Integrating Islamic Values into Sustainability-Oriented Environmental Education: A Qualitative Case Study of Sekolah Alam Pacitan

Authors

  • Itsnaini Muslimati Alwi Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia
  • Khozin Khozin Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v18i2.9550

Keywords:

environmental education, Islamic eco-theology, sustainability education, experiential learning, digital leadership

Abstract

Sustainability-oriented environmental education is increasingly important in primary education, yet limited empirical attention has been given to how Islamic values are integrated into environmental learning in nature-based schools. This study explores how Sekolah Alam Pacitan reconstructs environmental education through Islamic values, experiential learning, and digital innovation.This research employed a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews with school leaders, Islamic education teachers, students, and parents, and analysis of school documents. The data were analyzed using interactive qualitative procedures involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Credibility was strengthened through triangulation, member checking, prolonged engagement, and researcher reflexivity.The findings show that Islamic values serve as an ethical and spiritual foundation for environmental education. Concepts such as khalifah (stewardship), amanah (responsibility), and syukur (gratitude) are embedded in daily religious routines, outdoor learning, gardening, composting, waste management, and community-based activities such as Sinau ing Ndeso (Sindeso). These practices foster students’ ecological awareness, independence, social responsibility, and appreciation of local environmental wisdom. The school also promotes sustainability through the SIDIGS digital application, which supports paperless administration, learning management, attendance, assessment, and parent–school communication.The study suggests that integrating Islamic eco-theological values with experiential and digital learning can strengthen sustainability-oriented environmental education in primary schools. However, measurable indicators of long-term behavioral change and environmental impact are needed to support broader claims of effectiveness and replicability.

References

Alhinai, M., & Ringer, A. (2025). Amanah and umma: Eco-Islam and epistemological diversity in environmental communication. Frontiers in Communication, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2025.1568627

Alsanie, G. (2025). Investigating the Impact of Digitalization on Resource Use, Energy Use, and Waste Reduction Towards Sustainability: Considering Environmental Awareness as a Moderator. Sustainability, 17(9), 4073. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094073

Alwi, I. M., & Haris, A. (2026). Cultivating Ecological Stewardship: Integrating the Adiwiyata Program with Islamic Religious Education in an Indonesian Vocational School. PPSDP International Journal of Education, 5(1), 36–53. https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v5i1.595

Alwi, I. M., Khozin, & Nurhakim, Moh. (2024). Internalisasi Penanaman Adab Di MI Muhammadiyah Baleharjo Pacitan. ELSE (Elementary School Education Journal): Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran Sekolah Dasar, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.30651/else.v8i2.21005

Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., & Gaillard, E. (2020). Environmental education outcomes for conservation: A systematic review. Biological Conservation, 241, 108224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108224

Brunner, T. J. J., Schuster, T., & Lehmann, C. (2023). Leadership’s long arm: The positive influence of digital leadership on managing technology-driven change over a strengthened service innovation capacity. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.988808

Bsoul, L., Omer, A., Kucukalic, L., & Archbold, R. H. (2022). Islam’s Perspective on Environmental Sustainability: A Conceptual Analysis. Social Sciences, 11(6), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11060228

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research Design Pendekatan Kualitatif, Kuantitatif dan Campuran. Pustaka Pelajar.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Choosing Among Five Approaches (Fourth Edition). SAGE Publications.

Fachri, F., Naro, W., Muzakkir, M., & Rapi, Muh. (2024). REALIZING GREEN SCHOOL AT INSAN KAMIL NATURE SCHOOL WITH CONCEPTUAL MODEL. Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Dan Psikologi, 2(1), 29–48. https://doi.org/10.61397/jkpp.v2i1.203

Gavilan Tatin, I. A., Triyono, S., Jacobs, G. M., Trett, S., Soeta Bangsa, A. A., & Zhu, C. (2024). An Analysis of Environmental Education in Indonesian EFL Elementary School Textbooks. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 12(3), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.12n.3p.3

Geaves, R. (2005). Richard Foltz, Frederick Denny and Azizan Baharuddin (eds.), Islam and Ecology. Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, 118–119. https://doi.org/10.1558/ecotheology.v10i1.118

Ghosh, R. K., Das, J. K., & Das, A. (2019). Blueprint of Permanent Education Number (PEN) Card for Reducing Paper Usage Ratio in Education and Job Sector. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 9(1), 3285–3290. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijitee.A9172.119119

Granato, C., Campera, M., & Bulbert, M. (2025). Active Learning Affects Children’s Intention to Act and Awareness of the Importance of Nature and Understanding Environmental Change. World, 6(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/world6020036

Han, L., & Guo, J. (2016). Ecological Plan: City Covered by Green Roofs. In Urbanization and Locality (pp. 287–300). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-48494-4_17

Ibrahim, S., Vasalou, A., & Benton, L. (2022). Understanding the Situated Practices of School Technology Leaders in the Early Stages of Educational Technology Adoption. CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1145/3491102.3502120

