Historical and Political Legacies Left Behind by UIN Jakarta Alumnus, Suryadharma Ali

Rectorate Building, UIN Online News – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta mourns the passing of one of its alumni and a prominent Indonesian national figure. Former Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Suryadharma Ali, passed away in Jakarta on Thursday (July 31, 2025). His passing is a great loss, particularly for the academic community of UIN Jakarta.

Suryadharma Ali was an alumnus of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program at the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, UIN Jakarta. He began his studies in 1977 and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1984. During his college years, he was known to be actively involved in various student activities and organizations. Then, he served as a lecturer at UIN Jakarta who taught Philosophy, showcasing his dedication to the fields of education and Islamic thought.

After completing his studies, Suryadharma began his career in the private sector. He worked at PT Hero Supermarket Tbk, where he served as Deputy Director until 1999. However, fate drove him into politics after the 1998 Reform Era which opened up a broader democratic freedom.

His political career began in 1999 when he was elected as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) which represents Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP) and served for two tenures. During his second term, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by the former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu I (2004–2009).

His reputation in government grew when he was entrusted to serve as Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs from 2009 to 2014. During his tenure, he was involved in various national programs focusing on strengthening religious moderation, religious education, and the organization of the Hajj pilgrimage.

In addition to his governmental roles, Suryadharma also played a significant role in politics. He was chosen to lead Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP) as the Chairman of the Central Executive Board (DPP) for two consecutive terms, from 2007 to 2015.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs website, Suryadharma Ali was awarded the Mahaputera Adipradana Star of Honor by former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. This award is given to individuals who have made outstanding national contributions.

His loss left behind a legacy of significant contributions in the fields of education and politics. He had become an integral part of UIN Jakarta’s longstanding history in producing national figures who contribute to various sectors in Indonesia.

As an alumnus of UIN Jakarta, Suryadharma Ali will always be remembered as a figure who bridged knowledge, service, and national leadership. May he rest in peace with Allah's blessing.

(Sabila Weliza/Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Republika.co)