Smash, Spin, Synergy: UIN Jakarta and BNI Celebrate Diplomatic Relationship Through Friendly Match

Student Center Hall, UIN Online News — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta partnered with Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) to host a table‑tennis tournament and sport sessions under the theme "Synergy of Scholars and Professionals: Spirit Kindling, Spin Bonding, Harmony Building." The event drew several BNI and UIN Jakarta representatives on Friday (24/10/2025) at the Student Center Hall.

The day opened with a group healthy‑exercise routine led by a professional instructor that all participants enthusiastically joined. The table table‑tennis matches then began and were officially marked by the Rector of UIN Jakarta and the BNI Regional CEO, who delivered a welcoming speech.

In his remarks, Faizal expressed his appreciation and happiness over the friendly match between BNI and UIN Jakarta. He thanked the university for its warm welcome and shared his enthusiasm about competing alongside UIN scholars:

He further connected table tennis to a historical moment of global diplomacy, saying, “I was reminded of the 1970s, during the Cold War, when Presidents Nixon and Deng Xiaoping were involved in a ping-pong lobby. A ball did save the world from a close call of total nuclear warfare at all. From that point onward, I believe that diplomatic ties thawed in just a small gesture.”

Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar hoped that events like this would continue sustainably: “I wish such activities did not stop at today alone but carried on in future gatherings. BNI, as part of the State‑Owned Bank Association (Himbara), should be supported so that collaboration with UIN Jakarta will remain continuous whether in finance, health, or other programs.”

Muhamad Zen, an academic at UIN Jakarta, noted that the event offered many benefits for both physical fitness and building a sense of community.

“Events like this are crucial and highly beneficial, especially when we are having fun. It’s not just about physical health but also spiritual well‑being and strengthening inter‑institutional cooperation,” he shared.

Through this collaboration, UIN Jakarta and BNI aim to strengthen synergy and forge a lasting partnership between academia and the professional sector. The event not only promotes fitness but also provides a forum for strengthening cooperation between the two state institutions.

(Fathan Rangga I./Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photos: M. Ghifari Rahman)