The integration of religious knowledge and science finds a space to prove itself through student work. For Director General of Islamic Education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Prof. Amien Suyitno, the Religion, Science, and Research Olympiad (OASE) III PTKIN 2026 is a gateway for scholarly encounter that demonstrates the breadth of capacity at state Islamic higher education institutions (PTKIN).

He delivered the message at the opening of OASE III PTKIN at the Prof. Amin Abdullah Building, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. In the presence of the Minister of Religious Affairs and the participants, Prof. Amien emphasized that PTKIN development should be understood through its ability to bring together depth in religious knowledge with mastery of science, research, and technology.

In his view, developing universities long known as religious campuses to the point where they earn recognition across many fields of study is no easy task. For that reason, PTKIN's achievements should be a source of pride as well as an incentive to keep improving quality.

"Congratulations to UIN Sunan Kalijaga on its THE WUR 2027 achievement. This is not an ordinary campus. The PTKIN community must be proud of this accomplishment. It is not easy to bring PTKIN, long known as religious campuses, to international recognition," said Prof. Suyitno.

In that context, hosting OASE at UIN Sunan Kalijaga carries special significance. The idea of integrating knowledge, which continues to be developed within PTKIN, takes shape through research, innovation, and students' ability to explain their work before the academic community.

Prof. Suyitno also explained that creating more room for science and research was part of the journey that led to OASE. Previously, student competitions were held through the Scientific, Sports, Arts, and Research Week, or PIONIR. However, he said, science and research needed a stronger platform to receive adequate attention and development.

Separating the event into the National Arts and Sports Week (Pekan Seni dan Olahraga Nasional) and OASE then gave each field a more focused space. Through OASE, students' abilities in religious knowledge, science, and research can be both showcased and tested in a more focused way.

He recalled the first OASE, held in Aceh in 2021, which took place online during the Covid-19 pandemic. The second was held in Jakarta in 2023, before the third brought participants together in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

That journey reflects a sustained effort to build a platform for developing PTKIN students' talents. Prof. Amien linked it to the importance of national talent management, so that students' potential receives guidance and opportunities to grow.

"OASE aspires to give rise to a new Ibn Sina and Ibn Rushd, a generation that deepens its religious knowledge while mastering science and persevering in research. You are being prepared to carry on a scholarly tradition that has produced influential works of benefit across generations," he said.

On the occasion, the Director General also pointed to the diversity of academic strengths across PTKIN. In his assessment, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang offers an example of developing religious knowledge in balance with science. UIN Raden Intan Lampung, meanwhile, was noted for its achievements in fields related to ecotheology.

This diversity shows opportunities for PTKIN to learn from one another and strengthen their contributions according to their areas of excellence. Academic achievement gains broader meaning when it is connected to education, health, the environment, and other community needs.

"You can contribute and highlight your strengths and achievements according to your own characteristics," he said.

In his remarks, Prof. Suyitno also touched on work in the field of education and on the involvement of medical faculty members in field activities that provide free health checkups. He invited all participants to show their abilities and achievements as part of the effort to achieve progress together.

In closing, he named quality and professionalism as the main goals of the competition. Winning is part of achievement, he said, while the process students go through should demonstrate mastery of knowledge and sincerity in their work.

From UIN Sunan Kalijaga, OASE III carries the hope that the integration of knowledge will continue to grow through real academic practice. The meeting of religious knowledge, science, and research equips PTKIN students to produce work that is accountable and benefits society. (humassk)