Kallio, H., Pietilä, A., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semiâ€structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954–2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience As The Source Of Learning And Development. Prentice-Hall. New Jersey

Lestiana, I., & Alwi, I. M. (2025). Pembentukan Akhlakul Karimah Melalui Program Pembiasaan Adab Di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Muhammadiyah Jatigunung III. AL IBTIDAIYAH: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 6(1), 26–37. https://doi.org/10.46773/ibtidaiyah.v6i1.1778

Mahapatra, S., & Vijayalatha, Dr. R. (2024). Assessing the Impact of Experiential Learning in Promoting Environmental Education and Sustainable Practices. International Journal of Emerging Knowledge Studies, 03(08), 501–508. https://doi.org/10.70333/ijeks-03-08-012

Mamat, M., Yaacob, M., Keng, L. K., Yusof, N. A., Ma’arof, D. Z., Ramachandran, D., & Sayuti, M. H. (2024). Enviromental Education in Children: 3R Practices in Boboiboy Animation. Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental, 18(6), e05381. https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n6-080

Masiliauskienė, E., Smilgienė, J., & Masiliauskas, D. (2025). DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ ECOLOGICAL CULTURE USING THE APPROACH OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. INTED2025 Proceedings, 2720–2727. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2025.0730

Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2016). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation (4 th). Jossey-Bass.

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis. In Practitioner Research and Professional Development in Education (pp. 125–145). Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9780857024510.d49

Mohamad, A. B., & Ismail, N. (2023). Environmental Preservation and Water Pollution from the Islamic Perspective. Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam, 7(2), 997. https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v7i2.16019

Munib, M., Patrajaya, R., Ihsan, R. N., & Amin, M. (2022). Conservation Environmental Sustainability in The Perspective of Islamic Legal Philosophy. Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam, 6(2), 556. https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v6i2.12411

Najib, Moh., Saefullah, U., Haryanti, E., Haetami, E., & Maryati, D. S. (2020). Environmental Conservation Paradigm in islamic Ecological Perspective. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(4), 5440–5447. https://doi.org/10.37200/IJPR/V24I4/PR201640

Nasr, S. H. (1996). Religion and the order of nature. Oxford University Press.

Nazir, J., & Pedretti, E. (2016). Educators’ perceptions of bringing students to environmental consciousness through engaging outdoor experiences. Environmental Education Research, 22(2), 288–304. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.996208

Nengsih, T. A., Abduh, M., Ladini, U., & Mubarak, F. (2023). The Impact of Islamic Financial Development, GDP, and Population on Environmental Quality in Indonesia. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 13(1), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.13727

Nieto-Ramos, M., Puig-Gutiérrez, M., & Rodríguez-Marín, F. (2025). Relación entre Educación para la Ciudadanía y Educación Ambiental en el currículo de Educación Infantil. Revista Fuentes, 1(27), 79–93. https://doi.org/10.12795/revistafuentes.2025.25039

Niță, V., & Guțu, I. (2023). The Role of Leadership and Digital Transformation in Higher Education Students’ Work Engagement. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 5124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065124

Obasi, K., & Osah, S. (2022). Curriculum Development Planning in Environmental Education for Developing Environmental Citizenship among Primary School Pupils in Rivers State. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Educational Studies, 3(2), 34–41. https://doi.org/10.21608/ihites.2021.107723.1080

Oktavilia, S., Setyadharma, A., Wahyuningrum, I. F. S., & Damayanti, N. (2021). Analysis of government expenditure and environmental quality: an empirical study using provincial data levels in Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 623(1), 12071. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/623/1/012071

Oktavilia, S., Sugiyanto, F. X., Firmansyah, Pujiati, A., & Setyadharma, A. (2019). Effect of Energy Consumption and Economic Growth towards the environmental quality of Indonesia. E3S Web of Conferences, 125, 10007. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201912510007

Oktavilia, S., Yusfi, R. H., Firmansyah, & Sugiyanto, F. X. (2018). The Relation of Environmental Quality and Fishery Sector in Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 116, 12016. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/116/1/012016

Ouis, S. P. (2002). The Environmental Dimensions of Islam. American Journal of Islam and Society, 19(2), 113–116. https://doi.org/10.35632/ajis.v19i2.1945

Parker, L., & Prabawa-Sear, K. (2019). Environmental Education in Indonesia. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429397981

Prayogo, W., Ratnaningsih, W., Suhardono, S., & Suryawan, I. W. K. (2024). Environmental Education Practices in Indonesia: A Review. Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.61078/jsi.v3i1.27

Rachman, B. M.-R. (2025). Moralitas Agama dalam Krisis Lingkungan: Membangun Kesadaran Ekologis untuk Masa Depan Berkelanjutan. MAARIF, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.47651/mrf.v19i2.261

Rahmania, T. (2024). Exploring school environmental psychology in children and adolescents: The influence of environmental and psychosocial factors on sustainable behavior in Indonesia. Heliyon, 10(18), e37881–e37881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37881

Robianti, F., Raufu, M., Sasongko, M., Sikirat Abolanle Busari-Raufu, Raufu, J., & Yamani, K. (2024). Assessing Needs for Quality Improvement: A Study of Nature-Based Education Principles (Sekolah Alam Way) at Saga Lifeschool, Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan Non Formal, 2(2), 12. https://doi.org/10.47134/jpn.v2i2.1150

Rohman, A., Kurniawan, E., Syifauddin, M., Muhtamiroh, S., & Muthohar, A. (2024). Religious Education For The Environment: Integrating Eco-Theology In The Curriculum of Islamic Religious And Character Education To Enhance Environmental Education In Indonesia. Nadwa: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 18(2), 201–226. https://doi.org/10.21580/nw.2024.18.2.21094

Rohman, A. T., & Ibrahim, A. (2022). A Discourse of Islamic Law on Environmental Protection and Sustanability: How are religious values transferred into Indonesian Environmental Law? Indonesian Journal of Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, 1(2), 139–164. https://doi.org/10.15294/ijel.v1i2.58136

Sadulaeva, A. (2023). Evolution of the Global Environmental Agenda: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss. BIO Web of Conferences, 63, 3015. https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20236303015

Safri, Z., Hasanah, S., Mahmudah, Soraya, F., & Siregar, T. S. (2024). Implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning Model in Nature-Based Learning to Improve Morals and Concern for the School Environment at SMP S Alam Leuser. Jurnal Profesi Guru Indonesia, 1(4), 162–169. https://doi.org/10.62945/jpgi.v1i4.636

Sagala, R., Nuangchalerm, P., Saregar, A., & El Islami, R. A. Z. (2019). Environment-Friendly Education as A Solution to Against Global Warming: A Case Study at Sekolah Alam Lampung, Indonesia. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 7(2), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.565454

Santosa, S. J., Okuda, T., & Tanaka, S. (2008). Air Pollution and Urban Air Quality Management in Indonesia. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water, 36(5–6), 466–475. https://doi.org/10.1002/clen.200800038

Shen, Y., Deng, Y., Xiao, Z., Zhang, Z., & Dai, R. (2025). Driving green digital innovation in higher education: the influence of leadership and dynamic capabilities on cultivating a green digital mindset and knowledge sharing for sustainable practices. BMC Psychology, 13(1), 288. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02552-z

Sihvonen, P., Lappalainen, R., Herranen, J., & Aksela, M. (2024). Promoting Sustainability Together with Parents in Early Childhood Education. Education Sciences, 14(5), 541. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050541

Sugiyono. (2015). Metode Penelitian Pendidikan: Pendekatan Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan R&D (21st ed.). Alfabeta.

Sukma, E., Ramadhan, S., & Indriyani, V. (2020). Integration of environmental education in elementary schools. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1481(1), 012136. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1481/1/012136

Syarip, & Dadang. (2025). Digital Leadership in Educational Institutions: Media Management Strategies for 21st-Century Science Education. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(9), 100–106. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12567

Tilbury, D. (2011). Education for sustainable development: An expert review of processes and learning. UNESCO.

Ulum, B., Mahnan, N. H., & Ihsani, F. (2025). Islamic Ethics In Sustainable Environmental Resource Management. INCOME: Innovation of Economics and Management, 4(3), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.32764/income.v4i3.5590

UNESCO. (2017). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: learning objectives. UNESCO. https://doi.org/10.54675/CGBA9153

Widiastuty, H., & Anwar, K. (2025). Ekoteologi Islam: Prinsip Konservasi Lingkungan dalam Al-Qur’an dan Hadits serta Implikasi Kebijakannya. Risalah, Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Studi Islam, 11(1).

Ximenes, L. da S. V., Vieira, D. da S., & Roque, F. A. R. L. (2018). Environmental Education: Training Tool For Stimulating Conscious Since Initial School Grades. ENVIRONMENTAL SMOKE, 1(2), 01–14. https://doi.org/10.32435/envsmoke.20181201-14

Zuhdi, A., Bilhaq, M. A. M., & Putri, L. R. (2024). Islamic Philosophy’s Approach to Environmental Ethics: An Analysis of the Teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith. Journal of Noesantara Islamic Studies, 1(4), 198–213. https://doi.org/10.70177/jnis.v1i4.1392

Zulaika, Vahlepi, S., Soleh, W., & Aliudin, N. S. U. binti. (2025). Green Spirituality in The Qur’an: Integration of Spiritual Values and Environmental Conservation Education. Jurnal Progress: Wahana Kreativitas Dan Intelektualitas, 13(1), 91–107. https://doi.org/10.31942/pgrs.v13i1.12693

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2026-06-14

How to Cite

Alwi, I. M., & Khozin, K. (2026). Integrating Islamic Values into Sustainability-Oriented Environmental Education: A Qualitative Case Study of Sekolah Alam Pacitan. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 18(2), 2020–2036. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v18i2.9550

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 2 (2026): JUNE 2026

Section

Articles

Citation Check

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.