BiCED-7 at UIN Bukittinggi: Fusing AI, Emotion, and Faith into Future Classrooms

BiCED-7 at UIN Bukittinggi: Fusing AI, Emotion, and Faith into Future Classrooms

Jumat, September 11, 2026

BUKITTINGGI — The rapid penetration of artificial intelligence (AI) across the globe is doing more than just driving technical efficiency—it is forcing a fundamental redefinition of how human beings learn and interact. At the heart of this discourse, the intersection of advanced technology, emotional design, and religious values took centre stage at the 7th Bukittinggi International Conference on Education (BiCED) 2026, hosted in a hybrid format by the State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi on Thursday (Sept 10).

UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani opening the 7th BiCED conference on Sept 10. Amid rapid AI advances, she urged academics to publish their research, calling critical literacy a vital civilisational duty.

Centred on the theme The Future of Integrated Learning: Bridging STEM, Islamic Values, and Global Literacy, the international academic forum brought together cross-disciplinary perspectives from foreign scholars and local academics. The discussions went beyond the mere adoption of modern tools, focusing instead on building a future educational ecosystem anchored in civility, humanistic understanding, and intellectual independence. The conference also gathered applied research through a call for papers, with selected works compiled and published in the BiCED-7 Proceedings.

Opening the discourse from a technological frontier, Dr S. Vimal, Dean and Professor at the School of Computing & Emerging Technologies, KIT India, delivered a paper titled “Multimodal Generative AI for Healthcare”. Dr Vimal underscored the urgency of leveraging multimodal generative AI—systems capable of simultaneously processing text, medical imagery, and sensor data—to accelerate diagnostic accuracy and patient care modelling, while serving as a vital cornerstone for digital-era STEM education.

Yet technology remains hollow without an affective touch. Prof Ts Dr Anitawati Mohd Lokman from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia brought a humanist perspective through her address, “Emotion Meets Integrated Learning: A Kansei-Inspired Framework for the Future of Education”. Applying Kansei—a Japanese design philosophy that translates human emotion and nuance into system frameworks—Prof Anitawati stressed that future learning environments must bridge cognitive and psychological realms to ensure the educational experience remains meaningful and intrinsically human.

The religious and sociological dimensions were enriched by Dr Sles Nazy, Rector of the Cambodia University of Management and Technology. In his presentation, “Integrating Faith, Society, and Technology: Multimedia Approaches in Islamic Education in Cambodia”, Dr Nazy outlined a tripartite integration of faith, societal needs, and digital media. He highlighted multimedia approaches as a strategic conduit to broaden the reach of Islamic education in Cambodia without diluting its core tenets.

These theoretical frameworks found concrete application in research presented by scholars from UIN Bukittinggi. Dr Supriadi delivered his findings on “The Effect of Chatbot Selection and Prompt Engineering on the Quality of E-Books for Islamic Junior High School Teachers in Agam Regency”, demonstrating how prompt engineering and applied AI can significantly elevate the quality of digital teaching materials at the local level. Meanwhile, Leli Lismay, Ph.D., examined literacy strategies in her paper, “The Effect of Skimming Strategy on Students’ Reading for Academic Purposes Achievement: Fostering Global Literacy in Higher Education”, emphasizing speed and precision in reading as essential tools for students navigating global scholarly literature.

Meeting of Minds: Navigating Education Amid Disruption

Epistemologically, the five presentations at BiCED-7 converged on a single, compelling message: cutting-edge technology without the anchors of emotion, religious ethics, and critical literacy yields nothing more than mechanical instruction.

Amid waves of digital disruption that risk dehumanising learners and fragmenting information, the conference addressed contemporary challenges through three key pillars:

Synthesising Technology and Humanism: Dr Vimal’s insights on Multimodal Generative AI found their equilibrium in Prof Anitawati’s Kansei framework. Advanced algorithms must be tempered with emotional intelligence so that technology acts as a catalyst for human potential rather than a replacement for empathy in pedagogy.

Transforming Values and Accessibility: Dr Sles Nazy’s vision and Dr Supriadi’s empirical study illustrated how digital media and prompt engineering serve as pragmatic tools to ground religious values and widen access to quality instructional materials—down to madrasah teachers in Agam Regency.

Fostering Global Intellectual Autonomy: Leli Lismay’s focus on academic literacy provided a vital capstone. In an era saturated with AI-generated data, critical and efficient reading techniques (skimming) serve as a shield, ensuring future generations do not become passive consumers of information, but agile navigators of knowledge.

A Call to Write and Build Global Ties

In her opening address, UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani made a impassioned plea, declaring that an institution’s intellectual engagement must not end in ephemeral discussions or verbal rhetoric. She urged that grand ideas bridging technology and religious values be translated into structured, peer-reviewed scholarship.

"Lecturers and students must write!" Prof Silfia declared, issuing a sharp call to action. Writing, she noted, is far more than a routine administrative duty—it is a civilisational responsibility to safeguard critical literacy. Without a strong culture of publication, groundbreaking ideas and academic research risk evaporating without leaving a trace on global intellectual progress.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Junaini, Dean of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FTIK) at UIN Bukittinggi, expressed deep appreciation to all speakers, researchers, and international partner institutions for bringing BiCED-7 to fruition.

Dr Junaini voiced hope that the insights gathered during the conference would serve as a catalyst for reforming integrated curricula, while bolstering sustainable international research networks in the years ahead. [IRWANDI]

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Sinergi Global Universitas Islam: UIN Bukittinggi dan KIAS Malaysia Resmi Jalin Kerjasama

Sinergi Global Universitas Islam: UIN Bukittinggi dan KIAS Malaysia Resmi Jalin Kerjasama

Minggu, September 06, 2026

Semangat merajut kembali jalinan peradaban keilmuan Melayu-Nusantara bertiup kencang dari arena Pertemuan Tahunan Asosiasi Universitas Islam Asia di Jakarta. Di tengah arus deras globalisasi dan tuntutan eksistensi perguruan tinggi di kancah dunia, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi resmi menggandeng Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS) Malaysia.

