Agribusiness Study Program at UNU Jogja Holds National Santri Day Sharing Session to Inspire Student Achievement and Social Impact

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The Agribusiness Study Program at the Faculty of Halal Industry, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), held a sharing session titled “Achieving Excellence as a Santri: Inspiring, Growing, and Making an Impact” featuring Birrul Qodriyyah, S.Kep., Ns., M.Sc., on Friday, October 23. The event, held to commemorate National Santri Day 2026, was attended by 97 Agribusiness students.

Birrul Qodriyyah completed her undergraduate studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada and earned a master’s degree in Advancing Nursing Practice from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, through a scholarship from Indonesia’s Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP). She has also been recognized as the Most Inspirational National Outstanding Student and served as an Indonesian Nursing Ambassador. In addition, she has received various awards for her academic achievements and contributions to inspiring younger generations. She currently serves as a lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Drawing on her academic journey and personal experiences, Birrul encouraged students to understand that achievement requires a process, discipline, determination, prayer, and consistency. Success, she emphasized, is measured not only by academic accomplishments but also by the ability to uphold life values and contribute positively to others.

Head of the Agribusiness Study Program at UNU Jogja, Nur Saudah Al Arifa D., said the sharing session provided a platform for exchanging experiences and motivating students to develop their potential. The National Santri Day event was also expected to encourage students to uphold Islamic values while pursuing excellence without neglecting their social responsibilities.

“This event is an opportune moment to reaffirm our commitment to learning, striving, and serving, while integrating scientific knowledge with the values of pesantren education. Through this, students are expected to grow into a generation that is principled, independent, and impactful,” she said.

According to Nur Saudah, these values are particularly relevant to agribusiness, which promotes entrepreneurship, farmer empowerment, innovation based on local potential, and the sustainability of agriculture and food systems.

Participants’ enthusiasm was reflected in their feedback following the event. Ahmad Ichsan Maulana, an Agribusiness student from the 2025 cohort, said the session offered valuable new perspectives.

“This sharing session was very insightful. I gained a lot of new knowledge, and it broadened my perspective on various things,” Ahmad said.

Meanwhile, Bella Anggraini highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between achievement and spiritual life. “While pursuing achievements, do not forget your prayers, keep making an effort, and recite and review the Qur’an regularly,” she said.

Fatimatu Zahro, an Agribusiness student from the 2026 cohort, expressed a similar sentiment. She said the session was motivating and relevant to her identity as both a santri and a university student.

“It was wonderful and very motivating for me as someone who is both a santri and a university student,” she said.

Through this initiative, the Agribusiness Study Program at UNU Jogja hopes students will gain greater confidence in developing their potential, become more courageous in pursuing their aspirations, and learn to balance academic achievement with character development and spiritual growth.

National Santri Day serves as a reminder that being a santri does not limit opportunities to excel and contribute to society. Instead, the values cultivated through pesantren education can serve as a foundation for personal growth, meaningful work, and positive contributions to the wider community.

Contributor: Nur Saudah Al Arifa D.
Editor: Latifah