UIN Bukittinggi Trains Interns and Involves Malaysian Students to Boost Islamic Tourism Skills

UIN Bukittinggi Trains Interns and Involves Malaysian Students to Boost Islamic Tourism Skills

Rabu, Juli 29, 2026

BUKITTINGGI, INDONESIA — Indonesia’s burgeoning halal tourism sector is riding a wave of rising domestic and international demand for Muslim-friendly travel. Yet, industry observers note that its rapid expansion remains constrained by a fundamental hurdle: a critical shortage of skilled talent proficient in both modern hospitality management and Islamic regulatory frameworks.

Surau Tuo Taram: Historic Witness to West Sumatra’s Oldest Islamic Civilization in Taram Village.

To bridge this widening gap, the Sharia Tourism Programme at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business/Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam  (FEBI), UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi (State Islamic University of Bukittinggi), rolled out a targeted internship coaching workshop from Tuesday to Friday (28–29/7/2026). The initiative aims to fast-track workforce readiness by equipping students with essential competencies in halal service standards, destination governance, and sharia-compliant certifications.

Dewi Manda, Head of the Sharia Tourism Study Programme at UIN Bukittinggi, stressed that the initiative aims to dismantle the misconception of sharia tourism as a mere promotional buzzword. Noting on the sidelines of the event, she emphasized that it is a comprehensive service ecosystem requiring high professional standards to successfully drive the market both locally and internationally.

 Tourism Training. Tourism Practitioner Faizal Basri Outlines Tourism 6.0 Paradigm.

Adding regional weight to the workshop, six undergraduate students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) crossed the strait to participate alongside their Indonesian peers. Their presence signals deepening academic and professional collaboration across South-east Asia as they engage in interactive dialogues focused on sustainable tourism models and cultural heritage.

Dr. Aidil Alfin, Dean of FEBI UIN Bukittinggi, championed this integrative curriculum. He emphasized that internships must transcend basic academic requirements to serve as a channel for substantive, career-defining learning that precisely matches current industry needs.

Delivering a technical keynote during the sessions, Tourpreneur tourism expert Faisal Zulfi, argued that marrying sustainable tourism principles with the emerging Tourism 6.0 paradigm is an absolute necessity. He explained that this shifts the industry focus away from past eras centered on product acquisition, sightseeing, and digital sharing toward a framework centered on what to live.

Halal  Food and Tourism: Sanjai chips are an authentic, halal Minangkabau snack from Bukittinggi.

Mr. Faisal remarked that today's industry focus no longer chases visitor numbers alone. Instead, it drives sustainability that delivers a tangible impact on the environment, society, and local economies by prioritizing authentic values that blend seamlessly with daily community life.

Complementing this macroscopic view on tourism trends, industry expert Witra Neldi unpacked the micro-foundations of hospitality and accommodation. He asserted that modern lodgings are no longer mere resting stops, but rather the beating heart of a traveler's journey.

 Halal hospitality standards. Tourism industry expert Witra Neldi explains halal tourism hospitality.

According to Mr. Neldi, this success relies on three core pillars: uncompromising halal hospitality standards ensuring hygiene and family privacy, emotional personalization requiring cultural empathy and warmth beyond rigid standard operating procedures, and sustainable operations integrating eco-friendly practices and local workforce integration into daily management.

Interns: Tourism internship participants receive orientation and training.

Through initiatives fusing rigorous regulatory training, international academic exchange, and next-generation sustainability models, UIN Bukittinggi continues to position itself as a vital talent pipeline for Indonesia’s ambitious sharia tourism economy. [IRWANDI]

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UIN Bukittinggi Scholar to Study German Dual-Education System and TVET Management at TU Dresden

UIN Bukittinggi Scholar to Study German Dual-Education System and TVET Management at TU Dresden

Selasa, Juli 28, 2026

BUKITTINGGI, Indonesia – A graduate student from the Postgraduate School of UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi has been selected to participate in a prestigious national academic mobility scheme aimed at advancing vocational education and training (TVET) management and educational technology in Germany.

