Medan - A total of 23 students of the Doctoral Program and Master of Islamic Philanthropy of the Graduate School of the State Islamic University (SPsUIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta presented their scientific articles at "The 8th International Colloquium on Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies (ICIIS) 2025".

This event took place at Le Polonia Hotel & Convention, Medan, North Sumatra, on August 18-21, 2025.

This international colloquium carries the big theme "Religion, Science and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Discourses and Practical Integrations". The total number of participants who attended reached more than 350 people, consisting of academics, researchers, and students from within and outside the country. Of that number, 23 Islamic philanthropy students of UIN Jakarta are important representations in carrying out the study of zakat, waqf, and Islamic philanthropy in a global context. Their participation affirms UIN Jakarta's position as a center for Islamic philanthropic studies that is increasingly taken into account in the academic world.

The presence of Islamic philanthropic students is even more special because they not only display conceptual studies, but also applicative research that is closely related to sustainable development. The Chairman of the ICIIS Committee, Prof. Dr. JM Muslimin, MA, who is also the Head of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies SPs UIN Jakarta, expressed his appreciation for the participation of the students. According to him, even though the organization of this colloquium faced budget limitations, the synergy between the committee of UIN Jakarta and UINSU Medan made the event a success.

"This is clear evidence that our students not only work at the national level, but are also able to make a real contribution in global forums," he said.

He added that the research results of philanthropy students will be an important part of academic literacy that continues to develop. Furthermore, this forum is a momentum to strengthen international research networks across disciplines. One of the doctoral students of UIN Jakarta, Muhammad Roissudin, admitted that he was very grateful to be able to participate in this prestigious scientific forum.

"Alhamdulillah, I was able to participate in an extraordinary event," he said.

He presented an article entitled "Islamic Philanthropy and SDGs: A Comparative Study of Waqf Practices in Indonesia, Turkey, Singapore, and Egypt". According to him, this forum presents a diversity of perspectives that are very relevant to global philanthropic trends.

"This forum is very enlightening. Our zakat and waqf literacy needs to continue to be developed so that Islamic philanthropy plays a more important role in answering the challenges of the times," he said after presenting his article.

Roissudin also stated that his article is projected to be published in reputable international journals. This is a tangible manifestation of the contribution of UIN Jakarta philanthropy students in producing global academic works.

In line with that, Miqdam Awwali, who is also a doctoral student, also presented an article with the theme of green management. The article is titled "Implementation of Green Management at BAZNAS RI: An Analysis of Shades of Green Model Approach" which highlights environmentally friendly governance in national zakat institutions. In his presentation, Miqdam revealed that green management practices are very relevant to answer the challenges of ecology and zakat governance in the modern era.

"Alhamdulillah, I am satisfied enough, continue to hone philanthropic literacy according to the needs of the community," he said.

He also emphasized that philanthropy is no longer just an option, but a real need that must be responsive to social dynamics.

"Philanthropy is a need for society that is increasingly relevant to various conditions," he concluded.

Its presence strengthens the contribution of UIN Jakarta students in expanding the perspective of Islamic philanthropy towards a more progressive direction. The Rector of UINSU Medan, Prof. Dr. Nurhayati, M.Ag., in his opening remarks expressed his high appreciation for the contribution of Islamic philanthropy students of UIN Jakarta.

According to him, the involvement of philanthropic students is not just symbolic, but as a 'trendsetter' in the development of interdisciplinary research based on Islamic values.

"The presence of these students shows that Islamic universities do not only focus on teaching, but also play an active role in finding solutions to the challenges of the times," he said.

Meanwhile, the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of reinterpreting the relationship between religion and science in the modern era. He emphasized that religious people face major challenges such as the development of artificial intelligence, global health issues, and environmental crises that threaten civilization.

"This colloquium is expected not only to produce academic publications, but also to give birth to concrete solutions for the community," he said.

According to him, Islamic universities must create an academic environment that is open, tolerant, and responsive to global changes. Moderation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and openness, he said, are key to ensuring that Islam remains relevant in the contemporary era. The presence of philanthropic students at this forum is proof of UIN Jakarta's commitment in responding to these challenges. He closed his speech with an invitation to continue to expand international academic networks.

The participation of 23 Islamic philanthropic students of UIN Jakarta in ICIIS 2025 is an important milestone in academic development. They not only boast their alma mater, but also bring a fresh perspective on the role of Islamic philanthropy in global development. The articles presented at this forum reflect the seriousness of students in developing quality research that is ready to be published in internationally reputable journals. Furthermore, their works open up new academic discussion spaces that are relevant to the SDGs agenda. From the issue of waqf, zakat, to green management, all are presented with a visionary interdisciplinary approach. This forum is also an important means to train the academic diplomacy capacity of the younger generation. Thus, the contribution of Islamic philanthropy students of UIN Jakarta in this forum can be called a strategic investment for the future of Islamic civilization. (ro/ja)