Faith-based university and community development : a case study of Unida Gontor, Indonesia during covid-19 crises

Abstract

This thesis studied the contribution of faith-based university towards community development in time of COVID-19 crises with distinct locus to Universitas Darussalam Gontor, East Java, Indonesia. It is designed towards finding out the roleof university for community development and how faith influenced its driving force, motivation, and achievement ends. It analyses the implementation of these developmental activities. This thesis has employed ABCD theory as framework, interviews as the primary source of data collection, and complemented by secondary data such as documents, and reports. As for data analysis, it utilized thematic analysis and content analysis to understand experiences, thoughts, or behaviors across a data set. The findings of this thesis revealed that the University plays an important role in community development. It is also found that faith lays down the foundation and generates initiatives of this university. UNIDA Gontor was founded on the Islamic faith, and its guiding principles are evident in its organizational purposes. The university substantiates its guiding principles through its assets. The assets were individuals, association, institution, physical, culture, and connection.UNIDA Gontor advanced, continued, and sustained contribution in serving the Indonesian community despite generational catastrophe, vulnerable groups, universities‟ closures and uncertain ending as a result of crises. Finally, this thesis has proposed a future study that is built on the same assumptions and to conduct additional research which include wider stakeholders of this university.