Achieving a perfect GPA of 4.00, Hantrini Rolistiani, an MA graduate from Islamic Studies program specializing in Classical Islam, was named the best graduate during UIII’s third commencement on August 27, 2025. Representing the Faculty of Islamic Studies, her success is a testament to the university’s role in shaping globally minded scholars through rigorous academic training and diverse intellectual exchange.

In her graduation speech, Hantrini cited a quote from Ahmad al-Dardiri’s al-Kharida al-Bahiyya, which describes a creed “small in size, yet great in knowledge.” She drew a comparison between the classical text and UIII, noting that although the university is relatively young, it has already established itself as “a melting pot for scholars and academics from across the world, a wide place for intellectual exchange, and a fertile environment for learning, research, and personal development.”

Reflecting on her academic journey, Hantrini shared her early struggles with self-confidence and academic writing, emphasizing how UIII’s high standards challenged her to grow. She recalled an Arabic expression, “The sea is in front of us and the enemy is behind us, so where can we escape?” to illustrate her determination to persist despite difficulties.

She also described how her study habits transformed during her time at UIII. Initially preferring quiet environments, she eventually adapted to studying under different circumstances, including cafés. By her final semester, she humorously admitted that she had become accustomed to it, with many Depok cafés benefiting from her regular visits.

“The only problem was that, by my final semester, I had become used to it—even addicted to studying in cafés. As a result, a lot of my money was donated to the countless cafés across Depok. But that’s all right, because today, all of these experiences have become valuable and beautiful memories in my life’s journey.”

Concluding her address, Hantrini extended her congratulations to fellow graduates, calling the milestone a collective achievement. “This achievement belongs to all of us. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey,” she said.

Her speech highlighted both the academic rigor and personal growth nurtured at UIII, capturing the spirit of resilience, adaptability, and intellectual exchange that defines the university’s community.