Yogyakarta, July 21, 2025 — In a powerful address during the 2025 Basic Teaching Skills Training for New Lecturers (PKDP), held in a hy---brid format at University Hotel and via Zoom, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, outlined the urgent role of universities in shaping the future—not only as academic institutions but as moral, intellectual, and cultural anchors in a rapidly transforming world.

“A university must be more than a place of learning. It must serve as a moral compass and intellectual engine for the nation—solving real-world problems and strengthening civilizational progress,” Noorhaidi asserted.

He reflected on his experience at Leiden University—established in 1575—as an example of how leading global institutions cultivate deep academic cultures where research is second nature and curriculum development is driven by continuous innovation.

“There, professors don't just teach—they live research. Their teaching evolves with every discovery. Libraries and laboratories are alive with activity even past midnight. That is the kind of culture we must aspire to,” he explained.

Indonesian Academia: Between Diversity and Disruption

Bringing the discussion back home, Prof. Noorhaidi emphasized the unique challenge of fostering inclusive academic excellence in a country as culturally rich and diverse as Indonesia. In his view, embracing pluralism and resisting identity-based polarization must be central to the academic mission.

“Indonesia’s diversity—ethnic, linguistic, religious—is a blessing. But in times of global crisis, this can also be exploited by divisive identity politics. Universities must rise as guardians of tolerance and justice,” he stressed.

At UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the response has been clear: the university advances a paradigm of integration and interconnection, blending religious knowledge with modern science and social insight. From measuring religious trends through mathematical modeling to building interdisciplinary research centers, the institution embodies a forward-thinking, collaborative academic vision.

The Hard Truth: Rethinking Academic Culture

Prof. Noorhaidi did not shy away from exposing the internal challenges facing many Indonesian universities. The number of full professors remains alarmingly low. Many lecturers have yet to pursue doctoral studies. Global research collaboration is minimal, and the academic publishing landscape is often reduced to misleading shortcuts—such as “instant journals” that ignore rigorous research standards.

He also warned about outdated curricula and declining graduate employability. Over 1,200 companies in Indonesia have recently ceased recruiting new bachelor’s graduates, opting instead for automation—now more affordable than ever.

“This is a wake-up call. Universities must respond. Curriculum must evolve. Lecturers must lead—not only in classrooms but in solving real-world challenges,” he urged.

Lecturers as Strategic Actors in Nation-Building

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of Islamic Education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Dirjen Pendis), reinforced the importance of PKDP as a strategic entry point into the academic profession:

“Becoming a lecturer is not just a job—it’s a strategic calling. PKDP builds the mindset, the ecosystem, and the clarity for new lecturers to become globally-aware professionals. Teaching alone is not enough; lecturers must contextualize knowledge and engage with national and global issues.”

A Call to Courageous Innovation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Prof. Noorhaidi closed by underscoring the need for problem-based learning, inter-, trans-, and multidisciplinary approaches, and real collaboration between academia, industry, government, and civil society. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to academic freedom, intellectual integrity, and pluralistic citizenship.

“No innovation is born overnight. It requires deep research rooted in the lived realities of society. UIN Sunan Kalijaga is committed to shaping future-ready minds—critical, ethical, and collaborative. This is how we prepare Indonesia for tomorrow,” he concluded. (humassk)