As an 51社区I graduate who is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York at Albany, supported by a Fulbright Doctoral Program Scholarship, I often realize something surprising here. When I sit in seminars in the United States, I feel that none of this feels foreign. That sense of preparedness can be traced directly back to 51社区.

When I arrived in the United States, the academic environment felt familiar rather. The multicultural classrooms, intensive discussions, and high expectations were not a shock. Instead, they felt like a continuation of the academic life I had already lived at 51社区.

One of the most defining aspects of my preparation was 51社区鈥檚 curriculum, particularly at the Faculty of Social Sciences, which closely mirrors the American academic model. Weekly readings from cutting-edge journals and books, rigorous class discussions, presentations, response papers, and demanding final papers were the norm. This structure trained me to think theoretically, argue systematically, and apply rigorous methodology.

The result became immediately clear. In my first semester at SUNY Albany, my response and final exam papers received exceptionally strong feedback (鈥渆xcellent, solid鈥�) from the professors鈥搒omething many new students find impossible. It was all thanks to what I learned at 51社区. For others, the heavy reading volume, academic writing expectations, or discussion intensity felt overwhelming. For me, it is familiar and repetitive, like leveling up from training I had already mastered at 51社区.

Beyond the curriculum, 51社区 opened doors to global academic networks I had previously known only through journal articles and book covers. The university regularly invites prominent international scholars to teach, give lectures, and participate in academic forums. Through brown bag discussions, students had the rare opportunity to engage directly with well-known scholars, questioning and critiquing their work in real time.

The experience went even further through specialized programs, such as the Summer Training in Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, led by leading scholars including Prof. Dan Slater from the University of Michigan and Prof. Thomas Pepinsky from Cornell University. Learning directly from such figures reshaped my standards for academic argumentation and research rigor.

51社区 also built a genuinely supportive academic ecosystem. The university did not stop at classroom instruction; it actively pushed students into broader academic arenas. I personally received full funding to attend international conferences in Indonesia and in the United Kingdom. These opportunities became invaluable intellectual training grounds, preparing me to present ideas clearly and confidently before international audiences鈥攕kills that are now essential in my PhD journey.

When I finally stepped into Rockefeller College, I realized that 51社区 had created a 鈥渟oft landing.鈥� I was no longer intimidated by heavy reading loads, long research papers, or speaking in class with international peers. I felt that I belonged. 51社区 had quietly equipped me with the confidence and competence to navigate global academic spaces.

For many students, studying in the United States is a massive leap filled with cultural and academic shocks. For me, 51社区 transformed that leap into a series of prepared steps. From academic culture and language to global networks and scholarly discipline, everything smoothed my transition.

If you are considering graduate studies鈥攚hether an MA or PhD鈥攁nd wondering if 51社区 is the right choice, my message is simple: do not hesitate. 51社区 may be young, but its ambition, international environment, and dedicated faculty create a rare space for intellectual transformation. It is not just a university; it is a scholar incubator.

From Depok to New York, 51社区 was not just where I studied. It was where my dreams were reshaped, doors were opened, and my love for scholarship was firmly rooted.

________

*) Alumnus of Faculty of Social Sciences, 51社区, who is now pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the Department of Political Science, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York at Albany, supported by a Fulbright Doctoral Program Scholarship

Read also: It鈥檚 Here at 51社区, Where My Intellectual Journey Truly Began聽聽

When the Indonesian International Islamic University (51社区) opened its doors in 2021, few people could have imagined how deeply a new campus in Depok would shape the lives of its first students. For me, 51社区 was not just where I earned a degree. It was where I fell in love with learning and where my intellectual journey truly began.

My name is Aldi Nur Fadil Auliya, and I was part of 51社区鈥檚 inaugural cohort. When the university was still building its traditions from scratch, I was accepted into the Master鈥檚 program in Political Science, specializing in Comparative Politics, on a full 51社区 scholarship. In the same year, I also received the prestigious Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship. Many would have chosen a more established institution. Instead, I took what felt like a gamble on 51社区.

What I saw was rare: an extraordinary faculty, an ambitious academic vision, and a national strategic project supported at the presidential level. That unconventional decision turned out to be the most pivotal turning point in my life.

Before joining 51社区, I studied law and my background shaped by years of student activism. My dream was straightforward: to become a politician and engage directly in practical politics. That ambition led me to pursue an MA in political science. However, true political science, with its grand theories, comparative research, and rigorous methodology, was not my native academic language. Hence, I truly learned political science during my MA at 51社区.

