The UGM Graduate School (SPs UGM) has again secured a spot in the 51-100 global ranking cluster for Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. This marks the third time the university has received such international recognition.
In addition to UGM, other Indonesian universities featured in this global ranking include UIN Syarif Hidayatullah and Universitas Indonesia, both in the 101-150 range globally.
Dean of SPs UGM, Professor Siti Malkhamah, expressed her gratitude for the achievement.
“We are very grateful and proud. This achievement is not the result of a single program, but a collective contribution from various study programs at SPs UGM and other faculties at UGM working in the field of religious studies,” she stated on Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025.
Dean Malkhamah explained that several flagship study programs within SPs UGM related to the Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies cluster include the Doctoral in Inter-Religious Studies (IRS) and the Master’s Program in Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies (ALB).
Both are delivered in English and have a strong international orientation.
In addition, the Doctoral Program in Islamic Economics and Halal Industry also plays a significant role due to its relevance to global issues in Sharia economics and the growing halal industry.
“The main strengths of these programs lie in their interdisciplinary approach, use of an international language of instruction, and research topics that are timely and have a broad global impact,” she added.
The QS WUR by Subject assessment is based on four main indicators: H-Index, citations per paper, academic reputation, and employer reputation.
The H-Index and citations per paper are measured by faculty productivity in indexed journals and collaboration with researchers from various institutions.
These two indicators have improved, with the H-Index rising from 48.8 to 51 and citations per paper increasing significantly from 64.3 to 82.
“Our graduates also have a strong reputation with excellent employability and competitiveness, often holding strategic and structural positions in various institutions,” she noted.
UGM is a pioneer in launching religious studies programs within public universities in Indonesia.
Since its inception in 2000, the education offered has focused on theological study and integrated social science and humanities approaches, giving the programs a unique edge.
Dr. Zainal Abidin Bagir, Head of the IRS program, highlighted its strength in linking the tri-dharma activities (education, research, and community service).
Faculty and student research often addresses current socio-religious issues, such as societal polarization, capacity building for religious counselors, and ecological and Indigenous religious topics.
“We work closely with civil society coalitions, regularly provide policy recommendations, and engage in community development to ensure that our academic work contributes to international journals and benefits the wider public,” he emphasized.
Another contributing factor to the success of the ranking is the expansion of international networks.
Over the past two decades, the ALB and IRS programs have partnered with world-renowned universities such as Boston University, the University of Leeds, Radboud University, and Florida International University.
These collaborations go beyond joint research and include cross-campus teaching, student exchanges, and the publication of international academic journals such as Studies in Interreligious Dialogue, which is now headquartered at UGM.
The main priorities will be enhancing graduate quality and integrating the tri-dharma activities by developing fast-track master’s and doctoral programs and exploring double-degree programs with European universities.
Agreements are being finalized with institutions in the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria, hoping the double degree programs will launch this year.
“Global rankings are not our end goal. What matters far more is ensuring that our academic contributions remain relevant, grounded, and serve as a bridge among diverse communities in our plural society,” Dr. Bagir concluded.
To sustain and improve future achievements, SPs UGM will continue to pursue internationalization policies through collaborations with global institutions and scholars in education, joint research, and co-publication.
“We hope these efforts will further strengthen Indonesia’s position on the global academic stage and bring benefits not only to the Indonesian nation but also to the wider global community,” Dean Malkhamah said in closing.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto