ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION: DEVELOPING A VALUE-BASED PHENOMENOLOGICAL MODEL IN INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to develop a conceptual model for environmental health management at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) in Indonesia by integrating Islamic values through a phenomenological approach. Employing qualitative methods, data were collected via in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis, involving purposively selected academic community members engaged in environmental health management. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to uncover the lived experiences of participants, resulting in six key themes: integration of Islamic values in environmental policies, awareness-raising through education and religious outreach, collective participation of the academic community, implementation of tahārah (cleanliness) as campus culture, strengthening management structures, and evaluation based on Islamic principles. The findings reveal that embedding Islamic values such as khalifah fil ardh (stewardship of the earth), tahārah, and maslahah (public benefit) into environmental health management fosters a sustainable and contextually relevant campus culture. The implications include enhanced collective awareness, active participation, and effective policy implementation, contributing to sustainable environmental practices. This model offers a practical framework for other Islamic higher education institutions and enriches the theoretical understanding of value-based environmental health management by bridging modern environmental management principles with Islamic ethical perspectives.