YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia — As global higher education becomes increasingly defined by research strength and scholarly output, performance metrics are no longer mere statistics—they signal the direction and credibility of academic policy. Entering early 2026, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta has reaffirmed its position as the national epicenter of research productivity among Indonesia’s State Islamic Universities (PTKIN), securing the highest Science and Technology Index (SINTA) score nationwide.

Based on data compiled as of Friday, January 2, 2026, UIN Sunan Kalijaga recorded a three-year SINTA score of 450,114, with an overall score of 805,337. This achievement places the university first among all PTKIN institutions, ahead of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, which ranked second with a three-year score of 436,563 and an overall score of 699,787.

The milestone reflects more than publication volume. It underscores institutional consistency in building a research ecosystem that is measurable, collaborative, and impact-oriented. Within Indonesia’s national ranking framework, SINTA scores serve as a critical indicator of faculty productivity, journal quality, and a university’s contribution to the advancement of knowledge.

Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, emphasized that the achievement represents a collective effort across the university. He expressed appreciation to the Directorate of Islamic Higher Education (Diktis) for its sustained support, as well as to the University Senate, Vice Rectors, Bureau Heads, Deans, the Director of Graduate Studies, and institutional leaders—particularly the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM)—as the backbone of research governance and performance strengthening.

Special recognition was given to the LPPM team under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Qoyum, whose strategic role in research management and institutional alignment was highlighted as a key driver of success.

Responding to the achievement, Dr. Abdul Qoyum stressed the decisive role of faculty members and researchers. “Looking ahead to 2026, we are formulating the best strategies and tactical steps to further strengthen UIN Sunan Kalijaga as a productive, impactful, and socially relevant research university,” he said.

Similar recognition came from Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, M.A., Director of Islamic Higher Education at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. He noted that rising SINTA scores reflect a deepening research and publication culture across PTKIN institutions.

“SINTA scores are not merely administrative figures; they represent a university’s competitiveness at both national and global levels,” he stated, adding that the 2025 rankings should motivate all Islamic higher education institutions to enhance research quality, relevance, and societal impact.

The early 2026 achievement further consolidates UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s recent track record. The university has consistently ranked first among PTKIN institutions in SINTA, EduRank, and Webometrics, while internationally placing 5th in Asia for Theology and Religious Studies. In late November 2025, it also entered the QS Asian University Rankings, ranking second among PTKIN institutions.

Together, these milestones confirm that UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s research advancement is not incidental, but part of a long-term strategy toward global academic competitiveness—marking early 2026 as a defining chapter in the university’s ongoing transformation.