JAKARTA— Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi terus memperkuat komitmennya dalam memperluas jejaring akademik internasional. Penandatanganan kerja sama strategis antara UIN Bukittinggi dengan Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS) Malaysia menjadi salah satu agenda utama pada Pertemuan Tahunan Asosiasi Universitas Islam Asia yang digelar pada 23–25 Juni 2026 di Jakarta, tepatnya pada Rabu (24/6/2026). Dalam prosesi penandatanganan naskah kerja sama tersebut, delegasi UIN Bukittinggi diwakili oleh Wakil Rektor Bidang Kemahasiswaan, Alumni, dan Kerjasama Prof Dr Edi Rosman serta Kepala Pusat Hubungan Internasional Dr Irwandi, sedangkan pihak KIAS ditandatangani langsung oleh Rektor KIAS, Prof Dr Mazlan Bin Ibrahim.

Kampus Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (kiri) dan kampus UIN Bukittinggi (kanan).

KIAS sendiri merupakan Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Swasta (IPTS) yang beroperasi di bawah Akta 555 Malaysia dan dikelola oleh KIAS Darul Naim Sdn Bhd (KDSB), anak perusahaan Akademi Yakin Sdn Bhd (AYSB). Pendirian KIAS berangkat dari cita-cita Kerajaan Negeri Kelantan untuk memusatkan wilayahnya sebagai "Serambi" perkembangan ilmu Islam tersohor di kawasan regional. Sejak didirikan hingga kini, KIAS terus berkembang pesat dan berhasil menarik minat mahasiswa internasional dari berbagai negara, seperti Indonesia, China, Thailand, Kamboja, Singapura, Nigeria, hingga Palestina.

Sementara itu, UIN Bukittinggi merupakan universitas Islam yang berakar dari rintisan pendidikan Islam tahun 1957. UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi secara konsisten memacu laju eksistensinya—bertransformasi dari STAIN dan IAIN hingga secara monumental mengepakkan sayap sebagai Universitas Islam Negeri pada tahun 2022. Rekam jejak progresif ini membuktikan komitmen tak tergoyahkan UIN Bukittinggi dalam mengintegrasikan nilai-nilai Keislaman, keilmuan modern, dan kearifan lokal Minangkabau untuk melahirkan generasi unggul yang siap memimpin peradaban bangsa di panggung global.

Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, memberikan apresiasi mendalam atas terwujudnya kemitraan strategis ini. Beliau menegaskan bahwa langkah ini merupakan awal yang sangat baik mengingat UIN Bukittinggi dan KIAS berhimpun dalam satu wadah Asosiasi Universitas Islam Asia. Menurutnya, kolaborasi ini membuka ruang sinergi yang lebih luas bagi kedua institusi dalam mengembangkan pendidikan dan riset berbasis nilai keislaman.

Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rektor UIN Bukittinggi

 Urgensi Kerjasama UIN Bukittinggi dan KIAS Malaysia

Analisis strategis kemitraan antara UIN Bukittinggi dan KIAS Malaysia, menurut Prof Dr Edi Rosman,  bukan sekadar pemenuhan formalitas hubungan antarperguruan tinggi, melainkan sebuah kebutuhan strategis yang memiliki urgensi tinggi bagi kedua belah pihak:

(1) Penguatan Hubungan Historis-Kultural (Minangkabau - Serambi Kelantan)

Secara geokultural, Minangkabau (Sumatera Barat) dan Kelantan memiliki akar keislaman dan kebudayaan Melayu yang sangat kuat. Kemitraan ini merekatkan kembali simpul peradaban ilmu Islam Melayu-Nusantara untuk menjawab tantangan globalisasi tanpa kehilangan identitas keislamannya.

Rektor KIAS Prof Dr Mazlan Bin Ibrahim (kanan) bertukar naskah kerja sama disaksikan Wakil Rektor Bidang Kemahasiswaan, Alumni, dan Kerjasama UIN Bukittinggi Prof Dr Edi Rosman (dua dari kiri) serta Kepala Pusat Hubungan Internasional Dr Irwandi (kiri) dalam Pertemuan Tahunan Asosiasi Universitas Islam Asia di Jakarta, Rabu (24/6/2026).

(2) Penginternasionalan Kurikulum dan Akselerasi Akreditasi

Di era World Class University (WCU), rekognisi internasional menjadi indikator mutlak. Melalui wadah Asosiasi Universitas Islam Asia, kolaborasi ini membuka peluang riset bersama (joint research), publikasi ilmiah bereputasi, pertukaran dosen (visiting professor), serta program pertukaran mahasiswa (student exchange).

(3) Internasionalisasi Multikultural melalui Ekosistem KIAS

Dengan rekam jejak KIAS yang telah menarik mahasiswa dari pelbagai negara (Palestina, Nigeria, China, hingga Asia Tenggara), mahasiswa dan civitas akademika UIN Bukittinggi mendapatkan akses langsung ke dalam ekosistem internasional yang multikultural. Hal ini memperluas wawasan keislaman yang moderat (wasathiyah) di tingkat global.

(4) Kemandirian dan Tatakelola Universitas 

Model tata kelola KIAS yang berada di bawah badan usaha (KDSB/AYSB) dengan dukungan Kerajaan Negeri memberikan pembelajaran berharga bagi UIN Bukittinggi dalam hal efisiensi, kemandirian finansial, serta hilirisasi pendidikan tinggi Islam berbasis penguatan nilai-nilai lokal.

Sinergi ini, terang Prof Edi Rosman, diharapkan dapat memperluas kolaborasi pendidikan tinggi Islam  di kawasan regional yang semakin solid dan berdaya saing global. [IO Media Centre)

 

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UIN Bukittinggi and KIAS Malaysia Partner to Revive Malay-Nusantara Scholarly Ties

UIN Bukittinggi and KIAS Malaysia Partner to Revive Malay-Nusantara Scholarly Ties

Kamis, September 03, 2026

A shared push to revive Malay-Nusantara Islamic scholarship swept through the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting in Jakarta. Amid the rapid tide of globalisation and the drive for global academic recognition, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi has officially partnered with Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS) Malaysia.