TU Dresden Campus, Germany

Elmeki Satria, a master’s student in Islamic Education Management at the Postgraduate School of UIN Bukittinggi, secured a spot in the Indonesian International Lecturer Study Mobility (DIKMEN) 2026: Overseas Internship Program for Vocational Secondary School (SMK) Teachers.

The three-month fully funded initiative is part of Indonesia's national strategic drive to revitalize vocational education and adopt best practices from Germany’s world-renowned dual education system. Funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) under the Ministry of Finance, the programme is jointly organised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Directorate General of Secondary and Special Education alongside the TU Dresden Institute for Further and Continuous Education (TUD FaCE) in Dresden, Germany.

Highly Competitive National Cohort

Nationally, the fellowship is highly competitive, selecting only 34 outstanding educators and academic practitioners from across Indonesia for the 2026 cohort. Scheduled from Aug 24 to Nov 20, 2026, the intensive course aims to equip participants with global leadership capabilities to reform vocational governance back home.

During their study visit at TU Dresden, participants will delve into strategic areas including TVET instructional design and methodology, human resource development, educational technology integration, knowledge transfer from theory to practice, and on-site study of German industrial management and research facilities.

Praise from University  

The achievement has drawn strong commendation from the leadership of the Postgraduate School of UIN Bukittinggi. Professor Nunu Burhanuddin, Director of Postgraduate Studies at UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, expressed immense pride in Mr Elmeki’s selection into the national delegation.

Academic Milestone. Frorm left:Postgraduate Administration Head Elvi Sukhairi, Postgraduate Director Prof Nunu Burhanuddin, Elmeki Satria, and Postgraduate Deputy Director Prof Hesi Eka Puteri. 

"We warmly welcome and extend our highest appreciation for Mr Elmeki Satria’s selection into this national study mobility programme at TU Dresden," Prof Nunu said. "Our student's inclusion among a select national cohort of 34 participants underscores the global competitiveness and academic rigor of UIN Bukittinggi's postgraduate scholars."

Prof Nunu emphasized that exposure to Germany’s advanced TVET framework and technological infrastructure will enrich the academic scope of Islamic Education Management in Indonesia. Insights gained into institutional governance, industry alignment, and modern instructional design can be adapted to elevate Islamic educational institutions nationwide, he added.

The Postgraduate Building at UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi in West Sumatra. The facility serves as a center for master's and doctoral studies as well as advanced academic research.

"This milestone is not only a personal triumph for Mr Elmeki, but also a catalyst for the internationalisation of our Postgraduate School," Prof Nunu noted. "We trust that the insights and best practices acquired in Germany will be translated into his master’s research and broader educational leadership endeavours."

Through such high-level global engagements, the Postgraduate School of UIN Bukittinggi continues to demonstrate its commitment to contributing to national educational reform while harmonising Islamic scholarly traditions with contemporary global education management. (IO Media Team)

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Cultural Diplomacy: UIN Bukittinggi Students Showcase Heritage in Southern Thailand

Cultural Diplomacy: UIN Bukittinggi Students Showcase Heritage in Southern Thailand

Senin, Juli 27, 2026

HATYAI, Songkhla— Cultural and religious engagement is once again proving to be an effective vehicle for strengthening ties across Southeast Asia. A delegation of student volunteers from UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi (Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University, Bukittinggi) showcased traditional Malay-Minangkabau performing arts during the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday celebration at the Hatyai City Meeting Hall in Songkhla province, Southern Thailand, on Sunday (26/7/2026).

Cultural Diplomacy. Students of UIN Bukittinggi perform a traditional Minangkabau dance during Maulid Nabi celebration in Hatyai, Thailand, promoting Indonesian heritage and cross-border friendship.

This soft diplomacy initiative, blending academic outreach with traditional performing arts, received warm acclaim from both local authorities and university leaders. Performing before hundreds of local Muslim residents, the Mayor of Hatyai, Narongporn Na Phatthalung, and board members of the Songserm Sasana Vitaya School Foundation, the Indonesian students delivered cultural showcases reflecting shared regional heritage. Alongside traditional Malay arts, the delegation presented signature Minangkabau performances, including the Tari Pasambahan (welcome dance) and Randai (folk theater), as a means of promoting local wisdom on an international stage.

