Jakarta, FU Online News – The Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, officially sent off 23 student delegates participating in the Ushuluddin Goes International (UGI) 2026 program during a ceremony entitled "Promoting Cultural Peaceful Islam through Education and Cultural Exchange," held at the 4th Floor Meeting Room of the Faculty of Ushuluddin on Tuesday (June 30).

The program, which will take place in Thailand from July 5–20, 2026, represents one of the Faculty's strategic initiatives to expand its international partnerships while strengthening students' roles as ambassadors of culture and peace through education and cultural exchange.

The event was attended by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; the Head of the Sub-Directorate of Facilities, Infrastructure, and Student Affairs at the Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Papay Supriatna, S.S., M.Pd.; the Acting Deputy for Youth Services of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Ir. Hendro Wicaksono, M.Sc., Eng.; the Director of Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Ani Nigeriawati, S.Sos., M.A.; the Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D.; the Vice Deans; the Chairperson of the Faculty Student Executive Board (DEMA); the Organizing Committee; and members of the academic community of the Faculty of Ushuluddin.

In his report, Muhammad Zainin Nufus, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, stated that 23 students would participate in a series of academic activities, intercultural dialogues, and community engagement programs in Thailand as part of the Faculty of Ushuluddin's internationalization agenda.

Representing Indonesia on the Global Stage

In his remarks, the Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Ali Munhanif, encouraged the delegates to seize this opportunity as the beginning of their international journey.

"This program is more than just an overseas trip. It is an opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance your personal capacity, and represent UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on the global stage. Demonstrate confidence, communicate effectively, and return home as an inspiration to others," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Papay Supriatna expressed his appreciation for the Faculty of Ushuluddin's commitment to providing international opportunities for its students. According to him, initiatives such as this are in line with the Directorate General of Islamic Education's efforts to enhance students' capacities through various student development programs.

Delegation Send-Off Ceremony

The official send-off ceremony was marked by the symbolic presentation of delegate identification cards and the dressing of Ushuluddin Goes International 2026 delegation vests to student representatives by Prof. Ali Munhanif together with Papay Supriatna.

The ceremony was witnessed by invited guests, faculty leaders, speakers, committee members, and all delegates as a symbol of the trust placed in the students to uphold the good name of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, and Indonesia throughout the program in Thailand.

Public Diplomacy Briefing and the Role of the Younger Generation

Following the send-off ceremony, the event continued with a Stadium Generale featuring two distinguished speakers from government ministries.

Ani Nigeriawati, Director of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, delivered a presentation on "Public Diplomacy and the Role of Youth." She emphasized that students participating in international programs are not merely exchange participants but also serve as ambassadors of Indonesia, carrying the nation's image before the international community.

According to her, diplomacy is not conducted solely by governments but also by academics, civil society organizations, the media, diaspora communities, and young people through the use of soft power. Therefore, students are expected to promote Indonesia's cultural heritage, build international networks, and utilize digital platforms to disseminate positive narratives about Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ir. Hendro Wicaksono, M.Sc., Eng., Acting Deputy for Youth Services at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, presented a lecture on "The Role of Young People as Indonesian Cultural Ambassadors on the International Stage."

He highlighted that the younger generation represents a strategic national asset in achieving the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. International exchange programs serve as an important platform for strengthening cultural diplomacy while introducing the world to the peaceful, moderate, inclusive, and rahmatan lil 'alamin character of Indonesian Islam.

Hendro also encouraged the delegates to continue developing their potential, expand their international networks, and actively participate in youth development programs as preparation for becoming future leaders.

Participants' Enthusiasm

The orientation program concluded with an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session. The delegates enthusiastically engaged with the speakers, discussing topics ranging from public diplomacy, intercultural communication, and personal development opportunities to strategies for building international networks.

Through the Ushuluddin Goes International 2026 program, the Faculty of Ushuluddin hopes that its delegates will become outstanding representatives of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Indonesia, while strengthening international academic collaboration and promoting the values of peaceful, moderate, and tolerant Islam through education and cultural exchange.

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Faculty of Ushuluddin
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