UNU Jogja Secures MoRA Research Grant 2025, Develops Eco-Theology–Based Regenerative Agriculture

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The academic community of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) has secured the 2025 Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) – The Awakened Indonesia Research Funds (The AIR Funds), a competitive research scheme promoting the integration of scientific knowledge, sustainability, and religious values.

The UNU Jogja research team is led by the Acting Rector of UNU Jogja, Dr. Suhadi, and involves the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Development, Prof. Ir. Nafiatul Umami, S.Pt., MP., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng; Agribusiness Department lecturers Nur Sauda Al Arifa D., S.T.P., M.Sc., and Marlianasari Putri, S.Hut., M.Sc.; researcher and Rectorate Secretary Suharti, S.Pt., M.A.; as well as Ahmad Hujaj Nurrohim, Lc., M.A., a lecturer in Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies.

The research carries the theme “Implementing Agricultural Eco-Theology: A Holistic–Spiritual Approach to Regenerative Agriculture Innovation Based on Gama Umami Grass and Chicory.” The study is conducted at Al Imdad Islamic Boarding School and the Mataram Food Barn in Guwosari, Pajangan, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. This initiative reflects UNU Jogja’s strong commitment as a productive university actively engaged in community service and sustainable development.

As the team leader, Dr. Suhadi emphasized that the research represents an actualization of his long-standing scholarly focus on ecological studies. His previous research experiences, including international collaboration with the University of Western Australia, serve as the conceptual foundation for developing an agricultural ecology approach that goes beyond technical solutions by integrating spiritual values and environmental sustainability.

“We designed this research not only as an academic study, but also as an effort to introduce sustainable agricultural practices grounded in spiritual values. We hope this research will provide tangible benefits for both the environment and the community,” said Dr. Suhadi.

Meanwhile, the regenerative agriculture aspect is strengthened by the expertise of Prof. Nafiatul Umami, an academic from UNU Jogja who holds a patent for Gama Umami grass and usage rights for Chicory grass, developed through research in New Zealand. This interdisciplinary collaboration forms the foundation for regenerative agricultural innovation aimed at addressing food security challenges while preserving ecosystem sustainability.

The research is designed not only at the conceptual and academic level but also for direct field implementation through a three-year medium-term research program (2026–2028). In the first year (2026), the focus will be on implementing regenerative agriculture based on Gama Umami grass and Chicory in the Guwosari area, including organic fertilizer management, plant spacing arrangements, and the utilization of forage biomass for complete goat feed formulation.

In the second year (2027), the research will focus on evaluating land quality, biomass production, and improving livestock performance and productivity. In the third year (2028), the research outcomes are planned to be replicated and disseminated to other regions to expand their benefits and impact.

Beyond academic research, the program is also projected to enter the downstreaming and commercialization phase of feed products, both at micro and macro scales, after the research period ends. This stage will involve various strategic stakeholders, including PWNU of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, the Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) from Yogyakarta, to strengthen the economic, social, and sustainability impacts of the research. This collaboration reflects UNU Jogja’s proactive role as a university in Yogyakarta in building cross-sector partnerships, particularly in community engagement initiatives. [Latifah]