Speaking from Padang, West Sumatra, UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani expressed high praise for the students’ international engagement, describing their participation as a concrete execution of an inclusive and globally oriented academic vision.

“We are immensely proud of the dedication shown by our international community service students in Hatyai. This is not merely the completion of a curricular requirement; it is a genuine form of cultural diplomacy. Through Minangkabau arts and a shared spirit of Islamic brotherhood, our students have demonstrated that UIN Bukittinggi is ready to contribute actively at the ASEAN regional level,” Silfia said.

She added that cross-border community service models would be expanded further to bolster institutional networks and solidify UIN Bukittinggi’s standing as a leading, culturally grounded, and globally competitive state Islamic higher education institution.

Strengthening Malay-Islamic Ties

The presence of Indonesian students in Southern Thailand carries significant sociological weight, given the historical connections and shared Malay-Islamic heritage that bind Southern Thailand and West Sumatra.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Hatyai expressed gratitude for the delegation’s contribution, noting that the performances brought cultural warmth that resonated deeply with the history and daily lives of the local Muslim community.

Similarly, Rozak, head of the Songserm Sasana Vitaya School Foundation, lauded the delegation, stating that the students’ performance succeeded in building an effective communicative bridge between educational institutions in Southern Thailand and Indonesia.

Rafli Dwiyanto, student coordinator for the international program, noted that the enthusiastic response from local residents served as a strong morale boost. “This stage provided an effective medium to introduce the richness of Minangkabau culture while fostering closer ties with our brothers and sisters in Thailand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arjoni, field supervisor and Head of the Center for Community Engagement / Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat(PKM) at UIN Bukittinggi, emphasized that the initiative was designed in alignment with the campus’s internationalization vision.

Strengthening Ties. Students from UIN Bukittinggi pose for a group with Mayor of Hatyai, Narongporn Na Phatthalung (seventh from left) and Ustadz Razak (eighth from left), head of  the Songserm Sasana Vitaya School Foundation.

Integrated Internationalization Framework

The exploration and execution of international academic and outreach initiatives form an integral part of the university’s broader strategy to enhance its global standing.

Head of the International Office at UIN Bukittinggi, Dr. Irwandi, emphasized that all international student mobility programs are designed under a single, integrated strategy. According to him, both the International Community Engagement and International Internship programs operate within the overarching framework of the UIN Bukittinggi Internationalization Program.

“All activities, including both international society engagement and international internships, fall under the unified umbrella of the UIN Bukittinggi Internationalization Program. This step is systematically designed to ensure that every student effort abroad not only delivers educational and community impact, but also reinforces the university’s institutional position on the global stage,” Irwandi concluded. (IRWANDI)

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UIN Bukittinggi and UKM Cross-Border Internships: A Critical Catalyst for Cultivating Globally Competitive Graduates in Southeast Asia

UIN Bukittinggi and UKM Cross-Border Internships: A Critical Catalyst for Cultivating Globally Competitive Graduates in Southeast Asia

Minggu, Juli 26, 2026

BUKITTINGGI, INDONESIA — In an era defined by hyper-competition and rapid economic integration, international internships have transitioned from a conventional academic elective into an indispensable imperative for higher education. This paradigm is vividly embodied in the strategic reciprocal internship scheme recently forged between Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

International Internship: UKM Students Undertake Tourism Internship at UIN Bukittinggi.

Designed to address the urgent demand for globally minded talent, the cross-border initiative bridges rigorous academic theory with real-world industry practice, focusing specifically on the burgeoning sector of sustainable and Sharia tourism.

The collaborative framework commenced with the deployment of six students from UIN Bukittinggi’s Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business / Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam (FEBI) to UKM from June 18 to July 13, 2026. Fulfilling the principle of true reciprocity, the exchange continues from July 27 to September 21, 2026, welcoming six students from UKM’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities/Fakultas Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan (FSSK) to UIN Bukittinggi’s Sharia Tourism Study Program and prominent regional industry partners.

UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof. Silfia Hanani emphasized that overseas internships are crucial building blocks for equipping undergraduates with cross-cultural dexterity and professional resilience—competencies that cannot be fully acquired within the confines of a traditional classroom.

"International internships are no longer merely a mechanism to accumulate credit hours; they are a calculated strategy to accelerate university internationalization and instill a global mindset," Prof. Silfia stated on Saturday (26/7/2026). "This cross-border exposure allows students to test academic hypotheses in practical arenas while cultivating intercultural sensitivity. Such experiences form the vital foundation our graduates need to command high employability and serve as cultural diplomacy bridges."

Elevating Competencies Through Sharia Tourism Ecosystems

The strategic focus on tourism is intricately aligned with the geo-strategic and cultural advantages of West Sumatra's Minangkabau region. Dr. Aidil Alfin, Dean of FEBI UIN Bukittinggi, noted that the placement of UKM students is meticulously curated to deliver a holistic operational view—spanning destination governance, Muslim-friendly industry analytics, and direct engagement with local micro-economies.

Internship Orientation. UKM students receive tourism internship orientation at UIN Bukittinggi. 

"We project our interns to dissect industry dynamics firsthand. Within our program and partner networks, UKM students examine halal tourism concepts and witness how local wisdom integrates into high-value economic models," Dr. Aidil explained.

Echoing this sentiment, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azima Abdul Manaf, Internship Advisor at FSSK UKM, underscored that structured transnational mobility pushes undergraduates out of their comfort zones, fostering professional linguistic proficiency, regional regulatory literacy, and international networks at an early career stage.

Article Writing Guidance. UIN Bukittinggi students received mentorship for reputable international journal publication during UKM internship.

"This partnership facilitates the absorption of best practices in Indonesian tourism management, enriching sociocultural research and reinforcing the Malay heritage bond within the realm of regional creative economy development," Dr. Azima remarked.

As higher education institutions navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the UIN Bukittinggi-UKM reciprocal model highlights an urgent truth: experiential cross-border learning is the definitive cornerstone for molding adaptive, world-ready leaders for tomorrow's global economy. [IRWANDI]

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UIN Bukittinggi dan UKM Gulirkan Skema Magang Timbal Balik

UIN Bukittinggi dan UKM Gulirkan Skema Magang Timbal Balik

Minggu, Juli 26, 2026

BUKITTINGGI — Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi bersama Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) memperkokoh jejaring akademik kawasan Asia Tenggara melalui skema pemagangan internasional timbal balik (reciprocal internship). Inisiatif yang berfokus pada penguatan sektor pariwisata berkelanjutan ini menjadi pijakan strategis dalam merajut integrasi ilmu pengetahuan, adaptasi budaya, serta pengalaman industri lintas negara.

   Magang Internasional. Penyambutan mahasiswa Fakultas Sains Sosial UKM di UIN Bukittinggi.                                   

Kolaborasi ini diawali dengan pengiriman enam mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam (FEBI) UIN Bukittinggi ke Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) yang berlangsung pada 18 Juni hingga 13 Juli 2026. Sebagai wujud komitmen resiprokal, panggung pembelajaran global tersebut berlanjut pada 27 Juli hingga 21 September 2026. Sebanyak enam mahasiswa dari Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan (FSSK) UKM menjalani program magang di Program Studi Pariwisata Syariah FEBI UIN Bukittinggi serta sejumlah mitra strategis industri setempat.

Magang Mahasiswa FEBI. Mahasiswa FEBI UIN Bukittinggi saat melakukan magang di UKM.

Rektor UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi Prof. Silfia Hanani menegaskan bahwa program pemagangan internasional lintas batas ini bukan sekadar pemenuhan beban akademis, melainkan langkah terukur dalam membangun internasionalisasi perguruan tinggi dan membekali mahasiswa dengan wawasan global (global mindset).

