Alumni Representative Urges UIN Jakarta Graduates to Compete Globally Without Losing Their Values
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — During UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta’s 140th Commencement Ceremony, alumni representative Col. Muttaqin, M.A.D., Ph.D., encouraged graduates to pursue global opportunities while remaining firmly grounded in their moral and religious values.
Speaking before hundreds of graduates at Harun Nasution Auditorium on Saturday (May 23, 2026), the Indonesian Air Force officer and member of the Faculty of Da’wah’s first graduating cohort highlighted the strategic role of UIN Jakarta’s alumni network in supporting the next generation of graduates.
A former member of the university’s Student Regiment (Menwa), Col. Muttaqin emphasized that alumni connections should serve as a bridge between campus life and professional careers.
According to him, strengthening communication between alumni and recent graduates has become increasingly important as UIN Jakarta alumni now occupy positions across a wide range of sectors, including government institutions, ministries, private companies, academia, and the military.
“The primary role of alumni is to act as mediators and open channels of opportunity. Our network is already present in many fields. Graduates should not hesitate to reach out, seek guidance, and learn from those who have gone before them,” he said following the ceremony.
Drawing from his own professional experience, Col. Muttaqin spoke highly of the reputation of UIN Jakarta graduates in the workplace. He argued that the university’s alumni possess a distinctive advantage: the ability to combine academic competence with a strong ethical and religious foundation.
“Throughout my career in the Indonesian Air Force, I have witnessed the strong reputation of UIN Jakarta graduates. They possess two important strengths: academic capability and a solid grounding in religious and moral values. This combination is what makes them stand out,” he explained.
Addressing the realities of the digital age, he noted that today's graduates face a very different set of challenges than previous generations. While earlier students struggled with physical limitations and academic deadlines, modern graduates must navigate increasingly complex digital environments.
He pointed to issues such as misinformation, online gambling, drug abuse, and digital radicalization as some of the major threats confronting young people today.
In his speech, he urged graduates to remain resilient and avoid becoming overly dependent on comfort zones or external validation.
“The challenges facing your generation are no longer traffic jams or thesis deadlines. Today, you must learn how to navigate social media algorithms, information overload, and the pressures of the digital world. Do not become a generation that gives up easily when faced with criticism or adversity,” he said.
Despite encouraging graduates to pursue ambitious careers and international opportunities, Col. Muttaqin stressed that professional success should never come at the expense of personal values and spiritual integrity.
“Show the world that UIN Jakarta graduates can compete even in places like Silicon Valley, yet never forget how to bow in prayer. Aim high, but remain grounded. Never forget your parents, because their prayers are among the greatest forces that have brought you to where you are today,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Col. Muttaqin expressed his pride in the university and reaffirmed the commitment of UIN Jakarta’s alumni community to support future graduates as they embark on their careers.
He praised the enthusiasm and optimism demonstrated by the graduating class and expressed confidence that they would contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society, the nation, and the broader Muslim community.
“I am proud to be a UIN Jakarta alumnus. Seeing the energy, determination, and aspirations of today’s graduates gives me confidence that they will continue to make valuable contributions to our country, our society, and our faith,” he concluded.