As the first rays of Wednesday morning light shone on the glamorous UIII campus, they revealed more than just a venue coming to life; they unveiled a spirit. The 24th Annual International Conference on Islam, Science, and Society (AICIS+) this time disobeyed the norm as it began not just with papers and panels, but with people. People who are dreamers, innovators, and changemakers gather under one shared vision. A vision to inspire transformation through knowledge.

Below the grand conference halls of the Joko Widodo Rectorate Building and keynote sessions, the heartbeat of AICIS+ echoed through its vibrant side events that featured marvelous exhibitions, a grand display of compassion, creativity, and inclusion that embodied the conference’s true spirit.

Healing with Purpose: Sentra Medika’s Commitment to Well-being

Standing tall near the main entrance, the Sentra Medika Hospital Service booth reminded participants that a healthy body sustains a healthy mind. Their team provided free medical check-ups and on-site oxygen support in case of an eventuality, ensuring that everyone could engage in the conference with peace of mind.
In a gathering characterized by intellectual vitality, Sentra Medika’s presence reflected one of the core values of AICIS+, that knowledge thrives where there is a strong coexistence of care and compassion.

Inclusion in Motion: MAN II, Jakarta Selatan’s Living Lesson of Faith and Perseverance

Just a few steps away, a display of strength and determination stands out as onlookers flooded the booth in amazement, where MAN II Jakarta Selatan offered one of the most touching exhibits of the event. This school’s booth stood out as a testament to the inclusive nature of Indonesian culture, and is boldly reflected in this institution’s educational system, that disability is not a limitation but a different form of brilliance.

Among the students representing their school were two extraordinary individuals who moved every visitor with their stories.

A young boy, fully blind yet a master of chess, challenged participants to a game. His fingers glided across the board with instinctive confidence, each move a demonstration of focus, patience, and intelligence that drew admiration and quiet awe.

Beside him stood a young lady who had memorized all 30 Juz of the Qur’an and her calm presence radiated faith and discipline. Physically blind, these young people’s knowledge shines brighter than sight itself.

A narration from their teacher reveals that at MAN II Jakarta Selatan, inclusion is more than a policy; it is a culture of compassion and empowerment. “This school takes care of every child regardless of their ability or status and tries to bring the best out of them”, the teacher explained. Through programs that bring together students of all abilities, the school embodies the essence of AICIS+: that true education uplifts every human potential.

Innovation with Vision: MAN III, Jakarta Pusat’s Smart Safety System

Further down the row of booths, MAN III Jakarta Pusat displayed the beauty of innovation in motion. Sponsored by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, their student team exhibited a turn-signal reminder system for riders, designed to promote road safety. The teacher narrated that the inspiration behind the project is due to the fact that the daily rush sometimes overshadows people’s minds and they tend to make the wrong traffic signal. This helmet is meant to ensure that they are reminded of the signal they are taking by speaking directly to them. Their invention, currently wired and having already won a gold medal, now aims for a wireless upgrade.

In their enthusiasm, you could see what AICIS+ stands for: the meeting point between faith, knowledge, and innovation.

Ideas in Print: UIII Press and the Power of Scholarship

The UIII Press booth served more like a magnet for readers, thinkers, and bookworms alike as there was a display of two new books by some erudite scholars within the UIII community. One of these explored gender equalities through an Islamic lens, while the other traced the historical evolution of Islam in Indonesia.
Each book sparked conversation and reflection, embodying the scholarly depth that anchors AICIS+ as a platform for critical yet compassionate thought.

The First Day of AICIS+ was More Than Just a Conference

As the day went on, laughter, discussion, and inspiration filled the air. Participants exchanged ideas, stories, and visions for the future, each interaction a small thread in the grand tapestry of AICIS+ 2025. It is a movement where knowledge heals, inclusion empowers, and innovation connects faith with the future. And on that bright morning at UIII, the message was clear: The “+” in AICIS+ stands for people; their passion, their perseverance, and their promise.