JAKARTA — Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi continues to strengthen its commitment to expanding its international academic network. The signing of a strategic agreement between UIN Bukittinggi and Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (KIAS) Malaysia was a key highlight of the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting held from June 23 to 25, 2026, in Jakarta, taking place on Wednesday (24/6/2026).

KIAS Rector Prof Dr Mazlan Bin Ibrahim (right) exchanges signed partnership documents witnessed by UIN Bukittinggi Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation Prof Dr Edi Rosman (second from left) and Head of International Office Dr Irwandi (left) at the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.)

During the signing ceremony, the UIN Bukittinggi delegation was represented by Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation, Prof Dr Edi Rosman, and Head of the International Office, Dr Irwandi. KIAS was represented directly by its Rector, Prof Dr Mazlan Bin Ibrahim.

The campus of Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail Petra (left) and UIN Bukittinggi campus (right).

KIAS is a Private Higher Education Institution (IPTS) operating under Malaysia's Act 555 and managed by KIAS Darul Naim Sdn Bhd (KDSB), a subsidiary of Akademi Yakin Sdn Bhd (AYSB). The establishment of KIAS stems from the Kelantan State Government's vision to position the state as a renowned regional hub for Islamic knowledge. Since its inception, KIAS has grown rapidly, attracting international students from various countries, including Indonesia, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Nigeria, and Palestine.

Meanwhile, UIN Bukittinggi is an Islamic university with roots dating back to an Islamic education initiative in 1957. The university has steadily elevated its standing—transforming from STAIN to IAIN, before achieving full status as a State Islamic University in 2022. This progressive track record highlights the institution's commitment to integrating Islamic values, modern science, and Minangkabau local wisdom to nurture future leaders capable of serving on the global stage.

UIN Bukittinggi Rector, Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, expressed deep appreciation for the strategic partnership, noting that it serves as a promising start given that both institutions belong to the Asian Islamic Universities Association. She added that the collaboration opens broader avenues for synergy in advancing Islamic-based education and research.

  Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi

 Strategic Imperatives of the UIN Bukittinggi - KIAS Alliance

According to Prof Dr Edi Rosman, a strategic analysis indicates that the partnership offers critical benefits for both institutions:

Strengthening Historical and Cultural Ties (Minangkabau - Kelantan): Geoculturally, West Sumatra's Minangkabau region and Kelantan share deep Islamic and Malay heritage. This alliance re-anchors the traditions of Malay-Nusantara Islamic scholarship, helping both institutions navigate globalisation without compromising their Islamic identity.

Curriculum Internationalisation and Accreditation: In the era of World Class Universities (WCU), global recognition is paramount. Through the Asian Islamic Universities Association platform, this collaboration enables joint research projects, peer-reviewed publications, visiting professorships, and student exchange programmes.

Multicultural Exposure via the KIAS Network: With KIAS drawing students from countries such as Palestine, Nigeria, China, and Southeast Asia, UIN Bukittinggi students and faculty gain direct access to a diverse international environment, promoting moderate Islamic values (wasathiyah) worldwide.

Institutional Autonomy and Governance: KIAS’s governance model—operating under corporate entities (KDSB/AYSB) backed by the Kelantan State Government—offers valuable insights for UIN Bukittinggi regarding operational efficiency, financial independence, and commercialising Islamic higher education grounded in local values.

Prof Edi Rosman expressed hope that this synergy will foster a stronger and globally competitive Islamic higher education framework across the region. The strategic alliance signals a new chapter for higher education across the region, with both parties pledging to begin implementing the agreements in the coming months. [IRWANDI]

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UIN Bukittinggi dan IKDAR Malaysia Perkuat Jejaring Perguruan Tinggi Islam Serumpun

UIN Bukittinggi dan IKDAR Malaysia Perkuat Jejaring Perguruan Tinggi Islam Serumpun

Selasa, September 01, 2026

JAKARTA — Dinamika globalisasi dan lanskap pendidikan tinggi modern menuntut Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam (PTKI) di kawasan Asia Tenggara untuk keluar dari zona nyaman seremonial. Di tengah arus integrasi ilmu pengetahuan serta disrupsi teknologi, kolaborasi lintas negara antarkampus Islam serumpun menjadi imperatif strategis untuk membangun poros keilmuan Islam yang moderat, responsif, dan berdaya saing global.

Kampus UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi (kiri) dan kampus IKDAR Malaysia (kanan)

Kesadaran inilah yang melandasi Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Sumatera Barat, untuk memperluas jangkauan kelembagaannya. Kampus ini resmi memancangkan kerja sama strategis dengan Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (IKDAR) Taiping, Perak, Malaysia.

Didirikan pada 2018, Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (IKDAR) di Taiping, Perak, menjadi perguruan tinggi pertama di Malaysia yang secara khusus mengembangkan pendidikan keterampilan berbasis Islam dan tahfiz. Lembaga ini membuka jalan bagi lulusan madrasah dan sekolah agama untuk menapaki karier profesional tanpa meninggalkan fondasi keislaman yang mereka miliki.

Rektor IKDAR Malaysia, Dr. Muhammad Faizal Bin Tahiruddin (dua dari kiri) dan Wakil Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof Dr Edi Rosman (dua dari kanan) diapit Kepala Pusat Hubungan Internasional UIN Bukittinggi, Dr Irwandi (kanan) dan Pejabat Urusan Luar Negeri IKDAR, Dr Ahmad Muzammil.

Pengukuhan kerja sama bilateral tersebut ditandai dengan penandatanganan Nota Kesepahaman (Memorandum of Understanding/MoU) yang berlangsung pada momen Pertemuan Tahunan Asosiasi Universitas Islam Asia di Jakarta, Rabu, 24 Juni 2026. 

Penandatanganan dilakukan oleh Wakil Rektor UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman, M.Hum., bersama Rektor IKDAR Malaysia, Dr. Muhammad Faizal Bin Tahiruddin.

