Safwa University of Indonesia (SUI): A Model of Inclusive Education and Community-Based Research Innovation

Safwa University of Indonesia (SUI) emerged as a response to the educational challenges in Indonesia, particularly in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and 3T areas (frontier, outermost, disadvantaged). Many pesantren teachers possess extensive teaching experience but lack formal academic recognition. Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program and competency assessments, SUI pioneered academic acknowledgment for educators based on practical experience. This article discusses SUI’s innovative model for building inclusive education, human resource development, and open research publication through Zenodo and OpenAIRE. Findings indicate that SUI serves as an alternative community-based university, bridging pesantren traditions with global academic standards.