UIN Jakarta Marks Milestone Anniversary by Welcoming Indramayu High School, Unveiling Strategic "Talent Scouting" Admission Track
Diorama Room, UIN Online News – UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta welcomed a delegation from SMA NU Kaplongan Indramayu, West Java, at the Diorama Room, located on the ground floor of the Harun Nasution Auditorium, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The orientation visit involved 70 eleventh-grade students alongside faculty chaperones, aiming to explore academic program profiles and university admission mechanics.
The event was hosted by the Head of the UIN Jakarta Admissions Center, Rachmat Baihaqi, Ph.D., and executive members of the University Information and Public Relations Center (PIH) team, including the Head of PIH, Zaenal Muttaqin, Dian Nurbani Adestiani, and Yuyun Yuliana.
In his welcoming address, Rachmat Baihaqi expressed deep pride in hosting the students and faculty from SMA NU Kaplongan. He emphasized that this visit serves as an ideal preliminary milestone to map out future strategic partnerships between the two institutions.
"Welcome to UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. We are deeply honored by the presence of the faculty, the principal, and all the students here today. This gathering is a vital moment to explore various academic collaborations that we can build together," he stated.
He further detailed the six primary admission tracks available at UIN Jakarta, which offer diverse enrollment pathways tailored to students' academic merits and test capabilities. These tracks range from national merit-based screening, computerized national selection exams, specialized interest entrance exams, alternative talent tracks, to regular and non-regular independent university enrollment.
He also urged the visiting students to cultivate a genuine mindset toward higher education, emphasizing that the primary purpose of university life is to become a scholar rather than merely chasing employment.
"Refine your intentions. Go to college to pursue knowledge, not just to look for a job. Religious teachings command us to seek knowledge and sustenance, not just to work. If you become a true scientist or scholar, God willing, your status in life will be elevated. Do not fear choosing the wrong major, what matters most is mastering the discipline and keeping your goals pure," he advised.
The Head of PIH, Zaenal Muttaqin, highlighted the historical significance of the date, May 20. This date does not only mark Indonesia's National Awakening Day, but it also marks a historic milestone for the university. On this exact day in 2002, the official decree transforming the institution from a specialized Islamic institute (IAIN) into a comprehensive university (UIN) was signed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri, driven by the vision of the nation's prominent Islamic scholars.
"Today, May 20, is National Awakening Day and the anniversary of UIN Jakarta's modern transformation. This campus was established by visionary scholars who wanted Islamic boarding school graduates to not only be experts in theology, but also to possess the capacity to become medical doctors, psychologists, and national leaders," he explained.
He added that UIN Jakarta has grown rapidly into a major higher education institution spanning 13 faculties and 96 study programs, bridging both religious and secular sciences. Its academic quality is validated by premium national accreditations, and the campus stands as a pioneer among Islamic public universities for establishing a complete Faculty of Medicine backed by prestigious boarding school student scholarship schemes.
"Our alumni network has produced various key figures, including cabinet ministers, regional governors, and heads of state institutions. This proves that our graduates can compete equally with top secular state universities," he added.
Zaenal also opened up opportunities for a strategic recruitment partnership with SMA NU Kaplongan through a premium "talent scouting" track, recognizing the high track record of the school's graduates in passing national exams.
"Another advantage of studying in the capital region is the opportunity to mature through student organizations and public advocacy. We invite this school to present its academic profile so we can pair your top-tier students directly with our matching faculties through our golden talent scouting pathway," he explained.
The Principal of SMA NU Kaplongan, Ade Reza Muhammad, expressed his gratitude, hoping the experience would serve as a powerful catalyst for his students. He noted that the eleventh-graders still have a full year to prepare themselves academically to enter an institution that integrates religious values with modern science.
One of the students, Ina Rihana Fadillah, shared her excitement following the campus tour, stating that the session gave her a clear blueprint of university entrance requirements.
"I am thrilled to be here. I now clearly understand how to prepare for college admissions. As an active Youth Ambassador for Indramayu, I am now strongly motivated to join UIN Jakarta’s Faculty of Psychology," she concluded.
(Nosa/Zaenal/Arifin)