“Character Is the Real Asset”: An Inspiring Message from Alumnus to UIN Jakarta's 137th Graduates

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — The 137th Graduation Ceremony of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta for the 2024/2025 Academic Year featured an inspiring address by alumnus Drs. Nurul Yaqin, M.M., M.B.A., a graduate of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (1992), on Saturday (August 23, 2025).

During his remarks, he expressed his gratitude and pride for being part of this milestone moment with the graduating undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.

“It is with deep gratitude and pride that I stand before you at this 137th commencement ceremony this morning. Again, I would like to personally congratulate each and every one of you on your academic achievements,” he began.

Drs. Nurul Yaqin currently serves as the Founder and President Director of PT Multiokindo Aji (2003–present). Beyond his business endeavors, he has been actively involved in various organizations, including serving as Chief of DPD AREBI (Indonesian Real Estate Broker Association) for Banten Province (2004–2014), Vice President of DPP AREBI (2016–present), Compartment Head of Medium-Low Housing for DPP Real Estate Indonesia (2016–2018), and Head of Training and Education at DPP REI (2019–present). He is also the founder and chair of El Yaqin Foundation, reflecting his commitment to social initiatives.

Reflecting on his student years during the IAIN Jakarta era, he emphasized that the university was not only a place of learning but also a space for personal growth and character formation.

“Looking back, nothing surpasses the excitement I feel today at this graduation ceremony. For me, this moment is both a worldly and spiritual celebration. I am truly proud of this university. I made the most out of my time here—not only learning, but also seizing every opportunity it offered,” he said.

As a property entrepreneur, he stressed the importance of graduates being prepared for the real world. In his view, beyond academic competence, what truly matters are one’s character, instincts, and consistency throughout a career.

“If you want to enter the real world, especially in the business sector, you need a clear definition of yourself. In marketing terms, your ‘product’ must be concrete. Likewise, your personal brand must be clear, or others will struggle to recognize your positioning,” he advised.

He also highlighted the challenges faced by today’s digital generation—expressive, multitasking, and highly adaptive, yet often lacking in consistency and long-term resilience. He encouraged UIN Jakarta graduates to build strong character rooted in Islamic values as their foundation.

“In the real world, the competition is not only among innovators and creators; at the highest level, it is the executors who prevail. What truly matters are character, instincts, and reflexes. If your reference point is grounded in faith, God willing, your character will flourish,” he concluded.

(Nosa Idea L./Zaenal M./Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: M. Ghifari Rahman & Muhammad Yahya)