 

Rektor UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, menegaskan bahwa kolaborasi internasional antarinstitusi pendidikan Islam Asia Tenggara bukan lagi sekadar pelengkap administrasi akreditasi, melainkan kebutuhan mendesak untuk memperkuat posisi tawar keilmuan Islam di tingkat dunia.

"Perguruan tinggi Islam di Asia Tenggara memiliki akar tradisi dan nilai keislaman serumpun yang sangat kuat. Kemitraan dengan IKDAR Malaysia adalah langkah progresif UIN Bukittinggi untuk mentransformasi potensi keilmuan lokal menjadi kekuatan akademik global melalui riset bersama dan mobilitas intelektual," tegas Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani.

Prof Dr Silfia Hanani

Menurut Prof. Silfia, kerja sama ini juga membuka ruang luas bagi akselerasi kapasitas dosen dan mahasiswa dalam merespons tantangan zaman tanpa kehilangan akar kearifan lokal. "Kami ingin memastikan bahwa karya-karya akademik civitas akademika UIN Bukittinggi mewarnai jurnal-jurnal internasional dan memberi dampak nyata bagi masyarakat global," tambahnya.

Meskipun demikian, kerja sama ini bersifat dinamis dan fleksibel, memberi ruang bagi setiap perguruan tinggi untuk berkembang secara independen sesuai dengan visi dan prioritas strategisnya. [IRWANDI]

 

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Transcending Regional Boundaries: UIN Bukittinggi and IKDAR Malaysia Forge Ties Across Malay-Islamic Higher Education

Transcending Regional Boundaries: UIN Bukittinggi and IKDAR Malaysia Forge Ties Across Malay-Islamic Higher Education

Selasa, September 01, 2026

JAKARTA — The fast-evolving dynamics of globalization and the modern higher education landscape demand that Islamic Higher Education Institutions across Southeast Asia step beyond ceremonial gestures. Amid the swift integration of global knowledge and rapid technological disruption, cross-border collaboration among kindred Islamic universities has become a strategic imperative—one essential to building a moderate, responsive, and globally competitive hub of Islamic scholarship. 

UIN Sjech M. Djambek Bukittinggi in West Sumatra, Indonesia (left), alongside IKDAR (Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan) in Perak, Malaysia (right). Both institutions serve as vital hubs for fostering scholarship, spiritual growth, and regional educational exchange in Southeast Asia.

This shared imperative driven the State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, to expand its international footprint. The institution has officially established a strategic partnership with the Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (IKDAR) in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Founded in 2018, Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (IKDAR) in Taiping, Perak, is Malaysia’s first higher education institution dedicated to Islamic and tahfiz-based skills training, offering religious school graduates a pathway to professional careers without compromising their Islamic foundations.

The bilateral alliance was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the Asian Islamic Universities Association Annual Meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The document was signed by the Vice Rector of UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman, and the Rector of IKDAR Malaysia, Dr. Muhammad Faizal Bin Tahiruddin. 

IKDAR Malaysia Rector Dr Muhammad Faizal Bin Tahiruddin (second from left) and UIN Bukittinggi Vice-Rector Prof Dr Edi Rosman (second from right), flanked by UIN Bukittinggi International Office Head Dr Irwandi (right) and IKDAR Foreign Affairs Officer Dr Ahmad Muzammil.

Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, emphasized that international cooperation among Southeast Asian Islamic institutions is no longer a mere box-checking exercise for accreditation, but a critical necessity to elevate the standing of Islamic scholarship worldwide. “Islamic universities in Southeast Asia share deep cultural roots and common Islamic values,” Prof. Silfia noted. 

“This partnership with IKDAR Malaysia represents a bold step forward for UIN Bukittinggi in transforming local scholarly potential into a global academic force through joint research and intellectual mobility.” 

Prof Dr Hj. Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi

 She added that the alliance opens vast opportunities to accelerate the capabilities of both faculty and students in meeting contemporary challenges, all while preserving local wisdom. 

 “We aim to ensure that the scholarly work of our academic community shapes international journals and yields a tangible impact on global society,” she said. 

The memorandum outlines six priority areas—spanning joint international research and publication to academic exchange and institutional capacity-building—which will later be operationalized through specific technical agreements. Rather than binding the institutions into rigid commitments, the framework is intentionally fluid and adaptable, granting each university full autonomy to pursue its own strategic vision and long-term priorities. (IRWANDI)

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UIN Bukittinggi, Thailand’s Yala Rajabhat University Partner to Strengthen South-East Asian Educational Ties

UIN Bukittinggi, Thailand’s Yala Rajabhat University Partner to Strengthen South-East Asian Educational Ties

Senin, Agustus 31, 2026

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.

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."

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.

A serene and religious ambiance encompasses the lush campus of UIN Bukittinggi in West Sumatra.

The View of Yala Rajabhat University Campus, Thailand

Both universities share a similar evolutionary arc—originating as regional institutions, advancing into national-level universities, and continuing to serve border communities with rich cultural identities in Minangkabau and Southern Thailand.[IRWANDI]

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UIN Bukittinggi dan Yala Rajabhat University Thailand Bekerjasama Perkuat Kolaborasi Pendidikan Asia Tenggara

UIN Bukittinggi dan Yala Rajabhat University Thailand Bekerjasama Perkuat Kolaborasi Pendidikan Asia Tenggara

Senin, Agustus 31, 2026

JAKARTA-Komitmen memperkuat mutu pendidikan Islam dan jaringan akademik di kawasan Asia Tenggara kembali mewujud secara nyata. Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Sumatra Barat, dan Yala Rajabhat University (YRU) dari Thailand Selatan resmi mengikatkan diri dalam jalinan kerja sama strategis internasional.

Wakil Rektor UIN Bukittinggi Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman (dua dari kiri) dan Dekan Fakultas Pendidikan Yala Rajabhat University Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammadtolan (dua dari kanan) menunjukkan naskah nota kesepahaman disaksikan perwakilan kedua kampus di Jakarta. Kemitraan ini bertujuan memperkuat kolaborasi riset dan pendidikan Islam kawasan Asia Tenggara.

