New Chapter for UIII: Community and State Join Hands to Build Indonesia’s Future  

DEPOK, Indonesia — On a momentous Monday morning, 6 January, 2025, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) celebrated a historic milestone in its journey to becoming a beacon of education, spirituality, and progress. 

Held at the Rectorate Building of the UIII campus in Depok, the event marked the culmination of a complex and meaningful process—the resolution of land issues that had long intertwined the university's aspirations with the local community’s legacy.  

At the heart of the event was the handover and distribution of government assistance funds, representing not only a financial transaction but also a deeper collaboration between the state and its people. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, hope, and a shared vision for a brighter future, as community members, local leaders, and university representatives gathered to mark the occasion.  

A Vision of Unity and Progress  

The event was not just about resolving a land issue—it was a celebration of unity and progress. UIII, as an institution, embodies Indonesia’s ambition to harmonize its spiritual heritage with advancements in science, technology, and education.  

“UIII is part of Indonesia’s greater vision for 2045,” said Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron Syamsuddin, MA, Director of Islamic Higher Education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “We want to show that Indonesia is a leader in the Muslim world, demonstrating that Islam is not only compatible with progress but is also a driving force behind inclusivity, tolerance, and sustainability.”  

"We sincerely thank the Ministry of Finance, the West Java Provincial Government, the community members, and all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and collaboration. Your dedication made the distribution of compensation funds a resounding success, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly and seamlessly," he said.

Acknowledging the Community’s Contribution  

“We are deeply grateful to the residents who have cared for and maintained this land,” said Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, UIII’s secretary. “With great willingness, when the nation required it for the greater good, they returned the land to the state. This day is a testament to their generosity and spirit of cooperation.”  

The ceremony also underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency. Representing the West Java Provincial Government, Aida Fitriani delivered remarks that highlighted the comprehensive process behind the compensation for affected residents.  

“This event reflects the collaborative effort of many parties,” Aida stated, presenting the official Governor of West Java’s Decree No. 593 of 2024. The decree outlined the recipients, the amounts of compensation, and the mechanisms for distributing social impact funds. “This is not just about land; it’s about ensuring the dignity and welfare of those who have played a role in building this nation’s future.”  

The funds, totaling IDR 128 billion, were distributed to residents who had lived on and cared for the land that now serves as the foundation for UIII’s expansive campus. For many, the compensation represents an opportunity to start anew, while their contribution will forever be etched into the university’s history.  

Aida’s remarks, alongside those of other officials, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving this vision. Local leaders, representatives from the West Java Provincial Government, and even security forces like the Sukmajaya police and military were thanked for their contributions.  

“This is a story of togetherness,” Dr. Bamualim added. “From the community members who willingly embraced this transition, to the government partners who ensured the process was just and transparent—we are all part of this historic journey.”  

The Role of UIII in Indonesia’s Future  

With the land issue resolved, UIII now looks ahead to its mission of becoming a global center of Islamic scholarship. Established to address modern challenges, the university aims to nurture a generation of scholars and leaders equipped to navigate an interconnected and evolving world.  

“The university is not just a place of learning; it’s a symbol of what Indonesia can achieve when we combine tradition with innovation,” said Prof. Sahiron.  

The ceremony closed with a sense of optimism and purpose. Attendees joined in prayer, expressing gratitude for the smooth resolution and the shared hope for what lies ahead.  

A Shared Journey Forward  

For the residents who contributed their land, the compensation funds represent a fresh start—a chance to build new lives while knowing their legacy is part of a project with national significance. For UIII, this moment marks the beginning of its next chapter: building a future where knowledge and spirituality walk hand in hand.  

And for Indonesia, it serves as a powerful reminder: great things happen when the state and its people work together for a common good. []

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