Digital Devotion: UIN Bukittinggi Takes the Qur’an to the Global Cloud

Digital Devotion: UIN Bukittinggi Takes the Qur’an to the Global Cloud

Minggu, Maret 08, 2026

BUKITTINGGI — In the misty highlands of West Sumatra, a city long celebrated as a bastion of culture is redefining how the ancient art of Qur’anic recitation meets the digital age. UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi officially launched its 2026 International Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) on Saturday, March 7, signaling a bold expansion of its spiritual and academic footprint.

This year’s iteration marks a strategic pivot for the university. Breaking from tradition, the competition has opened its virtual doors to two distinct cohorts: university students and, for the first time, high schoolers. The goal is clear: to cultivate a "love for the Divine Word" before the distractions of adulthood take root.

Boundaries Dissolved

The logistical challenge of a global competition is met with a high-tech solution. According to program director Hamdani, Lc., MA., the entire event is being staged online, weaving together participants from disparate time zones into a single digital tapestry. Despite the flickering screens and thousands of miles of fiber-optic cable, the spiritual fervor remains undiluted.

The competition, which runs until March 12, features a progressive judging format: there is no distinction in scoring between male (Qori) and female (Qoriah) reciters—a move that places the focus squarely on the purity of the recitation and the technical mastery of the art.

Beyond the Melody

For the university’s leadership, the event is less about the trophy and more about the "tradition of the soul." In a keynote delivered by Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman (on behalf of Rector Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani), the institution emphasized that the Qur'an must be more than a melodic performance.

"This is a tradition that must endure," Rosman remarked. "The Qur'an is not merely to be competed for its sound, but to be read, understood, practiced, and shared."

By leveraging digital platforms, UIN Bukittinggi is attempting to dismantle geopolitical walls, uniting a fractured world under the banner of "positive and religious competition."

A Light in the Dark

The opening ceremony—solemn despite its digital medium—featured a profound theological reflection by Dr. Irwandi Nashir, Head of the Center for International Relations. Drawing from Surah Ibrahim, Verse 1, Irwandi spoke to the transformative power of scripture in an era of uncertainty.

He argued that the Qur’an’s primary role is to act as a lighthouse, guiding humanity away from "the darkness of doubt and the vagueness of purpose." In his view, the competition is a roadmap to Ma’rifatullah (knowing God)—offering young believers a clear vision of service and an eternal perspective in an increasingly transient world.

As the final results loom on March 13, UIN Bukittinggi isn’t just crowning a winner; it is betting that the echoes of these ancient verses will resonate far beyond the speakers of a laptop, strengthening a global network of young Islamic intellectuals.

Source : IO UIN Bukittinggi

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CALL FOR REVIEWERS

CALL FOR REVIEWERS

Jumat, Februari 20, 2026

 Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah (Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh)

Dear Distinguished Academics and Practitioners

In our continuous effort to enhance the editorial quality and publication standards of journals within UIN Bukittinggi, the UIN Bukittinggi Journal House (Rumah Jurnal) cordially invites academics and practitioners to contribute as Reviewers for our affiliated journals.Interested candidates may explore the UIN Bukittinggi e-journal portal at:https://ejournal.uinbukittinggi.ac.id/

To view the list of journals and identify titles that align with your area of expertise.We kindly request applicants to complete the registration form with accurate, honest, and valid information. 

This data will serve as the primary basis for our selection process. For those who have previously served as reviewers for UIN Bukittinggi journals, we request that you re-register through this form to ensure data updates and administrative synchronization.

We guarantee that all submitted information will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for reviewer selection and administrative purposes.

Selected candidates will be contacted via the information provided in the form. 

The registration period is open from now until:

Deadline: February 28, 2026

Reviewer Benefits:

1. Rector's Decree (SK) appointing the individual as an Official Journal Reviewer.
2. Reviewer Certificate.Formal Recognition: Reviewer identity displayed on the journal’s official website.
3. Honorarium: Remuneration per article reviewed, in accordance with the regulations of the Journal House.

