The role of Islamic higher education in fostering environmental sustainability: comparative case study of UIN Jakarta and UII Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to understand how Islamic higher education (IHE) exercise, if not optimize, their modalities to foster environmental sustainability (ES). This study assumes that: Islam was interrelated with sustainability; university played a crucial role in addressing environmentally friendly initiatives; yet studies about IHEs in fostering ES were limited. Design/methodology/approach This comparative case study was conducted in two Indonesian IHEs: Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, South Tangerang and Indonesia Islamic University, Yogyakarta. The data were collected through an iterative approach, combining a review of relevant documents with in-depth semi-structured interviews with selected managerial structures. University’s modalities are situated as matrices where key findings are analyzed and compared. Findings Despite being fragmented, both IHEs have adapted to the changing climate and have conducted necessary actions in all modalities. Empowering leadership, deliberative participation, interdisciplinary approach and transformative mindsets are instrumental. This study acknowledges the limits of Islam in fostering ES and suggests strategically planned, fragmented actions based on strength, context and priorities. Research limitations/implications This study only interviewed lecturers and staff with structural positions, excluding common lecturers and students. As this study only analyzed action and interaction, further study that addresses the impact of ES-related initiatives is needed. Originality/value This study expands McCowan’s framework to the context of religious-based universities, particularly Islam, in a predominantly Muslim country like Indonesia. This study contributes to the discourse on Islam and sustainability, filling a gap in the existing literature that restricts the scope of universities’ role in sustainability to pedagogical aspects.