PBAK 2026: 9,448 New Students of UIN Jakarta Begin Their Journey Toward Becoming the Ulu al-Albab Generation
Main Field, UIN Online News – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta officially opened the 2026 Academic and Student Culture Orientation (PBAK) on Wednesday (August 26, 2026). Carrying the theme “Technologically Smart, Ecologically Wise: Cultivating the Ulu al-Albab Generation for National Civilization,” this year's PBAK series is attended by 9,448 new students across 12 faculties. The opening ceremony featured an official ceremony, the recitation of the Student Panca Satya (Five Pledges), a tree-planting ceremony, the pinning of participant badges, and the singing of the UIN Jakarta Anthem.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2026–2031 period, Nuzran Joher, S.Ag., M.Si.; Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Burhanuddin Umar Lubis, M.A., Head of the MUI Commission for Women, Youth, and Family Affairs and former Rector of UIN Jakarta; faculty deans and university leadership; Director of the Graduate School; Ahmad Dekatama Putra Zaman, S.H., LL.M. (*Pasming Based*) as an inspiring speaker; leaders of DEMA, SEMA, and Student Activity Units (UKM); the PBAK organizing committee; along with the academic community and new students of UIN Jakarta.
The PBAK 2026 event series also features prominent national figures, academics, public officials, and practitioners, including Maria Teresa Suhardja, B.Sc., Vice Chairwoman of the South Tangerang Regional House of Representatives (DPRD); Salsabila Syaira, S.I.P., M.I.P., Political Communication Analyst and Media Practitioner; Dr. H. Bima Arya Sugiarto, S.I.P., Vice Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; Dr. Yudi Latif, M.A., Ph.D., Scholar and Expert on Islamic and National Thought; Dr. Ir. Pramono Anung Wibowo, M.M., Governor of Jakarta; and Prof. Ir. Firdaus Ali, M.Sc., Ph.D., Professor of Water Management at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, and Founder of the Indonesia Water Institute.
Chairman-elect of the Indonesian Ombudsman for 2026–2031, Nuzran Joher, S.Ag., M.Si., who delivered the opening keynote speech, urged incoming students to view their university years as a crucible for character and integrity building. According to him, technological intelligence and environmental awareness must be grounded in moral values to truly benefit society.
“Technology without integrity leads to cybercrime and the spread of hoaxes. Environmental concern without courage leads to complacency in the face of ecological destruction,” he emphasized.
In his address, UIN Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., reminded new students that PBAK is a crucial moment to embrace academic traditions while preparing for rapid global change. He highlighted the importance of leveraging technology wisely without forfeiting human ethics.
“Be students who use technology smartly, but never lose your wisdom as human beings. Technology is a tool, and we are human beings who must remain wise in its application,” he asserted.
The Rector also connected the PBAK theme to the formation of the Ulu al-Albab generation—one possessing intellectual excellence, spiritual depth, and social sensitivity. The term *Ulu al-Albab* originates from Arabic (أولو الألباب), meaning individuals endowed with sound reasoning, clear intellect, and sharp analytical capacity. Therefore, he noted, UIN Jakarta students must not rely solely on intellectual prowess, but must also apply their knowledge responsibly and ethically.
“Intelligence must walk hand-in-hand with wisdom. Knowledge must breed responsibility, and academic achievement must yield tangible benefits for society,” he remarked.
In his report, Chairman of the PBAK 2026 Organizing Committee, Dr. Aktobi Ghozali, M.Ag., shared that PBAK serves as the primary gateway for new students entering academic and student life. The program spans five days, starting with University-level PBAK on August 26–27, followed by Faculty and Study Program PBAK on August 28–29, and culminating in the Student Activity Unit (UKM) Fair on August 30.
On the first day, 6,199 new students participated across two designated venues: 4,627 students from FDIKOM, FITK, FST, FU, and the Faculty of Psychology assembled on the Main Field, while 1,572 students from FIKES, FAH, and FK gathered at the Harun Nasution Auditorium. On the second day, 3,249 students from FEB, FDI, FISIP, and FSH joined the orientation, bringing the total number of incoming PBAK 2026 participants to 9,448 students.
The vibrant opening continued with an Inspiring Speech by digital communication practitioner and content creator Ahmad Dekatama Putra Zaman, S.H., LL.M. (Pasming Based). He encouraged students not to focus solely on their GPA, but to enrich their experiences through student organizations, academic competitions, and internships to better prepare for the job market.
“Your GPA acts as an administrative entry requirement. What truly sets you apart is your resume—whether you participated in competitions, joined student organizations, or completed internships,” he noted.
As a guest speaker, he invited students to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a learning tool for personal growth while maintaining critical thinking and verifying information. Additionally, he highlighted the responsible use of social media for personal branding and constructive advocacy.
“Being critical does not require harsh language or personal attacks. You can express criticism through data and by addressing systemic issues in Indonesia that fall short of ideal standards,” he explained.
The PBAK 2026 opening ceremony also included introductions to the 12 faculties, the recital of the Student Panca Satya, a symbolic tree planting representing ecological stewardship, and the ceremonial pinning of participant badges onto student representatives. Despite the morning heat, participants remained enthusiastic and engaged throughout the interactive event.
The program continues with Faculty and Study Program orientation sessions on August 28–29, before concluding with the UKM Fair on August 30. Guided by this year’s theme, PBAK 2026 aims to be the foundational step for 9,448 new students to build technological competence, ecological stewardship, moral integrity, and social responsiveness as an Ulu al-Albab generation advancing national civilization.
Watch the 2026 UIN Jakarta PBAK Opening Ceremony live again via the following live broadcast: