PBAK 2026: Prof. Firdaus Ali Highlights the Ecological Burden of Greater Jakarta
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online – Professor of Water Management at the Faculty of Engineering (FT) University of Indonesia (UI) and Founder of the Indonesia Water Institute, Prof. Ir. Firdaus Ali, M.Sc., Ph.D., was present as a keynote speaker in the 2026 Introduction to Academic and Student Culture (PBAK) activity of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, Wednesday (26/08/2026).
In his presentation, Prof. Firdaus reminded new students not to make lectures just a means to pursue grades or simply obtain a diploma. According to him, the world of higher education is the best space to forge self-capacity.
"Use this lecture period to build a way of thinking, expand experience, learn to work together with colleagues, build networks, and learn to solve problems around us," he said.
The UI lecturer who completed his Master's and PhD studies in the United States also highlighted the relevance of the theme of PBAK UIN Jakarta 2026, namely "Smart in Technology, Wise in Ecology, Realizing a Generation of Ulul Albab for the Nation's Civilization". He considered the theme very relevant in the midst of rapid technological developments that go hand in hand with the complexity of environmental issues.
He highlighted the Jakarta area and its surroundings, including South Tangerang where UIN Jakarta is located as a very complete environmental laboratory. With the mobility of 11 million people plus 2.5 to 3 million daily commuters, this area faces heavy ecological burdens, ranging from declining air quality, clean water crisis, waste, garbage, floods, to the lack of green open space (RTH).
"We need a generation that is not only able to keep up with technological developments, but also understands the impact of technology and development on the environment and people's lives. There is no single development activity without risks to the environment," he said.
Therefore, Prof. Firdaus emphasized the importance of ethical responsibility in the use of technology and urban development. Technological progress must remain based on the public benefit and ecosystem sustainability.
He conveyed this material in the second session of PBAK UIN Jakarta 2026 which was attended by 492 new students from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES), 925 students from the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH), and 155 students from the Faculty of Medicine (FK).
The activity then continued with a talk show session with Professor of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Sharia and Law UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Lubis, M.A. On this occasion, Prof. Amany presented material entitled "The Pattern and History of UIN Jakarta Thought (Forming the Character of Ulul Albab: Integration of Islam, Indonesianness, and Characteristics of Islamic Thought of UIN Jakarta)".
In closing, the second session of PBAK was enlivened by the introduction of various Student Activity Units (UKM) to channel the interests, talents, and leadership spirit of new students, which was enhanced by a solidarity action to raise funds for the victims of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) earthquake by UKM KMPLHK-RANITA UIN Jakarta.
Documentation of the 2026 Introduction to Academic and Student Culture (PBAK) series on Thursday (26/08/2026), can be watched through the official YouTube channel of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.