Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta has officially launched its Master’s Program in Mathematics Education (S2 PMAT), marking a strategic academic move to strengthen the quality of educators in response to the accelerating impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education and learning systems.

The launch ceremony, held at the Convention Hall of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, was attended by university leaders, faculty members, and madrasa teachers. The new program is designed to equip future educators with advanced pedagogical expertise, critical thinking, and adaptive skills to navigate rapid scientific and technological development.

The program’s establishment followed three years of preparation before receiving operational approval in August 2025. Special acknowledgment was given to Prof. Dr. Hj. Sri Sumarni, M.Pd., former Dean of the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK, 2020–2024), as the main initiator of what has become the 19th graduate program in the faculty.

“The foundation of this program lies in the awareness that science and technology continue to evolve rapidly. Today we face AI; tomorrow, we will face something even more advanced. Educators must always be ready,” said the FITK Dean in her remarks.

Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan emphasized that the program enhances UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s role in producing highly competent human resources who contribute to national development. He also encouraged the academic team to uphold the university’s four core pillars — education, teaching, research, and community service — ensuring that the program delivers real and lasting impact.

Targeting in-service mathematics teachers and recent graduates, the program directly addresses the growing demand for qualified educators in schools and madrasahs. FITK leadership expressed optimism that the program will compete confidently with similar programs across Yogyakarta by maintaining academic quality and innovation.

The launch of this master’s program marks a new chapter in UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s educational mission, reinforcing its commitment to advancing human-centered pedagogy amid the disruptive wave of AI. (humassk)