SPs UIN Jakarta Once Again Graduates Non-Muslim Doctoral Student
UIN Jakarta, UIN News Online – The Graduate School (SPs) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta serves as an academic platform uniting students from diverse religious backgrounds. A number of non-Muslim academics who have completed doctoral degrees at SPs UIN Jakarta shared firsthand experiences of learning, engaging in dialogue, and interacting within the academic atmosphere of an Islamic higher education institution.
Among them is Dr. Ivon Rahmani, S.Th., M.Th., a graduate of the Doctoral Program (S3) in Islamic Studies at UIN Jakarta. Coming from a non-Muslim background, Ivon expressed that she was drawn to UIN Jakarta because she viewed the university as an institution open to interfaith dialogue across diverse religious denominations.
“I was interested in enrolling at UIN Jakarta for my doctoral program because I saw UIN Jakarta as an institution exceptionally open to interreligious dialogue among various religious denominations,” Ivon shared on the sidelines of the 141st Graduation Ceremony, Saturday (05/09/2026).
She admitted to feeling initial anxiety when first pursuing her studies at UIN Jakarta. Her apprehensions primarily stemmed from her status as a non-Muslim student at a State Islamic Higher Education Institution (PTKIN).
However, that experience ultimately left a positive impression. Ivon experienced warm acceptance and excellent facilities throughout her academic journey.
“Initially, I faced challenges and felt a bit anxious about whether I would be accepted or not. But as time went on, it turned out that UIN Jakarta welcomed me with great openness and kindness,” she recounted.
According to Ivon, studying in a different environment provided a fresh perspective—that education does not always have to take place in familiar or homogeneous spaces.
“We don't need to limit our learning to identical, familiar environments, or among people with the same background. We can learn anywhere, including environments with backgrounds different from our own,” she said.
After completing her doctoral degree, Ivon expressed hope that UIN Jakarta will continue offering broad opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds, including non-Muslims. She also hoped UIN Jakarta would expand partnerships with educational institutions of other faith traditions.
“Naturally, I hope UIN Jakarta continues to extend the widest possible opportunities to non-Muslim students,” she stated.
Previously, several non-Muslim academics had also graduated from SPs UIN Jakarta. One of them is Dr. Bara Izzat Wiwah Handaru, S.Th., M.Th. A lecturer at the Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary (STT) Jakarta, he completed his doctoral studies at SPs UIN Jakarta last year, Tuesday (13/06/2023).
For Bara, doctoral studies at UIN Jakarta not only broadened his academic horizons, but also provided an enriching life experience that deepened his understanding of education and religion.
Bara earned his doctorate after successfully defending his dissertation titled "(Christian Community Response to House of Worship Establishment Permits) Communication Regulation in Religious Life in Indonesia." He graduated in the concentration of Da'wah and Communication (FDIKOM) with distinction (sangat memuaskan) and achieved a GPA of 3.65.
As a Christian student, Bara acknowledged the challenges of navigating cross-cultural studies—namely, learning a new discipline while interacting in a social environment with a different religious background.
“I was learning a distinct field of study—cross-faith—and engaging within a social environment of a different faith,” he reflected.
At first, Bara felt apprehensive and uncertain about being in a minority position. However, that difference turned out to be a source of strength in completing his doctoral degree.
He noted that UIN Jakarta's campus culture, guided by the values of "Knowledge, Piety, Integrity," made him feel comfortable throughout his studies. The academic environment promoting student dialogue and mutual respect created an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Bara also appreciated his interactions with the leadership and staff of SPs UIN Jakarta, describing them as warm. He experienced genuine care for student progress, including a willingness to offer guidance regarding both academic and operational needs.
Prior to Ivon and Bara, Dr. Gregorius Soetomo, SJ, a Catholic priest, successfully completed his doctoral degree at SPs UIN Jakarta. Gregorius finished his studies in two years after defending his dissertation on Wednesday (24/05/2017). During his time on campus, he shared that he gained invaluable lessons beyond academics.
“Of course, I learned a great deal here, not only academically. I met new friends, remarkable teachers, and gained essential life lessons,” he expressed.
He hoped to bring these experiences back to his congregation to foster better Muslim-Christian relations.
In his doctoral defense, Gregorius presented a dissertation titled "Language, Power, and History: Marshall G.S. Hodgson's Islamic Historiography from the Perspective of Michel Foucault's Poststructuralist Analysis."
The defense was attended by several prominent scholars, including Session Chair Prof. Dr. Masykuri Abdillah, Prof. Dr. Sukron Kamil, Prof. Dr. Sastrapratedja, Prof. Dr. Didin Saepudin, as well as Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra and Prof. Dr. Iik Arifin Mansurnoor as promoters and examiners.
On that occasion, Prof. Azyumardi Azra highlighted Gregorius as a representation of harmonious Muslim-Catholic relations. According to him, dialogue with diverse groups remains essential to sustaining peaceful coexistence.
The experiences of these non-Muslim doctoral graduates demonstrate that SPs UIN Jakarta serves not only as a space for academic development, but also as an encounter space for various religious and cultural backgrounds.
Ivon summarized her experience studying at UIN Jakarta in three words: inclusive, transformative, and enriching. Inclusive because UIN Jakarta offers opportunities to students from various faith traditions to study.
Furthermore, transformative because the educational journey offered new perspectives and understanding. Lastly, enriching because students gain not only knowledge, but also experience engaging in dialogue and discussions with leading scholars.
The experiences of Ivon, Bara, and Gregorius show that the academic space at UIN Jakarta can serve as a meeting point for differences in a spirit of mutual learning and respect. Doctoral education not only enhances scholarly capacity, but also fosters interfaith dialogue that contributes to strengthening interreligious relations in Indonesia.