Kedua perguruan tinggi dipersatukan dalam wadah Asia Islamic University Association (AIUA). Penandatanganan naskah kerja sama (Memorandum of Understanding/MoU) dilangsungkan di tengah helat Pertemuan Tahunan AIUA yang diselenggarakan pada 23–25 Juni 2026 di Jakarta.

Delegasi resmi UIN Bukittinggi dipimpin langsung oleh Wakil Rektor Bidang Kemahasiswaan, Alumni, dan Kerja Sama, Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman, didampingi Kepala Pusat Hubungan Internasional, Dr. Irwandi, M.Pd. Sementara dari pihak Yala Rajabhat University hadir Dekan Fakultas Pendidikan, Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammadtolan Kaemah.

Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, S.Ag., M.Si., menyambut sangat positif keterikatan institusional ini. Menurutnya, kolaborasi ini memperkokoh posisi UIN Bukittinggi dalam jajaran jejaring akademik Asia Tenggara.

Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rektor UIN Bukittinggi

"Kerja sama ini bukan sekadar penandatanganan di atas kertas, melainkan wujud nyata memperluas episentrum intelektual Islam kawasan. Kita membangun jembatan keilmuan Sumatra Barat dan Thailand Selatan. Melalui kemitraan dengan Yala Rajabhat University, kita berikhtiar bertukar pengalaman, memperkaya riset inklusif, serta membuka peluang mobilitas mahasiswa dan dosen yang berdampak luas," ujar Prof. Silfia.

Langkah Konkret dan Implementasi Nyata

Kemitraan kedua perguruan tinggi ini tidak tumbuh dalam sekejap, melainkan dibangun dari langkah-langkah kecil yang konkret. Rekam jejak kerja sama resmi dimulai sejak Senin, 17 November 2025. Momentum tersebut ditandai dengan penandatanganan nota kesepahaman awal antara Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat (LPPM) UIN Bukittinggi dan Departemen Pendidikan Agama Islam, Fakultas Pendidikan YRU.

Ketua Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabduian Masyarakat (LPPM) UIN Bukittinggi Dr. H. Muhiddinur Kamal, M.Pd. (dua dari kiri) dan Kepala Departemen Pendidikan Agama Islam YRU Prof. Madya Dr. Abdul Ramae Sulong (dua dari kanan) mengawali jalinan kerja sama kedua perguruan tinggi pada tahun 2025.

Tak berhenti pada seremoni penandatanganan tanggal 24 Juni 2026 di Jakarta, UIN Bukittinggi langsung merealisasikannya melalui aktivitas akademik nyata. Hanya berselang sepekan, pada 3 Juli 2026, akademisi UIN Bukittinggi, Dr Muhiddinur Kamal, hadir sebagai pembicara  pada The 7th National and International Conference on Education and Islamic Education (NICE 2026) di Yala Rajabhat University, Thailand Selatan.

Respons hangat disampaikan oleh Dekan Fakultas Pendidikan YRU, Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammadtolan Kaemah. Pihaknya merasa bangga dan terhormat dapat bermitra secara erat dengan perguruan tinggi keagamaan Islam negeri dari Indonesia.

"UIN Bukittinggi memiliki akar keilmuan Islam dan tradisi pedagogi yang sangat kuat. Kehadiran akademisi UIN Bukittinggi dalam NICE 2026 menyuntikkan perspektif baru yang sangat berharga bagi pengembangan kurikulum dan pendidikan Islam di perbatasan selatan Thailand," tutur Dr. Muhammadtolan.

Jejak Transformasi Institusi 

Perjalanan historis kedua perguruan tinggi mencerminkan dinamika evolusi lembaga pendidikan yang responsif terhadap zamannya. Yala Rajabhat University mengawali baktinya pada tahun 1963 sebagai Sekolah Pelatihan Guru untuk perbatasan selatan Thailand, lalu bertransformasi menjadi Institut Rajabhat pada 1992 di bawah titah Raja Bhumibol Adulyadej, memperoleh wewenang penyelenggaraan program pascasarjana pada 1995, hingga akhirnya meraih status hukum penuh sebagai universitas mandiri pada kurun 2004–2005.

Kampus Yala Rajabhat University Thailand

Seirama dengan itu, UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi merintis jalurnya sejak tahun 1969 dari Fakultas Syariah IAIN Imam Bonjol, kemudian bertransformasi menjadi STAIN mandiri pada 1997, naik status menjadi IAIN pada 2014, dan akhirnya resmi menyandang status Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) pada tahun 2022.

Kampus 2 UIN  Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi

Kedua kampus berbagi benang merah historis yang unik yaitu mengawali perjuangan dari  daerah, tumbuh menjadi institusi tinggi bertaraf nasional, dan bertumpu pada peran vital penguatan masyarakat lokal di wilayah perbatasan budaya (Minangkabau dan Thailand Selatan). Kerangka evolusi yang serupa ini menjadikan kolaborasi UIN Bukittinggi dan YRU bukan sekadar aliansi formal, melainkan pertemuan dua institusi bersaudara dengan daya jangkau emosional dan sosial yang sangat kuat. (IRWANDI) 

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

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.

[io ]

 

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Jejak Emas Serasi Serumpun: Satu Dekade Kemitraan Akademik UIN Bukittinggi dan UNISSA Brunei Darussalam

Jejak Emas Serasi Serumpun: Satu Dekade Kemitraan Akademik UIN Bukittinggi dan UNISSA Brunei Darussalam

Sabtu, Agustus 29, 2026

Satu dekade bukan waktu yang singkat untuk merawat simpul persaudaraan. Dari sebuah lawatan ringkas di Bandar Seri Begawan pada 2016 hingga panggung Asian Islamic University Association (AIUA) di Jakarta medio 2026, kemitraan akademik UIN Bukittinggi dan UNISSA Brunei Darussalam menjelma menjadi salah satu model diplomasi pendidikan tinggi serumpun yang konsisten.

