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Rector of UII: Digital Transformation Supports the Quality of Higher Education

The idea of higher education quality in the era of industrial revolution 4.0 that demands graduates to have competitive strength globally has widely been discussed. However, discussion about how a higher education institution must prepare their steps to reach such quality has not been conducted. 

Such statement is delivered by the Rector of Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. in his role as keynote speaker in discussion panel in The 4th International Conference on Quality Assurance of Islamic Higher Education (IQA Conference) at Hotel Sultan, Jakarta, Monday (28/10). The conference themed Quality Assurance for Higher Education 4.0 in the Islamic World: Learning from the Past and Meeting the Future Challenges is attended by hundreds of high-level officials of Islamic higher education institutions in Indonesia.

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The Importance of Psychologists in Society’s Mental Health

Mental health, for most people, is a taboo topic to discuss. In fact, mental disturbance may occur to anyone, especially to those experiencing work pressure, sexual harassment to bullying. Some people tend to cover their anxiety to the extent that it disrupts their mental health. In such case, psychologists can be the right person, the right place for those experiencing mental health disturbances, to assist them and find a solution for their anxiety. 

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UII Facilitates Dialogue on Religious Tolerance with Serbi

The higher the diversity that a country has, it doesn’t necessarily make it easily disintegrated. Indonesia is an evidence of that, where thousands of ethnicities, languages and at least six recognized religions can live side by side. Diversity, if managed well, becomes a proof of authentic uniqueness and strength in pushing a nation forward. 

This theme is the main focus of discussion in the Public Lecture at The 4th Indonesia-Serbia Bilateral Interfaith Dialogue (ISBID) taking place at Main Library Building, Integrated Campus of Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) on Thursday, (24/10). UII earned the mandate to become facilitator of this event because it has been regarded as one of intense proponent of moderate Islam and inter-community dialogue. 

“There are plenty more lessons we must learn from our fellow brothers in Indonesia. We (Serbia) are relatively young in terms of inter-institutional participation and cooperation,” said Isihije Rogić, Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Mohač who discussed work relations about what has been achieved and what will be the targets in the future. This 4th series of interfaith dialogues is a demonstration of consistent synergistic cooperation between Indonesia and Serbia. 

Different from Isihije, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Numan, Deputy of Reisul-Ulema of the Islamic Community of Serbia and Mufti of Serbia, reviewed the development of multiculturalism and interfaith cooperation. In his opinion, to live together amidst the differences, constitutional legality should always be regarded carefully, while working hard for everyone. 

“In Indonesia, the example is Pancasila. The first principle accentuates and allows people to choose their faith,” Abdullah said. Besides that, he also expressed that there is no religion that teaches hate, religion teaches love and mercy. “There is no coercion in choosing religion. We can walk a horse to a mudhole, but we can’t force it to drink the water,” he explained. 

Meanwhile, Dr Ferid Bulić, Assistant Director in the Department for Interfaith Dialogue, Ministry of Justice – Administration for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Communities – elucidated religious rights in Serbia and interreligious dialogue. “In Serbia, there are 7 recognized traditional religions,” Ferid said. Before going further, he emphasized that openness in constitutional ground, especially on religion, is pivotal. 

Ir. Wiryono Raharjo, M.Arch., Ph.D., Deputy of Rector in Networking & Entrepreneurship attended the event as the fourth speaker responding that this dialogue brings positive impact to counterparts or even students, which is then followed by future activities and targets. 

In addition to these four invited speakers, attending among the audience is H.E. The Indonesian Ambassador for Serbia, Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha. Together with Serbian students currently residing and studying in Indonesia, His Excellency appreciated this event and advise the students to maintain relations with one another and learn the lessons from the differences between their cultures. 

Tolerance in Indonesia

Indonesia has been recognized worldwide as a country that upholds tolerance vigorously, even Indonesia has become the host of United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAC) held in Bali in August 2014. Quoting Hendardi (2018) The Index of Tolerant Cities (IKT) in 2018 exhibited 10 most tolerant cities in Indonesia to promote and provide a role model for other cities in Indonesia. 

