UIN Jakarta Sustains Strong Standing in QS Asia Rankings, Reinforcing Global Impact in Islamic Education

Jakarta, UIN News Online – UIN Jakarta has successfully maintained its position in the QS University Rankings Asia 2025, securing a spot within the 751-800 range across Asia and ranking 131st in Southeast Asia. This accomplishment underscores UIN Jakarta’s resilience as a leading Islamic university in Asia amidst the rapidly advancing and highly competitive higher education sector.

Released on Friday (8/11/2024), the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 highlighted UIN Jakarta’s strong performance across various metrics, including research, global engagement, employability, and learning experience. A key contributor to this sustained success was UIN Jakarta's high global engagement score, with noteworthy marks in the International Research Network (10.9), International Students (3.3), Outbound Exchange (5.6), Inbound Exchange (4.6), and International Faculty (1.3) categories.

Rector Prof. Dr. Asep Saepudin Jahar attributed this achievement to the hard work and dedication of the UIN Jakarta community. “This success is a result of focused effort and commitment across our institution. Our global engagement initiatives, driven by internationalization, have been instrumental in sustaining this ranking,” he stated. Prof. Asep highlighted that the university's internationalization strategy is not only about expanding global partnerships but also sharing Indonesia's moderate Islamic values with a worldwide audience.

A Pillar of Internationalization for Global Reach

Prof. Asep stressed that UIN Jakarta’s internationalization strategy aims to foster peaceful and inclusive Islamic discourse globally. “Our goal is for UIN Jakarta students and faculty to gain broad insights, engage in global perspectives, and contribute to international conversations on religious and cultural matters,” he said.

This commitment is reinforced by UIN Jakarta’s partnerships with prestigious global universities, through which the university encourages student and faculty exchanges, collaborative curriculum development, and opportunities for international students. Prof. Asep underscored that aligning with global standards enriches UIN Jakarta’s curriculum and equips students to contribute meaningfully on the international stage.

Enhancing Academic and Research Quality

Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tholabi S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A., emphasized that enhancing academic and research quality remains a priority for UIN Jakarta to improve its ranking further. “We aim to advance our academic offerings by increasing international publications, modernizing curricula, and improving the quality of faculty and teaching staff,” he stated.

Vice-Rector of General Administration, Prof. Dr. Imam Subchi, reaffirmed UIN Jakarta’s commitment to supporting its internationalization initiatives through continuous upgrades to research and learning facilities, enhancing the academic environment for both students and faculty.

Meeting QS Ranking Benchmarks

Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem, Head of the Center for International Cooperation and Chair of the Internationalization Task Force, shared that UIN Jakarta employs targeted strategies to excel in the QS ranking criteria, including academic reputation, graduate reputation, student-faculty ratio, and international citations. “We have dedicated significant effort to meet the critical standards that QS Rankings prioritize,” Prof. Maila explained.

She noted that one of UIN Jakarta’s key achievements is the increase in internationally indexed publications, enhancing the university’s academic reputation globally. “We encourage faculty members to publish research in international journals as this directly supports UIN Jakarta’s visibility on the global stage,” she said. Prof. Maila also emphasized the value of international students in creating a rich, multicultural academic environment, which adds depth to UIN Jakarta’s educational experience.

In addition, UIN Jakarta has strengthened its international collaborations with prestigious universities worldwide through research partnerships, faculty exchanges, and global training initiatives. “These partnerships broaden our academic perspectives and open international avenues for students and faculty,” she added.

Highlighting UIN Jakarta’s Position Among Islamic Universities in Indonesia

Two Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions (PTKIN) made the QS Asia Rankings 2025 list: UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. UIN Jakarta remained in the 751-800 range in Asia and 131st in Southeast Asia, while UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang entered the ranking for the first time, placing beyond the 901st position in Asia and 169th in Southeast Asia. This success underscores the competitive potential of Islamic universities in Indonesia to gain international recognition.

Earlier, UIN Jakarta ranked among the top 101-140 globally in Divinity, Theology, and Religious Studies, alongside universities like Cornell University and McGill University. This acknowledgment solidifies UIN Jakarta’s global standing and its role as a significant contributor to Islamic education.

Future Aspirations and Strategic Goals

Prof. Asep acknowledged that while maintaining this ranking is commendable, UIN Jakarta continues to face challenges in enhancing its global positioning. Strengthening international collaborations and encouraging faculty to publish internationally remain key areas for development. “We remain committed to improving the quality of our education, expanding our global network, and actively engaging in international discourse,” he explained.

The Rector concluded by underscoring that achieving higher QS rankings requires ongoing commitment. “Our focus remains on academic innovation, increasing the presence of international students and faculty, and supporting UIN Jakarta’s involvement in global discussions, such as those on sustainable development goals (SDGs). These strategic efforts are essential for solidifying UIN Jakarta’s global presence,” he stated.

Through these initiatives, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta is committed to not only preserving its current ranking but also advancing its position as a center of excellence in Islamic education, contributing meaningfully to global academic and societal progress.