"Melalui pemagangan internasional ini, mahasiswa tidak hanya menguji teori akademis di medan practical, tetapi juga mengasah kepekaan interkultural dan etika profesional dalam lanskap global. Pengalaman lintas negara ini menjadi fondasi penting agar lulusan kita memiliki daya saing tinggi sekaligus mampu menjadi jembatan diplomasi kebudayaan," ujar Prof. Silfia, Senin (27/7/2026).

Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, Rektor UIN Bukittinggi

Integrasi Ekosistem Pariwisata Syariah

Fokus pemagangan yang menitikberatkan pada sektor kepariwisataan dinilai sangat relevan dengan keunggulan geo-strategis dan kultural Minangkabau. Dekan FEBI UIN Bukittinggi Dr. Aidil Alfin menjelaskan bahwa kehadiran mahasiswa FSSK UKM di Bukittinggi dirancang untuk memberikan pengalaman holistik, mulai dari tata kelola destinasi, analisis industri ramah muslim, hingga interaksi langsung dengan ekosistem bisnis lokal.

"Kami memproyeksikan para peserta magang dapat membedah dinamika pariwisata secara riil. Di Program Studi Pariwisata Syariah dan jaringan mitra strategis kami, mahasiswa UKM tidak hanya mempelajari konsep halal tourism, tetapi juga melihat bagaimana nilai-nilai lokal dan kearifan kultural diintegrasikan ke dalam industri bernilai ekonomi tinggi," tutur Aidil.

Dekan FEBI, Dr. Aidil Alfin

Langkah ini menyatukan keahlian metodologis-analitis dari FSSK UKM dengan praktik lapangan pariwisata berbasis syariah yang dikembangkan FEBI UIN Bukittinggi.

Memperkuat Internalisasi Kompetensi

Dari pihak Malaysia, Dosen Pengarah FSSK Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Prof.Madya Dr. Azima  Abdul Manaf menyambut baik sinergi terstruktur yang terbangun antara kedua lembaga. Menurutnya, pemagangan internasional timbal balik ini memberikan dimensi pembelajaran yang lengkap, baik dari aspek penguasaan bahasa profesional, pemahaman regulasi kawasan, hingga pembentukan jaringan kerja global sejak dini.

"Program ini memfasilitasi mahasiswa kami untuk keluar dari zona nyaman dan menyerap pengalaman praktis (best practices) pengelolaan kepariwisataan di Indonesia. Pertukaran pengetahuan ini memperkaya khazanah riset sosiokultural serta memperkuat ikatan rumpun Melayu dalam konteks pengembangan ekonomi kreatif kawasan," kata Azima.

Melalui program yang berlangsung hingga akhir September mendatang, kedua institusi optimistis kolaborasi ini dapat terus berkelanjutan. Lebih dari sekadar pertukaran pelajar, skema pemagangan ini diarahkan menjadi model kemitraan strategis dalam mencetak sumber daya manusia unggul yang siap memimpin di panggung internasional.(IRWANDI 

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Can Indonesia Become the World's Halal Hub by 2029? An Interview with Prof. Dr. Rusyaida

Can Indonesia Become the World's Halal Hub by 2029? An Interview with Prof. Dr. Rusyaida

Selasa, Juli 21, 2026

Indonesia has set an ambitious target of becoming a global halal hub by 2029, capitalising on its status as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation and its rapidly expanding halal economy. Yet turning that ambition into reality requires more than political commitment—it demands a robust regulatory framework, integrated industries, and collaboration across the public and private sectors.

The Sheikh Ahmad Khatib Al Minangkabawi Grand Mosque. The Sheikh Ahmad Khatib Al Minangkabawi Grand Mosque in Padang, West Sumatera, one of Indonesia's most distinctive Islamic landmarks and a key attraction for religious tourism. (Source:https://www.tripadvisor.co.id)

 

In an interview, Prof. Dr. Rusyaida, Professor of Islamic Tourism Jurisprudence (Fiqih Pariwisata) at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, explained that Indonesia possesses all the essential ingredients to lead the global halal industry, provided it can strengthen implementation and maintain consistency.

