A Decade of Golden Kinship: UIN Bukittinggi and UNISSA Brunei Darussalam’s 10-Year Academic Partnership

Minggu, Agustus 30, 2026

BUKITTINGGI, INDONESIA- A decade is no brief period when it comes to nurturing bonds of regional kinship. From a brief study visit to Bandar Seri Begawan in 2016 to the Asian Islamic University Association (AIUA) forum in Jakarta in mid-2026, the academic partnership between Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Bukittinggi and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Brunei Darussalam has evolved into a hallmark model of consistent higher education diplomacy among Malay-world institutions.

(Right to left) UIN Bukittinggi Vice Rector Prof Dr Edi Rosman, UNISSA Assistant Rector Dr Awang Haji Hambali bin Haji Awang Jaili, and Head of International Office Dr Irwandi at the AIUA forum in mid-June 2026.

Historical Trail in Newspaper Clippings: IAIN Bukittinggi–UNISSA Partnership Dates Back to 2016.

Welcomed directly by UNISSA's rector at the time, Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, the initial visit yielded a formal memorandum of understanding. Far from gathering dust in institutional archives, the agreement was actively revitalised over the next decade through joint international conferences, cross-border research collaborations, and peer-review exchanges for scientific journals.

(Left) IAIN Bukittinggi Postgraduate Director Dr Ismail signs a cooperation agreement with his UNISSA counterpart, Dr Hajah Rasinah binti Haji Ahim, witnessed by both rectors in 2016.

New Chapter Under Fresh Leadership

The passage of time saw the Indonesian institution upgrade its status from an institute (IAIN) to a state Islamic university (UIN Bukittinggi). Entering the 10th anniversary of this bilateral relationship in 2025, the leadership baton was passed to Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani. Armed with a fresh global vision, she renewed the agreement to ensure the momentum of collaboration remained uninterrupted.

Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi

This trajectory culminated at the AIUA event held at UIN Jakarta from June 23 to 25, 2026. A meeting between the UIN Bukittinggi delegation—represented by Prof Dr Edi Rosman, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation, and Dr Irwandi, Head of the International Office—and UNISSA Assistant Rector Dr Awang Haji Hambali bin Haji Awang Jaili reaffirmed the deepening maturity of the network.

Both institutions have also experienced notable leadership updates. UNISSA Brunei Darussalam is now led by Associate Professor Dr Awang Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani as Rector of Brunei's premier state Islamic university. Meanwhile, former UNISSA chief Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal was appointed Deputy Minister of Education (Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan) by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on June 4, 2026.

Academic Diplomacy Amid Global Disruption

Against a backdrop of rapid technological shifts and global crises, regional platforms like the AIUA have become indispensable. Islamic higher education institutions can no longer afford to operate in isolation. Through this consortium, UIN Bukittinggi and UNISSA have forged a strategic axis aimed at aligning educational standards, consolidating joint research, and bolstering regional intellectual resilience.

Reflecting on the 10-year milestone and recent leadership changes, UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani highlighted that UNISSA has been more than an institutional partner; it has stood as a regional partner throughout the campus's transformation from IAIN to UIN status.

"This 10-year partnership represents a tangible manifestation of Islamic brotherhood and our shared heritage," said Prof Silfia, adding her warm congratulations to Dr Haji Norarfan on his ministerial appointment and welcoming Associate Professor Dr Awang Abdul Nasir to his new role at UNISSA.

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Tags : Activity Event International International Networking

Dr. Irwandi

Thank You

for taking the time to visit our website.

• NameDr. Irwandi
• AddressInternational Office of UIN Bukittinggi
• Emailio@uinbukittinggi.ac.id