UNU Jogja Deploys Students to 17 Labsos Sites to Support Local Communities in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – UNU Jogja has deployed dozens of students from the Social Laboratory (Labsos) Cohort VII to various locations across Yogyakarta on Friday, September 19, 2025. This deployment followed a comprehensive briefing session for the 2025/2026 Academic Year Labsos Program.

“Before this deployment, we provided training to ensure students were well-prepared to engage directly with local communities. The briefing covered topics such as ethics in community interaction, safety and security, media management, social analysis, as well as social assessment methods and instruments,” explained Saeroni, Director of the Social Laboratory at UNU Jogja.

He added that students would carry out their Labsos from September 2025 until December 2026 across 17 partner institutions (sohibul labsos) throughout the Special Region of Yogyakarta. These learning activities are grouped into several thematic clusters. The Education Cluster involves partnerships with Ma’arif NU Sleman, RMI NU Sleman, Assalafiyah Islamic Boarding School, Bumi Cendekia Islamic Boarding School, and Trilogika Edutama. The Islamic Philanthropy Cluster collaborates with LazisNU in Sleman and Yogyakarta City. Meanwhile, the Green/Circular Economy Cluster engages with Lintangsongo Islamic Boarding School in Bantul, Nur Iman Foundation in Sleman, and Guwosari Village in Pajangan, Bantul. Finally, the Local Community Empowerment Cluster works with the Yogyakarta City Government in Sorosutan, Tegalpanggung, and Ngupasan urban villages.

Throughout the program, students will be guided by 17 field supervisors (DPL). Saeroni expressed hope that Labsos would nurture students’ sensitivity to community realities and instill a strong sense of social responsibility. “We also expect this program to cultivate resilience and a strong work ethic,” he added.

KH. Ahmad Fauzi, Deputy Chair of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Branch Executive in Sleman, welcomed the placement of students within NU-affiliated institutions, particularly at PCNU Sleman. He expressed his appreciation, noting that students’ knowledge and skills could directly contribute to community development. “I truly welcome the presence of these students, as the knowledge they bring can be shared through real community service,” he said.

He further emphasized his hope that students would be able to identify the various challenges faced by communities and transform these findings into valuable input and recommendations for local NU leaders. [Latifah]