Direktur Pascasarjana IAIN Bukittinggi Dr. Ismail (kiri) dan Direktur Pascasarjana UNISSA menandatangani perjanjian kerja sama disaksikan rektor kedua perguruan tinggi pada 2016.

BUKITTINGGI — Kemitraan dua Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi dan Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Brunei Darussalam bermula ketika rombongan delegasi Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Bukittinggi mendarat di Brunei Darussalam pada 2016. Di bawah kepemimpinan Rektor kala itu, Dr. Ridha Ahida—didampingi Hj Nur Aisyah, M.Ag. (Wakil Rektor bidang Kerjasama), Dr. Ismail (Direktur Pascasarjana), dan Irwandi, M.Pd. ( Pelaksana Hubungan Masyarakat)—mereka menjejakkan babak baru.

Pimpinan IAIN Bukittinggi dan UNISSA Brunei Darussalam menandatangani MoU pada 2016.

Diterima langsung oleh Rektor UNISSA kala itu, Dr. Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, kunjungan tersebut berbuah penandatanganan naskah kerja sama. Namun, dokumen itu tidak lantas mangkrak di atas meja arsip. Selama sepuluh tahun berikutnya, lembaran tersebut dihidupkan melalui konferensi internasional bersama, kolaborasi riset lintas batas, hingga saling silang posisi sebagai reviewer jurnal ilmiah.

Napas Baru di Bawah Kepemimpinan Baru

Roda waktu mengubah status institusi dari IAIN menjadi Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Bukittinggi. Memasuki usia satu dekade relasi bilateral ini pada 2025, estafet kepemimpinan beralih ke tangan Rektor Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani. Dengan visi global yang segar, ia memperbarui nota kesepahaman demi memastikan denyut kolaborasi tidak kendur.

Puncaknya terjadi dalam perhelatan Asian Islamic University Association (AIUA)  di UIN Jakarta, 23–25 Juni 2026. Pertemuan antara delegasi UIN Bukittinggi—yang diwakili Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman, Wakil Rektor Urusan Kemahasiswaan, Alumni, dan Kerjasama dan Dr. Irwandi, Kepala Pusat Hubungan Internasional —dengan Assistant Rector UNISSA, Dr. Awang Haji Hambali bin Haji Awang Jaili, menegaskan bahwa jejaring ini kian matang.

Wakil Rektor UIN Bukittinggi Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman (kanan), Assistant Rector UNISSA Dr. Awang Haji Hambali bin Haji Awang Jaili (tengah), dan Kepala Pusat Hubungan Internasional Dr. Irwandi (kiri) saat menghadiri forum AIUA, medio Juni 2026.

Perjalanan sejarah kedua institusi juga diwarnai dinamika kepemimpinan yang membanggakan. Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Brunei Darussalam kini dijabat oleh Profesor Madya Dr. Awang Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani, yang memimpin universitas Islam negeri pertama di Brunei tersebut. Sementara itu, figur yang lama memimpin UNISSA, Dr. Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, kini mendapat amanah agung sebagai Wakil Menteri Pendidikan (Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan) Brunei Darussalam. Beliau dilantik langsung oleh Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah  pada 4 Juni 2026.

Diplomasi Akademik di Tengah Disrupsi Global

Di tengah kompleksitas zaman yang diwarnai disrupsi teknologi dan krisis global, kehadiran forum regional seperti AIUA menjadi krusial. Perguruan tinggi Islam tidak lagi bisa tumbuh secara isolatif. Melalui konsorsium ini, UIN Bukittinggi dan UNISSA merajut poros strategis untuk menyatukan standar mutu pendidikan, mengonsolidasikan riset bersama, serta membangun ketahanan intelektual kawasan. Jaringan regional ini berfungsi sebagai laboratorium gagasan untuk menjawab persoalan umat secara kolaboratif.

Menanggapi capaian sepuluh tahun ini serta dinamika kepemimpinan terbaru, Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, menyampaikan apresiasi dan pesan khusus yang sarat makna. Bagi sivitas akademika UIN Bukittinggi, UNISSA bukan sekadar mitra institusional, melainkan saudara sekawasan yang membersamai metamorfosis kampus dari masa IAIN hingga bertransformasi menjadi UIN.

Rektor UIN Bukittinggi, Prof Dr Silfia Hanani

"Kerjasama selama sepuluh tahun ini bukan sekadar angka di atas kalender, melainkan wujud nyata dari kekuatan ukhuwah islamiyah dan semangat serumpun. UNISSA Brunei Darussalam telah menjadi mitra strategis yang membersamai pertumbuhan akademik UIN Bukittinggi," tutur Prof. Silfia.

Pada kesempatan tersebut, Prof. Silfia juga menyampaikan ucapan selamat dan rasa bangga yang mendalam atas amanah baru yang diemban oleh Dr. Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal sebagai Wakil Menteri Pendidikan Brunei Darussalam. Ia turut menyambut hangat kepemimpinan baru di UNISSA di bawah Profesor Madya Dr. Awang Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani.

“Atas nama sivitas akademika UIN Bukittinggi, kami menyampaikan ucapan selamat dan tahniah kepada Dr. Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal atas kepercayaan yang diberikan oleh Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah sebagai Wakil Menteri Pendidikan Brunei Darussalam. Ucapan selamat dan salam takzim juga kami sampaikan kepada Rektor UNISSA yang baru, Profesor Madya Dr. Awang Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani. Semoga jembatan ilmu yang telah kita bangun selama satu dekade ini terus melahirkan generasi cendekiawan Muslim yang mencerahkan peradaban dunia,” pungkasnya penuh optimisme.                      [IO Media Centre]

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UIN Bukittinggi’s Ecotheology Movement: Alam Takambang Jadi Guru

UIN Bukittinggi’s Ecotheology Movement: Alam Takambang Jadi Guru

Minggu, Agustus 23, 2026

Amid growing threats of environmental degradation across Sumatra, State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia, is pioneering a faith-based ecological movement that bridges Islamic theology with West Sumatra’s indigenous wisdom. By embedding the Minangkabau philosophy of Alam Takambang Jadi Guru (Nature as a Ultimate Teacher) into its core academic curriculum and community practice, the university seeks to transform environmental stewardship from a mere social campaign into a religious imperative, positioning Islamic higher education at the forefront of regional climate action.

