Integrating religious values with the development of science and research is one strategic way universities prepare an outstanding generation able to meet the challenges of the times. That spirit will fill the 2026 Third Religion, Science, and Research Olympiad (OASE III) for State Islamic Higher Education Institutions (PTKIN) across Indonesia, to be held at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta on November 3-7, 2026.

As host, UIN Sunan Kalijaga will bring together 497 students from 54 PTKIN across Indonesia in a competition covering 18 categories in religion, science, and research. Besides the competition, 34 PTKIN will also take part in an expo that is part of the OASE III PTKIN 2026 program. The involvement of so many universities strengthens OASE's role as a national space for collaboration to develop student talent, widen academic networks, and encourage innovation based on the integration of knowledge and Islamic values.

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan said that hosting OASE III is both an honor and a responsibility for the university. The university is ready to welcome and provide the best service to all participants, leaders, and PTKIN delegations coming from across Indonesia.

“Achievement is not only about who becomes the champion, but also about the process, the experience, the friendships, and the inspiration we take home,” he said in his welcome message to OASE III PTKIN 2026 participants.

According to the Rector, OASE is not merely a competition but a space that brings religious spirit, science, and research together on one stage. Through this event, PTKIN students are expected to show their potential and achievements in various fields of knowledge while strengthening the integration of Islamic values with the advancement of knowledge.

He urged all participants to compete with full spirit, give their best, and uphold integrity, sportsmanship, and fair play. Victory, he continued, should not be the only goal. OASE should also be used as a chance to widen friendships (*silaturahmi*), exchange experiences, build networks, and grow together.

“Make OASE a chance to widen friendships, exchange experiences, build networks, and grow together,” he said.

In the same vein, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Abdur Rozaki, invited all PTKIN students to make OASE a stage for proving that faith can guide knowledge, science can answer the challenges of the times, and research can bring real change to society.

“From this OASE event will come an outstanding generation that is not only ready to compete but also drives the nation's progress and gives meaning to the future,” he said.

He hopes students will keep developing their talents, work diligently, and dare to go beyond their limits. The competition is also a moment to nurture sportsmanship, deepen friendships, and build networks and collaboration among PTKIN students across Indonesia.

A total of 497 students, selected through online screening from 1,592 participants, will compete in 18 categories divided into three main fields. The religion field has 221 participants, science 109, and research 167. This breakdown reflects the breadth of scholarly development at PTKIN, from strengthening Islamic intellectual traditions to mastering science and developing innovations relevant to community needs.

The religion field covers six categories: Social and Community Studies with 31 participants, Islamic Astronomy/Ilmu Falak with 35, Qur'anic Writing with 39, Musabaqah Qira'atil Kutub (MQK, classical Islamic text reading) with 40, Musabaqah Fahmil Qur'an (MFQ, Qur'an comprehension) with 36, and Da'i (preaching) with 40. These categories give students room to deepen their religious understanding while putting Islamic values into practice in social life.

The science field features Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, with 10 participants each. Two other categories, Robotics with 39 participants and Islamic Architectural Design with 30, involve participants competing in teams. This field encourages students to sharpen critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and the use of science and technology.

The research field has 167 participants in six categories: Innovation and Technology Literacy with 37, Nanotechnology and Health with 32, Halal Products and Halal Food Security with 27, Ecotheology (Waste and Environmental Management) with 29, Energy Conservation Technology for Green Campuses with 30, and Virtual Trading with 12.

The diversity of categories shows that scholarly development at PTKIN is oriented not only toward academic excellence but also toward delivering innovative solutions in health, technology, halal food, environmental conservation, energy, and the economy.

Besides the competition, OASE III PTKIN 2026 features an expo with 34 PTKIN, located in the Graduate School Courtyard of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. The expo is a space for universities to showcase their potential, works, and innovations while widening interaction beyond the competition arenas.

Through the expo, participating universities have the chance to build communication, strengthen networks, and open opportunities for cooperation. OASE also involves academics and experts as judges in the various categories to support assessment in line with each field of knowledge and to maintain the quality of the competition.

As a biennial event, OASE was previously held at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh in 2021 and UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in 2023. Hosting the third edition at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta continues the effort to strengthen the ecosystem of academic competition and talent development for PTKIN students nationwide.

For UIN Sunan Kalijaga, hosting OASE III PTKIN 2026 is a moment to strengthen the role of Islamic universities in building higher education that is integrative, innovative, and impactful. The integration of knowledge and Islamic values is expected not to stay in academic discourse but to be realized through works, innovation, and real contributions to society.

Through the spirit of “Growing and Developing Together Through Achievement” (Tumbuh & Berkembang Bersama Prestasi), UIN Sunan Kalijaga invites all contingents to make OASE III PTKIN 2026 a space for growing and developing together. More than a contest for achievement, the event is expected to produce an outstanding generation that upholds sportsmanship, strengthens collaboration, and can turn knowledge, faith, and research into a force that advances the nation and benefits the future.

More information on the OASE III PTKIN 2026 program is available on the official website, oase.uin-suka.ac.id, and the Instagram account @oaseptkin.2026. (humassk)