Prof. Dr. Rusyaida (Professor of Islamic Tourism Jurisprudence at UIN Bukittinggi) 
 

"Indonesia has enormous potential. Halal is no longer simply a religious concept; it has become an economic ecosystem encompassing food, tourism, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, finance and logistics," she said.

According to Prof. Rusyaida, the term halal, derived from Arabic, means "permissible" or "lawful" under Islamic law. In Indonesia, however, the concept has evolved into a national brand that is increasingly recognised in sectors such as halal food, halal tourism and halal consumer products.

She pointed out that the government's commitment is clearly reflected in Law Number  33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, which defines halal products as those certified in accordance with Islamic law. The legislation also places responsibility for administering the halal assurance system on the government through the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH), working in collaboration with relevant ministries, Halal Inspection Bodies (LPH) and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

"This legal framework provides certainty for both producers and consumers. It also strengthens Indonesia's credibility in the international halal market," Prof. Rusyaida noted.

 Twin Lakes Splendour. A scenic view of Lake Diateh-also known as the Upper Lake-one of the       natural attractions in Solok, West Sumatera, Indones. (Source: Kiwigraphy Studio)

One of the government's key strategies, she said, is the development of halal industrial estates. These are designed to ensure that every stage of production—from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, storage and distribution—complies with Islamic standards.

"A halal industry cannot rely solely on certification of the final product. The entire supply chain must be halal-compliant. This is what we call the halal value chain," she explained.

The initiative is being developed in cooperation with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), with priority sectors including food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and modest fashion.

Nasi Kapau. Halal cuisine is served at a Nasi Kapau eatery in Los Lambuang, Bukittinggi, West Sumatera, Indonesia. The traditional Minangkabau culinary is renowned for its wide selection of halal dishes and remains a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. (Source: JPNN.COM/SUMBAR)

Prof. Rusyaida stressed that supply chain management remains one of the most critical components in achieving Indonesia's ambition.

"Halal compliance begins with the selection of suppliers, continues through the production process, warehousing and logistics, and ends with distribution to consumers. Every stage must prevent contamination by non-halal elements," she said.

Despite Indonesia's considerable advantages, she acknowledged that several challenges remain. Harmonising regulations, improving the capacity of halal certification institutions, increasing the competitiveness of local industries and strengthening public awareness all require sustained attention. Equally important, she added, is stronger support from Islamic financial institutions.

"The halal ecosystem cannot flourish without adequate financing. Islamic financial institutions play a strategic role in supporting investment and expanding halal businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises," she said.

Looking ahead, Prof. Rusyaida believes Indonesia's aspiration to become the world's halal hub by 2029 is achievable, but only if all stakeholders move in the same direction.

"The government cannot achieve this objective alone. Success depends on collaboration between regulators, businesses, scholars, certification bodies, financial institutions and consumers. If these elements work together, Indonesia has every opportunity to become a global centre of the halal economy," she concluded. [IRWANDI]

 

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USIM and UIN Bukittinggi Renew Partnership on Academic Collaboration

USIM and UIN Bukittinggi Renew Partnership on Academic Collaboration

Sabtu, Juli 18, 2026

NILAI, Malaysia – Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi in West Sumatra have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming a mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in higher education, research and human capital development.

    Dean of Faculty of Ushuluddin, Adab, dan Dakwah, Prof. Dr. Syafwan Rozi( second from right),          and Vice-Chancellor  of  USIM, Prof. Dato' Ts. Dr. Sharifudin Md Shaarani (third from right)  after        signing  the partnership agreement in Malaysia. 

The agreement was signed at the meeting room of Vice-Chancellor of USIM on July 14, reviving a partnership that expired in 2022 and laying the groundwork for broader academic synergy between the two Islamic institutions.

   Signing the MoU on behalf of USIM was Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dato' Ts. Dr. Sharifudin Md Shaarani,  while UIN Bukittinggi was represented by the Dean of Faculty of  Ushuluddin, Adab and Dakwah,  Prof. Dr. Syafwan Rozi.

