Yogyakarta, May 22nd 2025 — “Has UGM achieved its mission?” The question was raised by Prof. H. Ahmad Muttaqin, S.Ag., M.Ag., M.A., Ph.D., during a discussion session on the first day of the FIBAA international accreditation visitation at the UGM Postgraduate School. The study programs currently in the visitation process are the Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS) and Interreligious Studies (IRS), two study programs that have since the beginning prioritized a collaborative cross-cultural and cross-religious approach in the world of higher education.
Responding to the question, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., answered in a calm but strong tone: “We are certainly still in the process of continuing to implement sustainable programs, always in process.” The statement seemed to emphasize that the commitment to internationalization at UGM is not marked with instant achievements or administrative celebrations, but by the availability to continue learning, open to evaluation, and consistent in improvement.
The first day of the FIBAA visitation, which took place online on Tuesday, May 20th 2025. This agenda specifically focused on the meeting of FIBAA assessor team and policy makers of study programs and faculties. The agenda was officially opened with an opening ceremony which was also attended by representatives of university leaders. Then, all sessions were directed to explore the managerial aspects and institutional strategies of the two study programs.
The discussion took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. The assessor team explored how CRCS and IRS design curricula, manage human resources, ensure quality sustainability, and build domestic and international cooperation networks. Both program managers explained how their study programs were developed contextually to answer complex global challenges in issues of diversity, cultural identity, and interfaith life.
CRCS and IRS, Since their inception, have carried a unique interdisciplinary approach at UGM, even in Indonesia. Both position themselves as academic spaces that facilitate critical studies on religion and culture in global society. This is reflected in the curriculum structure that integrates various local and global perspectives, as well as close collaboration with academic institutional partners abroad.
The first day of FIBAA visitation, different from the administrative accreditation process, showed that CRCS and IRS chose to open a space for open dialogue, not only to meet standards, but also to test the consistency of direction and institutional integrity.
This FIBAA assessment is also a strategic momentum for both study programs to strengthen institutional cooperation at the international level, especially on issues that require a cross-border approach, both geographical boundaries and boundaries of cultural and religious identity. By remaining based on the values of inclusivity, reflective scholarship, and academic sustainability. CRCS and IRS strive to become scientific hubs that are not only relevant to Indonesia, but also to the ever-changing world. As Prof. Wening said at the beginning of the session: “We are still in the process.”
Author: Burhanul Aqil