We appreciate your attention to this announcement. We look forward to your contribution to the advancement of scientific publication quality at UIN Bukittinggi.

Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah (Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh)

Sincerely,Journal House (Rumah Jurnal) 

UIN Bukittinggi

Registration

#ScientificJournal #UINSjechMDjamilDjambek

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Bukittinggi and Coimbatore Link Academic and Moral Excellence

Bukittinggi and Coimbatore Link Academic and Moral Excellence

Rabu, Februari 11, 2026

BUKITTINGGI – Geographically separated by thousands of kilometers, Bukittinggi in West Sumatra and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India, bridged their distance through a virtual window on Wednesday (Feb 11). A collaborative initiative titled "Global Partnership Inauguration: Strengthening Academic Excellence through International Synergy" has officially united two educational powerhouses: UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi and the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Institute of Technology (KIT).

The birth of this partnership was no mere coincidence. Dr. Irwandi, Head of the International Office at UIN Bukittinggi, revealed that the seeds of collaboration were sown during the 2025 Malaysia International Enrichment Matching Fund (MIEMF) program. The nine-day intensive program at UiTM Malaysia provided the necessary groundwork for both institutions to formalize their ties.

During the Malaysian program, the UIN Bukittinggi team—comprising faculty and students—was led by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Dr. Supratman Zakir. 

"From the MIEMF experience, we felt a profound need to extend this cooperation further between UIN Bukittinggi and KIT India," Irwandi explained.

From Digital Literacy to Global Stages

Despite the physical divide, digital screens united their visions in a formal ceremony. Representing KIT’s Faculty of Science and Computer Engineering were its top executives, while UIN Bukittinggi was represented by a robust team from the International Office, the Quality Assurance Institute (LPM), and various faculty envoys.UIN Bukittinggi brought its strong identity as an "Excellent" (Unggul) accredited institution to the table.

 "While we are rooted in Islamic values, we remain fully observant of the rapid advancements in science and technology," said Dr. Edi Rosman, representing Rector Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani. 

Echoing this sentiment, Prof. S. Vimal, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at KIT, described the pact as a "meaningful collaboration"—one that transcends mere administrative figures.

Concrete Steps: BICED 2026

Dr. Junaidi, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, assured that this agreement would not merely collect dust. 

One of the immediate outcomes will be the invitation of Prof. Vimal as a keynote speaker for the Bukittinggi International Conference on Education (BICED 2026), scheduled for October.The international conference is projected to be a productive intellectual forum, with outcomes published in international proceedings with official ISSN credentials. 

"This serves as concrete proof that the synergy between Bukittinggi and Coimbatore aims to strengthen the global research ecosystem," Junaidi noted.

Through five agreed pillars of cooperation—ranging from student mobility to joint research—UIN Bukittinggi and KIT India are carving a future for education that is not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded amidst the tides of globalization.

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UIN Bukittinggi and UPSI Malaysia Forge Global Partnership

UIN Bukittinggi and UPSI Malaysia Forge Global Partnership

Rabu, Februari 11, 2026

BUKITTINGGI – State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi continues to broaden its international footprint. Most recently, the West Sumatra-based campus welcomed a delegation from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Malaysia on Tuesday (Feb 11) to explore a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing academic quality and faculty human resources.

During the consultative meeting, UPSI delegates—represented by Redzuan Bin Mohd Isa, Head of the International, Mobility, and Educational Development Center, and Dr. Salman Alfarisi, International Coordinator for Southeast Asia—proposed a strategic doctoral (S3) program for UIN Bukittinggi faculty members at UPSI Malaysia. This initiative is envisioned as a primary gateway to broader collaborative efforts.

UIN Bukittinggi Rector, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, expressed her warm appreciation for the proposal. She emphasized that upgrading faculty qualifications to the doctoral level is a top priority for the university in its pursuit of international standards.