The lush campus of UIN Bukittinggi

UIN Bukittinggi’s Ecotheology Movement: Alam Takambang Jadi Guru

Dr  Irwandi                                                                                                                                                 

A gentle mist sweeps over the campus of State Islamic University (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek in West Sumatra. Framing the backdrop of Bukittinggi’s lush Highlands, an intellectual shift is gaining momentum inside its lecture halls—one that redefines how Islam intersects with the global climate crisis. Rather than treating religious studies and environmental science as separate fields, UIN Bukittinggi scholars are merging them into a single, action-oriented philosophy: Tauhid-Based Eco-Theology.

The framework builds on the cherished Minangkabau adage,  Alam Takambang Jadi Guru —meaning the expansive natural world serves as a master teacher. What long existed as a cultural value has been reimagined by UIN Bukittinggi’s academics as a core pillar of Tauhid, the Islamic doctrine of Divine Unity. Under this vision, environmental protection is no longer just a civic duty; it is an act of faith.

Nature as Cosmic Revelation

Central to this movement is a shift in how natural resources are viewed. Trees, rivers, and mountain valleys are not commodities for unchecked extraction. Instead, they are regarded as Ayat Kauniyah—the living, cosmic signs of God that exist alongside the written verses of the Quran.

Highlighting this connection between faith, culture, and environmental responsibility, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, underscores that ecological stewardship must be rooted in deep spiritual consciousness: "The ecological crisis we face today is fundamentally a spiritual crisis. By integrating 'Alam Takambang Jadi Guru' with the core values of Tauhid, UIN Bukittinggi positions environmental care not merely as a modern social movement, but as a religious imperative. Protecting nature is an inseparable expression of our faith in God and our responsibility as Khalifah on Earth," she stated.

In this context, damaging a forest is seen as a desecration of divine creation, and polluting a river as silencing the natural praise of the ecosystem. Humanity’s role is redefined from an unchecked ruler to a Khalifah—a steward entrusted with maintaining Mizan, or cosmic balance.

Institutional Anchor: Institutionalizing Green Faith

To ensure these principles extend beyond theoretical discourse, UIN Bukittinggi has established key institutional structures and global partnerships:

Center for Ecotheology Studies: Established under the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Adab, and Dakwah (FUAD), this center serves as the academic engine driving interdisciplinary research, curriculum integration, and policy recommendations centered on faith-based environmental stewardship.

Prof. Anna M. Gade, Ph.D., an academic from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, U.S., spoke at a forum hosted by the Center for Ecotheology Studies at FUAD UIN Bukittinggi on Jan. 2, 2026.

Faculty-Led Research & Organic Agriculture Innovations: UIN Bukittinggi actively facilitates its academics to conduct research and community service centered around eco-theology. Pioneered by Ali Rahman, M.H., a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), a university team developed organic fertilizers tested in pilot paddy fields across Bukittinggi City and Agam Regency, West Sumatra. This initiative bridges academic research with sustainable agricultural practices.

On Nov. 10, 2025, the launch of the organic rice harvest in Dusun Halalang, Agam, led by Ali Rahman, M.H., (middle) was witnessed by UIN Bukittinggi Vice Rector, Prof. Iiz Izmuddin (right), alongside Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azima binti Abdul Manaf (left).

Host to International Coalitions:  Positioned at the forefront of global religious dialogue, UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi in hosted the Netherlands–Indonesia Consortium for Muslim–Christian Relations (NICMCR) on June 3–4, 2026. The university leveraged the platform to elevate eco-theology, framing climate change as an urgent, shared interfaith priority.

Muslim and Christian academics from Indonesia and the Netherlands attended the NICMCR 2026 forum at UIN Bukittinggi on June 3–4, 2026.

Student Empowerment and Community Outreach

At the student level, UIN Bukittinggi’s eco-theology ethos is mobilized annually through the International Student Research Forum (ISRF) and the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata / KKN).

The 2nd International Student Research Forum (ISRF-2), running from 23 April to 4 June 2026, serves as a strategic platform to boost global research collaboration, integrate ecotheological insights, and deepen cross-border academic and cultural exchanges.

These student-led initiatives yield tangible impacts. In 2026, driven by eco-theological innovation, UIN Bukittinggi students earned  Second Place for Best Expo Stand  and were named the Most Active Group at the closing of KKN Nusantara VI 2026 at the Leuwidamar District Meeting Hall. During the program, students successfully processed local lemongrass (sereh) into natural mosquito repellent products. By harnessing local natural potential to address community needs, this initiative exemplifies real-world service that strengthens religious values while promoting ecological preservation.

UIN Bukittinggi students turned lemongrass into "Nahwangi," a natural mosquito repellent, winning 2nd Place for Best Expo Stand at KKN Nusantara VI 2026.

Turning Faith into Practical Policy

UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani ramps up ecotheology movement through initiatives on and off campus.

UIN Bukittinggi’s approach stands out for its focus on everyday implementation across three main areas:

Eco-Worship: Everyday actions like tree planting, waste management, and reducing water use during ritual ablutions are reframed as religious deeds that carry spiritual value.

Green Outreach: Students and future preachers trained through FUAD incorporate environmental conservation and climate resilience directly into their community sermons and religious teachings.

Sustainable Operations: The campus promotes institutional practices aimed at curbing single-use plastics, boosting energy efficiency, and protecting local ecosystems.

A Regional Model for Climate Action

As Southeast Asia grapples with severe climate impacts and deforestation threats, UIN Bukittinggi’s eco-theology movement points to a spiritual solution for a modern crisis. It frames environmental degradation as a crisis of human values and disconnected stewardship.