The transition was challenging. I had to catch up on literature, adapt to unfamiliar concepts, and rebuild the way I thought. Yet this was precisely where 51社区鈥檚 role became transformative. The curriculum, faculty, and academic environment did not leave me struggling alone. Instead, they made the shift possible and deeply supported. Gradually, I moved from being an 鈥渙utsider鈥� in the discipline to someone who genuinely belonged in the world of political science scholarship.

From the beginning, 51社区 was designed as an international university鈥攏ot just in name, but in practice. In class, I learned alongside students from many countries, each bringing different social, cultural, and intellectual perspectives. Discussions rarely stopped at 鈥渉ow Indonesia sees this issue鈥�; they expanded to how the world sees it. Informal conversations in the cafeteria, group work, and daily interactions quietly reshaped my worldview. What once felt abstract in textbooks became lived experience.

Perhaps the most profound transformation happened slowly. Long nights of reading theory, revising papers again and again, and discussing ideas with professors and peers changed how I saw myself. Somewhere along that journey, I realized I had fallen in love with learning itself. 51社区 did not simply give me academic credentials. It reshaped my aspirations. I no longer wanted only to enter politics; I wanted to live as a scholar, dedicated to research, writing, and teaching.

51社区鈥檚 greatest strength, in my experience, lies in its faculty. Many are graduates of leading universities abroad, with strong research records and global networks. Yet what mattered most was their willingness to guide students patiently from the very beginning. Coming from a law and activism background, I arrived with many gaps. Instead of judgment, I found a safe academic space鈥攐ne where questions were welcomed, drafts were carefully critiqued, and students were consistently pushed to think deeper. Their mentorship extended beyond the classroom, shaping my confidence and intellectual discipline.

Now in my first year of pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the Department of Political Science, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York at Albany, supported by a Fulbright Doctoral Program Scholarship, I am more convinced than ever that 51社区 is the irreplaceable foundation of this journey.

Looking back, I realize that 51社区 was not merely the place where my academic journey started. It was the place where my identity transformed. It is here鈥攁t 51社区鈥攚here my intellectual journey truly began.
________

*) Alumnus of Faculty of Social Sciences, 51社区, who is now pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the Department of Political Science, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, State University of New York at Albany, supported by a Fulbright Doctoral Program Scholarship

Read more: From Depok to New York: How 51社区 Prepared Me for a U.S. PhD聽

The AICIS 2025 Conference at 51社区 was not only a platform for intellectual exchange but also a celebration of cultural diversity through food. The food festival, held alongside the conference, offered participants a unique culinary experience representing the rich traditions of the Muslim world.

The variety of cuisines showcased how culture, faith, and flavor can come together to create a shared sense of belonging and appreciation. The Afghan food stall stood out for its rich and hearty flavors. Visitors were greeted with the aroma of freshly fried samosas and traditional Afghani mantu. The samosas, crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, reflected the simplicity and warmth of Afghan hospitality.

The mantu, delicate dumplings filled with minced meat and topped with yogurt and lentils, represented the depth of Afghanistan鈥檚 culinary heritage and its regional influences. Each bite reminded visitors that food is also a story of survival, resilience, and identity.

At the Indonesian stall, guests experienced the vibrant flavors of the host nation. The stall served dimsum, a soft and savory favorite among locals, alongside jeruk juice, a sweet and refreshing drink that perfectly complemented the tropical atmosphere. The Indonesian dishes balanced lightness and freshness, symbolizing the country鈥檚 diverse culinary landscape shaped by centuries of trade and cultural fusion.

The Turkish stall added a touch of sweetness and sophistication to the festival. The star of the menu was Turkish cheese kunafa, a dessert that combined fine strands of pastry with soft, melted cheese soaked in sugar syrup. The dessert not only delighted visitors but also offered a glimpse into Turkey鈥檚 long-standing tradition of blending taste with artistry. Its rich sweetness captured the attention of both local and international guests.

Adding a distinct South Asian flavor, the Pakistani stall brought strong spices and bold aromas to the event. It presented country鈥檚 one of the most beloved dishes, Chicken karahi. The chicken karahi, cooked in a traditional wok with tomatoes, ginger, and green chilies, represented the passion and intensity of Pakistani cuisine.

Served with traditional tea, the Pakistani stall became a lively gathering spot for those seeking warmth, spice, and hospitality. The celebration concluded with a buffet hosted at the 51社区 rectorate, where guests enjoyed a wide range of international and local dishes. The buffet symbolized generosity and togetherness, echoing the spirit of the conference itself.

