Makassar — In an effort to enhance the quality of cooperation governance and strengthen the implementation of partnership follow-ups, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta paid an official visit to Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The meeting took place at the Rector’s Meeting Room of Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Rector of Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar, Prof. Drs. Hamdan Juhannis, M.A., Ph.D., accompanied by the Vice Rector IV for Cooperation and Institutional Development, Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Amri, Lc., M.Ag.; the Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Kamaluddin Abunawas, M.Ag.; and the Head of the International Office, Dr. Serliah Nur, S.Pd., M.Hum., M.Ed.
Meanwhile, the delegation from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta was led by the Vice Rector for Cooperation, Din Wahid, M.A., Ph.D., accompanied by the Head of the AAKK Bureau, Dr. Hj. Sri Ilham Lubis, Lc., M.Pd., along with staff members from the cooperation division.
The meeting was held in a warm and collegial atmosphere. In his remarks, the Rector of Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar emphasized the institution’s openness to concrete and sustainable collaboration.
“There are many initiatives we can develop together. This is what we expect from the visit of UIN Jakarta—how we can share experiences and map out potential areas of cooperation that can be mutually beneficial,” he stated.
During the discussion, Din Wahid explained that the visit served as a strategic step to strengthen the exchange of best practices between the two universities.
“Each institution has its own strengths and limitations. UIN Jakarta has a strong network in Europe, while UIN Alauddin has extensive networks in Eastern Indonesia and strategic access to the Middle East. These strengths should be synergized,” he explained.
He further highlighted opportunities for international collaboration through the Netherland Knowledge House, a forum consisting of 16 universities in the Netherlands, which has maintained an official partnership with UIN Jakarta since October.
“This membership opens numerous opportunities, including joint research, access to international funding, student and faculty exchanges, as well as the development of a ‘living lab’ program—equivalent to a sustainable international community service program,” he added.
Several universities in the Netherlands have also expressed their readiness to support UIN Jakarta’s initiatives in developing environmental research areas and other joint programs.
Furthermore, Din Wahid encouraged Islamic higher education institutions (PTKIN), including Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar, to jointly utilize collaboration opportunities offered by various international institutions based in Jakarta.
“There is vast potential for collaboration. The Netherlands needs partners from Indonesia, and we also need them. Opportunities like this should not be missed,” he emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment from both institutions to follow up on the cooperation opportunities discussed, particularly in the development of international programs, collaborative research, and the strengthening of global networks among PTKIN.
The visit was officially closed with the exchange of souvenirs and a group photo session, symbolizing the strengthening of institutional ties between Alauddin State Islamic University Makassar and Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta.
