Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has established cooperation with the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Ambon.
The cooperation agreement was signed by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, and the Rector of IAIN Ambon, Professor Zainal Abidin Rahawarin.
The scope of cooperation includes education, research, community service, and other agreed-upon areas that align with both parties’ respective functions and authorities to support the smooth implementation of their duties and obligations.
This cooperation is expected to provide opportunities for IAIN Ambon teaching staff to pursue a Ph.D. program at UGM, conduct joint community service programs, and request experts for scientific activities and journal writing assistance.
“Alhamdulillah, we have signed this memorandum of understanding. I believe this is the initial form of trust between two institutions to work hand in hand to create better outcomes for IAIN Ambon and UGM,” said Professor Emilia in her speech.
The UGM Rector sincerely hopes that the cooperation between UGM and IAIN Ambon will yield beneficial outcomes. Therefore, this cooperation is expected to have short-term, medium-term, and long-term targets to be jointly monitored and safeguarded.
“We have matters regarding advanced study programs or perhaps the Freedom to Learning (MBKM) program, which I believe are joint programs or collaborative research, publications, and programs that are strategic for both institutions,” she added.
She also hopes this cooperation will significantly assist and foster new things, activities, and innovations for IAIN Ambon and UGM. So far, UGM has regularly sent its students for community service in almost all regions of Indonesia.
In addition, UGM will send around 7,000 students to community service on Friday, June 23, 2023, where she hopes local students in the area can be involved.
“We hope students in the area can work together with UGM students, enabling interaction and networking, and I believe that is very important for the younger generation,” she expressed.
Professor Zainal Abidin Rahawarin stated that IAIN Ambon would soon transform into UIN Ambon, which will take place in August 2023, as this transformation has received approval from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to be submitted to the president.
“We are very thankful, and we certainly hope that UGM is willing to be our partner,” he said.
Professor Rahawarin mentioned that most of the lecturers at IAIN Ambon aspire to pursue a Ph.D. at UGM.
“The desire is very strong. They say they will be very proud if they can graduate from UGM. More than 10 IAIN Ambon lecturers have pursued their Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at UGM,” he explained.
Additionally, he regretted that the desire to increase the number of professors at IAIN Ambon had faced obstacles. Of 100 lecturers with doctoral degrees, IAIN Ambon has only five professors. Eight others are pending submission to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
He added that IAIN Ambon is trying to establish an affirmative institution at its own expense to assist in accelerating the appointment of professors. Unfortunately, the proposal process is delayed due to many prospective professors’ journals not being indexed in Scopus.
“This is why we invite UGM to guide us regarding our journals. We hope for UGM’s willingness to support the prospective professors. Previously, we had assistance from Professor Irfan. Now matters like this need to be formulated in a cooperation agreement,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto