A university is not merely born to pursue rankings or accreditations. It exists to answer the needs of the times. It thrives to improve the lives of society. Today, at the second floor of the PAU building at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, this grand vision resonated during a workshop titled “The Transformation of UIN Sunan Kalijaga into an Autonomous University.”
In the presence of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's leadership, academics, Ministry of Religious Affairs officials, and invited guests, the university demonstrated something perhaps more significant than all academic achievements and accreditations: the awareness to change—structurally, socially, and spiritually. This awareness materialized into a grand vision: to become a world-class university that is competitive globally, and dedicated to the welfare of the nation and the state.
Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan opened the forum with firm conviction. He did not merely present statistics—73% of programs are top-rated, 30% have international accreditation, and 722 faculty members are globally networked. He was conveying one key message: that UIN Sunan Kalijaga has all the prerequisites to become a leader, and now is the time to take the next leap forward.
However, he also acknowledged the university’s limitations. “We are facing constraints in facilities, we are overcrowded, and we need room to grow,” he said. This realization gave birth to the initiative for the development of a new 71.5-hectare campus in Pajangan—a project that is not merely physical but also philosophical: a space to cultivate ideas, instill values, and harvest a brighter future.
In his speech, Director of Diktis at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, MA, reflected on the long journey to secure land for the new campus. This was not merely a bureaucratic process but a testament to the fact that significant change only arises through genuine collaboration.
The most profound message came from the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Phil. Kamaruddin Amin. Supporting the development of the new campus and the Faculty of Medicine, he delivered a broader moral call to shape a university that could become a transformative force in society.
“University success is not just measured by qualifications, reputation, or prestige, but also by its tangible contributions to the life of the nation. Knowledge is not enough to remain in journals; it must take root in the ground, become action, and bring about change,” said Kamaruddin.
He exemplified the concept of “teoecology,” an approach that merges ecological awareness with religious values. This concept represents a new form of Islam that prioritizes the planet and life. According to Kamaruddin, UIN Sunan Kalijaga should become a pioneer in turning laboratories into spaces of ecological solidarity, making faith a force for environmental preservation.
Furthermore, Kamaruddin challenged the campus to be creative and independent in financing itself. He identified four primary sources of funding for world-class universities: students, research and capitalization of campus resources, alumni, and endowment funds. The latter is not just about perpetual funds, but about leaving a legacy of values: that education is a collective responsibility.
In line with this, UIN Sunan Kalijaga has already begun its endowment fund program. Prof. Noorhaidi shared that the initiative, which has been in progress for several years, is now being reinforced by Prof. Dr. Waryono, Director of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment. He mentioned that although the program is still in its early stages, its impact is already evident. Today, 27 students are receiving scholarships from the endowment fund.
Additionally, UIN has implemented waste management programs, community empowerment in Gajah Wong, riverbank reforestation, and the empowerment of local SMEs as part of its tangible contributions, making a significant impact. These initiatives go beyond typical community service programs—they are about shaping individuals and communities alike.
Prof. Kamaruddin closed his speech with a crucial message: the university curriculum must emerge from a critical reading of reality. Programs of study should not just be academic disciplines, but responses to the world. In an era of climate crisis, digitalization, and social inequality, universities that remain indifferent will be left behind. “Every program must address the issues of the time,” he concluded.
UIN Sunan Kalijaga, with all its challenges and strengths, is embarking on a long journey to becoming a transformative university. This path is not easy, but it is noble. A true university is not only a place of learning; it is a home for change. And within this home, the future is being written—with courage, values, and love for the nation.