UNU Jogja Holds MKDU Project Expo, Strengthening Students' Social Resilience through Mutual Cooperation and Collaborative Leadership

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) held the General Education Courses (MKDU) Project Expo under the theme "Strengthening the Social Resilience of UNU Yogyakarta Students through the Values of Mutual Cooperation and Collaborative Leadership" at The Hall, 5th Floor of UNU Yogyakarta, on Thursday, July 30. The event showcased a wide range of project-based learning outcomes created by the 2025 student cohort while providing a platform for students to present innovative ideas and solutions to various social issues.

Through a project-based learning approach, students are encouraged not only to understand theories taught in the classroom but also to identify real-world problems, design practical solutions, and communicate their ideas creatively. This learning model also strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills as preparation for future professional and social challenges.

The projects exhibited at the expo were the outcomes of the General Education Courses (MKDU), which include Leadership and Innovation Management, Indonesian Language, Civic Education, and Ke-NU-an (Nahdlatul Ulama Studies). Through these courses, students from various study programs explored a wide range of topics, including social issues, nationalism, literacy, leadership, and the implementation of Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah An-Nahdliyah values in community life.

Dr. Taufan Jannata, Director of Academic Governance at UNU Yogyakarta, expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee, lecturers, and students for their contributions to the successful implementation of the event. According to him, the MKDU Project Expo plays an important role in shaping students' character amid rapidly evolving global challenges.

"The theme we have chosen is highly relevant to today's challenges. Students need more than academic competence; they must also develop social resilience—the ability to adapt, collaborate, appreciate diversity, and provide solutions to various challenges faced by society," he said.

He explained that the General Education Courses serve as a strategic foundation for character building by strengthening students' understanding of nationalism, Islamic values, humanity, integrity, and social responsibility. He added that the values of mutual cooperation and collaborative leadership are essential for preparing students to navigate both professional and community life.

Furthermore, Dr. Taufan expressed his hope that the projects presented at the expo would go beyond classroom assignments and continue to evolve into innovations that provide tangible benefits to society.

"The MKDU Expo provides students with a platform to showcase creative, innovative, and practical learning outcomes. More than just an exhibition, it serves as a space for exchanging ideas, expanding networks, and fostering a collaborative academic culture," he stated.

Meanwhile, Anik Puji Handayani, lecturer of the Leadership and Innovation Management course, explained that the projects originated from real-world observations. Students from various study programs were assigned to visit micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to observe existing conditions, identify problems, and formulate solutions based on the theories they had learned in class.

"Students learn to analyze problems, interpret real situations in the field, and connect them with the concepts they have studied in class. In this way, they not only understand the theories but also learn to develop contextual solutions," she explained.

Similarly, Ahmad Hujaj Nurohim, lecturer of the Ke-NU-an course, said that students were assigned to conduct observations at various autonomous bodies (banom) of Nahdlatul Ulama across the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The project aims to deepen students' understanding of the role of Nahdlatul Ulama in society while introducing its contributions, as well as those of its prominent figures, in education, social development, religious affairs, and community empowerment.

According to him, the project-based learning approach also serves as an effort to prepare students as future NU cadres who possess a strong understanding of Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah An-Nahdliyah values and are capable of developing da'wah creatively, including through digital media.

As a university in Yogyakarta committed to advancing experiential learning, UNU Jogja continues to foster an academic ecosystem that nurtures graduates who are innovative, socially responsible, and equipped with strong character. Through the MKDU Project Expo, students are expected to become future changemakers capable of delivering meaningful solutions to society. [Latifah]