UNU Jogja and Kemenag Yogyakarta Prepare Facilitator Training and Premarital Guidance Programs, Expanding Family Resilience Initiatives to Japan, China, South Korea, and UK

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), through its Faculty of Islamic Studies (FDI) and the Center for Population and Family Welfare Studies (Pusdeka), held an audience meeting with the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Dr. H. Ahmad Bahiej, S.H., M.Hum, to finalize preparations for the implementation of the Facilitator Technical Training (Bimtek) and Premarital Guidance for Prospective Couples (Bimwin Catin) on Wednesday, June 17.

The meeting, held at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Yogyakarta, marked a strategic step in strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and the Ministry of Religious Affairs in advancing family resilience initiatives through the implementation of Bimtek and Bimwin programs at UNU Jogja.

The audience was attended by members of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Family Resilience Strengthening Program Management Team from UNU Jogja, including Hamdi Ahmad Putra, S.Ag., M.Phil., Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies; Sunaji Zamroni, S.Si., M.Si., Coordinator of the Study Center; Rindang Farihah, Director of Pusdeka UNU Jogja; and Wiwin Rohmawati, Advisor to the Centre for GEDSI UNU Jogja.

During the discussion, Dr. Ahmad Bahiej emphasized that the Bimtek and Bimwin programs should not be limited to local implementation but should evolve into sustainable initiatives capable of reaching Indonesian citizens living abroad through digital platforms. He encouraged the expansion of the programs to countries with significant Indonesian communities, such as Japan, China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

He further highlighted that Bimtek certification has strategic potential as an additional professional competency for civil servants and members of the public. The certification could serve as a foundation for individuals to contribute as family consultants within their communities.

"This competency can become an additional strength beyond a person's primary profession. Lecturers, counselors, and civil servants, for example, can play a broader role in supporting families," he noted.

The Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs also encouraged the expansion of the programs across various university faculties and study programs, including Psychology, Da'wah, and Sharia, while broadening outreach efforts through regional offices under the Ministry's network.

Beyond strengthening the substance of the programs, the implementation of Bimtek and Bimwin was also encouraged to adopt more contextual and practical learning approaches. One of the proposed ideas involved incorporating experiential learning activities outside the classroom, such as conducting sessions in tourism areas or social institutions that support the learning process.

This approach draws inspiration from the concept of rihlah, a learning tradition within Nahdlatul Ulama, where education extends beyond classroom instruction to include direct field experiences.

Under this model, participants engage in group-based learning through visits to relevant institutions, such as women's and children's rights protection organizations, legal aid institutions, and other related agencies. These experiences are intended to provide participants with a deeper, more contextual understanding of the issues discussed during the training.

Responding to these recommendations, the Director of Pusdeka UNU Jogja stated that the institution is prepared to follow up by developing online Bimtek and Bimwin models aimed at serving Indonesian citizens overseas, while also designing a distinctive implementation model that reflects UNU Jogja's identity and strengths.

As one of Yogyakarta's universities committed to community engagement, UNU Jogja also welcomes members of the public who wish to participate in the Facilitator Technical Training and Premarital Guidance programs through the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FDI) at UNU Jogja. [Latifah]