Featuring the Chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU RI): UIN Jakarta Spreads Democracy Spirit for Young Generation of 2025

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — Chairman of the General Elections Commission of the Republic of Indonesia (KPU RI), Mochammad Afifuddin, S.Th.I., M.Si., delivered an inspiring address during the Introduction to Academic Culture and Student Affairs (PBAK) 2025 at UIN Jakarta on Wednesday (August 27, 2025). His presence was warmly welcomed by thousands of new students filling the Harun Nasution Auditorium.

Afifuddin emphasized that being both a student and an alumnus of UIN Jakarta is a privilege that should be deeply appreciated.

"Being an alumnus of UIN is a privilege. It is an opportunity to pursue a career path anywhere you choose. So never feel disheartened," he encouraged.

He also urged the freshmen to embrace their chosen majors with confidence.

"If we remain doubtful, we will not be able to fully enjoy the next four years of study. So, it’s better to enjoy and make the most of the program we have chosen at this beloved campus," he advised.

In his speech, Afifuddin shared his own experience as a student at IAIN Jakarta before it officially became UIN on May 20, 2000. He recounted how he served as the last BEM (Student Executive Board) President of IAIN and the first BEM President of UIN after its transformation.

"Back then, UIN Jakarta was IAIN (State Islamic Religious Institution) until it became UIN (State Islamic University). So, I am a son of IAIN who graduated as UIN. I was the last BEM President of IAIN and the first BEM President of UIN," he recalled.

He further stressed the crucial role of young people in Indonesia’s democracy. According to him, the 2024 general election recorded that 60 percent of voters came from the millennial and Gen Z generations—an enormous potential for youth to take part in national development.

"You don’t have to wait until you’re old to talk about elections and democracy. Young people, including students, can already become leaders today. If the youth unite, their influence is extraordinary," he assured.

Afifuddin also noted that holding elections requires massive public participation, citing that the 2024 election involved more than 6.5 million people as organizers across various levels—from the national KPU to provincial, district/city, and even KPPS at the polling stations.

In closing, he reminded the students that the democratic freedom they enjoy today was not gained overnight.

"Back then, the New Order era, we never had the freedom to express our opinions like we do today. Democracy is the result of a long struggle, and now it is the duty of the younger generation to protect it," he concluded.

He expressed his hope that the freshmen, after joining PBAK, would gain a deeper understanding of their university, faculties, and majors, and he conveyed his delight in sharing this moment with them.

"My hope is that after PBAK, students at UIN will better understand their faculties, their majors, their university, and everything they need to know before entering the academic and campus life at our beloved UIN. Once again, I am truly glad to be part of this, and I believe PBAK is one of the best ways to introduce this campus to new students," he closed.

(Nosa Idea L./Zaenal M./ Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)