Minister of Religious Affairs Urges UIN Jakarta to Lead Islamic Higher Education

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held an Open Senate Session to commemorate its 68th Anniversary under the theme “Strengthening Global Reputation Toward Indonesia Emas 2045” on Wednesday (24/9/2025).

The solemn ceremony, hosted at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, brought together the academic community, alumni across generations, and both national and international strategic partners.

Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., an alumnus of UIN Jakarta, delivered the keynote address. He underscored the university’s responsibility to nurture intellectuals and scholars who can contribute meaningfully to Indonesia.

The minister also highlighted UIN Jakarta’s pioneering role in the transformation of Islamic higher education in Indonesia, from ADIA to IAIN, and now UIN. He called for continued innovation, courage, and vision to position UIN Jakarta as a modern center of Islamic civilization.

“It is time for UIN Jakarta to revive its academic legacy, much like its golden era when the university’s name was remembered with national figures, Muslim scholars, and democracy advocates. From South Tangerang, many national leaders emerged. We must safeguard this spirit so UIN Jakarta remains the benchmark for other Islamic universities,” he remarked.

In his address, the minister announced a significant milestone: the full transfer of hospital assets to UIN Jakarta. He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ commitment to strengthening education budgets, describing this as proof of the government’s determination to elevate UIN Jakarta into a world-class Islamic university.

Concluding his remarks, Prof. Umar urged the academic community to follow the example of leading figures such as Prof. Harun Nasution, who consistently championed rational Islamic thought while steering the university toward becoming modern, reminiscent of Islam’s golden age.

“Let us commit ourselves fully to advancing UIN Jakarta. We must not allow our alma mater to fall behind. With hard work, collective support, and shared spirit, UIN Jakarta will once again stand as a modern center of Islamic civilization and a cradle for future generations in achieving Indonesia Emas 2045,” he concluded.

(Fathan Rangga/Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photos: Aqilah Qurratulaini & Muhammad Ghifari Rahman)