Two decades of partnership, UIN Jakarta and LIPIA expand collaboration in research and Arabic language enhancement
JAKARTA — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta and the Institute for Islamic and Arabic Sciences (LIPIA) Jakarta have agreed to extend and expand the scope of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on academic cooperation. This agreement emerged during a warm and constructive official bilateral meeting between the leaders of both institutions in Jakarta.
The visit of the LIPIA Jakarta delegation, led directly by the Director of the Institute, Dr. Walid bin Abdullah Al-Utsman, was received by UIN Jakarta leadership, headed by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D. Accompanying the LIPIA delegation were Deputy Director Dr. Sattam bin Abdurrahman An-Nasymi, Head of the Arabic Language Department Dr. Khalil bin Ibrahim Al-Abbas, and Head of Public Relations and Media Abdulrahman bin Sulaiman As-Sahari. Representing UIN Jakarta alongside Prof. Ali were the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FDI) Dr. Yuli Yasin, M.A., Head of the Center for International Cooperation Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag., Ph.D., as well as heads and secretary heads of the Arabic Language Education study program.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ali Munhanif expressed appreciation for the LIPIA delegation's visit, which he considered crucial for strengthening diplomatic and academic ties between both institutions. Prof. Ali highlighted that geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East—including in Libya, Saudi Arabia, and surrounding areas—have influenced the high public interest in Indonesia for studying religious sciences, the Arabic language, and Middle Eastern regional studies. This condition presents a strategic opportunity for UIN Jakarta to optimize its study programs and research centers.
"Institutional developments at UIN Jakarta, such as the establishment of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FDI), have further broadened the avenue for deepening religious studies, Arabic language, and Middle Eastern culture. FDI is expected to serve as the main driver in pushing forward concrete collaboration with LIPIA," said Prof. Ali. He also noted that the partnership between UIN Jakarta and LIPIA has been rooted for over two decades, making this momentum an important stepping stone to reactivate a more systematic collaboration.
In response, the Director of LIPIA Jakarta, Dr. Walid bin Abdullah Al-Utsman, delivered a positive assessment of the partnership's track record, particularly since the tenure of Prof. Dede Rosada as Rector of UIN Jakarta. "The collaboration established through student and lecturer exchange programs has made tangible contributions to the progress of both institutions, particularly in enhancing Arabic language competency and Islamic studies," expressed Dr. Walid. Given that the previous cooperation agreement is nearing its expiration, Dr. Walid officially proposed extending the MoU with a broader, more measurable, and directly impactful program scope.
During the discussion, Prof. Ali Munhanif also put forward a new initiative proposing complimentary Hajj and Umrah flight ticket incentives for high-achieving students and faculty members actively involved in academic exchanges. However, both parties agreed that this incentive proposal will undergo further review regarding its legal aspects and financial schemes.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment that the continuation of this academic partnership will not only improve the quality of Arabic language and Islamic studies instruction in Indonesia, but also strengthen national academic networks with the Middle East region. (fianaS/IO)