Strengthen Academic Partnerships, Rector of UIN Jakarta Accepts Invitation to Russia
Russia, UIN News Online – Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, accepted an official invitation from the Russian Federation, embarking on a five-day visit to six prominent universities and meeting with key figures in Russia. This visit aims to enhance the already strong bilateral ties between Indonesia and Russia, which have been advancing in various areas such as education, defense, and diplomacy.
The relationship between Indonesia and Russia has seen continuous growth since the two nations established cooperation in strategic sectors. A significant moment in this partnership was the 2024 meeting between the President of Indonesia and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which further solidified their commitment to expanding collaboration, particularly in higher education and research.
The Rector’s visit to Russia was prompted by an invitation from the Bolgar Islamic Academy in Tatarstan, where he was asked to deliver a lecture on religious moderation and interfaith dialogue. This invitation was extended through the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia. Besides visiting the Bolgar Islamic Academy, the Rector also visited and signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several prestigious higher education institutions in Russia, including the Moscow Islamic Institute, the Institute of Oriental Studies, Kazan Federal University, Kazan National Research Technological University, and the Russian Islamic University.
Accompanying the Rector on this visit were Prof. Kusmana, the Rector’s Special Advisor, and Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, Head of the Center for International Cooperation.
First Stop: Moscow Islamic Institute
The Rector’s visit began with a tour of the Moscow Islamic Institute, situated near the Cathedral Mosque in Moscow. The Cathedral Mosque, also known as Sobornaya Mechet in Russian, is one of Europe’s largest mosques and holds significant importance for Russia’s Muslim community. Established in 1904, the mosque has a long history of serving Muslims in Russia and remains a key center for religious and cultural activities.
The Moscow Islamic Institute is a leading institution for Islamic education in Russia. Established to provide higher education in Islamic studies, the institute plays a vital role in promoting a moderate understanding of Islam and fostering interfaith dialogue. Its comprehensive curriculum has produced graduates who have gone on to occupy significant positions in various sectors, both within Russia and internationally.
During the visit, the UIN Jakarta delegation was warmly received by Prof. Damir Mukhetdinov, Vice Chairman of the Moscow Islamic Institute and Director of the Center for Islamic Studies at St. Petersburg University. Prof. Mukhetdinov is a respected figure in Islamic studies in Russia, known for his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue across Europe and beyond.
The discussions revealed that the Moscow Islamic Institute last sent students to UIN Jakarta 15 years ago, and both parties expressed a strong interest in revitalizing this exchange program. Additionally, they explored opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, and international exchange programs for faculty and students.
The discussions culminated in the signing of an MoU by the Rector of UIN Jakarta. Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem will work closely with Renat Islyamov, Deputy Head of Research at Moscow Islamic Institute, to ensure the successful implementation of the agreed-upon initiatives.
This visit represents a major step forward in UIN Jakarta’s active and non-aligned internationalization strategy and is expected to boost the university’s standing in the QS World University Rankings. UIN Jakarta has already secured a place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in Divinity, Theology, and Religious Studies.
In his remarks, the Rector of UIN Jakarta emphasized, “The partnership between UIN Jakarta and Moscow Islamic Institute is not only a boost to academic quality but also a strategic effort to enhance interfaith dialogue and promote moderate Islam on the global stage.”
This visit not only strengthens the ties between UIN Jakarta and educational institutions in Russia but also opens doors for broader future collaborations, which will bring significant benefits to both countries.
The discussions were followed by the signing of an MoU by the Rector of UIN Jakarta. Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem will collaborate with Renat Islyamov, Deputy Head of Research at Moscow Islamic Institute, as the point of contact to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon collaboration.
This visit marks a significant step in UIN Jakarta's active and non-aligned internationalization policy and is expected to accelerate the university's achievements in the QS World University Rankings. UIN Jakarta has already secured a position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in Divinity, Theology, and Religious Studies.
On this occasion, the Rector of UIN Jakarta stated, "The collaboration between UIN Jakarta and Moscow Islamic Institute is not only beneficial for enhancing academic quality but also serves as a strategic move to strengthen interfaith dialogue and promote moderate Islam on the international level."
This visit not only strengthens the relationship between UIN Jakarta and institutions in Russia but also opens up new opportunities for broader collaboration in the future, which will bring significant benefits to both countries.