UIN Jakarta Explores the Silk Road, Establishes Partnerships with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan

Jakarta, UIN News Online - UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta is strengthening its international partnerships by exploring the Silk Road through strategic collaborations with universities in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan at the end of May 2024. The Silk Road, an ancient trade route connecting Central Asia with various parts of the world, including the Indonesian archipelago, has played a significant role in the spread of Islam and culture in the region.

The signing of educational cooperation agreements with universities in Tashkent and Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and in Baku, Azerbaijan, marks a significant step for UIN Jakarta. The UIN Jakarta delegation was led by Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, accompanied by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Ahmad Tholabi Kharlie, and Head of the International Cooperation Services Center Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem.

The delegation held discussions on medical cooperation with Tashkent Medical Academy Uzbekistan, and on theology and religious studies with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology. At these institutions, the Rector of UIN shared insights on harmonizing faith and modernity, drawing from Indonesia’s experience. They also promoted studies at UIN Jakarta and explained scholarship opportunities.

MoUs were signed at Samarkand State University Uzbekistan, Baku State University Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan State University of Economy, and the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology. For other universities, MoUs had been signed previously. The next steps will involve virtual discussions between relevant faculties and departments to initiate practical cooperation. Potential areas of collaboration include education, research, publication, and the mobility of lecturers, staff, and students.

UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Medicine will start sending students for a semester to Tashkent Medical Academy in September, and conversely, Tashkent Medical Academy students will study at UIN Jakarta.

Azerbaijan State University of Economy expressed interest in learning about Islamic Banking and Finance from UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Economics and Business, even offering to host a master’s program in this field at their campus.

Samarkand State University invited econometrics scientists from UIN Jakarta to participate in their summer camp this July and anticipates collaborative research examining the historical ties between Samarkand and Islam in the Indonesian archipelago. They also hope for a double degree program with UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Education and Teacher Training.

This short yet intensive trip supports UIN Jakarta’s internationalization efforts, enhancing the university’s position in the global network, improving the quality of education and research at the international level, and increasing the number of international students and lecturers at UIN Jakarta.

The success of this journey owes much to the important roles played by the embassies. UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta extends its appreciation and thanks to the Indonesian Embassies in Tashkent and Baku, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jakarta, and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Jakarta for their extraordinary support and cooperation in facilitating and ensuring the success of this trip and collaboration. (PIH/Faadhila Idris)