UIN Jakarta Strengthens Scholarly Tradition with Inauguration of Seven Professors

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News—UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held an Open Senate Session to inaugurate seven full professors at the Harun Nasution Auditorium on Wednesday (January 14, 2025). The event marked a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to strengthening scholarly tradition, academic integrity, and the development of knowledge grounded in Islamic and national values.

The open senate session was attended by the Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D.; the Chair of the UIN Jakarta Senate, Prof. Dr. KH. Dede Rosyada, M.A.; the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tholabi, S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A.; the Vice Rector for General Administration, Prof. Dr. Imam Subchi, M.A.; the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; faculty deans, members of the academic community, and invited guests.

In his address, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar emphasized that the inauguration of professors represents the highest academic achievement, which also carries a significant responsibility for the advancement of knowledge and service to society.

“A professorship is the highest academic achievement, yet it is also an inherent trust wherever one serves. Knowledge is not for oneself, but for society,” he stated.

According to him, the inauguration serves as a historic milestone that marks the culmination of an academic’s intellectual journey, recognition of scholarly integrity, and a commitment to continuously develop knowledge that contributes to the greater good of civilization.

He further explained that in Islamic tradition, knowledge holds a very noble position. However, knowledge should not stop at accumulation; it must transform into social virtue, justice, and the enlightenment of civilization.

“Knowledge that brings no benefit should be avoided. Therefore, integrity, ethics, and orientation toward public benefit must become the spirit of scholarly development,” he added.

On the same occasion, he reaffirmed UIN Jakarta’s position as a leading state Islamic higher education institution (PTKIN) in Indonesia with a strong intellectual tradition. He cited prominent figures such as Harun Nasution, known for Islamic reform, and Azyumardi Azra, who advanced institutional modernization, as important foundations for the university’s development to this day.

“We continue the legacy of our predecessors to ensure that UIN remains relevant and continues to contribute to the future development of Islamic education,” he stressed.

He also advised the newly inaugurated professors to maintain their commitment to service and scholarly integrity. Administrative obligations such as research and publication, he noted, represent minimum requirements, while the true essence of a professor lies in dedication to knowledge and society.

“Serve not merely out of obligation or for allowances, but out of love for knowledge and responsibility to the ummah,” he advised.

In closing, Prof. Asep expressed hope that the inauguration would inspire the academic community and younger generations to pursue a dignified, ethical path of knowledge that benefits humanity.

The full inaugural lectures can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/rMhZXzVNBaU?si=OnP1iY--nU6BaAtx.

(Putri Khoirina N./Zaenal M./Tiara Septiana D./Information and Public Relations Center)