Jakarta, October 13, 2025 — A warm, nostalgic atmosphere filled the Ballroom of Hotel Bidakara, South Jakarta, as hundreds of alumni of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta gathered for the event “Rector Meets IKASUKA.” More than a reunion, the occasion became a strategic forum to strengthen alumni networks and synchronize collective support for the university’s ongoing development agenda.

In his address, Rector Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi Hasan highlighted that UIN Sunan Kalijaga is entering a crucial phase of institutional transformation, including plans for the construction of a second campus on 71 hectares of land in Pajangan, Bantul, and the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine, currently under review by the Ministry.

“We are preparing for the expansion of UIN SUKA’s second campus. Alongside our well-established engineering programs, we are pioneering a new Faculty of Medicine,” he stated.

The Rector underscored that the university’s achievements are the result of the collective contribution of its vast alumni base.

“Now is the time to reinforce those contributions through stronger networks. The university needs the collective energy of its alumni to take a greater leap forward,” he added.

Dr. Abdur Rozaki, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation and Secretary General of IKASUKA, emphasized that the alumni association is not merely an organization but a social home.

“Love for one’s alma mater should not fade after graduation. Through IKASUKA, we want to nurture the spirit of belonging and the desire to give back,” he said.

Rozaki reported that IKASUKA has established chapters in at least nine provinces and 33 cities/regencies, including Aceh, West Sumatra, Lampung, Jabodetabek, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and West Nusa Tenggara. The gathering also served as a prelude to the IKASUKA National Congress (Munas) 2026, aimed at strengthening regeneration and institutional structure.

One of the event’s highlights came from Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, who attended as a proud alumna.

“May today mark a renewed connection to the bonds we built during our studies. I am personally committed to supporting the development of the second campus and the creation of new programs,” she expressed.

Arifah affirmed that UIN SUKA’s alumni network represents a powerful form of social capital sustained by emotional bonds built during college years.

“This is a strength not every institution possesses. What remains is to synergize it more systematically,” she added.

The event concluded with a friendly gathering and discussions on the upcoming IKASUKA National Congress 2026, where participants unanimously appointed Abdullah Hanif, S.Ag., M.Pd. as Chair of the Organizing Committee, accompanied by Dr. Abdur Rozaki, Ngatawi Al-Zastrow, and regional representatives. The congress is planned to be held after Eid al-Fitr 2026 at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, in conjunction with the annual halal bihalal celebration.

(humassk)