Realizing the Vision of an Excellent and Global Perspective University

A Journey Note to Foreign Universities
(INDONESIAN) As it reaches its 61st year, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten continues to make improvements and changes to enhance the quality of education and the competence of its graduates. In the context of the 61st Dies Natalis of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, the Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Wawan Wahyudin, M.Pd, along with the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Cooperation, and Alumni (Dr.H. Hidayatullah, M.Pd), the Director of Postgraduate Studies (Prof. Dr. H. Ilzamuddin, MA), the Vice-Director of Postgraduate Studies (Prof. Dr. H. Naf’an Tarihoran, M.A), and the Head of Postgraduate Affairs (Slamet Sucioto, SE, M.Si) embarked on a visit to foreign universities in Kazan, Russia, and Istanbul, Turkey. The purpose of this activity is to develop cooperation in the three main roles of higher education institutions (tri dharma Perguruan Tinggi) and human resources development, as well as to participate in a conference at the Bolgar Islamic Academy in Kazan, Russia.

The development of institutional networks with foreign universities is a necessity that must be pursued to realize the vision of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, which is to “achieve a university that is excellent and globally oriented.” Through this cooperation, it is hoped that the academic community of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten can continuously enhance the quality of academic services and create a competitive and collaborative academic atmosphere in various activities, both at the national and international levels.

Karabuk University (UNIKA) in Turkey

On Thursday, October 12, 2023, a delegation led by the Rector of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten departed from Indonesia to Turkey, arriving at Istanbul Airport on October 13, 2023, at 6:00 AM and reaching their accommodation (hotel) in the Karabuk region at 10:00 AM. They were warmly received by the Head of the International Office. Subsequently, the delegation proceeded to Karabuk University to perform the Friday prayer (Sholat Jum’at), followed by a friendly gathering with the academic community of UNIKA. This event was attended by the Rector of UNIKA, Vice-Rector, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Head of the Department of Sciences, and several other officials of UNIKA. Indonesian students studying at UNIKA, including an alumna of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten pursuing a Master’s degree in English, were also present at this event. She had previously graduated from the Bachelor of Education program in English at UIN SMH Banten.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was carried out by the Rector of UIN SMH Banten and the Rector of UNIKA in the Rector’s office, with the presence of several leaders from both universities. Some essential points were discussed by the Rector, Vice-Rector, and the UNIKA Postgraduate Program after the signing of the MoU, with plans to follow up on the outcomes of this activity. This includes cooperation in education, such as scholarship programs for Master’s and Ph.D. studies at UNIKA, exchanges as external examiners in thesis and dissertation defenses, student mobility visits, seminars, and other agreed-upon activities, such as joint research and the publication of academic journals.

Indonesian students currently studying at UNIKA number approximately 150. According to information provided by UNIKA, the university ranks first in Turkey for having the highest number of foreign students. UNIKA’s target is to accommodate up to 1000 students from Indonesia. The campus covers an area of approximately 12 hectares. Despite being relatively young and only attaining university status in 2017, previously operating as a vocational school, UNIKA has experienced rapid development.

The visit continued with a friendly exchange of information. The delegation was accompanied by the International Office coordinator, Mr. Adnan, and they explored the historical sites around the campus, as well as the campus facilities at UNIKA.

Bolgar Islamic Academy, Kazan, Russia

The next academic visit took place at the Bolgar Islamic Academy (BIA) in Kazan, Russia. On Monday, October 16, 2023, the delegation arrived in Kazan at around 11:00 PM local time. The following morning at 8:00 AM, they traveled to the Bolgar Islamic Academy, which took approximately 2 hours. They arrived at the BIA campus at 10:30 AM and immediately conducted a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the Bolgar Islamic Academy’s conference room. This was followed by a conference session, with a break for the Zuhr prayer and lunch. The event continued until around 2:30 PM. Afterward, the delegation was taken on a tour of the campus and visited the White Mosque, a historic mosque where Islam was first introduced and spread in the Bolgar region.

Following discussions with the Rector and Vice-Rector of BIA, several agreements were reached as follow-ups to the MoU. These agreements included the organization of international conferences at BIA, the exchange of thesis or dissertation examiners, seminar speakers, student mobility programs, and joint academic journal publications.

Indonesian Embassy in Russia

Concluding their journey to Russian higher education institutions, the delegation visited the Indonesian Embassy in Russia on the evening of October 18, 2023. They were received at Moscow Airport by the Indonesian Education and Culture Attaché in Russia, Mr. Adi. Subsequently, the delegation went to the Indonesian Embassy in Russia and arrived around 11:00 AM local time. They were received by the Indonesian Ambassador to Russia, accompanied by the Education and Culture Attaché and the coordinator for social and cultural functions.

During this visit, the Rector provided a report on their journey and introduced the UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten delegation. The Rector also requested guidance and insights from the Indonesian Embassy in Russia regarding opportunities for cooperation between UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten and several Russian higher education institutions and related organizations.

The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the visit by the UIN SMH Banten delegation and provided some information and guidance. Among the guidance given by the Ambassador was the positive reception of intentions for cooperation between Indonesian universities and Russian higher education institutions by the Russian government. There are many scholarship opportunities available for Indonesian students at various Russian universities. The Russian government provided 300 scholarship slots for Indonesia last year, but not all of them were utilized, as they fell short of filling the quota. However, if these opportunities are fully utilized, the Russian government is likely to increase the number of available scholarships. The Ambassador acknowledged that not all scholarships are full scholarships; some are partial, covering tuition fees while students are responsible for living and meal expenses, which are not particularly expensive.

Additionally, the Ambassador explained that besides the Bolgar Islamic Academy, there are also state Islamic universities in Kazan. The government of Tatarstan, a constituent part of Russia with a significant Muslim population, is very open to educational cooperation. The Muslim population in Russia numbers around 25 million, with Orthodox Christians comprising about 100 million. The Ambassador also noted that, according to information from the Mufti (similar to MUI in Indonesia), there are more than 8,000 mosques in Russia. Religious life in Russia has changed significantly since the dissolution of the Soviet Union over 30 years ago. The current Russian government has about 86 regional governments, which vary in form, including provinces and republics, such as the government of Tatarstan.

Apart from the Ambassador, representatives from the Education and Culture Attaché and the coordinator for social and cultural functions also provided information. They mentioned that the Russian Cultural Center in Jakarta regularly holds Russian education expos in Indonesia each year, and the Russian Embassy in Indonesia frequently conducts lectures at various Indonesian universities. Some Russian universities also visit schools in Indonesia, organizing competitions that offer educational scholarships to Russian institutions for high school students. Furthermore, the Education and Culture Attaché mentioned their willingness to provide information through Zoom meetings upon request from Indonesian universities.

The meeting concluded around 12:30 PM and ended with a group photo session. Subsequently, the delegation was escorted to Moscow Airport’s terminal and bid farewell by the Education and Culture Attaché at around 10:00 PM local time.

Hidayatullah, et al. Moscow, October 18, 2023