Ultimately, religious differences can find a melting point in constitutional legality. It requires an open mind and dialogue between religious leaders to reach comprehensive understanding regarding agreed values. “Religions teaches love and mercy. It is no longer the time to blame each other, show that love is so much more than hate,” Abdullah asserted, ending his Q & A session.

(IG/ESP)

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UII Student Received an Award in Tokyo

A student of Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) attained an international achievement in research sector. This time, in Tokyo-Tech Indonesia Commitment Award 2019, Sholah Fariduddin (Chemistry 2015) got an opportunity to present his research about the use of banana waste. The invited participants have previously passed through a tight selection process conducted by the judges. There are only 5 out of 178 entries that was selected. This event is organized by Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Japan and PPI Tokodai, while it took place in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday (05/10).

“The selection process is extremely strict, involving 178 participants from which 5 teams will be chosen and invited to present the results of their research,” Sholah explained. 

“The selection process consists of several stages from paper abstract, online presentation and then online research interview, to obtain 5 best papers. Three best research papers are invited to attend with full financial coverage by the organizer TICA 2019 and I was included in those 3 best research,” he continued. 

Sholah worked on a research entitled “Potential-Magnetic Composite Fe2O3/Activate Carbon Banana Fruit Bunches as Adsorbents for Dye Removal from Wastewater”. This research is conducted because in Indonesia, Banana has abundant potentials but its waste utilization is very minimum. 

Sholah, along with Umainah (Chemistry 2015), changed the material from bunches waste of Banana tree to be synthesized to create a magnetic composites by adding Fe2O3. The researcher claimed that the result of this process can absorb coloring waste substance to the maximum extent. In this research, violet methyl waste is tested because of aniline substance in the composition of harmful coloring substance. 

After running for 4 months, this research brought Sholah to receive Third Place in TICA 2019. This research, which is supervised by Drs. Allwar M.Sc., Ph.D, is expected to be developed to a better quality to produce magnetic composite materials from banana bunches waste to increase the usefulness of local resources. (NIQ/ESP)

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UII Pioneers Textile Engineering Study Program

Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) officially opened Textile Engineering Study Program for undergraduate level (S1) on Friday (25/10). The delivery of Decision Letter of Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education Number B/2892/a4.1/HK.01.01/2019 is conducted by the Head of Higher Education Service Agency (LLDIKTI) Region V, Prof Dr. Didi Achjari, SE., M.Com., Ak.,CA., to the Head of Education Development Division of UII’s Badan Wakaf Foundation,, Dr. Siti Anisah, S.H., M.H. and Rector of UII Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc. Ph.D., at Prof. Dr. Sardjito Building, UII Integrated Campus.

In her addressing speech, Dr Siti Anisah said that the launching of this study program is a manifestation of UII mandate from Indonesian society, because textile is basic needs of people. This challenge also becomes UII’s answer to government’s target in attempting to increase national bargaining power globally especially on textile industry. 

“People’s basic needs on clothing is increasing every year, therefore there is a need for experts to develop textile industry in Indonesia, to also prepare Indonesia to become the largest textile supplier in the world,” Dr Siti Anisah revealed.

Equally, Prof Didi Achjari expressed that Indonesia is the second largest producer of world’s Muslim clothing. But the problem is on Indonesia’s deficit current economic account which relies on imports. It pushed Indonesia below China and India in terms of textile industry, which Indonesia should have been able to be independent. Hence, there is a need of intervention from higher education to prepare experts who can raise the potential of Indonesia’s textile industry. 

“The potential of textile engineering as a new study program is expected to help wider community and stimulate economic growth and business especially Indonesia’s textile industry. There could be a research on clothes coloring substances or unique fabric innovation,” Prof. Didi Achjari stated. 

The head of Preparation Team of Opening Textile Engineering Study Program, Dr Suharno Rusdi said that besides the uncontrollable entry of imported products, the cause of adversities in Indonesia’s textile industry is also from the operations in textile industry especially dyeing and finishing process that often pollute the environment. Thus, the role of higher education is required to provide solution in tackling waste problem in textile industry that often creates environmental degradation. 

