UIN Jakarta Rector Urges Graduates to Lead with Character and Purpose
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online — UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D. underscored the importance of character, adaptability, and spirituality during his address at the university’s 140th Commencement Ceremony, reminding graduates that academic achievement alone is not enough to ensure success in life.
Speaking before hundreds of graduates, faculty members, and families, the Rector described graduation as a historic milestone that marks not the end of an academic journey, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges.
“Graduation is a significant turning point in life. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and serves as a foundation for the next stage of your journey,” he said.
The Rector acknowledged the outstanding academic accomplishments of graduates who earned top honors and achieved exceptional grade point averages. While commending their achievements, he emphasized that the experiences gained throughout their studies were equally valuable.
“You have reached this moment after overcoming many challenges, moments of struggle, uncertainty, and perseverance. Along the way, you learned not only from lectures and assignments, but also through your interactions with classmates, lecturers, and the broader academic community,” he noted.
Prof. Asep also highlighted the responsibility that comes with higher education, stressing that knowledge should not remain confined to the individual but should be shared for the benefit of society.
According to him, graduates have a duty to apply their expertise in ways that contribute positively to their communities and help address societal challenges.
The Rector further expressed appreciation for the parents and family members whose support played a crucial role in the graduates’ success. He encouraged graduates to honor the sacrifices of their loved ones, including those who may no longer be present to witness this important achievement.
“If your parents or loved ones have passed away and are unable to accompany you on this special day, remember them in your prayers. Visit their graves, offer your greetings, and recite prayers for them. Their contributions remain an inseparable part of your journey,” he said.
In his address, Prof. Asep also highlighted UIN Jakarta’s growing reputation at both the national and international levels. He noted that the university continues to be recognized among the leading institutions under Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and has achieved global recognition, including a top international ranking in the field of Religion, Theology, and Divinity.
These achievements, he said, should inspire graduates to take pride in their alma mater and remain confident in the quality of education they have received.
However, he cautioned graduates against relying solely on academic credentials when entering professional and social life.
“Academic excellence is important, and a high GPA is certainly something to be proud of. But success is not determined by GPA alone,” he emphasized.
According to the Rector, qualities such as character, emotional maturity, communication skills, and spiritual awareness are often more decisive factors in achieving long-term success.
“You must prepare yourselves with the necessary competencies, but even more important are your character, mentality, communication skills, and spirituality. If these aspects are neglected, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful success in life. People do not judge you solely by your GPA; they judge you by your character. That is what it truly means to be intelligent, the ability to adapt, grow, and respond wisely to change,” he concluded.
The Rector’s message served as a powerful reminder that while academic accomplishments open doors, it is integrity, resilience, and spiritual grounding that ultimately shape a person’s impact and success in the world beyond university.