"We welcome this exploratory cooperation. The various activities to be implemented will be discussed in further detail by aligning the regulations of both institutions," Prof. Silfia stated.

Beyond the doctoral program, the collaboration is projected to yield several derivative initiatives, including joint research, international faculty recognition, and cross-border community service projects. 

Furthermore, UPSI expressed its readiness to serve as a strategic partner in supporting UIN Bukittinggi's bid to enter the QS World University Rankings.

Accompanying the Rector at the meeting were the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), Ali Rahman; Head of the International Office, Dr. Irwandi; Head of Community Service, Dr. Arjoni; and Head of Academic Services, Dr. Ulfa Rahmi.

Dr. Salman Alfarisi from UPSI expressed optimism that the realization of this cooperation would not only strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and Malaysia in education but also solidify UIN Bukittinggi’s position as a competitive academic center of excellence on the global stage. 

"Through this synergy, UIN Bukittinggi can accelerate its institutional quality towards becoming an internationally reputable Islamic university," he concluded.

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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Globalizing "Mercy to Mankind": UIN Bukittinggi Joins Netherlands-Indonesia Consortium

Globalizing "Mercy to Mankind": UIN Bukittinggi Joins Netherlands-Indonesia Consortium

Selasa, Februari 10, 2026

BUKITTINGGI — In an era where religious lines are often used as fault lines for conflict, Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi is choosing a different path: radical inclusion. In a strategic move to elevate its international profile, the university has officially joined the Netherlands-Indonesia Consortium for Muslim-Christian Relations (NICMCR).

The partnership represents a tangible commitment to Islam Rahmatan Lil 'Alamin—the concept of Islam as a "mercy to all mankind." Facilitated by the university’s International Office and the NICMCR secretariat in the Netherlands, the alliance aims to transform academic discourse into a global tool for peace.

Bridging the Divide

For Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, joining the consortium is more than a diplomatic formality; it is a direct response to the rising tide of global religious polarization.

"Religion is too often weaponized for divisive political ends," Prof. Hanani stated following the signing of the Declaration of Commitment on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. "Through this consortium, we aim to offer a narrative of Islam that heals rather than divides. From Bukittinggi, we are proving that local intellectualism can contribute to global peace through honest, rigorous interfaith dialogue."

A Decadelong Legacy

Established in 2010, the NICMCR is a binational network of scholars, theologians, and practitioners. 

The consortium tackles the intersection of faith and modern crisis, ranging from gender equality and education to ecological justice.

Yus Sa’diyah-Broersma, the NICMCR Coordinator for the Netherlands, welcomed the university’s induction, noting that the rich cultural heritage of the Minangkabau region—fused with the university’s academic rigor—provides a unique perspective. "In the face of rising populism in both nations, this partnership is essential for maintaining a healthy equilibrium between religious communities and the state," she noted.

The Road Ahead

The university is wasting no time. Dr. Irwandi, Head of the International Office, announced that UIN Bukittinggi will host a major international conference in collaboration with the NICMCR on June 3-4, 2026.

The forum is expected to serve as a melting pot for ideas, exploring how the integration of faith and science can address contemporary humanitarian issues. It is a move that solidifies UIN Bukittinggi’s position not just as a regional school, but as a global center of excellence for religious moderation.

Source: International Office of UIN Bukittinggi

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UIN Bukittinggi Explores Environmental Crisis Through Islamic Ecotheology

UIN Bukittinggi Explores Environmental Crisis Through Islamic Ecotheology

Kamis, Januari 01, 2026

BUKITTINGGI – The ecological crisis gripping Sumatra—marked by devastating flash floods and widespread deforestation along the Bukit Barisan mountain range—can no longer be viewed as mere natural disasters. Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi is seeking to address these issues at their spiritual roots through the lens of ecotheology.

At a seminar titled Faith, Ecology, and Social Change held on Wednesday (Dec 31, 2025), Prof. Anne M. Gade, an expert in Islamic Studies and Environmental Ethics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, asserted that environmental degradation reflects a crisis of human reason. She proposed ecotheology as an antidote to "anthropocentrism"—the worldview that treats nature solely as a commodity for human use.