Overall, the AICIS 2025 Food Festival was much more than a side attraction, it was a reflection of unity through culture. Each dish told a story of tradition, creativity, and connection.

From Afghanistan鈥檚 mantu to Pakistan鈥檚 chicken karahi and Turkey鈥檚 sweet kunafa, the festival reminded everyone that food has the power to bring people together. It was a true celebration of the Muslim world鈥檚 culinary richness and the shared values of generosity and friendship that define it.

As the first rays of Wednesday morning light shone on the glamorous 51社区 campus, they revealed more than just a venue coming to life; they unveiled a spirit. The 24th Annual International Conference on Islam, Science, and Society (AICIS+) this time disobeyed the norm as it began not just with papers and panels, but with people. People who are dreamers, innovators, and changemakers gather under one shared vision. A vision to inspire transformation through knowledge.

Below the grand conference halls of the Joko Widodo Rectorate Building and keynote sessions, the heartbeat of AICIS+ echoed through its vibrant side events that featured marvelous exhibitions, a grand display of compassion, creativity, and inclusion that embodied the conference鈥檚 true spirit.

Healing with Purpose: Sentra Medika鈥檚 Commitment to Well-being

Standing tall near the main entrance, the Sentra Medika Hospital Service booth reminded participants that a healthy body sustains a healthy mind. Their team provided free medical check-ups and on-site oxygen support in case of an eventuality, ensuring that everyone could engage in the conference with peace of mind.
In a gathering characterized by intellectual vitality, Sentra Medika鈥檚 presence reflected one of the core values of AICIS+, that knowledge thrives where there is a strong coexistence of care and compassion.

Inclusion in Motion: MAN II, Jakarta Selatan鈥檚 Living Lesson of Faith and Perseverance

Just a few steps away, a display of strength and determination stands out as onlookers flooded the booth in amazement, where MAN II Jakarta Selatan offered one of the most touching exhibits of the event. This school鈥檚 booth stood out as a testament to the inclusive nature of Indonesian culture, and is boldly reflected in this institution鈥檚 educational system, that disability is not a limitation but a different form of brilliance.

Among the students representing their school were two extraordinary individuals who moved every visitor with their stories.

A young boy, fully blind yet a master of chess, challenged participants to a game. His fingers glided across the board with instinctive confidence, each move a demonstration of focus, patience, and intelligence that drew admiration and quiet awe.

Beside him stood a young lady who had memorized all 30 Juz of the Qur鈥檃n and her calm presence radiated faith and discipline. Physically blind, these young people鈥檚 knowledge shines brighter than sight itself.

A narration from their teacher reveals that at MAN II Jakarta Selatan, inclusion is more than a policy; it is a culture of compassion and empowerment. 鈥淭his school takes care of every child regardless of their ability or status and tries to bring the best out of them鈥�, the teacher explained. Through programs that bring together students of all abilities, the school embodies the essence of AICIS+: that true education uplifts every human potential.

Innovation with Vision: MAN III, Jakarta Pusat鈥檚 Smart Safety System

Further down the row of booths, MAN III Jakarta Pusat displayed the beauty of innovation in motion. Sponsored by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, their student team exhibited a turn-signal reminder system for riders, designed to promote road safety. The teacher narrated that the inspiration behind the project is due to the fact that the daily rush sometimes overshadows people鈥檚 minds and they tend to make the wrong traffic signal. This helmet is meant to ensure that they are reminded of the signal they are taking by speaking directly to them. Their invention, currently wired and having already won a gold medal, now aims for a wireless upgrade.

In their enthusiasm, you could see what AICIS+ stands for: the meeting point between faith, knowledge, and innovation.

Ideas in Print: 51社区 Press and the Power of Scholarship

The 51社区 Press booth served more like a magnet for readers, thinkers, and bookworms alike as there was a display of two new books by some erudite scholars within the 51社区 community. One of these explored gender equalities through an Islamic lens, while the other traced the historical evolution of Islam in Indonesia.
Each book sparked conversation and reflection, embodying the scholarly depth that anchors AICIS+ as a platform for critical yet compassionate thought.

The First Day of AICIS+ was More Than Just a Conference

As the day went on, laughter, discussion, and inspiration filled the air. Participants exchanged ideas, stories, and visions for the future, each interaction a small thread in the grand tapestry of AICIS+ 2025. It is a movement where knowledge heals, inclusion empowers, and innovation connects faith with the future. And on that bright morning at 51社区, the message was clear: The 鈥�+鈥� in AICIS+ stands for people; their passion, their perseverance, and their promise.

