In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping education, the university classroom is no longer confined to four walls. Today, learning can fit in the palm of a hand. UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta appears to understand this shift well.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the university formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bajdah Educational Institution of Saudi Arabia during the 15th International Scientific Meeting on the Arabic Language (PINBA) in Jakarta. This was no ordinary agreement — it marked a strategic step to merge the centuries-old traditions of Arabic and Qur’anic learning with cutting-edge digital technology.
“Education must stay relevant to its time. AI is an opportunity, not a threat,” was the message that emerged from UIN Sunan Kalijaga during the forum.
Representing UIN Sunan Kalijaga were Dr. Abdur Rozaki, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Partnerships, who joined virtually, and Dr. Muhammad Nasiruddin, Secretary of the Master’s Program in Arabic Language Education, who attended in person. From Saudi Arabia, Dr. Khalid Annamlah and Dr. Badr Aljabr participated online. The signing was also witnessed by prominent figures from the International League of Arab Academics (IMLA), including Prof. Dr. Uril Bahruddin, Prof. Tulus Musthofa, Prof. Dr. Imam Asrari, Prof. Faisal Mubarak, Dr. Ahsanuddin, and Dr. Siti Salihah.
The collaboration will integrate three digital innovations into the learning process: Itqan, the Speak Arabic website, and the Al-Fatiha application. The latter has drawn particular attention — an AI-powered app that automatically corrects recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah. Users can record their recitation, receive instant feedback, practice repeatedly until mastery (mutqin), and even earn an official certificate of proficiency.
This agreement marks a new chapter in academic relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, while opening doors to cross-border innovations in religious education. No longer reliant solely on physical classrooms, Qur’anic study can now be pursued through a blend of AI precision and the scholarly traditions of Islam.
As the university emphasized, this is not merely a technology project — it is a commitment to preserving the authenticity of Qur’anic recitation through a modern approach. “We aim to deliver learning rooted in tradition, yet always a step ahead of the times,” UIN Sunan Kalijaga declared.
From Yogyakarta to Riyadh, the partnership stands as evidence that technology, when guided with purpose, can become an ally of both knowledge and faith.
(Humas UIN Sunan Kalijaga)