"The ecological crisis in Sumatra cannot be solved by scientific data alone," Prof. Gade stated. "There is a transcendental dimension that must be restored."

Citing the Quran (Surah Al-An’am, verse 165), Gade emphasized that the human role as khalifah (steward of the Earth) is not a "blank check" to exploit nature without limits. She further referenced Surah An-Nur, verse 41, regarding cosmic harmony, which describes how all inhabitants of the natural world are in a constant state of worship. From this perspective, deforestation is not just an environmental crime, but a destructive act against the "pure worship" of the universe.

Religious Instruments as Solutions

As a practical solution, Gade encouraged the use of religious financial instruments, such as waqf (Islamic endowments), for the conservation of protected forests and water sources. Under this model, "ecological piety" is transformed into amal jariyah—a continuous charity that provides eternal public benefits.

The discussion, moderated by the Director of UIN Bukittinggi’s Graduate School, Prof. Nunu Burhanuddin, and translated by Dr. Irwandi Nashir, concluded that a truly sustainable system ensures that today's lifestyles do not "steal" the livelihoods of future generations.

Aligning Faith and Local Philosophy

Responding to these insights, the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Silfia Hanani, expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Gade’s contribution, noting that it provides a new horizon for academics in the Minangkabau region. Silfia noted that ecotheology aligns perfectly with the local philosophy of Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah (Custom based on Sharia, Sharia based on the Quran).

"UIN Bukittinggi is committed to making ecological piety a core part of our academic identity," Silfia concluded. "Protecting the Earth is not merely a technical matter; it is an act of prostration (sujud) upon a green and living land." 

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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The Digital Renaissance: UIN Bukittinggi Scholar Asserts Arabic’s Enduring Relevance

The Digital Renaissance: UIN Bukittinggi Scholar Asserts Arabic’s Enduring Relevance

Kamis, Desember 18, 2025

BUKITTINGGI — For centuries, Arabic has been the pulse of liturgy and the lingua franca of the Silk Road. Today, as the world pivots toward an increasingly digital landscape, academics are arguing that the language is not just a relic of the past, but a vital bridge to the future.

This sentiment took center stage at the International Arabic Language Conference, held in collaboration with University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor. The gathering, timed to coincide with World Arabic Language Day and the centennial celebrations of the iconic Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor on December 18, 2025, served as a high-level clearinghouse for ideas on the evolution of Arabic as a vehicle for modern science.

Beyond the Ritual

While many view Arabic through the narrow lens of religious ritual, the forum’s discourse pushed for a broader academic horizon. Experts from across the globe tackled a suite of modern challenges: from AI-driven pedagogical innovations to the integration of Islamic values with the hard sciences.

Among the leading voices was Dr. H. Arman Husni, a scholar from Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi. Presenting his paper, “From Revelation to Knowledge: Integrating the Qur’an and Science in Arabic Language Education in the Digital Era,” Husni proposed a paradigm shift. He argued that the Qur’an should serve as an "epistemological foundation"—one that remains startlingly relevant to the rapid-fire dynamics of modern technology.

"Arabic is more than a tool for communication or prayer," Husni suggested. "It is an academic medium that bridges the gap between sacred revelation and contemporary scientific discovery."

A Global Academic Footprint

Husni’s integrative approach aims to foster a learning environment that is as critical as it is holistic. In his view, the goal is to produce a generation of speakers who are not just fluent in the language of the past, but adaptive to the digital challenges of the present.

The significance of this contribution was not lost on university leadership. Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, noted that Husni’s presence on the international stage underscores the university’s growing influence in the global scholarly discourse. As the digital era continues to redefine how we process information, UIN Bukittinggi is positioning itself to ensure that Arabic remains at the heart of the conversation.

Source: IO UIN Bukittinggi

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