Depok, 27 August 2026 – Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) marked a historic milestone today. For the first time, the Depok-based university graduated its inaugural doctoral cohort at a commencement ceremony held in the Rectorate Building.
A total of 204 graduates officially earned master’s and doctoral degrees from four faculties: the Faculty of Islamic Studies, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Economics and Business, and the Faculty of Education. Of the total, 105 were Indonesian students, while the remaining 99 were international students representing 22 countries.
“This is more than a graduation ceremony. It marks the beginning of an even stronger intellectual legacy at UIII,” said UIII Rector Prof. Jamhari Makruf, PhD, in his address.
More Than a Degree
Of the 204 graduates, 34 earned doctoral degrees – UIII’s first doctoral cohort since the university was established. Prof. Jamhari emphasized that this achievement was more than an academic ceremony.
“We are not merely graduating students. We are nurturing thinkers, researchers, and future leaders who are expected to bring new ideas to the world,” he said.
He added that the emergence of this first doctoral cohort represents a tangible step toward realizing UIII’s vision as an international center of excellence in Islamic education and research.
A Global Campus with an Indonesian Spirit
Diversity is a defining feature of UIII. With graduates representing 22 countries, the campus has become a space for intercultural and international dialogue.
Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim emphasized that internationalization at UIII is about more than statistics.
“It is not simply about sharing a classroom with people from other countries. It is about learning to see the world through different perspectives,” he said.
He also highlighted UIII’s role as Indonesia’s contribution to global civilization. “We believe that Indonesia’s experience with Islam, democracy, and pluralism deserves to be shared with the world,” he added.
“The UIII Family Is Forever”
Amid an emotional atmosphere, the Rector delivered a heartfelt message about the bonds of the UIII community. He described UIII as a family and said that graduation does not mark the end of that connection.
“You may leave the campus, but you will never truly leave UIII,” he said, prompting laughter from the graduates.
He encouraged alumni to remain involved through research, professional networks, and mentoring programs. He also invited the entire UIII community to support the development of the university’s endowment fund.
“A family is not only a place where you receive. It is also a place where you give,” he said.
A Degree Is a Responsibility
In closing his address, Prof. Jamhari offered a profound message to the graduates as they prepare to serve society.
“A degree is not the ultimate goal of education. A degree is a responsibility,” he stressed.
He reminded the graduates that the world currently faces a range of challenges, including polarization, technological disruption, economic inequality, and conflict. He therefore urged them to remain critical and humble, and to disagree without losing mutual respect.
“Think critically, but remain humble. You may disagree, but never demean one another,” he said.
Carrying UIII’s Name Around the World
The UIII Class of 2026 is now officially part of an alumni community that will extend from Sabang to Merauke and beyond, including Pakistan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Tanzania, and many other countries.
“Wherever you go, you will carry UIII with you,” Prof. Jamhari said.
He expressed the hope that the graduates would serve as ambassadors for UIII’s values: intellectual openness, integrity, and an understanding of Islam that contributes to humanity.
This year’s commencement was more than the conclusion of an academic journey. It marked the beginning of a new generation of scholars, researchers, and global leaders.
Congratulations to UIII’s Class of 2026!
