Students from the Social Welfare Study Program (IKS) at the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, undertook a macro-level social work intervention by developing and submitting a policy brief to several social service institutions between December 16 and 18, 2025. The initiative formed part of the Social Work Practicum course for the 2025/2026 Academic Year and simultaneously served as a collaborative Community Engagement (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) project involving both faculty members and students.

The policy brief, titled “Optimizing Social Services at Abiyoso Pakem Residential Care Center for Older Persons to Enhance Elderly Well-Being,” was developed based on macro-level assessments, field observations, and needs analyses conducted by students during their field practicum at the Abiyoso Pakem Residential Social Service Center for Older Persons (BPSTW Unit Abiyoso Pakem).

The assessment identified several challenges affecting the delivery of social services for older adults. Among the most pressing concerns was a severe shortage of professional social workers. At present, the institution employs only one social worker responsible for approximately 120 elderly residents, a ratio that falls short of what is considered adequate for comprehensive assessment, case management, psychosocial intervention, monitoring, and service evaluation.

Drawing on these findings, students, under faculty supervision, formulated policy recommendations focusing on three key areas: strengthening the professional social work workforce, improving physical accessibility for older persons, and enhancing psychosocial support services for residents. As part of a broader policy advocacy effort, the policy brief was formally submitted to the Abiyoso Pakem Residential Social Service Center, the Special Region of Yogyakarta Social Affairs Office, and Indonesia’s National Civil Service Agency (BKN).

According to Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D., Head of the Social Welfare Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the initiative represents a practical application of macro social work competencies that emphasize systems change, institutional strengthening, and policy advocacy.

“Social work is not limited to assisting individuals, families, or groups,” Dr. Haq said. “At the macro level, social workers also have a responsibility to promote improvements in social service systems through evidence-based policy advocacy that reflects real needs in the field. This policy brief serves as one instrument for advancing stronger social services for older adults.”

He added that the project also reflects the university’s broader commitment to contributing academic expertise toward improving social welfare services. Through the Community Engagement framework, students not only gain a deeper understanding of social problems but are also trained to develop practical solutions that can inform decision-making by policymakers and service providers.

The policy brief is expected to provide valuable input for institutions seeking to strengthen elderly care services, particularly through the recruitment and deployment of additional professional social workers. More broadly, the initiative demonstrates the Social Welfare Study Program’s commitment to integrating education, community engagement, and policy advocacy as part of the university’s Tri Dharma of Higher Education.

Beyond its academic value, the project offered students hands-on experience in conducting assessments, analyzing policy issues, formulating recommendations, and communicating with key stakeholders. As such, the Social Work Practicum not only serves as a learning platform but also contributes meaningfully to the strengthening of social welfare systems and services within the community.