Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Amid the jubilant celebration of its 74th anniversary, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta reaffirmed its place as more than a center of Islamic scholarship. The university—long regarded as a crucible for religious and intellectual discourse—has emerged as a launchpad for leaders who now shape policy, diplomacy, science, and law at the national and global stage.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards recognized five exceptional graduates whose careers embody the university’s core mission: to harmonize Islamic values with modern knowledge and civic responsibility. From cabinet ministries to international diplomacy, their achievements demonstrate how Sunan Kalijaga’s unique educational ecosystem continues to nurture leaders capable of bridging tradition and innovation.

Tradition Meets Innovation in an Ecotheology Vision

The anniversary celebration, themed “Fusing Tradition and Innovation: Ecotheology for a Sustainable Future,” underscored the university’s evolving role in addressing global challenges.
In his keynote address, Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan urged students and faculty to move beyond mere academic credentials.

“Today is not simply a commemoration of our founding,” he said. “It is a moment to reflect on our journey, reaffirm our academic commitment, and ignite a vision for the future. High grades alone are no longer enough. What the world demands are adaptability, critical thinking, and human-centered wisdom—qualities exemplified by the alumni we honor today.”

Five Alumni, Five Paths of Excellence

1. RA Hj. Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, M.Si. – Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection
A graduate of the Faculty of Da‘wah (1994), Arifatul Fauzi has redefined the meaning of Islamic outreach. Now serving as Indonesia’s Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, she integrates ecotheology into policy by highlighting how climate change, biotechnology, and urbanization directly affect women and children.

“Tradition is our spiritual compass, innovation is the engine of progress, and ecotheology is the language that unites them,” she said, reflecting the intellectual grounding she gained at Sunan Kalijaga.

2. Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, M.A. – Human Rights Scholar and Ambassador

An alumna of the Faculty of Sharia (1988), Prof. Ruhaini’s career bridges academia and diplomacy. She previously served as a senior adviser at Indonesia’s Presidential Staff Office and chaired the Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Currently Indonesia’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, she has become an influential voice for gender equality and social justice within the framework of Islamic thought.

3. Dr. H. Imron Rosyadi, S.H., M.H. – Supreme Court Justice

A 1987 graduate of the Faculty of Sharia, Dr. Imron began as a junior clerk in the Religious Court before rising to the nation’s highest judicial body as a Justice of the Supreme Court’s Religious Chamber. His legal writings and landmark rulings skillfully integrate Islamic jurisprudence with contemporary Indonesian law, reinforcing Sunan Kalijaga’s reputation as a producer of jurist-scholars. 

4. Dr. Eng. Ganjar Alfian, S.T., M.Eng. – Scientist and Innovator

Breaking stereotypes, Dr. Ganjar Alfian—class of 2009 from the Faculty of Science and Technology—is a pioneer in engineering and informatics. Now a faculty member at Gadjah Mada University, he demonstrates that a foundation in Islamic education can propel graduates into the forefront of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0.

5. Drs. H. Hajriyanto Y. Thohari, M.A. – Diplomat, Politician, and Prolific Writer

A 1986 graduate of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Hajriyanto has served as Deputy Speaker of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly and most recently as Ambassador to Lebanon. A prolific author with nearly a thousand published articles, he credits his intellectual formation to Sunan Kalijaga, calling his alma mater “a debt of honor that shaped my life and career.”

A Legacy of Global Impact

The awards ceremony served not only as a tribute to individual achievement but also as a statement about UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s evolving identity: an Islamic university that produces leaders capable of engaging with the world’s most pressing issues.

Closing the event, Prof. Noorhaidi offered a forward-looking charge:

“With hard work, collaboration, and prayer, UIN Sunan Kalijaga will continue to reach higher achievements, earn global recognition, and contribute to the advancement of human civilization.”

As the university looks toward its next chapter, the accomplishments of these five alumni stand as proof that faith-based education—when paired with intellectual rigor—can produce leaders who shape not only their nation but the world. (humassk)