By: Wahyu Iryana
Executive Director of the Center for Islamic History Studies, Lampung
If you ask me about a Green Campus, I’d ask you back: which green are you referring to? Is it the kind of green where trees grow, birds chirp, and students nap under the shade? Or is it a deeper, more philosophical green—one that embraces the values of local culture? If it’s the latter, let me share the story of a Green Campus rooted in Lampung’s rich wisdom.
A Green Campus Beyond Just Green
The concept of a Green Campus has long been promoted in universities worldwide. Institutions compete to plant trees, reduce carbon emissions, and implement renewable energy. Yet, too often, these efforts feel like passing trends—planting a thousand trees today but forgetting to water them tomorrow. Plastic waste is reduced by replacing bottled water, yet many students remain indifferent to proper waste disposal.
Amidst the buzz of environmental movements, one approach stands out: integrating Green Campus initiatives with local wisdom. In Lampung, environmental conservation has been embedded in its traditions for generations. The challenge now is how to revive and incorporate these values into modern campus life.
Pepadun Philosophy: Harmony with Nature
Lampung has diverse customary systems, one of which is Pepadun. More than just a social structure, it represents a way of life. The Pepadun philosophy teaches people to live in harmony with nature. A Lampungese proverb states: Bumi dipijak, langit dijunjung—meaning we must honor the land we walk on and the sky above us. In essence, we should respect our environment, not merely exploit it.
Some universities in Lampung are beginning to implement this philosophy. For instance, campus buildings are designed following the architectural principles of Lamban Pesagi, the traditional raised wooden houses of Lampung. This not only preserves cultural identity but also protects natural water flow and prevents flooding. A Green Campus is not just about planting trees—it’s about ensuring that every structure respects the land and its ecosystem.
Campus Forests and the Nengah Nyappur Principle
Many universities boast neatly arranged gardens and rows of trees, but in Lampung, a more profound concept is emerging: the campus forest. Some universities are developing green spaces modeled after hutan adat (customary forests).
This approach aligns with the Nengah Nyappur principle, which emphasizes openness and adaptability to the environment. Instead of merely planting trees for aesthetics, campuses cultivate native species such as durian, duku, and jengkol—trees that not only provide greenery but also serve the community. Why plant trees that only look good when you can plant ones that sustain both people and nature?
Furthermore, students are encouraged to be part of the ecosystem. It’s not just about planting a tree for a photo-op but fostering a lifelong responsibility to care for it. After all, what good is an environmental initiative if students care more about their Instagram feed than the well-being of the trees they plant?
Sustainable Information Systems: Beyond Paper Waste
University campuses are notorious for bulletin boards cluttered with paper notices—only to be replaced and discarded daily. The result? Mountains of paper waste, while important information often goes unnoticed.
In Lampungese culture, communication is not just written but also oral and symbolic. Some universities are adopting this principle by implementing digital information systems inspired by Tapis, Lampung’s traditional woven fabric. Instead of conventional electronic screens, these Tapis Digital boards incorporate cultural motifs, embedding local wisdom into modern technology. This reduces paper waste while preserving heritage in an innovative way.
Waste Management: From Begawi to Circular Economy
If you’ve ever attended a Begawi—Lampung’s grand traditional ceremony—you’ll notice how nothing goes to waste. Banana leaves are used for food wrapping, bamboo weavings for decorations, and leftovers are carefully managed.
This philosophy is now being applied to campus waste management. Beyond basic recycling, some universities in Lampung are adopting circular economy practices. Organic waste is composted for urban farming, while plastic waste is creatively repurposed.
Students actively participate in a waste bank system, where they can “deposit” recyclable materials in exchange for benefits like mobile data or stationery. This is more than just keeping the campus clean—it’s about instilling the mindset that waste has value and can drive sustainable economic activity.
A Green Campus with a Living Soul
If a Green Campus is only about planting trees and reducing plastic use, then it’s only halfway there. A truly sustainable campus is one that embodies local values, where students don’t just learn about the environment but integrate it into their way of life.
In Lampung, a Green Campus is not just an academic concept—it’s a living tradition. From Pepadun’s philosophy of environmental harmony to Nengah Nyappur’s emphasis on community engagement and Begawi’s waste management wisdom, these principles shape a campus ecosystem that is more than just visually green—it is culturally and ecologically vibrant.
So, if you ever visit a Green Campus rooted in Lampung’s traditions, don’t be surprised if you see more than just neatly arranged gardens or solar panels. You might find students proudly tending to the trees they planted, digital bulletin boards adorned with Tapis motifs, or a waste management system that does more than just separate plastic and organic waste.
A Green Campus is not just about technology and policies—it’s about how we, as humans, reconnect with nature and our cultural heritage. As a Lampungese proverb says: Adok mulan ni mak dapok, adok bumi ni mak tuguk—there is a sky to uphold and a land to tread wisely.
This is what makes a Green Campus not just green, but alive with meaning. Would you like to see this approach in your university?
Beyond a Slogan: Making Green Campus a Reality
In the wave of change, universities are racing to adopt the Green Campus concept. Some take it seriously, while others merely hang banners that read “Green Campus”—yet still fail to separate waste or integrate sustainability into daily operations. Let’s talk about those who are serious, like UIN Raden Intan Lampung, which is redefining its Green Campus vision.
Ultimately, a Green Campus must be more than just a catchy phrase in student brochures. It must be a way of life, deeply felt by the academic community and beyond.
What Needs to Be Done?
- Culturally Rooted Green Initiatives
Instead of just planting decorative trees, campuses should cultivate medicinal plant gardens native to Lampung, serving as research centers and community resources. - Education and Community Empowerment
Universities should engage students and local communities in sustainable practices, from waste management to environmental workshops. - Green Technology Integration
Innovation should go beyond planting trees—implementing biopores, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy solutions. If we can have an eco-friendly mosque powered by solar panels, why not? - Inspiration Beyond Campus Walls
A truly Green Campus shapes students’ mindsets so that they carry environmental consciousness into their future communities.
If Green Campus were merely about trees, we could solve the issue by buying seedlings in bulk. But if it’s a philosophy of life, it must grow alongside culture, knowledge, and social awareness.
As part of UIN Raden Intan Lampung, I am committed to ensuring that this Green Campus vision is not just a short-term project but a long-term transformation. With the integration of Islamic values, local wisdom, and environmental innovation, UIN Raden Intan Lampung has the potential to be a global model of a Green Campus that is not just green in brochures, but green in daily practice.
And that kind of green, without a doubt, is far more refreshing.
