UIN Jakarta Marks Ministry of Religious Affairs' 80th Anniversary, Honors Distinguished Public Servants

Jakarta, UIN News Online — UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta commemorated the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs with a flag ceremony and the presentation of the Satyalancana Karya Satya awards, recognizing civil servants for their long-standing dedication and exemplary public service.

Held at the University's Student Center on Saturday (3 January), the ceremony brought together the University's leadership, faculty members, administrative staff, and students under the anniversary theme, "Religious Harmony and Synergy for a Peaceful and Progressive Indonesia."

Serving as the ceremony's inspector, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., Rector of UIN Jakarta, delivered the official anniversary address of Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A.

The Minister's message emphasized that religious harmony represents not merely the absence of conflict but a vital force for national development. He also highlighted the growing importance of ethical leadership in the digital era, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape society.

Quoting the Minister, Prof. Asep stressed that Indonesia must actively shape the future of AI rather than simply adopt technologies developed elsewhere.

"We must not remain spectators in the age of artificial intelligence. We must strive for AI sovereignty. Just as scholars once shaped civilization through knowledge and literacy, today public servants in the Ministry of Religious Affairs must enrich AI with authoritative, moderate, and enlightening religious perspectives," he said.

The Rector further underscored the importance of ensuring that technological innovation remains grounded in ethical and humanitarian values. He encouraged civil servants to embrace agility, adaptability, empathy, and integrity as essential qualities for serving society in an era of rapid technological change.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Satyalancana Karya Satya, one of Indonesia's highest civilian service decorations awarded to government employees in recognition of 10, 20, and 30 years of exemplary service.

Among the recipients was Prof. Gun Gun Heryanto, Professor at the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences, who received the 20-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya Award. Reflecting on two decades of public service, he emphasized that an academic career should be driven by thoughtful inquiry, meaningful contributions, and a long-term commitment to excellence.

"Our goal is not merely to build an image but to cultivate a lasting reputation through meaningful work and sustained dedication," he said.

Yanuareza Hawa Zefrida, S.E., M.M., a Junior Planning Officer at the Bureau of Planning and Finance and recipient of the 10-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya Award, highlighted the increasingly dynamic nature of public service.

"Public service is far from routine. Over the past decade, we have continuously adapted to new regulations, technological developments, and evolving institutional priorities. It requires us to keep learning and growing," she said.

Representing recipients across the 10-, 20-, and 30-year service categories, the awardees reflected UIN Jakarta's continued commitment to recognizing professionalism, integrity, and long-term dedication to public service and higher education.