UIN Jakarta Rector Calls for Adaptability and Continuous Innovation at 140th Commencement
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online — UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D. called on graduates to develop an adaptive mindset and a commitment to continuous innovation as they prepare to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
The message was delivered during the university’s 140th Commencement Ceremony, where UIN Jakarta officially conferred degrees upon 1,557 graduates from its undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. The ceremony took place at Harun Nasution Auditorium on Saturday (May 23, 2026).
This year’s commencement carried the theme “Strengthening National Aspirations in Building a Competitive Digital Generation,” reflecting the importance of preserving national identity while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the digital era.
Addressing the graduating class, Prof. Asep emphasized that earning a university degree is the culmination of years of perseverance, discipline, and personal growth. Academic success, he noted, is achieved not only through intellectual ability but also through resilience and the capacity to overcome obstacles along the way.
He encouraged graduates to take pride in their accomplishments and acknowledged those who achieved a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00, describing their achievements as a testament to exceptional dedication and hard work.
At the same time, the Rector reminded graduates that academic performance alone is not sufficient to guarantee success in professional and social life.
According to him, adaptability, self-management, and personal character are becoming increasingly important in a world shaped by constant change and technological disruption.
“The greatest challenges in professional and social life are not merely matters of intelligence. They are matters of mentality, character, and the ability to adapt. Many successful leaders thrive because they know how to manage themselves and respond effectively to change. That is what true intelligence looks like,” he said.
Prof. Asep also highlighted UIN Jakarta’s growing international reputation, noting that the university has continued to strengthen its global standing. Among its recent achievements is its placement among the world’s leading institutions in Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies, where UIN Jakarta currently ranks 29th globally.
He explained that such recognition not only enhances the university’s international profile but also increases the competitiveness of its graduates in the global marketplace.
Looking ahead, the Rector urged graduates to pay close attention to their digital presence and online conduct. In an era of unprecedented connectivity and transparency, he said, an individual's digital footprint increasingly forms part of their professional and personal reputation.
“Social behavior, ethics, and digital activities are becoming important aspects of how individuals are evaluated in the future. What we do online today can have long-term implications tomorrow,” he noted.
Concluding his remarks, Prof. Asep encouraged graduates to maintain a growth mindset and resist the temptation to become complacent after reaching an important milestone.
Graduation, he stressed, should be viewed not as a final destination but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, innovation, and self-improvement.
“Tomorrow will bring new challenges. Therefore, we must continue preparing ourselves for the future,” he concluded.