The renewed agreement covers student and academic staff mobility, researcher and administrative exchanges, joint academic programs, collaborative research and innovation, scholarly publications, and the sharing of academic resources.

Moving forward, the two universities plan to expand cooperation through joint research projects, co-authored publications and professional development initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of their academic communities. Sharifudin said the renewed MoU represented more than a mere extension of a previous agreement. 

"This MoU is not merely a document. It marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that we hope will translate into meaningful collaboration in academic programs, research and human capital development between USIM and UIN Bukittinggi," he said.

Separately, UIN Bukittinggi Rector Prof. Silfia Hanani expressed appreciation to USIM for its continued commitment to strengthening ties between the two universities. Silfia said the renewed agreement should pave the way for tangible programs that benefit both institutions, particularly in education, research, community engagement and academic capacity-building.

  Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani (Rector of UIN Bukittinggi)

She added that sustained collaboration would enhance the international standing of both universities while contributing to stronger regional cooperation in Islamic higher education. [IRWANDI]

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Prof. Edi Rosman and the Renewal of Islamic Criminal Law

Prof. Edi Rosman and the Renewal of Islamic Criminal Law

Jumat, Juli 17, 2026

 A formal appointment letter changed hands at the Grand Mercure Harmoni Hotel in Jakarta on July 13, 2026, marking a milestone not only in one academic's career but also in Indonesia's ongoing discourse on Islamic legal thought.

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs presented the decree appointing Prof Dr Edi Rosman as Professor of Islamic Criminal Law at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi (Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University Bukittinggi) recognizing decades of scholarship in the field of Fiqh Jinayah, or Islamic criminal jurisprudence.

Prof. Dr. Edi Rosman

For many academics, attaining a professorship represents the culmination of years of teaching and research. For Prof Edi, however, the appointment also signals a new phase in an intellectual pursuit that has long defined his work: exploring how Islamic criminal law can remain firmly rooted in the Islamic scholarly tradition while responding to the realities of a rapidly changing society.

Public discussions of Islamic criminal law have often been dominated by images of hudud punishments, qisas (retaliation), or public caning. Such perceptions have tended to reduce the discipline to its penal provisions, reinforcing the view that it is inseparable from medieval legal texts and resistant to contemporary change.

Yet within the broader tradition of Islamic jurisprudence, law has never been understood merely as a catalogue of punishments. It has also been regarded as an instrument for achieving justice. Throughout history, the practice of ijtihad—independent legal reasoning—has enabled Islamic law to engage with evolving social realities while remaining anchored in its foundational principles. It is within this intellectual tradition that Prof Edi's scholarship finds its place.

The writer (right) with Prof. Edi Rosman (second from right) at the Annual Meeting of Asian Islamic Universities Association (AIUA) in Jakarta, late June 2026. 

Born in Balimbing, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, on Oct 18, 1972, Prof Edi pursued higher education exclusively in Islamic legal studies. He earned his bachelor's degree in Faculty of Shari'ah (Islamic Law) from State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Imam Bonjol Padang, completed a master's degree in Islamic Law at Muhammadiyah University Jakarta, and obtained a doctorate in Islamic Law from Universitas Islam Bandung  in 2012.

His academic career has been marked by teaching, research and scholarly publications focusing on contemporary developments in Islamic law. Across numerous articles, he has consistently examined the relationship between legal texts, social transformation and the continuing need for Islamic jurisprudence to address emerging challenges.

Those challenges have become increasingly complex in the digital age. Cybercrime, cryptocurrency-related fraud, theft of digital assets and environmental destruction on a large scale are among issues scarcely envisaged in classical legal literature. They raise new questions about how Islamic criminal law can respond to technological and social change without compromising its underlying principles of justice.

Within contemporary Islamic legal scholarship, renewal is generally understood not as altering the core principles of Shariah, but as reinterpreting and applying them through the framework of maqasid al-shariah—the higher objectives of Islamic law. This approach places the protection of life, intellect, property, dignity and the public good at its centre, while allowing governments, through the doctrine of ta'zir, to determine appropriate sanctions in accordance with changing societal needs.

