UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's efforts to expand inclusive access to higher education, while strengthening the integration of Islamic and general sciences, have taken a further step toward reality. After more than a decade of preparation, the development of Campus II in Pajangan, Bantul, has officially entered its initial construction phase with soil compaction work. This step represents more than simply building infrastructure; it reflects an effort to create a future-oriented educational area designed to broaden the impact of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (the Three Pillars of Higher Education) for the wider community.

This commitment was marked through a Community Briefing and Collective Prayer for the 2026 Fiscal Year Soil Compaction Works for UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Campus II, held at the Campus II Development Joglo in Pajangan, Bantul, on Thursday (7/23/2026). The event was attended by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan along with university leadership, Pajangan District Head (Panewu) Anjar Arintaka, Guwosari Village Head (Lurah) Masduki Rahmad, community leaders, and various parties who have supported the Campus II development process from its earliest stages.

The presence of these stakeholders underscored that the development of Campus II is not the product of a brief process. It represents the fruit of a long-term effort, built through collaboration between the university, government, and community, spanning the stages of planning, land acquisition, and now the current phase of soil compaction.

In his remarks, Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan stated that the start of soil compaction work marks a new chapter in the long journey of developing Campus II, first initiated around 2012–2013. After passing through various processes, the Pajangan area was selected as the development site with the support of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, who viewed the southern region of the Special Region of Yogyakarta as an area with strong prospects for future growth.

“Today marks the moment when a long-held dream of building an integrated campus begins to take concrete shape,” the Rector said.

He explained that the entire land acquisition process for Campus II had been completed in 2021. The phase now beginning consists of soil compaction work and the construction of an access road running from the western to the eastern edge of the site, serving as a key prerequisite before the academic area can be developed in stages.

“This basic infrastructure development forms the foundation for building an educational area designed to accommodate UIN Sunan Kalijaga's long-term needs, for education, research, and community service alike,” he said.

During the event, led by Head of the AUK Bureau Dr. Ali Sodiq, the Rector noted that in its initial stage, the university will construct the building for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, which can also be used to support the academic activities of other units as the institution develops. Development of the broader Campus II area will then proceed in stages, in line with program readiness and government support.

“As part of our commitment to beginning the development of Campus II, UIN Sunan Kalijaga is preparing basic infrastructure as a prerequisite for constructing the first building. In line with direction from Bappenas [the National Development Planning Agency], the initial phase focuses on building a 475-meter access road, 14 meters wide, to open access to the campus development area,” he said.

For Prof. Noorhaidi, Campus II represents more than simply an expansion of the university's physical space. The area is envisioned as a new face for UIN Sunan Kalijaga, one that integrates academic excellence with environmental sustainability through a “forest campus” concept.

“Over the next ten years, God willing, this area will become a truly beautiful place. The concept is a forest campus, preserving the existing greenery of the environment without altering it,” he said.

Through the forest campus concept, the development of Campus II is designed so that infrastructure growth proceeds hand in hand with environmental preservation. This approach is intended to create a modern academic area without sacrificing the green character that has long defined the site.

Meanwhile, Guwosari Village Head Masduki Rahmad described this development as an answer to hopes the community has held for years, awaiting the realization of Campus II.

“We are grateful that the development of Campus II has now entered the implementation phase. We hope this development will not only strengthen UIN Sunan Kalijaga as an educational institution, but also open up opportunities for progress for the people of Guwosari,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the presence of Campus II will open up broader space for collaboration between UIN Sunan Kalijaga and the Guwosari community, so that the benefits of development can be shared through various forms of mutually reinforcing contribution.

He also called on all elements of the community to continue maintaining communication and a spirit of mutual cooperation throughout the construction process, so that every stage can proceed smoothly, harmoniously, and in line with shared expectations.

The event concluded in a solemn atmosphere with a collective prayer led by KH. Agus Masruri, Prof. Maksudin, and Dr. Habib Syakur. Alongside the start of physical construction came the hope that Campus II will one day bring not only new buildings, but also a flourishing culture of knowledge, one in which revelation and reason, remembrance and reflection, move forward together to illuminate life.

The start of soil compaction work marks the first step in the physical construction of Campus II. Beyond that, however, this moment affirms that UIN Sunan Kalijaga's vision of building an inclusive, sustainable, and impactful integrated educational area has now entered its implementation phase.

Campus II is also envisioned as a future epicenter of collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment, further strengthening UIN Sunan Kalijaga's role in delivering higher education that is excellent, impactful, and globally reputable. (humassk)