Depok – The Faculty of Islamic Studies (FIS) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), in collaboration with Pusat Pembiayaan Pendidikan Agama dan Pendidikan Keagamaan (Puspenma) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA), held a preparation and briefing session for students of the Beasiswa Indonesia Bangkit (BIB) Scholarship Program ahead of their overseas studies in the UK. The Puspenma delegation was led by its Head, Dr. Ruchman Basori, and included Dr. Siti Maria Ulfa and Syamsudin Prasetyo, MA.
The event brought together BIB scholarship awardees who are preparing for their departure to the UK, as well as newly admitted awardees who have just started their master’s degree at UIII before continuing their studies in the UK next year.
An International Environment for Dual Degree Success
In his opening remarks, Dean of FIS UIII, Prof. Yanwar Pribadi, welcomed the representatives of Puspenma-MORA, particularly Dr. Ruchman Basori, Head of Puspenma. He expressed his appreciation for the continued support and collaboration provided by Puspenma in facilitating students throughout their academic journey.
Prof. Pribadi highlighted that 7 students are scheduled to depart for the UK within this month. Two students will continue their studies at the University of Edinburgh, while five others will pursue their studies at SOAS University of London.
According to Prof. Pribadi, the academic environment at FIS UIII has been designed to accommodate students within an international academic standard. The use of English as the primary language of instruction, together with an emphasis on critical thinking, independent learning, and academic discussion, provides students with an experience that closely reflects the standards of international higher education.
“This academic culture helps students discover and develop their own academic interests”, Prof. Pribadi explained.
The environment, he added, has also helped prepare the BIB awardees to adapt to the academic demands they will encounter when continuing their studies in the UK.
Making the Most of the Scholarship Opportunity
Head of Puspenma-MORA, Dr. Ruchman Basori, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome at UIII and his pleasure at meeting both students who are about to depart for the UK and newly admitted BIB awardees who have just started their master’s studies at UIII.
In his remarks, Dr. Basori encouraged the awardees to make the most of the opportunity provided through the BIB Scholarship Program. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the scholarship responsibly and wisely, while taking full advantage of the academic environment and opportunities available to them.
Beyond academic achievement, Dr. Basori also encouraged the students to consider how they could contribute to Indonesia after completing their studies. Among the potential contributions, he highlighted the importance of developing academic careers in Islamic universities across Indonesia.
He further noted that strategic opportunities are open to graduates of Islamic higher education institutions, particularly those such as UIII whose academic environment is oriented towards international standards. With international academic exposure and training, UIII graduates are expected to possess strong competencies and competitiveness to participate in the wider global academic community.
Preparing Students for Their Next Academic Chapter
The session concluded with a technical briefing delivered by Dr. Siti Maria Ulfa and Dr. Zezen Zaenal Mutaqin, who provided the students with further preparation and guidance for their studies.
The activity served not only as a pre-departure briefing but also as a reflection of the continued collaboration between FIS UIII and the Ministry of Religious Affairs in supporting the development of Indonesia’s future scholars. Through an internationally oriented academic environment at UIII and continued institutional support, BIB awardees are being prepared to pursue their studies abroad while carrying with them the responsibility to contribute to the advancement of Indonesian higher education upon their return.