BUILDING BRIDGE: COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM IN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY AND THE PRACTICE OF UKHUWWAH (BROTHERHOOD)

Abstract

Economic inequality remains a pressing issue in Indonesia. Addressing this challenge requires government intervention and active engagement from higher education institutions. Although not immediately apparent, higher education plays a vital role in economic development, particularly community capacity-building through community empowerment programs. Islamic university, in particular, is interested in promoting the principles of Ukhuwwah (brotherhood) in community empowerment as a manifestation of Islam as a rahmatan lil ‘ālamīn (mercy for all the worlds). This research looks at how community empowerment programs have evolved in Islamic universities. The study focuses on the current situation and has required features for community-engaged universities. The research findings will help us better understand how Indonesian colleges operate with their local communities. The Assisted Village programs (Desa Binaan) at Indonesian State Islamic University serve as case studies to demonstrate the methodologies and propose a framework for community empowerment programs by actualizing the principles of Ukhuwwah (brotherhood) to foster social and economic development within communities.