Strong Mind, Great Character: FAH UIN Jakarta Welcomes New Students with Inspiring Messages
Jakarta, UIN Online News — The academic journey is not merely about earning a degree; it is a formative phase for building resilience, integrity, and character. Success, therefore, is not solely determined by one’s major or university, but by the consistency, diligence, and continuous effort to develop one’s potential. Moreover, students are encouraged to maintain strong spiritual foundations, honor their parents, and stay optimistic in facing academic and social challenges.
This message was conveyed by the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., during a general lecture themed “Strong Mind, Great Character: FAH Students Ready to Embrace the Future” at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, on Thursday (2/10/2025).
The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH), Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S.Ag., S.S., M.Hum., who encouraged new students to cultivate a limitless passion for knowledge, viewing every experience as an opportunity to expand their perspectives.
“Your world goes beyond the classroom. Starting from everyday life, from interactions, challenges, and even failures, for that is where the true essence of education lies,” he stated.
Dr. Ade further encouraged students to be independent, critical, and responsible in their academic pursuits, while maintaining academic ethics and actively collaborating with lecturers. He highlighted the faculty’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, including initiatives such as research and scientific publication as alternatives to the traditional thesis.
“Independence does not mean working in silence; it means being proactive, critical, and accountable for your academic decisions with your classmates. In this campus, FAH remains committed to building a collaborative learning atmosphere where lecturers and students grow together through research, publication, and academic development programs,” he added.
Meanwhile, the rector of UIN Jakarta expressed his hope that the general lectures would serve as a foundation for nurturing critical, inclusive, and solutive mindsets among students.
“I believe that you will develop open, reflective, and constructive ways of thinking during your academic years here. A true student must view diversity as a source of strength, not division, and transform knowledge into real contributions for society and the nation,” he remarked.
The event continued with a motivational session delivered by Akbar Zainuddin, M.M., MJW, a motivational speaker and author, who encouraged students to dream big, pursue their passions, and avoid habits that hinder personal growth.
“Resilient people are those who understand their abilities, hone their skills with persistence, and start each day with positive energy. Avoid these five negative habits: complaining, doom scrolling, procrastination, making excuses, and crab mentality,” he advised.
Echoing this sentiment, Bobby Al Mahbubi, M.Hum., FAH alumnus and comedian, stressed the importance of mental resilience in facing modern challenges.
"In today's fast-paced, high-pressure world, maintaining composure is crucial for both survival and growth. Believe that every process, no matter how small, leads to greater results when approached with patience and consistency. Do not fear failure since it teaches us to improve. Optimism and positive character are the true keys to success,” he said.
As a token of appreciation, FAH honored students who achieved national and international distinctions in 2025, as well as new students with the highest pre-test and post-test scores from the general lectures. Certificates were presented by Usep Abdul Matin, followed by a musical performance by Ahmad Miqdar Haqiqi, a Library Science student who recently performed at the State Palace with the Gita Bahana Nusantara Choir during Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration.
The enthusiasm of new students filled the auditorium, marking the general lectures as a reflection of FAH’s commitment to nurturing a generation of intellectually capable, mentally resilient, and morally grounded graduates.
(Press Release of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities)