Ministry of Religious Affairs Engages UIN Jakarta in International Seminar at the 50th MABIMS Meeting

Jakarta, Berita UIN Online — The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia has engaged UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in organizing an international seminar as part of the 50th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (MABIMS). The seminar is scheduled to take place on November 2, 2026, at the Sari Pacific Hotel in Jakarta.

UIN Jakarta’s involvement was discussed during an audience between UIN Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., and Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., at Istiqlal Mosque on Friday (October 23, 2026). The minister emphasized the importance of involving higher education institutions in the ministry’s international events. He noted that allocating responsibilities according to each institution’s capacity could make event implementation more effective.

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“We have higher education institutions, so certain activities can be delegated to them according to their respective capacities. For example, if an event is held in Jakarta, we can involve universities based in the city,” the minister explained.

He also stressed that international events should adhere to agreements established among member countries. This would ensure that coordination and the allocation of responsibilities proceed in accordance with mutually agreed-upon arrangements.

“For this MABIMS meeting, the participating countries are Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In addition, there are observer countries, namely Timor-Leste, Thailand, the Philippines, and Myanmar,” he said.

UIN Jakarta Rector Asep Saepudin Jahar expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ trust in the university to organize the seminar.

“We would like to express our gratitude for the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ trust in us to organize the seminar as part of the 50th SOM MABIMS. God willing, preparations are progressing well from a technical standpoint,” Asep said.

“The seminar will feature speakers from MABIMS member countries. Invitees include MABIMS delegations, Level I officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, several Level II officials, civil society organizations, and representatives of higher education institutions, including UIN Jakarta,” he added.

Rector Asep Jahar further noted that technical coordination was ongoing with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Bureau of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation to ensure the seminar’s readiness.

The 50th SOM MABIMS is scheduled to take place in Jakarta from November 1–4, 2026. The meeting forms part of MABIMS’ regional cooperation agenda to discuss various Islamic affairs and strengthen coordination among member countries. (Ministry of Religious Affairs Press Release/Zm)