Depok, May 4, 2026 – In a historic and emotional milestone, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) has successfully graduated its first PhD student. Nanda Silatsa Serge, a doctoral candidate from the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, originally from Cameroon, earned his doctoral degree following a successful dissertation defense held at the Teleconference Room, Faculty B Building, on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Nanda defended his dissertation entitled “Between Forests and Growth: Conceptualizing Constrained Climate Policy Space for a Sustainable Future in Rainforest Countries.” In this work, he introduces the concept of “Constrained Climate Policy Space”, referring to the condition in which Global South countries face a persistent dilemma between environmental imperatives, developmental needs, and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The dissertation defense was chaired by Philips J. Vermonte, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UIII. The examination committee included Prof. Poppy Sulistyaning Winanti, Professor at Universitas Gadjah Mada, serving as external examiner, and Afrimadona, Ph.D., as internal examiner. Guiding the candidate through the process was a supervisory team led by Prof. Komaruddin Hidayat (Promoter), supported by co-advisors Assoc. Prof. Mochamad Faisal Karim and Rifqi Muna, Ph.D.

Following a 15-minute closed deliberation, the committee declared Nanda to have passed with minor revisions. A moment of emotion filled the room as the chair concluded the session with the words, “Congratulations, Dr. Nanda.”

After the defense, the Rector of UIII, Prof. Jamhari, delivered remarks expressing his deep emotion. He noted that since UIII’s establishment in 2016, this marks the university’s first PhD graduate, and he expressed hope that many more will follow. Professor Komaruddin Hidayat, who also served as both examiner and principal supervisor, shared his emotional reflection, emphasizing that UIII was founded with the vision of producing intellectual leaders who contribute meaningfully to global society.

The dissertation defense was attended by prominent university figures, including Rector of UIII Prof. Jamhari, Ph.D., Acting Vice Rector Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, as well as faculty members, deans from various faculties, and students across UIII.

As the first PhD defense in UIII’s history, this milestone is expected to inspire other doctoral candidates to pursue their studies with greater determination and dedication, ultimately contributing to society. Once again, congratulations to Dr. Nanda. A bright future lies ahead.