“Environmental degradation has become a sensitive issue, UII as a higher education should attempt to back the government by preparing expertise capable of providing solutions to tackle environmental degradation, one of them is through textile-coloring without water,” Suharno revealed.

In addition to that, the need of workforce in textile and textile product sector is constantly rising year by year along with the expanding national textile industry. Even in 2019, the number of workforce employed in national textile industry is recorded at 3.73 million people, or approximately 20.47% of total workforce in manufacturing sector. 

“Developing industries should be balanced with increasing competent workers. For in industries, it is not only about production machines. The need of adequate human resources is also necessary to carry forward advanced textile industry in the future,” Suharno added. (ENI/RS)

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UII Held 3 International Conferences Discussing Current Issues

Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) in collaboration with Faculty of Economics UII under the facilitation of the Directorate of Research and Community Development (DPPM) UII held UIC (UII International Conference) on Wednesday (23/10) at Royal Ambarukmo Hotel Yogyakarta. This conference, which brought up “Industry 4.0” as a theme, is a joint of 3 different conferences. 

The first conference, ICET4SD (International Conference on Engineering Technology for Sustainable Development) is a biennial event inviting 4 keynote speakers: Assoc. Prof. Tomohiko Igasaki from Kumamoto University, Jepang, Prof. Pedro Miguel Ferreira Martins Arezes from University of Minho Portugal, Prof. Wisnu Jatmiko from UII, and Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abu Abdullah from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka.

Meanwhile, the second conference, IBITeC (International Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology Conference), was the first time, held by the Department of Electrical Engineering UII. Three keynote speakers delivered lectures in the conference, they are  Prof. Udantha Abeyratne from the University of Queensland, Australia, Assoc. Prof. Tomohiko Igasaki from Kumamoto University, Japan, and Assoc. Prof. Norlaili binti Mat Safri from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Last but not least, the 3rd UII-iCabe (UII International Conference on Accounting, Business and Economics) inviting 4 keynote speakers,  Prof. Phil Hancock of the University of Western Australia, Prof. Abdul Ghafar Ismail of Kolej Pengajian Islam Johor, Prof. Hadri Kusuma from UII, and Dr. Halim Alamsyah From Loan Guaranty Agency. 

The Director of DPPM UII, Dr.Eng. Hendra Setiawan, S.T., M.T expected that UIC would become a pilot project that turns into an international-scale scientific seminar.

“All the accepted scientific papers will be published in reputable and indexed journals like Scopus, Clarivate Analytics, IEEE and national and international journals in partnership with each international seminars,” he added. 

There are at least 200 papers accepted from countries like Japan, Portugal, Srilanka, People’s Republic of China, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. These papers are then reviewed objectively by reviewers from several countries. The Acceptance Rate of 3rd ICET4SD and 1st IBITeC are 70 % and 60 % respectively. The accepted and presented papers in ICET4SD will be published in IOP Proceeding Series, and some selected papers will be forwarded to be published in selected journals, JMES (Q2) and JAMT (Q3), while the papers in IBITeC will be published online. 

ICABE UII ICABE will select 120 best articles to be published in reputable journals. All publication schemes will be checked at main international index database to ensure appropriate visibility of articles/papers internationally. 

Curious Conference Topics

The speaker Norlaili from UTM explained about I-Stress apps that he is developing. I-Stress apps is a device that assists people in detecting CVD (Cardiovascular Disease). CVD is a heart-related and blood-vessels-related disease. 

“People who suffers from CVD must be quickly treated in the hospital. This app can detect and recommend us when we have to go to the hospital without waiting for emergency,” he explained. 

The way it works is by inputting user’s data such as weight, age, sex, and heart rate, that requires GPS, stopwatch and photoplethysmorgram smartphones to count pulse rate. Afterwards, the output will display whether we are in healthy condition, or the app will recommend us to consult a doctor or to obliged us to see a doctor. 

