Banten, BERITA SPs — The Graduate School (Sekolah Pascasarjana / SPs) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta continues to expand its strategic cooperation network to advance the quality of Islamic education in Indonesia. This concrete step was realized through an exploratory visit for cooperation, alongside program promotion and socialization, to Pesantren Ibnu Syam located in Cilegon, Banten, on Friday (10/2/2026).

The delegation of SPs UIN Jakarta leaders attending this visit consisted of the Director of SPs, the Vice Director of SPs, the Head of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies, the Secretary of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies, the Secretary of the Master’s Program in Islamic Studies, the Head of the Administration Subdivision, and several education personnel. The team was warmly welcomed by the Head of Pesantren Ibnu Syam, Dr. Ahmad Slamet Ibnu Syam, Lc, MA, MPH.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Ahmad Slamet expressed his gratitude and delight at the visit from his alma mater's extended family. He mentioned that Pesantren Ibnu Syam currently houses approximately 1,012 santris (students) who are studying both religious sciences and general knowledge in a balanced manner.

As an alumnus of SPs UIN Jakarta, Dr. Ahmad Slamet also expressed high hopes that this cordial gathering would evolve into concrete cooperation. He stated the pesantren's strategic plan to improve the quality of its teaching staff by sending teachers to continue their studies at SPs UIN Jakarta.

Responding to the warm reception, the Director of SPs UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, expressed his gratitude for the extraordinary welcome from the pesantren. He considered the synergy between higher education institutions and pesantren to be a highly crucial strategic step.

Prof. Zulkifli enthusiastically welcomed Pesantren Ibnu Syam's intention to send their teachers to study at SPs UIN Jakarta. He stated that the institution is fully prepared to provide an open welcome and the best facilities for pesantren educators wishing to deepen their academic knowledge.

Furthermore, Prof. Zulkifli explained that SPs UIN Jakarta is an ideal institution for studying Islam comprehensively as well as in other fields of science. This is supported by the presence of lecturers who are not only experienced but also competent experts in their respective fields.

The event then continued with a presentation on the institutional profile, curriculum, and lecture system delivered directly by the Vice Director of SPs UIN Jakarta, Prof. Yusuf. This presentation provided a clear and transparent overview of the academic atmosphere within SPs UIN Jakarta.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies at SPs UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. JM Muslimin, MA, also provided an in-depth explanation. He elaborated on the technical implementation of lectures, particularly regarding special schemes for collaborative students and international students studying at SPs.

Through this activity, both parties hope that the cooperation will not stop at a merely ceremonial level, but will soon proceed to concrete actions. One of the key points anticipated is the realization of a scholarship program for Pesantren Ibnu Syam teachers to pursue further studies at SPs UIN Jakarta. (JA)