A total of 649 professional teachers were officially inaugurated by the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan. These teachers had completed the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, over a period of approximately five months (July to November 2024). The inauguration ceremony for the 2024 PPG in-service teachers (Madrasah and Islamic Religious Education) was held at the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Convention Hall on January 11, 2025.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Director General of Islamic Education, Prof. Dr. Abu Rokhmad, M.Ag., the Director of Islamic Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, M.A., the Director of Islamic Religious Education, Dr. M. Munir, S.Ag., M.A., along with Vice Rectors, the Dean of FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Dr. Sigit Purnama, M.Pd., and other academic leaders. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the PPG students who participated in the inauguration in person.

In his report, Prof. Dr. Sigit Purnama revealed that the 2024 PPG program had a quota of 1,302 participants for the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) field, divided into two batches: Batch 1 with 641 participants and Batch 2 with 661 participants. Unfortunately, two participants passed away before completing the exams. Of the remaining 653 students who took the PPG Competency Test, 649 (99.39%) passed, while four (0.61%) did not.

During the ceremony, Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan symbolically pinned badges on representatives of the newly inaugurated teachers. In his speech, he expressed his highest appreciation for the teachers and emphasized the critical integration of teaching content with effective instructional methods.

“Mastery of teaching materials is essential, but the methods of delivering them are equally critical. Above all, the successful implementation of both competencies, accompanied by excellent classroom management, is key to effective learning,” he said.

The Rector also praised the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training for its dedication during the PPG program, which included academic, pedagogical, leadership, managerial, and technological competency enhancements. These efforts are seen as highly relevant to addressing the current challenges in education.

Addressing participants of the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program, university leadership underscored the crucial role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in improving the quality of Indonesia's national education. They highlighted concerns about Indonesia’s educational standards, particularly student creativity, as reported by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

“The creativity index of Indonesian students remains alarmingly low. PAI teachers and their peers must optimize learning programs to cultivate a generation of leaders for Indonesia’s Golden Era in 2045. The role of PAI teachers is as strategic as that of other educators because they are instrumental in shaping students’ moral character,” the Rector emphasized.

He added that PAI teachers are not merely tasked with imparting religious knowledge but also with instilling moral values that uphold religious principles and foster love for the nation and country.

Concluding his remarks, the Rector stressed the relevance of UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s role in shaping a brighter future, as reflected in the university’s tagline, “Empowering Knowledge Shaping the Future.” The tagline embodies UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s commitment to becoming a proactive force in driving transformation rather than merely observing it.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Islamic Education, Prof. Dr. Abu Rokhmad, M.Ag., reminded the audience that becoming a professional teacher is not merely about a change in status or demeanor but is reflected in real classroom practices.

“All the learning processes during the approximately four-month PPG program must be translated into effective teaching practices. Teachers carry the noble mission of enlightening the nation's children,” he stated firmly.

He further emphasized that certified teachers bear a significant responsibility to actualize the learning objectives they have designed. These educators are expected to produce students who are not only globally competitive but also intellectually and emotionally resilient in facing various challenges.

The Director of Islamic Higher Education (Diktis), Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, M.A., emphasized the importance of enhancing the capacities of professional teachers to benefit students in schools. A redesigned program called "Transformative PPG" is being developed to certify remaining teachers within 1-2 years. He also highlighted that professional educators must effectively transfer knowledge to students to help achieve the vision of Indonesia’s Golden Era in 2045.

This vision, he explained, is characterized by advancements in science and technology, alongside progress in spirituality marked by a mature sense of tolerance that fosters collective welfare and peace.

Prof. Sahiron echoed remarks by Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., stressing the need for educational curricula in schools and madrasahs to emphasize tolerance and harmonious interfaith coexistence.

In his closing statement, Prof. Sahiron underscored the importance of instilling three key characteristics of Prophet Muhammad: fostering empathy and compassion, demonstrating enthusiasm for helping others, and nurturing love and kindness among peers.

Meanwhile, the Director of Islamic Religious Education (PAI), Dr. M. Munir, S.Ag., M.A., expressed hopes that future PPG programs could accommodate more participants. He encouraged professional teachers to take the lead in developing potential and continually improving their competencies, including pursuing master’s degrees. Dr. Munir also urged teachers to embed values of tolerance in their students.

(Reported by the Public Relations Team)