Yogyakarta — The opening of the FORDIPAS–INCOILS 2025 forum carried a clear
message from Secretary-General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof.
Kamaruddin Amin: postgraduate programs at Islamic higher education institutions
(PTKIN) must reclaim their position as centers of intellectual authority and
drivers of social transformation. The event took place at the Grand Rohan Hotel
on Saturday (Nov. 22, 2025).
In his keynote address, Kamaruddin stressed
that postgraduate schools must not be perceived merely as institutions that
confer academic degrees but as credible scientific references recognized by the
public on religious and social issues. Academic authority, he said, is the
foundation of public trust.
Kamaruddin recalled the golden era of
postgraduate Islamic studies in the 1990s, when graduate students were known
for their intellectual stature, strong mastery of Arabic and English, and
respected scientific reputation. The reflection, he noted, was not nostalgia
but a reminder that such standards must be restored.
He outlined three strategic priorities to
revitalize postgraduate programs: rebuilding intellectual authority that is
credible in the public eye, strengthening a culture of authentic and dignified
scholarly supervision, and ensuring that research produces real benefits for
society.
Kamaruddin emphasized that PTKIN postgraduate
programs cannot stop at producing academic writings. Knowledge, he asserted,
must translate into impact — through policymaking, economic empowerment, social
strengthening, and advancements in other sectors of public life. “We are not
simply transferring knowledge. We must ensure that knowledge works,” he said.
Responding to concerns about national
employment challenges, Kamaruddin noted that PTKIN graduates should not feel
anxious. The scope for applying religious scholarship is vast, he argued,
highlighting opportunities in mosque-based economic development,
professionalized zakat and philanthropy management, and social programs rooted
in religious values.
The strategic message resonated strongly
throughout the FORDIPAS–INCOILS 2025 sessions, which featured academic
presentations and discussions from postgraduate leaders nationwide.
Participants pledged to bring the ideas generated at the forum back to their
respective institutions — integrating them into education, research, and
community engagement to respond adaptively and relevantly to societal needs.