Former VP Jusuf Kalla Meets Soon-To-Be UIII Graduates

August 03, 2023

Contributor: Kante Hamed | Editor: Supriyono


Jusuf Kalla, former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) met with the student representatives who have defended their thesis and are soon to be graduating from the university.

The event took place at the UIII Rectorate building on July 10, 2023, where important personalities such as Rector along with Deans and faculty members were also present at the momentous gathering.

The primary goal of the meeting was to seek valuable feedback from these students who have spent nearly two years of study at UIII and utilize their insights to further enhance the university’s growth and excellence. 

The agenda commenced with a warm welcome from Rector Prof Komarudin Hidayat which through his symbolic gesture set the tone for an open and engaging exchange of ideas throughout the event.

UIII's faculty members were at the forefront during the gathering, as deans and heads of departments proudly presented their respective achievements. The Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Islamic Studies, and the Faculty of Economics and Business, each shared remarkable milestones and introduced new programs aimed at enriching students' educational experiences.

The event's significance further grew when the head of the library presented the ongoing activities and the abundant resources available to the students. It highlighted UIII's commitment to providing an excellent academic environment that fosters knowledge, creativity, and research.

However, the heart of the meeting lay in the experiences and expectations shared by the UIII students of the first batch, both local and international, who had successfully defended their theses. They shared their thoughts with passion and gratitude, expressing how UIII had provided them with great opportunities.

Samiulah Adil, an Afghani student at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, expressed his profound appreciation for the opportunity to meet the former vice president. He lauded the outstanding community and culture of Indonesia, emphasizing the kindness and honesty of its people. Samiulah proposed that UIII consider accepting more Afghani students in the future, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration on a global scale.

Fahmi Alamil Huda, an Indonesian student from the Faculty of Economics and Business, brought forth a thoughtful set of suggestions. He stressed the importance of rigorous selection criteria for students and lecturers to ensure UIII's global competitiveness and facilitate effective internal cooperation. 

Fahmi commended the faculty members for their multi-faceted roles as supervisors, parents, teachers, and friends. He urged UIII to pursue national A accreditation from BAN-PT and explore international accreditations, which would elevate the university's stature on the global academic map. Furthermore, Fahmi expressed his hope that UIII's PhD students would come from Europe and America, expanding the university's reach on an international scale.

Abdou Barrow, a Gambian student at the Faculty of Education, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the support and facilities provided to international students. As the President of the International Students Association (ISA), Barrow highlighted the significance of learning the Indonesian language, as it enables international students to connect more deeply with the local culture and community. He recommended offering courses that focus on the language, thereby fostering stronger bonds between international students and their Indonesian peers. 

The meeting concluded with a sense of fulfillment, as valuable feedback was received, and a strong sense of unity prevailed among all participants. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla's presence and genuine interest in the students' experiences further strengthened UIII's commitment to continuous improvement and global engagement.

As we move forward, UIII remains dedicated to nurturing an environment that fosters academic excellence, cultural understanding, and collaboration, preparing our graduates to become global leaders and agents of positive change in the world.

Together, let us continue to uphold the spirit of unity and progress, as we strive for a brighter future for our beloved Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia.