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Prof. Noorhaidi Takes the Helm at UIN Sunan Kalijaga

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — A new chapter begins at Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta (UIN Suka), as Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan steps into his role as the university's rector. The inauguration, held on a momentous Friday on 9 August 2024, marked not just a change in leadership but a new phase in the storied institution’s journey.

Prof. Noorhaidi, a respected scholar in Islamic Studies, brings with him a wealth of experience and a global perspective, honed through years of academic pursuits and research both at home and abroad. His appointment was officiated by the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, in a ceremony that also saw the installation of other notable figures, including Prof. Dr. Zakiyuddin as Rector of UIN Salatiga and Prof. Dr. Abu Rokhmad as the Director General of Islamic Education at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. 

From Amuntai to the World Stage

Born in the small town of Amuntai, South Kalimantan, in 1971, Prof. Noorhaidi's rise to prominence is a story of relentless pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence. His educational journey began at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, where he earned an S.Ag (Sarjana Agama, or Bachelor of Religion) degree in Islamic law in 1994. This was just the beginning of an academic odyssey that would take him far beyond Indonesia’s borders.

Prof. Noorhaidi’s quest for knowledge led him to the Netherlands, where he earned a Master of Arts from Leiden University in 1999, followed by a Master of Philosophy from the International Institute for the Study of Islam in the Modern World, Leiden in 2000. He then completed his PhD at Utrecht University in 2005, achieving all his degrees in the Netherlands with the prestigious distinction of cum laude. 

His academic achievements have been matched by his contributions to the intellectual discourse on Islam in Indonesia. His seminal work, Laskar Jihad: Islam, Militancy and the Quest for Identity in Post-New Order Indonesia, published by Cornell University in 2006, remains a critical reference for understanding the complex dynamics of Islamic militancy in Southeast Asia. 

Guiding UIN Suka into the Future

Before taking up the mantle of Rector at UIN Suka, Prof. Noorhaidi was the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), a rising institution in Indonesia's academic scene. His tenure at UIII was marked by a focus on fostering academic excellence and global collaboration, qualities that he now brings to his new leadership role at UIN Suka.

As he steps into his new role, Prof. Noorhaidi is poised to lead UIN Suka through a period of significant transformation. Known for his expertise in  Muslim politics, Salafism, identity, and radicalism, he is expected to shape the university’s approach to addressing contemporary challenges facing both Indonesia and the wider Muslim world. His leadership is anticipated to be a blend of tradition and modernity, fostering a vibrant academic environment that is deeply rooted in Islamic values while also being responsive to the global context. 

A Global Scholar with Deep Roots

Prof. Noorhaidi's academic journey has taken him across the world, but his connection to Indonesia has remained a constant anchor. Over the past decade, he has led numerous international research projects, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the University of Göttingen, the Netherlands Interuniversity School for Islamic Studies (NISIS), and Georgetown University's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs.

His research interests are vast, ranging from Salafism and Islamic radicalism to the intersection of religion, politics, and identity in contemporary Indonesia. As a post-doctoral fellow at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a visiting professor at leading institutions in Europe and Asia, Prof. Noorhaidi has built a global network that will undoubtedly benefit UIN Suka as it seeks to strengthen its international collaborations. 

The Road Ahead

With an impressive research and publication record that includes contributions to prestigious academic volumes from Oxford University Press, Columbia University Press, and Brill, Prof. Noorhaidi is ideally equipped to elevate UIN Suka's academic reputation on the global stage. His recent induction into the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) is a testament to his standing as one of the nation’s leading scholars.

Before his current role, Prof. Noorhaidi’s leadership at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) set new benchmarks for academic excellence and global collaboration. His tenure there not only strengthened UIII's position as a rising academic institution but also established lasting connections that will continue to benefit both UIII and UIN Suka.

As UIN Suka enters this exciting new chapter under his leadership, the university community is optimistic about the possibilities for future collaboration between UIN Suka and UIII. Prof. Noorhaidi’s deep understanding of both institutions opens doors for innovative partnerships that will contribute to the growth and development of both universities. The synergy between UIII and UIN Suka under his leadership holds great promise for advancing Islamic education and scholarship in Indonesia and beyond.

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