We live in an era that moves at an extraordinary pace. The world is undergoing major transformations across technology, economy, society, and culture. Competition is increasingly open, challenges are more complex, and the future often brings uncertainty.

However, graduates of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta are not a generation raised to fear change. During their academic journey, they have been shaped not only by knowledge but also by values, ethics, and spirituality, which serve as essential foundations for navigating the dynamics of the times.

This was conveyed by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Abdur Rozaki, S.Ag., M.Si., representing the Rector, during the Graduation Ceremony for Period III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year held in an Open Senate Session. The ceremony took place on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) at the university's Multipurpose Building and was officially opened by the Chair of the University Senate, Prof. Dr. Kamsi.

A total of 590 graduates were conferred degrees, consisting of 73 graduates from the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, 104 from the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, 262 from the Faculty of Sharia and Law, 91 from the Faculty of Science and Technology, and 60 from the Graduate School.

The moment turned emotional when Prof. Rozaki invited the graduates to raise their graduation caps as a gesture of respect to their parents. He emphasized that academic success is never the result of individual effort alone, but is rooted in the prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering sincerity of parents who continuously support their children’s journeys.

“You should be proud to have grown from an institution with a long history, strong academic reputation, and significant contributions to the development of moderate Islam, scientific advancement, and national patriotism,” he stated.

He further underscored that today’s graduates come from an institution that continues to strengthen its academic reputation at both national and global levels.

Among the notable achievements highlighted was UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s ranking at 37th globally in Religious Studies according to the QS World University Rankings, as well as 7th worldwide in the same field based on the SCImago Institutions Rankings.

“UIN Sunan Kalijaga has also recently received approval from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to open a Medical Study Program and professional medical education. This expands the university’s mandate to provide access for the nation’s best talents to pursue education, advance knowledge, and serve society,” he affirmed.

According to him, these achievements are not merely institutional pride but also serve as moral energy for graduates to confidently face the future. They come from a “great intellectual home” with a strong tradition of scholarship, openness, intellectual renewal, and a continuously evolving spirit of innovation.

In closing, he encouraged all graduates to step into the next phase of life with optimism and courage to keep learning and working hard. “Congratulations on entering a new chapter of life. Continue to grow, continue to inspire, and continue to uphold the good name of your beloved alma mater, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Hanifah Afnan Hadi, representing the graduates, expressed her pride in having studied and grown at one of Indonesia’s leading Islamic higher education institutions. She noted that studying at UIN Sunan Kalijaga not only provided academic development, but also shaped perspectives, resilience, and life values.

In closing her speech, she quoted Indonesian national figure Sutan Sjahrir: “A life that is never risked will never be won.” According to her, this quote serves as a reflection for graduates to bravely face a future full of challenges and uncertainties.

“Because in the end, the future is not given to those who wait, but to those who keep moving forward and striving, even when the path is not always easy,” she said.

Hanifah is among the Fastest and Best Graduates from the Library and Information Science Program, Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, with a GPA of 3.90, as stipulated in Rector’s Decree Number 77.2 of 2026 dated May 20, 2026. The same distinction was awarded to Ardha Carlinda Putri from the Mathematics Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, who completed her studies in 3 years, 5 months, and 10 days with a GPA of 3.84.

From the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, the title of fastest and best graduate was awarded to Nuha Banin Darajatin Aliyah from the Social Welfare Program, who completed her studies in 3 years, 4 months, and 19 days with a GPA of 3.94. Meanwhile, from the Faculty of Sharia and Law, the award went to Lukman Khakim from the Law Program, who graduated in 3 years, 4 months, and 7 days with a GPA of 3.96.

At the master’s level, similar achievements were attained by Muhammad Rahul Mulyanto from the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies Program (Graduate School), who completed his studies in 1 year, 11 months, and 6 days with a GPA of 3.88. From the Faculty of Science and Technology, the distinction was awarded to Novia Intan Maharani from the Master’s Program in Industrial Engineering, who completed her studies in 1 year, 11 months, and 5 days with a GPA of 3.89. Meanwhile, Kumalasari from the Master’s Program in Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, graduated in 1 year, 10 months, and 8 days with a GPA of 3.89.

A similar achievement was recorded by Rajabbul Amin from the Master’s Program in Islamic Communication and Broadcasting, Faculty of Da’wah and Communication, who completed his studies in just 1 year, 6 months, and 3 days with a GPA of 3.96. Queen Adila from the Master’s Program in Sharia Studies, Faculty of Sharia and Law, recorded the highest GPA among the fastest master’s graduates at 3.98, completing her studies in 1 year, 11 months, and 6 days.

At the doctoral level, the award was given to Mohammad Farhan Qudratullah from the Islamic Studies Doctoral Program (Graduate School), who completed his studies in 3 years, 4 months, and 20 days with a GPA of 3.90. From the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Aminuddin from the Doctoral Program in Sharia Studies completed his studies in 2 years, 11 months, and 23 days with a GPA of 3.94.

With the conclusion of this graduation ceremony, UIN Sunan Kalijaga once again sends forth its finest graduates to serve society: individuals ready to act as ambassadors of values, knowledge, and humanity, contributing positively to the nation and civilization.