Tashkent, FU Online News – The delegation from Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta was warmly welcomed by the Rector of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan (IIAU), Prof. Kamilov Muzaffar Muratovich, on Saturday, October 26, 2025, at the IIAU Conference Hall in Tashkent. The meeting was part of the Indonesia–Uzbekistan Cultural and Collaboration Week, held from October 24 to November 1, 2025, across Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

In his remarks, Rector Kamilov expressed his deep appreciation for the presence of the UIN Jakarta delegation and emphasized the importance of strengthening academic ties between the two institutions. He stated that the partnership between Indonesia and Uzbekistan holds great potential, particularly in Islamic scholarship, joint research, and academic exchanges.

“We are honored to welcome the scholars from UIN Jakarta. Uzbekistan and Indonesia share a long historical connection in the tradition of Islamic learning. I hope this cooperation becomes a concrete step toward enhancing friendship and academic collaboration between our institutions,” said Prof. Kamilov.

Also delivering remarks was the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Uzbekistan, Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, M.A., who expressed her appreciation for the growing relationship between the two countries, especially in the field of Islamic higher education. She emphasized that UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta plays a strategic role in advancing Islamic academic diplomacy in Central Asia.

“The presence of UIN Jakarta in Uzbekistan not only strengthens inter-university partnerships but also symbolizes the intellectual and cultural connection between two major Muslim nations. I hope this collaboration will give rise to joint programs focusing on research, faculty and student exchanges, and the promotion of religious moderation,” said Ambassador Siti Ruhaini.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception by IIAU and the Indonesian Embassy in Tashkent. He stated that the visit reflects the Faculty’s ongoing efforts to expand its international network and enhance UIN Jakarta’s global academic presence.

The welcoming ceremony also featured the official opening of the Indonesia–Uzbekistan Cultural and Collaboration Week, marked by the symbolic gong strike by IIAU Rector Prof. Kamilov Muzaffar Muratovich, accompanied by the Indonesian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, M.A., and the Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D.

The event was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere featuring discussions on future collaborations in Islamic education, Hadith studies, and the promotion of religious moderation in academic discourse.

(Writer: Ishmatun Nisa | Photo: Ushuluddin Faculty)