Preserving Academic Legacy: UIN Jakarta Establishes GLAM (Gallery, Library, Archive, and Museum)

Rectorate Building, UIN Online News — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta officially inaugurated its Gallery, Library, Archives, and Museum (GLAM) on Friday (September 12, 2025).

The inauguration was symbolized by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., alongside two former rectors, Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Burhanuddin Umar Lubis, M.A., and Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat.

Held at the Rectorate Building’s Main Lobby, the event was attended by the Chair and Secretary of the University Senate, Vice Rectors, Bureau Heads, Institution Leaders, the Internal Supervisory Unit, Faculty Deans, the Director of the Graduate School, Rector’s Expert Staff, Unit Heads, Center Directors, and Heads of Rectorate Divisions, as well as the GLAM Working Team from the UIN Jakarta Library and the Information and Public Relations Center.

In his remarks, Rector Prof. Asep emphasized that GLAM is established to strengthen the academic tradition by preserving the contributions of UIN Jakarta’s predecessors.

“This museum is expected to serve as a place for the academic community to learn from the contributions of those who came before us. It is a form of respect, appreciation, and inspiration for lecturers, staff, and students alike,” he hoped.

Meanwhile, former Rector (2019–2023) Amany highlighted the museum’s role in ensuring continuity of UIN Jakarta’s historical legacy.

“The idea of collecting artifacts from previous rectors is excellent. It shows continuity—from deep-rooted history to present development to future aspirations. Hopefully, in the future, UIN Jakarta can also establish an Islamic Civilization Museum,” she expressed.

Former two-term Rector (2006–2015) Komaruddin offered a philosophical reflection on the role of a gallery, library, archives, and museum in academic life.

“A gallery, library, archive, and museum are not merely lifeless objects. They carry a soul and spirit that must be understood as part of an intellectual community. Though small, the presence of GLAM is a vital symbol that must be preserved,” he remarked.

The inauguration concluded with a group photo session involving university leaders, vice rectors, and faculty deans. Guests were then invited to view GLAM’s initial collection, which will continue to expand as a hub of literacy, history, and pride for UIN Jakarta’s academic community.

(Kareena Auliya Juniar/Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)