Strengthening Academic and Cultural Ties in Islamic Education

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK) at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN) Yogyakarta officially welcomed the Global Islamic Student Outreach (GISO) program from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) on February 17, 2025, at Lt. 1, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training. This program marked another milestone in strengthening academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared community engagement between Indonesian and Malaysian students.

The GISO program, a flagship initiative from USIM, is designed to foster global awareness, academic cooperation, and cultural understanding among students from different countries, particularly within the ASEAN region. By participating in this program, both FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga and USIM have reinforced their commitment to promoting Islamic education, leadership development, and social responsibility on an international scale.

A Platform for Academic Exchange and Community Service

The GISO program at FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga featured a range of academic, cultural, and community-focused activities, offering participants a holistic learning experience. The key highlights of the program included:

1. Academic Dialogues & Workshops – One of the key sessions was a lecture delivered by Dr. Rosilawati Ramlan, a distinguished lecturer from USIM Malaysia, who provided valuable insights on Islamic education in the digital era and the integration of contemporary teaching methods with Islamic values.
2. Comparative Studies – A detailed exploration of the education systems in Malaysia and Indonesia, focusing on curriculum design, religious education, and the role of Islamic universities in shaping future scholars and leaders.
3. Cultural Exchange – A vibrant platform where students from both countries showcased their cultural heritage through traditional performances, storytelling, and arts exhibitions. This exchange fostered a deeper understanding of the shared yet diverse cultural traditions within the Muslim community in Southeast Asia.
4. Community Service & Outreach – As part of the program’s social engagement efforts, participants visited local schools, Islamic boarding institutions (pesantren), and underprivileged communities. They conducted educational sessions, motivational talks, and hands-on learning activities to inspire young learners and encourage the pursuit of knowledge in Islamic studies and sciences.

Prof. Dr. Sigit Purnama, M.Pd., Dean of FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, stating:

"The GISO program is a significant step in fostering global partnerships in Islamic education. The presence of Dr. Rosilawati Ramlan from USIM Malaysia further enriches our discussions, allowing students to gain new perspectives on the evolving landscape of Islamic education. Through this initiative, our students develop cross-cultural competencies and engage in meaningful academic dialogues. We believe this collaboration will lay the foundation for even more extensive academic partnerships between FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, USIM, and other institutions worldwide.

Meanwhile, Dr. Winarti, M.Pd., Vice Dean III (WD 3) of FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, who oversees student affairs and international cooperation, played a crucial role in facilitating the GISO program. She emphasized the importance of student mobility programs in enhancing cross-border educational experiences and global networking opportunities for students.

"This program is not just an academic initiative; it is a transformative experience for our students. Through GISO, our students develop leadership skills, international collaboration competencies, and a deeper appreciation of Islamic education beyond national borders. We are committed to expanding similar student exchange opportunities in the future to equip our students with the necessary skills to thrive in a globally connected world," she stated.

Future Collaboration and Expansion of Academic Ties

Building on the success of the GISO program, both FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga and USIM Malaysia are committed to expanding their academic collaboration in several key areas:

• Joint Research Initiatives – Plans are in place to establish collaborative research projects focusing on Islamic education, curriculum development, and the impact of digital transformation in Islamic learning. These research efforts will encourage faculty members and students from both institutions to work together on innovative educational models.
• Student & Faculty Exchange Programs – Future collaborations will include more structured exchange programs where students and lecturers from FITK and USIM can participate in semester-long academic exchanges, short-term mobility programs, and guest lectures.
• Dual Degree & Certification Programs – Discussions are ongoing about developing joint-degree or certification programs, allowing students to earn academic recognition from both institutions while gaining international learning experiences.
• Annual ASEAN Islamic Education Conference – FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga and USIM Malaysia plan to co-host an annual academic conference, inviting scholars, educators, and researchers from across ASEAN to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in Islamic education.
• Community Development Initiatives – A continued focus on outreach programs where students and faculty members engage in Islamic-based community service projects, including educational programs for marginalized communities, leadership training for young Islamic scholars, and interfaith dialogue sessions.

A Step Towards Stronger ASEAN Academic Integration

With the successful hosting of the GISO program, FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga has reaffirmed its role as a leading center of Islamic education, committed to building bridges across borders and strengthening regional academic collaboration. This initiative aligns with UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s broader vision to become an internationally recognized institution that contributes to the advancement of Islamic knowledge and global education standards.

As both institutions look ahead, the GISO program is expected to be the beginning of a long-term academic relationship, setting the stage for future collaborative efforts that will enhance knowledge exchange, promote global-mindedness, and foster a shared commitment to advancing Islamic education in the modern world.