UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta became a gathering place for academic talent from state Islamic higher education institutions (PTKIN) across Indonesia with the opening of the Religion, Science, and Research Olympiad (OASE) III PTKIN 2026. Officially opened by Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, the event runs November 3–7, 2026, at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. It marks a moment for strengthening the integration of knowledge, advancing research, and nurturing a generation of Muslim scholars who are innovative and globally competitive.

Under the theme “Growing and Thriving Together Through Achievement,” OASE III PTKIN 2026 brings together 497 selected finalists from 54 PTKIN across Indonesia. Participants are competing in three main fields: religion, science, and research. The presence of hundreds of student talents underscores PTKIN's commitment to developing an academic tradition that is oriented not only toward mastery of religious knowledge but also toward advancing science, technology, and innovation.

The opening ceremony, held at the Prof. H.M. Amin Abdullah Building (Multi Purpose) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, began with a creative dance performance by the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Campus Ambassadors, a performance by a student band, and a parade of contingents from various PTKIN. The atmosphere grew more solemn as participants and judges recited a pledge, a shared commitment to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, and objectivity throughout the competition.

Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, expressed pride and appreciation for the trust the Ministry of Religious Affairs placed in UIN Sunan Kalijaga as host of OASE III PTKIN 2026. In his view, the presence of PTKIN delegations from across the country is an important opportunity to strengthen academic networks and encourage a generation of outstanding students who can contribute globally.

The Rector emphasized that OASE is not merely a contest to determine who becomes champion. More than that, it is a space for the exchange of ideas and experiences, the strengthening of friendships, and inspiration among PTKIN students. Achievement is measured not only by winning the competition but also by the learning process and the benefits it produces.

The Rector further stressed the importance of strengthening science, technology, and research as the three main pillars of national progress. Universities are expected not only to produce theoretical knowledge but also to create works and innovations that address community problems. The growing international recognition of PTKIN research achievements demonstrates that Islamic universities have great potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge worldwide.

Being entrusted as host of OASE III PTKIN 2026, the Rector continued, is both an honor and a responsibility for UIN Sunan Kalijaga to deliver a high-quality event. He expressed hope that this occasion will further strengthen collaboration among PTKIN in advancing Islamic higher education that is adaptive, innovative, and responsive to the challenges of the times.

On the same occasion, Director General of Islamic Education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. H. Amin Suyitno, praised the way OASE has continued to grow since it was first held in Aceh during the pandemic, followed by Jakarta in 2023, and now Yogyakarta. In his view, OASE has become a strategic platform for developing the potential, talents, and competencies of PTKIN students in religion, science, and research.

The Director General also congratulated UIN Sunan Kalijaga on ranking second among Indonesia's best universities according to a global research ranking institution. He said the achievement is a source of pride and proof that PTKIN can demonstrate academic quality and competitiveness amid competition among national and international universities.

He explained that OASE was born from a desire to broaden the space for scholarly development within PTKIN. Whereas student competitions were previously part of the Scientific, Sports, and Arts Week (Pekan Ilmiah, Olahraga, dan Seni), OASE has become a platform of its own, with a greater focus on strengthening science and research. Through this event, PTKIN are expected to produce a generation of modern Muslim scientists in the mold of Ibn Sina and Ibn Rushd, scholars who master religious knowledge while also excelling in science, technology, and research.

The development of student talent through OASE is also in line with national policies, including Presidential Regulation No. 28 of 2024 on National Talent Management and Bappenas Regulation No. 1 of 2026 on the grand design for research, innovation, and sports. The Director General also commended PTKIN for continuing to develop academic strengths in their respective fields, including the integration of religious knowledge and modern science and the strengthening of ecotheology.

This commitment is also reflected in the Asta Karya Anak Bangsa exhibition, which showcases student research and innovation, as well as the community service activities of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's Faculty of Medicine. These supporting activities show that OASE is not only a stage for competition but also a way to showcase the tangible contributions universities make to society.

In his remarks and scientific oration, Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar affirmed that the traditions of competition, the advancement of knowledge, and technological innovation have deep roots in the history of Islamic civilization. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set an example in valuing ability, creativity, and innovation, including in language, dexterity, and the development of technology that benefits society.

According to the Minister, PTKIN students need to understand that research and innovation are not merely academic activities but part of developing human potential, as beings endowed with the ability to think and create. This spirit is in line with the value of Al-Khaliq, one of the attributes of Allah (SWT) as the Creator, which inspires people to keep creating and bringing benefit.

The history of Islamic civilization, he continued, has shown that scholarly excellence is not confined by disciplinary boundaries. Figures such as Imam Shafi'i, Salman al-Farisi, Al-Kindi, and Ibn al-Haytham are examples of Muslim intellectual contributions across many fields of knowledge. This tradition needs to be revived by strengthening education, research, and innovation within PTKIN.

The Minister also reminded attendees of the importance of making religious, ethical, and moral values the foundation for developing science and technology. In his view, scientific progress must go hand in hand with responsibility toward humanity, so that the innovations produced demonstrate not only intellectual sophistication but also benefit to life.

“A developing nation must advance science and technology. For that reason, there must be a religion that continually guides knowledge. Be a scientist who is influential and beneficial to all,” the Minister said.

He stressed that PTKIN students are expected to grow into scientists who are not only intellectually outstanding but also possess integrity, courtesy, broad perspective, and concern for society. Accordingly, mastery of science and technology must always be framed by religious values so that it can bring well-being to humankind.

After the Minister's remarks, the opening of OASE III PTKIN 2026 continued with a musical drama performance by Kalimasada UIN Sunan Kalijaga. The program concluded with the ceremonial declaration of the opening of OASE III PTKIN 2026 and the presentation of commemorative plaques recognizing achievements in university research rankings.

By hosting OASE III PTKIN 2026, UIN Sunan Kalijaga is not only serving as host of a national academic event but also taking a strategic role in strengthening collaboration, the integration of religious knowledge and science, and the development of outstanding talent in Islamic higher education. The spirit of "Growing and Thriving Together Through Achievement" is expected to be a shared source of energy for PTKIN to keep generating innovation, expanding scholarly contributions, and making a real impact on the nation and world civilization. (humassk)