A decade has marked the journey of the Islamic Banking Festival (IB FEST) as a space for Islamic Banking students at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta to grow, compete, and build togetherness across generations.

The 10th IB FEST 2026 series officially began with an Opening and Welcoming Party at the Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), UIN Sunan Kalijaga, on Thursday (9/3/2026). The opening also served as a moment to welcome new Islamic Banking students into the academic environment and community that will accompany them throughout their studies.

The event was attended by UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, the Dean of FEBI along with the vice deans, Head of the Islamic Banking Study Program Dr. Jeihan Ali Azhar, lecturers, and Islamic Banking students.

A series of performances and community-building activities brought the opening ceremony to life. New students were given the opportunity to get to know one another, build relationships, and cultivate a shared spirit as they begin their journey together. This gathering served as a starting point before they take part in the various competitions that have been prepared.

Committee Chair Hasan Albanna explained that this year's IB FEST features a wide range of competitions, including a Business Plan Competition, solo vocal, futsal, badminton, beauty content, and e-sports.

This diversity of competitions opens up space for students to express themselves across multiple fields, from entrepreneurship and the arts to sports and digital creativity. Participants can test their ideas and abilities while also learning to build networks, work together, and uphold sportsmanship.

Hasan added that the 10th IB FEST 2026 series will run for three days and will conclude with the IB Run. This shared run marks the close of the festival series and symbolizes the spirit of continuing to move forward and grow together.

Entering its tenth year, IB FEST is expected to continue growing as a space for connection, competition, and collaboration among Islamic Banking students. Each activity offered becomes part of the learning experience beyond the classroom, while also strengthening students' sense of belonging to their study program and to UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

A decade-long journey has now been completed. IB FEST is once again opening a new chapter, ready to bring forth more ideas, collaboration, and stories from the next generation. (humassk)