The Merantau Ethos: How UIN Bukittinggi Redefines International Students
In a region where cultural heritage continually shapes modern identity, the intersection of local traditions and global education offers a compelling reflection on how regional institutions redefine their place in a connected world.
BUKITTINGGI, INDONESIA- A compelling narrative unfolded as new students gathered at the Student Center of Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Beyond the routine agenda of the Academic and Student Culture Orientation (PBAK)—opened by Senate Chairman Prof. Busyro and organized by committee chair Dr. H. Bustamar through August 21—a breakthrough idea was brought to the academic forefront.
 |
| New UIN Bukittinggi students attend the opening of their academic orientation in West Sumatra. |
UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof. Dr. Hj. Silfia Hanani executed a fresh reorientation of a concept long seen as exclusive: what it means to be an international student.
"As of today, the new students of UIN Bukittinggi are international students—students of the world," Prof. Silfia declared before the audience, predominantly composed of Gen Z youth.
 |
| Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi |
Her statement was more than a motivational boost. Prof. Silfia directly challenged long-held assumptions within higher education. Traditionally, the "international" label has been confined to physical and administrative metrics—such as holding a passport, cross-border mobility, or socio-economic privilege.
For UIN Bukittinggi, the essence of an international student lies instead in broad horizons, critical thinking habits, creative capacity, and the courage to push boundaries. A student sitting in a lecture hall at the foot of Mount Marapi, provided they possess a global mindset and produce relevant scholarly work, is inherently an actor on the global stage.
Linking Gen Z with the Philosophy of Merantau
Prof. Silfia’s intellectual framework bridges the sociology of Generation Z with local cultural philosophy. Gen Z is often defined by dynamism, a distaste for rigid boundaries, and a continuous search for exploration. In Minangkabau cosmology, this innate character aligns seamlessly with the merantau ethos—the traditional custom of leaving home to seek knowledge, wealth, and experience.
“All of you belong to Generation Z. One defining trait of Gen Z is a passion for wandering. To support this journey, I encourage you to create and innovate,” Prof. Silfia urged.
 |
| Members of the UIN Bukittinggi Senate pose with incoming students during orientation. |
This exploration goes beyond rhetoric. The university facilitates "structured wandering" through international internships and community service programs that have previously expanded to Malaysia and Thailand. Yet, the most fundamental journey remains the journey of the mind.
 |
| Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Dr Afrinaldi and Vice-Rector for Student Affairs Prof Dr Edi Rosman present academic and student guidance at UIN Bukittinggi. |
Three Anchors of Intellectual Exploration
To ensure this Gen Z "wandering" does not drift into superficiality or lose direction amid globalization, UIN Bukittinggi has established three key anchors:
Scientific Literacy Culture: Reading must move beyond routine to become an academic necessity. Students are encouraged to leverage campus library resources to structure their ideas into scholarly publications.
Deep Religious Character: As a State Islamic Higher Education Institution (PTKIN), sharp global analysis must be balanced with spiritual depth and social-religious competence within the community.
Historical Awareness: The names of great scholars and figures immortalized on campus buildings—such as Sjech M. Djamil Djambek—should not merely serve as navigational markers, but as moral and intellectual compasses.
The challenge for UIN Bukittinggi’s new students is now to realize this vision—proving that from the Gurun Aua campus, the merantau ethos can nurture globally minded scholars who safeguard the dignity of their alma mater. [IRWANDI]
Tags : Activity Event International News
Dr. Irwandi
Thank You
for taking the time to visit our website.
- Dr. Irwandi
- International Office of UIN Bukittinggi
- io@uinbukittinggi.ac.id
Posting Komentar