Saiful Umam Receives Commendation From the Government of Japan

Rectorate, UIN News Online – Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) UIN Jakarta Saiful Umam was awarded the Ambassador’s commendation from the Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia. The award was presented by the Japanese ambassador to Indonesia H.E Kenji Kanasugi on Wednesday (06/15/2022).

Present in the event, Professor and Rector of UIN Jakarta for the period of 1998-2006 Azyumardi Azra, Advisory Board Secretary of PPIM UIN Jakarta Jamhari, Executive Director of PPIM UIN Jakarta Ismatu Ropi, and Research Director of PPIM UIN Jakarta Didin Syafruddin.

Kanasugi in his speech revealed that the commendation was given for Saiful's work which was considered capable in strengthening relations between Japan and Indonesia. In addition, the commendation was given for Saiful's tireless effort in strengthening tolerance among the Indonesian Muslim community.

This contribution was made by Saiful when he led the Center for Islamic and Community Studies (PPIM) UIN Jakarta through a number of programs to strengthen relations between the two countries. Among them are a visiting program carried out by more than 160 pesantren leaders teachers to Japan, student and youth exchange programs, and a number of important researches that form the basis for strengthening tolerance as well as countering extremism.

These programs, he continued, are considered very important because they create an opportunity for mutual learning between the people of Indonesia and Japan. For example, pesantren teachers can learn the positive side of quality education and discipline to be applied in their educational institutions. Likewise, Japanese people can get to know more about Indonesian culture and society.

“We really appreciate Saiful Umam's significant contribution in strengthening relations between Japan and Indonesia, the Indonesian Muslim community and the Japanese community,” said Kanasugi.

Furthermore, Ambassador Kanasugi also said that this contribution has an important role in strengthening the strategic partnership between Japan and Indonesia in the future.

Responding to the commendation, he express his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the government of Japan. He also said that the commendation he received was an award for UIN Jakarta, PPIM, and the colleagues who were involved during his tenure as Executive Director of PPIM.

 “As a member of UIN Jakarta and PPIM, i always ready and commited to give a contribution in maintaining and strengthening the good relation and cooperation between Indonesia especially UIN Jakarta and muslim society in Japan at large,” said Saiful.  (zm/usa)