Meanwhile, other speaker Prof. Hadri Kusuma explained the function of IT Governance in assisting corporate leaders in their responsibility especially in ensuring that the goals of IT is in line with their business, added value and can count risk and performances. 

On the other side of the conference, Abu Abdullah said that there are a few trends in the manufacturing sector, including automated manufacturing system, computer integrated manufacturing, agile manufacturing, E-Manufacturing, digital manufacturing, Intelligent manufacturing and smart manufacturing. He also pointed out that there are several qualifications and essential capability to acquire in this era. 

The most important knowledge is about basic ICT (basic information about technology, the skill to interact with computers and robots), capability to work and process data (the skill to process and analyse data and knowing basic statistics), understanding technicalities (possessing a profound understanding in manufacturing activities and tech-savviness) and the last one is to have good personal skills such as decision making.(DRD/ESP)

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Green Chemistry Embodies Sustainable Development In Various Sectors

Prof. Dr. Is Fatimah, S.Si., M.Si. was inaugurated as Professor in Chemistry in Open Senate Hearing, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) at Auditorium Prof. K.H. Abdul Kahar Mudzakkir, UII Integrated Campus, Thursday (17/10). In her inauguration speech, Prof. Is Fatimah presented her title “the Development of Advanced Material to Support Environment-friendly and Sustainable Chemistry Development.” The Senate Hearing is led by UII’s Rector, Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.

Prof. Is Fatimah explained that the rapid development of science, technology and industry has made human life easier. Yet, beyond easiness from these developments, adverse effects from these activities, especially from chemical industries are inevitable. Water and soil contamination and air pollution are impacts that require special attention. For instance, the report on Jakarta’s air quality indicated it as the worst in the world, which is a sensitive issue for a state as part of a global community. 

“Chemical industries are often considered as the culprit for these negative impacts. However, it is undeniable that our activities are inseparable from chemicals. Basic human needs from clothing, food, housing and even communication devices are products of billions of chemical reactions. Chemistry is all around us,” Prof. Is Fatimah said. 

Prof. Is Fatimah argued that in the history of chemical industry, productivity factor was more directed towards earning synthesis output as much as possible without considering the effects like residue, chemical waste and toxic effect at the end of production. On another aspect, energy consumption for some reactions is enormous. 

“The number and variation of chemical product used in daily life has grown rapidly. To produce new materials, new compounds generated unknown or even detrimental effect on health,” she elaborated. 

Prof. Is Fatimah further asserted that in current development, Green Chemistry plays a crucial role in implementing sustainable development in various sectors, based on 12 principles: Waste Prevention, Atom Economy, Less Hazardous Chemical Synthesis, Designing Safer Chemicals, and Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries. 

In addition to that, there are also Design for Energy Efficiency, the Use of Renewable Feedstocks, Reducing Derivatives, Catalysis, Design for Degradation, Real-Time Analysis for Pollution Prevention, and Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention. 

”Of all these twelve principles, as part of a wider scientific community in Indonesia, especially in UII and the Department of Chemistry, we made endeavors in developing Green Chemistry, through the Advanced Material for Energy and Environment (MEE) Research Laboratory,” she said. 

“The focus of our research is on the development of mineral-based and natural advanced material on catalysis preparation, adsorbent, and nanoparticles for applications in various reactions whether in the provision of essential chemicals, renewable energy and organic waste or coloring waste processing,” Prof. Is Fatimah added. 

Furthermore, Prof. Is Fatimah stated that the success of clay-based material modification had supported many genuine environmental remedy technology, for example, the combination of clay material with Ti2O and ZnO in the form of ceramic membrane material, which can be used as disinfectant materials in drinking water. Photocatalysis mechanism supported by adsorption has the ability to eliminate bacterial cells in water for disinfection. 

“Other than publications in reputable journal articles, four patents have been registered from research schemes developed by Advanced Material for Energy and Environment Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UII,” she revealed.

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UII Welcoming International Students: New Family Members

Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) continuously provides best education not only for next Indonesian generations but also for people from all around the world. Such is evident in the admission of students from outside Indonesia every year to continue their studies in UII both at undergraduate and graduate level.