In Indonesia, these debates have gained renewed relevance as the national legal system increasingly embraces restorative justice. Recent reforms within the country's law enforcement institutions have placed greater emphasis on reconciliation and social recovery alongside punishment. Comparable concepts have long existed within Islamic legal tradition through qisas and diyat, which provide mechanisms for balancing the interests of victims, offenders and the wider community.

The implementation of the Qanun Jinayat in Aceh has likewise become an important case study. Increasingly, attention has shifted beyond the nature of prescribed punishments to broader questions of substantive justice, the protection of vulnerable groups and the compatibility of Islamic criminal law with Indonesia's plural constitutional order.

For West Sumatra, Prof Edi's appointment also reinforces a longstanding intellectual tradition shaped by the interaction between customary law and Islamic teachings. The Minangkabau philosophy of Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah—custom founded upon Islamic law, and Islamic law founded upon the Qur'an—has long demonstrated that Islamic values can develop alongside local wisdom without losing their vitality.

By the afternoon, the appointment ceremony had concluded. Yet the more demanding task was only beginning: ensuring that Islamic criminal law continues to evolve as a living tradition of justice—one capable of engaging with contemporary realities while remaining faithful to the ethical foundations from which it emerged.  [IRWANDI]

 

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UIN Bukittinggi Shariah Faculty: Extracting ‘Law in Action’ from the Womb of ‘Law in Books'

UIN Bukittinggi Shariah Faculty: Extracting ‘Law in Action’ from the Womb of ‘Law in Books'

Jumat, Juli 17, 2026

BUKITTINGGI, INDONESIA— The greatest challenge facing legal education in Indonesia today is ensuring curricula remain relevant to the evolving needs of society. Higher education institutions are tasked not only with producing graduates well-versed in theory, but also equipping them to be resilient problem-solvers. The success of legal education is measured by how effectively classrooms can integrate normative knowledge (law in books) into instruments of real-world justice (law in action).

A courtroom session in progress at a religious court in Indonesia (Source: pa-gorontolo.go.id)

This progressive step is currently being undertaken by the Shariah Faculty of Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi (Sjech M. Djamil Djambek State Islamic University of Bukittinggi). 

Through its 2026 Religious Court Practice Coaching session on Wednesday (July 15), which was attended by 235 students, the university is building a sturdy bridge connecting academic theory with the realities of law enforcement.

Dr. H. Salman (Chief of the Bukittinggi Religious Court)

Throughout their studies, students have been equipped with normative frameworks ranging from the Compilation of Islamic Law to procedural law. However, this knowledge will face its true test when they are deployed to 21 Religious Courts from July 20 to August 17, 2026.

For these students, the courtroom will serve as a literal legal laboratory. There, they will learn that a case is never merely about legal articles, but involves the fates, rights, and futures of justice seekers—spanning inheritance disputes and child custody to the dynamics of Shariah economics.

Prof. Dr. H. Ismail,  Dean of  UIN Bukittinggi’s Shariah Faculty, emphasised the importance of integrating academic aspects with professional competence. Echoing this view, the Chief of the Bukittinggi Religious Court, Dr H. Salman, reminded students that modern judiciaries demand digital adaptability through e-Court and e-Litigation systems, alongside the mastery of complex evidentiary laws.

Prof. Dr. H. Ismail (Dean of  Shariah Faculty, UIN Bukittinggi)

These challenges underscore that hard skills, such as legal analysis and legal drafting, must go hand in hand with soft skills, including empathy, integrity, and mental resilience.

Participants of the internship briefing listen to a presentation by the speaker.

Ultimately, UIN Bukittinggi’s move to deploy hundreds of its students represents a strategic investment in the regeneration of Islamic civil law in Indonesia. The future of the judiciary requires graduates who are not only adept at interpreting norms, but are also capable of delivering living justice that truly benefits society. [IRWANDI]

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