar reinforced UI GreenMetric’s role not just as a ranking body, but as a vital catalyst in aligning higher education with both national priorities and the global SDGs. The UI GreenMetric 2026 Sustainable University Rankings are now open for submission, UI GreenMetric welcomes Higher Education Institutions in the collective pursuit of environmental sustainability across the globe.
Written by Muhammmad Dito Rizki Suprapto - Media Relations Intern of UI GreenMetric
Edited by Riska Putri Hariyadi - Communications Coordinator of UI GreenMetric
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