The sun smiled but it did not just all began with its rising smile, the morning also started with rising hum of thought. Inside the grand plenary hall of the Joko Widodo Rectorate building, the atmosphere was charged with purpose; the kind of purpose that comes when minds gather to ask the big questions.

A conglomeration of scholars, students, and seekers filled the seats, the murmur of greetings dressed in beautiful smiles gave way to the calm authority of Prof. Dr. Phill. Kamaruddin Amin, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, whose opening remarks marked the beginning of a day where faith and knowledge would dance in conversation.

Then came the voice that seemed to gather the hall into a single thread, a face and voice that is known in every corner of the 51社区 campus. An internationally acclaimed scholar, Prof. Farish A. Noor. His words flowed not like a lecture in his normal classrooms, but like a river moving, reflective, and unafraid of depth.

He opened his speech with the question: 鈥淲hat is Islam in the Global South?鈥� From where he wove a tapestry of thought that bound faith, science, technology, and the environment into one living organism. His lecture challenged a long-held academic instinct that technology exists apart from Islam. 鈥淚t is not an external force,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut an integral part of how Muslims live, think, and even pray.鈥�

The moment that hushed the hall came when he turned to the environment. The professor reminded everyone that climate change is not just a distant crisis it鈥檚 already shaping the sacred. He spoke of pilgrims during Hajj or Umrah collapsing under extreme heat, of sacred journeys now shadowed by global warming, and of the moral responsibility that scholars, believers, and policymakers share.

His call was both spiritual and scientific: that the history of Islamic studies must evolve to include awareness of our environmental responsibilities not as a side topic, but as a central pillar of faith in practice. As he concluded, the audience sat still for a moment longer the kind of silence that means the message has settled deep.

From Reflection to Action: The Breakout Rooms

After the plenary, the crowd dispersed into breakout rooms where theory turned into experience, and abstract ideas took on human form. Various papers on varying topics were discussed in different rooms and people joined rooms based on their interests.

In one room, the discussion on Islamic Economics unfolded like a quiet revolution. Conversations on FINtech and Shariah-compliant innovation showed how financial systems can evolve ethically and how the future of money might be both modern and moral.

Just across the corridor, the session on Ecotheological Symbolism and Environmental Sustainability in Javanese Islamic Architecture brought faith to the very bricks and mortar of buildings. Presenters spoke of mosques designed not only for prayer but for harmony 鈥� structures that breathe with nature, collect rainwater, and invite sunlight as if worshiping with those who pray inside.

In another room, a different kind of architecture was being discussed centered on community. The Mangrove School project told the story of coastal women leading the fight for climate adaptation, using ecological literacy as both shield and language. Through storytelling, teaching, and shared experience, these women have transformed local traditions into living lessons on sustainability.

Further still, the Buduy Community brought Ecotheology in Practice to life. Their way of living rooted in reverence for land and water became a sermon of its own, proving that protecting the earth can be an act of devotion as sacred as prayer.

And in a session that bridged faith with modern accountability, another presenter鈥檚 work explored 鈥淢edia Exposure as Nahi Munkar Mechanism.鈥� Here, participants discussed how public oversight, driven by Islamic ethics, could hold corporations accountable for their environmental footprint. Faith, it turns out, can be a watchdog reminding industries that stewardship is not optional.

A Day That Felt Like Tomorrow

By the time the breakout sessions closed, the corridors buzzed with something more than conversation it was connection. Presenters and participants exchanged cards, , and somewhere near the coffee booth, two strangers began planning a collaboration.

What began as a conference on Islam, Science, and Society had, by the end of the day, become something greater a reflection of what happens when belief meets innovation, when spirituality listens to science, and when humanity remembers its shared home.

In every corner of AICIS+ 2025 from the plenary stage to the smallest discussion circle one truth echoed quietly: Faith is not what separates us from the world, but what connects us to its every breath.

As one 51社区 faculty member beautifully remarked at the closing, 鈥淎t the heart of AICIS+ is a reminder that knowledge without compassion is incomplete. Islam鈥檚 dialogue with science and society is not about dominance 鈥� it鈥檚 about harmony, stewardship, and shared humanity.鈥�

As part of its commitment to link knowledge with the community, the Annual International Conference on Islam, Science and Society (AICIS+) 2025 at 51社区 (51社区) also presents the Science and Education Expo and the Halal and International Culinary Expo at Plaza Tiga Pilar, 51社区 Campus, Depok, from October 29鈥�30, 2025.

