In its fifth year, the 2025 Kalijaga Prestasi Awards at UIN Sunan Kalijaga recognised 410 outstanding students across diverse categories from over 560 rigorous applicants, marking a significant milestone in the university's academic calendar. This anticipated event, launched in 2020, has grown from modest beginnings to celebrate ambition, resilience, and ongoing student achievement.

The Kalijaga Awards serve as a declaration of intent: UIN Sunan Kalijaga not only encourages but expects and nurtures excellence. More than a ceremony, this event unites students from all faculties, each representing stories of hard work, persistence, and uncelebrated determination amid an atmosphere of pride and anticipation.

Vice Rector Rozaki: “Your perseverance is the energy that moves this university forward.”

In his remarks, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, Abdur Rozaki, underscored that the awards reflect the university’s appreciation for the grit and consistency demonstrated by students throughout the academic year.

“How we celebrate our students today is, in essence, our way of honouring their hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” he said.

He underlined that these students are not merely competition winners, but role models whose achievements inspire the broader university community.

“A trophy is never just a trophy. It is part of a leadership journey — a process of shaping character. Let today’s success be the foundation upon which you conquer the future. Empowering Knowledge, Saving the Future.”

Live Achievement Award: Celebrating a Lifetime of Mentorship

The ceremony also paid tribute to a figure whose dedication has left a lasting imprint on student life. This year’s Live Achievement Award was bestowed upon:

Prof. Dr H. Syihabuddin Qalyubi, Lc., M.Ag.
Long-standing mentor of the CEPEDI Pencak Silat Student Activity Unit

The award was received on his behalf by his daughter, Nadia, while Prof. Syihabuddin joined the ceremony online. In his virtual message, he reflected on how his years with CEPEDI shaped not only the students he mentored but also his own outlook and discipline.

Nadia shared his reflections:

“CEPEDI shaped him profoundly — in character, in discipline, and in the way he approached life. Its guiding trilogy — fast, accurate, decisive — stayed with him, and with every student he mentored.”

Prof. Syihabuddin closed his message by expressing immense pride in having contributed to the growth of UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s student community and by hoping that the tradition of excellence would continue.

Rector Noorhaidi: “Student achievement remains the pillar of our institutional strength.”

In a moment filled with optimism, Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan delivered a message of appreciation and renewed resolve.

He opened with a major announcement received just hours earlier:

“Early this morning, we received confirmation that UIN Sunan Kalijaga has officially entered the QS World University Rankings: Asia, placed in the 1000–1100 cluster. An extraordinary achievement for our first year of participation.”

He noted that this recognition arrives during a period of exceptional momentum for the university.

“The achievement joins a growing list of wins for UIN Sunan Kalijaga this year — from dominating PTKIN rankings in Webometrics and IREG/UniRank, to breaking into Asia’s top six in Islamic Studies and Theology, and leading all PTKIN nationwide in SINTA research productivity.”

The rector emphasised that student accomplishments play a crucial role in elevating the university’s standing.

“The curve of student achievement keeps rising. Today’s awardees represent victories in academics, arts, sports, and global competitions. You are the living proof of what this university stands for.”

He added that one of the university’s debate teams was, at that very moment, competing in the national finals of the Bawaslu RI Debate Championship.

“Let us wish them success. Your energy keeps this campus young.”

A Tradition That Strengthens the Culture of Excellence

As an annual tradition entering its fifth year, the Kalijaga Prestasi Awards continue to foster a culture of healthy competition and collective ambition across the university.

By selecting 410 recipients from 560 applicants through a highly selective process, the event demonstrates UIN Sunan Kalijaga's growing and inclusive talent ecosystem.These awards mark significant milestones in the university’s community—a collective story written in research labs, art studios, sports arenas, debate halls, and international events.

At UIN Sunan Kalijaga, excellence is more than an aspiration — it is a way of life.