UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta is reaffirming its role as a global hub for Islamic intellectualism with the official launch of its International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Qur’anic Studies. The initiative was introduced during the welcoming session for new students of the Ilmu Al-Qur’an dan Tafsir (IAT) program on Wednesday, marking a strategic leap toward global academic integration.

Held online, the event opened with remarks from key academic leaders, including Dean Prof. Dr. Robby Habiba Abror, Vice Dean Prof. Dr. Saifuddin Zuhri, and Head of the IAT Department, Dr. Subkhani Kusuma Dewi. Each speaker emphasized the unique strengths of IAT—both in its intellectual heritage and its forward-looking global ambitions.

“We are not simply producing graduates—we are cultivating Qur’anic thinkers who can engage with the world,” said Prof. Robby. “IAT is not only among the most in-demand programs at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, but it is also pioneering new models for global Islamic education.”

The IUP, still in its pilot phase, is envisioned as a flagship platform where students will be trained in classical tafsir while engaging with contemporary global discourse. Prof. Saifuddin underlined the academic richness of IAT, citing its integrative approach to Qur’anic interpretation—from ma’na cum maghza and maqashid to the Living Qur’an framework. “Our faculty members have been educated in Germany, the U.S., Australia, and the Middle East,” he noted. “This is a program rooted in tradition, yet responsive to global change.”

In a moving keynote, Dr. Mu’ammar Zayn Qadafy, a lecturer and German-educated scholar, urged the cohort of 150 students to seize the opportunity of joining the IUP. “This is not just a class—it’s a movement,” he declared. “We are moving from divine revelation toward global relevance.”

He stressed that IAT’s legacy stretches beyond the classroom. With over 3,600 alumni and national leadership of the Indonesian Qur’anic Studies Association (AIAT), the program has shaped scholars, consultants, humanitarian analysts, and ethical advisors across sectors. “You don’t have to become a preacher or professor. You can be a diplomat of Islamic values.”

A particularly resonant moment came from Lien Iffah Naf’atu Fina, M.Hum., an IAT alumna and current doctoral candidate at the University of Chicago. Reflecting on her journey from the hard sciences to Qur’anic studies, she shared how her academic imagination was awakened at IAT. “Seeing my mentors study abroad made me believe I could too,” she said.

Lien’s story, filled with experiences from Turkey to Australia, emphasized the transformative power of belief and courage. “Our dreams begin to take shape the moment we dare to step outside our comfort zones,” she said, addressing especially the young women in the audience. “I hope you, too, become fearless scholars who carry this legacy forward.”

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, underscoring students’ enthusiasm for becoming part of a program that seeks not only to preserve Islamic knowledge—but to elevate it on the world stage.