May 8, 2025
Contributor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Depok, May 7, 2025 – Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) has taken a pivotal step toward establishing itself as an emerging research university by finalizing its Ethical Clearance framework. This milestone follows a series of strategic discussions, including a seminar featuring experts from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) last year, aimed at advancing the discourse on research ethics at UIII. The initiative underscores UIII’s commitment to aligning with international standards and fostering a culture of responsible scholarship.
As a research university, UIII recognizes the critical role of ethical clearance in ensuring that its faculty, researchers, and students conduct studies with integrity, particularly those involving human subjects. The finalized framework, supported by the establishment of an Ethical Clearance Committee led by Dr. Rifqi Muna, Chair of UIII’s Academic Senate, positions UIII alongside globally renowned institutions, which have long prioritized Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to uphold research ethics.
Ethical Scholarship
Dr. Saiful Umam, Director of Research and Cooperation at UIII, highlighted the significance of this development. “The establishment of our Ethical Clearance framework is a crucial step for UIII,” he said. “It ensures that our faculty, researchers, and students adhere to the highest ethical standards, aligning our research practices with those of leading universities both in Indonesia and abroad.”
The Ethical Clearance framework provides a structured process for evaluating research proposals, ensuring they meet rigorous ethical standards. This is particularly vital for studies involving human subjects, where issues such as informed consent, privacy, and participant welfare are paramount. By implementing this framework, UIII aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of research participants while enhancing the credibility and impact of its scholarly output.
The ethical clearance committee is a multidisciplinary team tasked with reviewing and approving research proposals involving human subjects. Comprising experts in ethics, law, and various academic disciplines, the IRB evaluates proposals based on key criteria, including:
Risks and Benefits: Assessing whether the potential benefits of the research outweigh any risks to participants.
Informed Consent: Ensuring participants are fully informed about the study’s purpose, procedures, and risks before agreeing to participate.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Protecting the personal data and anonymity of research subjects.
Fair Selection: Ensuring equitable and non-discriminatory selection of participants.
Dr. Rifqi Muna emphasized the transformative impact of the ethical clearance for UIII’s research ecosystem. “By establishing a robust ethical clearance framework, UIII is aligning itself with global academic leaders, which have long championed ethical research through such mechanisms,” he said.
“This positions UIII as a responsible and forward-thinking institution, committed to producing research that is both impactful and ethically sound.”
Why Ethical Clearance Matters for UIII
According to Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at UIII, for an emerging research university like UIII, a strong ethical clearance framework is not merely a procedural requirement but a strategic necessity. As UIII seeks to establish itself as a global hub for Islamic scholarship and interdisciplinary research, adhering to international ethical standards enhances its reputation and competitiveness. “Ethical clearance ensures that UIII’s research meets the expectations of global academic journals, funding agencies, and collaborative partners, thereby amplifying the university’s visibility and influence,” Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim said.
Moreover, the framework fosters a culture of accountability and trust within UIII’s academic community. Faculty and students benefit from clear guidelines and support in navigating ethical challenges, enabling them to conduct research with confidence and integrity. This is particularly important in fields such as social sciences, education, and Islamic studies, where UIII’s research often engages with sensitive cultural, religious, and social issues.
The involvement of BRIN experts in shaping UIII’s ethical clearance discourse further underscores the university’s commitment to excellence. By drawing on national expertise and global best practices, UIII ensures that its framework is both contextually relevant and internationally competitive.
A Foundation for Global Impact
According to Prof. Jamhari, the Rector of UIII, the finalization of UIII’s Ethical Clearance framework marks a defining moment in the university’s journey toward global academic leadership. “By prioritizing research ethics, UIII is laying a strong foundation for producing scholarship that is both innovative and responsible. The framework also signals UIII’s readiness to compete on the world stage, as ethical clearance is a prerequisite for securing international grants, publishing in top-tier journals, and forging partnerships with leading institutions, “ the UIII Rector said.
As Dr. Rifqi Muna noted, “Ethical clearance is not just about compliance—it’s about building trust and credibility. With this framework, UIII is poised to make meaningful contributions to global knowledge while upholding the highest standards of integrity.”
Looking ahead, UIII plans to further strengthen its ethical clearance processes through training programs, workshops, and collaborations with national and international experts. These efforts will empower its academic community to navigate the complexities of research ethics and produce work that addresses pressing global challenges.
For more information about UIII’s research initiatives and ethical standards, visit uiii.ac.id.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
