Magelang, 29/1/2025 – A research grant team from the Master of Religion and Cross-Cultural Studies program, with a focus on Islamic Economics, Graduate School (SPs) UGM, conducted a visit as a follow-up to their community service program at the business unit of the Merapi Merbabu Community Islamic Boarding School (PM3).
This activity took place in Windusajan Hamlet, Wonolelo Village, Sawangan District, Magelang Regency, with the aim of supporting the boarding school in utilizing local potential to achieve economic independence with business innovations based on Islamic values.
The team consisted of Nanung Danar Dono, Ph.D., Dr. Dumairy, Dr. Duddy Roesmara Dona, along with three students of Islamic Economics.
During this visit, the team held a business plan mentoring program for the boarding school’s business units, particularly Janissary Coffee and Homestay. These business units were seen as having great potential, both as a source of independent income for PM3 and as a platform for entrepreneurship learning for the students (santri).
The Chief of the research grant team and the Chair of the Islamic Economics program, Nanung Danar Dono, Ph.D., stated that to support the development of PM3, the team has formulated several business recommendations.
One of the recommendations is to improve accessibility by providing clear signboards for facilities such as toilets, prayer rooms (mushola), cafes, and homestays, making it easier for visitors to find the locations and increasing the attraction for tourists.
Additionally, providing a menu list on each table or at strategic spots, as well as using a QR menu on the barista table, will speed up the process for customers to choose and order food or drinks. To streamline the ordering process, systematic menu management with clearer classification will help customers find their options easily.
The research grant team also recommended collaborating with travel agencies so that the café and homestay can be promoted as part of a local tourism package, potentially attracting more visitors. Furthermore, optimizing social media is an important step in strengthening the branding of Janissary Coffee. This includes developing a consistent visual identity, planning strategic content, and interacting actively with the audience through quick responses to comments and Q&A sessions on Instagram Stories.
The integration of offline and online marketing strategies is also part of the recommendations, such as placing QR codes at the café that link directly to social media and utilizing popular hashtags to extend the audience reach.
To enhance customer comfort, the use of digital platforms for homestay reservations was also a key focus. By providing a reservation link or WhatsApp contact on social media, customers can more easily make bookings.
Additionally, a Google review program offering promotions or discounts for customers who leave positive reviews was suggested as a strategy to boost online visibility and business reputation.
A representative from PM3, Ustadz Miran Alghazi, welcomed these recommendations and expressed his appreciation for the initiative of the research grant team. “The visit of the UGM Islamic Economics research team brings fresh air for Janissary Coffee and Homestay because there are many things that can be done for their development in the future. This café and homestay are not just business units, but also a laboratory for students to develop their entrepreneurial interests and talents. In the long term, it is hoped that it will support PM3’s economic independence,” he said.
With this mentoring program, it is hoped that Janissary Coffee and PM3’s Homestay can continue to grow and benefit not only the Islamic boarding school but also the surrounding community as part of the Islamic economy ecosystem.
This program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Writer: Nurfitri Harkunti Kemala Hayati/Arni Wistriatun