The journeys of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's alumni show that education at the university does not end once someone finishes their studies. The values, character, and capacity for lifelong learning built during their time at the alma mater continue to be carried forward as they make their mark across various fields of life and contribute to society.

This message came through in the discussion forum titled “From UIN Jogja: Weaving Synergy for Indonesia's Future (Best Practices in Alumni Contribution),” held as part of the IKASUKA 2026 series of events, on Saturday (9/26/2026), at the 1st-Floor Convention Hall, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Imam Machali, the forum brought together a number of alumni who now hold strategic positions across various institutions.

In his remarks, the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta affirmed that the university's journey has been one of long-term transformation. Established in 1951, UIN Sunan Kalijaga has continued to grow into a higher education institution striving to strengthen its presence at both the national and global level.

Within this development, strengthening academic quality and research has been a key focus. The Rector emphasized that research orientation is directed not merely toward the quantity of publications, but toward research impact, the benefit generated for society and the advancement of knowledge.

This transformation is also reflected in UIN Sunan Kalijaga's academic development through the addition of various new study programs, including the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. This growth forms part of the university's effort to respond to society's needs while expanding its contribution as a higher education institution.

Amid this ongoing process, alumni remain an important part of the alma mater's journey. The Rector said alumni support has helped open networks and accelerate various institutional development processes, including in communication and bureaucratic processes with relevant ministries. For this reason, the Rector expressed hope that the relationship between the university and its alumni will continue to be strengthened to help realize UIN Sunan Kalijaga's future development.

The stories shared by alumni present at the forum reflected a wide range of paths taken after completing their education at UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

Dr. Muhammad Syukron Habiby, Senior Vice President at PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk., is an alumnus of Islamic Law. He shared his career journey, which grew from an Islamic studies background into the professional and banking world.

According to him, the working world after graduation offers very broad opportunities. For that reason, alumni need to equip themselves with the skills necessary to compete in a global environment, one of which is English language proficiency. He also highlighted the importance of building a well-organized, strong alumni network that can become a shared strength for the alma mater.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Masnun Tahir, M.Ag., Rector of UIN Mataram and an alumnus of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Faculty of Sharia, encouraged fellow alumni not to forget their alma mater after entering their professional careers.

He emphasized the importance of tangible alumni contributions, whether through ideas, networks, or other forms of support. For him, alumni are not merely a record of graduates' journeys, but can become a force that helps drive the institution's progress.

Prof. Masnun also stressed the importance of maintaining ties across different groups and organizations. The values gained during one's time at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, he said, serve as a foundation for alumni to build relationships, bridge differences, and remain present within society.

A similar experience was shared by Dr. Hj. Nihayatul Wafiroh, M.A., an alumna of Tafsir Hadith Studies at IAIN Sunan Kalijaga who graduated in 2004 and now serves as Deputy Chair of Commission IX of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI).

Nihayatul said her education at UIN Sunan Kalijaga provided not only academic knowledge, but also shaped a learner's mindset. This foundation, she said, allows a person to adapt when entering a field of work different from their academic background.

In her role on Commission IX of the DPR RI, she engages with a wide range of technical issues, including health, employment, population, BPJS (the Social Security Administration Agency), BPOM (the National Agency of Drug and Food Control), and the National Nutrition Agency. Her experience stands as an example that graduates with an Islamic studies background have room to continue learning and contributing across many fields.

Nihayatul also expressed openness to synergy between the alumni network and various partner institutions, including opportunities to develop scholarships in the health sector, particularly for specialist and dental physician education.

Meanwhile, Syarifuddin, S.Ag., M.E., Head of Research, Development, Planning, and Innovation at BAZNAS RI (National Zakat Amil Agency), highlighted the importance of courage in seizing opportunities and the ability to adapt throughout one's career journey.

He noted that everyone has their own path and strategy. For that reason, alumni need the courage to face new environments, seize opportunities, and continue developing their abilities once those opportunities arise.

He further emphasized the importance of character and soft skills as essential preparation for professional life. His message was simple: wherever one finds oneself, one must carry out their duties and responsibilities earnestly and give their best contribution.

A message on alumni capacity was also shared by Ihsanuddin, Director of Strategic Planning and Information Technology at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (the Employment Social Security Administration Agency). An alumnus of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Aqidah and Philosophy program, he recounted a career journey that did not always follow a straight path, eventually leading him to a strategic position at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.

His experience shows that one's field of study does not limit the scope of one's contribution. Through perseverance, a capacity for learning, the courage to seize opportunities, and a willingness to keep growing, UIN Sunan Kalijaga alumni can make their mark across a wide range of sectors.

“Wherever you are, be the best you can be” was one of the key messages he emphasized to participants, particularly students still pursuing their studies.

These varied experiences point to one shared thread: the relationship between a university and its alumni does not end at graduation. It can grow into a network of knowledge, collaboration, service, and mutually reinforcing contribution.

For UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the achievements of its alumni across various fields also stand as part of the record of impact the university's education has produced. Alumni serve as academics, professionals, bureaucrats, legislators, institutional leaders, and drivers of philanthropy, carrying the values and experiences gained from their alma mater into their respective spheres of service.

Through the IKASUKA 2026 forum, this spirit was reaffirmed: the advancement of UIN Sunan Kalijaga is not the university's responsibility alone, but a shared space of contribution for its entire extended family.

From the lecture halls of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, alumni have gone on to take many different paths. Yet at one point, those many paths converge once again, to maintain their bonds, share their experiences, and together weave a contribution toward Indonesia's future. (humassk)