UIN Bukittinggi, Thailand’s Yala Rajabhat University Partner to Strengthen South-East Asian Educational Ties
JAKARTA — State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi in West Sumatra and Yala Rajabhat University (YRU) in Southern Thailand have formally entered into a strategic international partnership aimed at elevating Islamic education standards and expanding academic networks across South-East Asia. The agreement was sealed under the auspices of the Asia Islamic University Association (AIUA) during its annual meeting held in Jakarta from June 23 to 25.
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| UIN Bukittinggi Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman (two from left) and Yala Rajabhat University Education Dean Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammadtolan (two right) display their signed MoU alongside university officials in Jakarta. The partnership targets boosted research and Islamic education ties across Southeast Asia. |
The official delegation from UIN Bukittinggi was led by Prof Dr Edi Rosman, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation, accompanied by Dr Irwandi, Head of the International Office. Yala Rajabhat University was represented by Asst Prof Dr Muhammadtolan Kaemah, Dean of the Faculty of Education.
Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, welcomed the alliance, stating that it reinforces the university’s standing within South-East Asian academic circles.
"This cooperation is more than a signed document; it is a tangible step toward expanding the region's Islamic intellectual hub. We are building a scholarly bridge between West Sumatra and Southern Thailand," Prof Silfia said. "Through our partnership with Yala Rajabhat University, we aim to exchange expertise, enrich inclusive research, and create impactful mobility opportunities for both students and faculty."
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| Prof Dr Silfi Hanani |
Real-World Implementation
Following the June 24 signing ceremony in Jakarta, UIN Bukittinggi immediately put the agreement into action. On July 3, UIN Bukittinggi academic Dr Muhiddinur Kamal delivered a keynote address at the 7th National and International Conference on Education and Islamic Education (NICE 2026) hosted by Yala Rajabhat University in Thailand.
Asst Prof Dr Muhammadtolan Kaemah expressed his gratitude for the close partnership with the Indonesian state institution.
"UIN Bukittinggi possesses strong Islamic scholarly roots and pedagogical traditions. Dr Muhiddinur Kamal’s participation in NICE 2026 injected valuable new perspectives into our curriculum development and Islamic education programs in Thailand's southern border region," Dr Muhammadtolan said.
Parallel Institutional Transformations
The historical trajectories of both institutions mirror parallel growth adapted to modern educational demands.
Yala Rajabhat University: Founded in 1963 as a Teachers' Training School for Thailand's southern border region, it was elevated to a Rajabhat Institute in 1992 under a royal decree by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It gained authority to confer postgraduate degrees in 1995 and achieved full university status between 2004 and 2005.
UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi: Originating in 1969 as a faculty branch of IAIN Imam Bonjol, it became an independent State College for Islamic Studies (STAIN) in 1997. It was upgraded to a State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) in 2014 before attaining full State Islamic University (UIN) status in 2022.
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| A serene and religious ambiance encompasses the lush campus of UIN Bukittinggi in West Sumatra. |
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| The View of Yala Rajabhat University Campus, Thailand |
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