     

              Dr Irwandi

              Head of Centre for International Affairs of UIN Bukittinggi

By combining traditional regional wisdom, academic infrastructure, innovative grassroots research, and international partnerships with core Islamic principles, UIN Bukittinggi is delivering a practical message: safeguarding the environment is a fundamental responsibility for the modern world. []

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The Fragrant Leaf: How Lemongrass and 'Eco-Theology' Put UIN Bukittinggi on the Map

The Fragrant Leaf: How Lemongrass and 'Eco-Theology' Put UIN Bukittinggi on the Map

Sabtu, Agustus 22, 2026

Driven by eco-theology—a vision connecting spiritual faith with environmental stewardship—UIN Bukittinggi students turned abundant local lemongrass into an eco-friendly mosquito repellent in Wantisari Village, earning two national awards at KKN Nusantara VI.

LEUWIDAMAR, BANTEN — The gentle, crisp aroma of lemongrass drifts through the lush groves of Wantisari Village in Leuwidamar, Lebak Regency. Beneath the canopy of green, a group of young university students is hard at work, carefully picking, sorting, and processing the sharp-scented leaves.

Delegates from UIN Bukittinggi alongside other participants at the KKN Nusantara 2026 programme.

These students are not merely taking a break from their campus routine; they are weaving together a broader vision that connects spiritual values with environmental stewardship—a concept known as 'eco-theology'.

Participating in the 6th National Community Service Programme (KKN Nusantara VI), which ran from July 15 to August 22, 2026, Group 9 Nawantara—comprising a delegation from Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi alongside students from 15 State Islamic Higher Education institutions across Indonesia—set out to address pressing local challenges.

Listening to villagers complain about persistent mosquito problems while noticing an abundance of unharvested local lemongrass, the students saw an opportunity. Through close collaboration with the community, they developed 'Nahwangi', an all-natural, eco-friendly mosquito repellent spray derived from locally sourced lemongrass.

Their grassroots effort from the yards of Wantisari quickly gained national recognition. At the closing ceremony of KKN Nusantara VI held at the Leuwidamar District Meeting Hall on Thursday (Aug 20), the team’s eco-friendly innovation earned Group 9 Nawantara second place for Best Expo Stand as well as the Most Active Group award.

For the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, this achievement underscores the importance of grounded academic learning. "Students must not only excel academically, but also possess high social and ecological sensitivity. This community-based work is a tangible form of service," she remarked with pride.

Prof Dr Silfia Hanani, Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, plants a tree sapling on campus as part of the university's eco-theology drive.

Beyond the trophies and certificates, the experience of navigating Wantisari’s rural tracks and distilling essential oils left a lasting impression on the participants. As Hadana Rosyada, a student representative from UIN Bukittinggi, reflected: "The friendships formed, the courage to try new things, and the memories shared with the people of Wantisari are the true rewards."

Long after the expo booths were dismantled, the fact that the scent of lemongrass and the spirit of eco-theology remain in Lebak proves that sincere community service paired with practical knowledge will always leave a meaningful mark. [IRWANDI]

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Love, Moderation, and Digital Wisdom: Unpacking the Imperative of Values at UIN Bukittinggi

Love, Moderation, and Digital Wisdom: Unpacking the Imperative of Values at UIN Bukittinggi

Jumat, Agustus 21, 2026

To tackle digital disruption and growing social polarization, UIN Bukittinggi has made three core values mandatory for its incoming cohort: compassion, religious moderation, and digital wisdom. The university stressed that these ethical foundations are vital to ensuring graduates are not only academically adept, but also principled and discerning digital citizens.  

BUKITTINGGI-Friday morning at the Student Center of Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University (UIN) Bukittinggi did not open with boisterous fanfare. Well before the sun reached its zenith, thousands of incoming freshmen had gathered to complete their dawn prayers in unison, concluding dozens of collective recitations of the Quran. It was a serene opening ritual—yet one charged with a profound message: the intellectual journey at this institution begins not with memorizing formulas or theories, but with spiritual reflection.

As University Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani formally buttoned the academic blazers onto the new cohort, the campus orientation came to an official close. Yet, peeling back the layers of this ceremonial affair reveals that the gathering was never merely about physical orientation or navigating building layouts. Beneath the surface lay a far more vital mission: the enculturation of core values.

UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof Dr Silfia Hanani buttons an academic blazer onto an incoming student during a campus orientation ceremony on Aug 21, 2026. 

In an era where technological disruption frequently erodes ethical boundaries, UIN Bukittinggi offers a moral compass anchored in a compelling triad: Love, Moderation, and Digital Wisdom.

A Moral Compass in an Age of Disruption

Illustration of disruption in business, science, and education. Source: World Bank

Why has the cultivation of these values become so urgent that it must be instilled from day one?

Love as the Foundation of Empathy: Knowledge devoid of love breeds cold technocrats. A ethos of compassion underpins emotional intelligence, ensuring that every research endeavour and academic pursuit springs from a genuine desire to solve human struggles, rather than a mere chase for top marks.

Moderation as a Bulwark of Reason: Amid polarizing discourse and the threat of extremism targeting youth, an inclusive character is essential. Religious moderation equips students with intellectual maturity—remaining humble in diversity, steadfast in principles, and prudent in action.

Digital Literacy as Civilization: Today, technology is no longer a mere tool; it is a living ecosystem. Framing the digital realm as a civilization means training students to be more than passive consumers of algorithms. They are called to become ethical, educational, and impactful content creators.

The Bedrock of Personal Success and Institutional Standing

The urgency of these values directly mirrors the future trajectories of these students. True success in the workforce and broader society is never dictated by a degree alone, but by integrity, mental resilience, and strength of character. Students who anchor themselves in these principles will mature into formidable individuals, unshakable by the shifting tides of the times.

Freshmen at UIN Bukittinggi attending an academic and student orientation session.  

Furthermore, these students serve as the living ambassadors of their alma mater. The prestige of UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi rests not on the grandeur of its administration building, but on the grace, conduct, and public contribution of its student body. As these values take root, the reputation of UIN Bukittinggi will continue to tower high—standing as a beacon of light for society at large. [IRWANDI]

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