33 international students are admitted to UII for 2019/2020 academic year, distributed in the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Psychology and Sociocultural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine. These international students are from several countries like Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Aside from these new international students, enrolled international students who have started studying at UII in the previous years also attended to celebrate and get to know their new fellow international students. 

The Director of Partnership/Office of International Affairs of UII Hangga Fathana, S.IP., B.Int.St., M.A., delivered an addressing speech in the welcoming event, introducing UII and Jogja to the international students. He explained the services that UII avails to assist students’ academic activities at UII. 

“UII Central Library is one of the biggest library in Jogja. It opens till 10 PM to facilitate students who wants to study in the evening so that they can access campus facilities.”


Besides that, UII also provides career development services for its alumnus. “There is the Directorate of Career and Alumni providing up-to-date job vacancy information. So, if you have graduated and are seeking for jobs in Indonesia or abroad, there is no need to worry,” he continues. Hangga hopes that international students in UII can harness their time in their best way while studying in Indonesia. 

“UII ranks number 17th among 4500 universities in Indonesia and is listed in the top 500 universities in Asia. For this achievement, we hope that students who have come all the way from their country can utilize this time to study at UII well with these complete supporting facilities provided,” he ends.

Invited to speak at the welcoming event, Aipda Heru Permadi from Division of Traffic Management, Sleman Regency Police Department, explained about road traffic regulations and driving etiquettes in Indonesia, especially in Jogja. Besides that, also attend Rini Hartati Pudji Handayani, a representative of Yogyakarta Immigration Office, who informed students about immigration affairs for students who will study at UII for approximately 4 years. 

Speaking in the event as well are Nihlah Ilhami, S.Pd. as the Head of International Mobility Division,  Dr. Tatang Shabur as the Director of Academic Service Unit, Beni Suranto, S.T., M.Soft.Eng. the Director of Student Affairs Unit, Abdurrahman Al-Faqih the Director of Career Development and Alumni. They also elaborated about what services that these students are provided with for both domestic and international students. (NIQ/ESP)

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UII Student Top-listed at National Debate Competition

Fauzi Wahyu Zamzami, a student of International Relations department who is also a santri in UII Islamic Boarding School, has been selected as one of twelve best participants in an international debate competition held by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta at 5 – 7 September 2019. This national debate competition on human rights brought a theme “Advancing Partnership For Sustainability.” 

The participation process began by sending an essay. Out of hundreds of registrars, only 25 participants are selected to be invited to compete in the debate held at the office of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. In this competition, Fauzi sent an essay entitled “The Role of Youth in Taking Advantage of Local Potential to Achieve SDG’s 2030.”

In the first day, participants received lectures about human rights and debate, delivered by the Representative of Indonesia to AICHR, Representative of Directorate of ASEAN Political Security Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Indonesia, Representative of Directorate of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, Public Speaking Practitioner, dan The Winner of AICHR Youth Debate 2018.

While on the second day, debate is conducted in two sessions. In the first session, 25 debaters are screened and 12 of them are selected to advance  to the next stage. Subsequently in the second session, 3 best participants out of 12 participants will be selected as representatives to compete in AICHR Youth Debate di Thailand. Fauzi Wahyu Zamzami is top-listed as one of the 12 best finalists in this competition.

Fauzi asserted that he participated in the competition for three reasons, to enrich his experience, to improve his English skills and expand his connection. “I want to participate in this event in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, because it has been my unrealized dream since I was in high school,” he uttered. 

According to Fauzi, his participation in the debate is also a means of improving his English skills. “I believe that debating will make us more critical, besides increasing our English skills little by little,” he revealed. 

As a means of adding connections.  Fauzi argues that by competing in this contest, he can discuss directly with the Director General of ASEAN, Director General of Human Rights and many more. Fauzi, who is a receiver of UII Islamic Boarding School Scholarship further explains that he competed “also to make more friends from many universities in the country and abroad, that will certainly become an investment for me in the future.” (AR/RS)