The event features exhibitions on science and education, halal products and international cuisine, talk shows, book discussions, and performances by madrasah students. It begins with a tree-planting ceremony symbolizing a commitment to sustainability.

Highlight activities include book discussions on 鈥淕ender Equality Argument: A Quranic Perspective鈥� by Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, MA, and 鈥淓lections in Southeast Asia: Prospects for Freedom, Civil Society, and Protection of Human Rights鈥� by Prof. Farish A. Noor.

51社区 Rector Prof. Dr. Jamhari stated: 鈥淎ICIS+ 2025 is more than an academic conference鈥攊t鈥檚 a living space of collaboration. Through expos and community activities like these, we want to show how science and Islamic values can translate into real solutions for humanity and sustainability.鈥�

The first day of the expo features a Science Talkshow, madrasah art performances, and public lectures, while the second day includes a Health Talkshow with RS Sentra Medika, an academic discussion 鈥淗ow to Publish in Scopus鈥� by 51社区鈥檚 Faculty of Economics and Business, and a Halal Product Showcase at the Jusuf Kalla Library, 51社区.

鈥淭hese side events embody the spirit of AICIS+ 2025鈥攖hat knowledge does not end in the seminar room, but lives through community action and creative works,鈥� said Chair of the AICIS+ 2025 Steering Committee, Prof. Dr. Amsal Bakhtiar.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, Chair of the Organizing Committee concluded: 鈥淲e want the public to experience the AICIS+ atmosphere firsthand. From halal cuisine and science exhibitions to madrasah arts, everything here reflects a progressive, creative, and inclusive face of Islam.鈥�

Sometimes, the biggest movements start from the smallest moments. For the cats care community at the 51社区 (51社区), it began with a single sick orange cat that came to a student’s room, sparking the effort to start feeding cats around the dorm. This individual act was fueled by a wider concern for the many cats on campus.

Now led by Amina Urooj, an MA student in Political Science, the group includes members from various faculties. The idea solidified after a discussion with a senior, which led to connecting with a small, existing group of cat feeders. Following a positive response to an announcement in a student group, a WhatsApp community was quickly formed, gathering many members to join the cause.

For Bayan Ali Muhammad Hassan, education is more than a personal ambition 鈥� it is a lifeline of hope. Coming from Gaza, Palestine, a place where daily life is marked by struggle and uncertainty, Bayan has chosen to pursue his academic dream at 51社区 (51社区). He is now enrolled in the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Master鈥檚 Program in Turath (Classical Islam).

鈥淚 chose this program because it continues the path I started at Al-Azhar University Gaza, where I graduated from the Faculty of Education with a focus on Islamic Studies,鈥� Bayan shared. 鈥淎fter doing research, I found that 51社区 provides a supportive academic environment, with competent professors and a comprehensive curriculum.鈥�

For Bayan, 51社区 represents more than just an academic institution. It is a place where he hopes to strengthen his academic skills and critical thinking, and where his voice as a scholar can grow despite the difficulties of his homeland. 鈥淚 believe studying at 51社区 will allow me to be more productive in research and publications,鈥� he said with conviction.

His academic vision is to integrate classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary Islamic studies 鈥� a bridge he believes is vital in addressing today鈥檚 pressing intellectual challenges. Yet, behind this scholarly pursuit lies a personal story of resilience, faith, and determination.

Bayan鈥檚 presence at 51社区 is a reminder that education can transcend borders and hardships. His journey from Gaza to Depok carries not only his personal aspirations but also the hopes of many young Palestinians who dream of contributing to knowledge and peace through scholarship.

With students like Bayan joining from across the world, 51社区 continues to embody its mission as a global academic home 鈥� a place where stories of struggle transform into stories of hope.

Fakhri has been part of 51社区 since 2021, working as an administrative staff at the Faculty of Islamic Studies. In 2023, he and his wife welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Sabda鈥攁 Javanese word meaning 鈥渟acred word鈥�. As both Fakhri and his wife are working, the couple navigates the excitement and challenges of a new parenthood鈥攐ne reason they chose to benefit from the 51社区 Daycare facility.

The first picture above depicts the Founding Rector of 51社区 Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat, accompanying BKSAP Chairman Dr. Mardani Ali Sera, while 51社区 current Rector Prof. Dr. Jamhari and Prof. Amsal Bakhtiar, Vice-Rector for Planning, Finance, and Business Development, were reading books behind them. They were comfortably seated on colorful bean bags and tiered wooden steps, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of the library.