Indonesia
Malang – Two doctoral candidates from Banten, Asep Saefullah and Sam Ridwan Maulana, successfully defended their dissertations in open doctoral examination sessions held consecutively on Monday (7/7) in East Java Study Centre Room on the 3rd floor of Ali bin Abi Thalib Building, Universitas Islam Malang.
Asep Saefullah defended his dissertation before a panel of seven examiners. The session was chaired by Rector Prof. Junaidi Mistar, Ph.D., assisted by Postgraduate Program Director Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, MM., Ph.D., serving as examination secretary.
The remaining panel members comprised Prof. Dr. Imam Suprayogo, Prof. Dr. Nursyam, M.Si., Prof. Maskuri, Dr. Moh. Afifulloh, M.Pd., and Dr. Abdul Jalil. During the second examination, Dr. Syamsu Madyan, Lc., replaced Dr. Abdul Jalil, M.Pd.I., who had served on the preceding panel.
Asep Saefullah presented a dissertation titled “Strengthening National Character Through Multicultural Islamic Education Learning at Pondok Pesantren La Tahzan Lebak, Banten,” while Sam Ridwan Maulana defended his work titled “The Spirit of Multicultural Islamic Education in Building Inter-Religious Harmony at Pondok Cabe Udik.”
Asep Saefullah graduated with a Sangat Memuaskan (Distinction) predicate, while Sam Ridwan Maulana received a Memuaskan (Satisfactory) commendation.
For Asep, UNISMA is far more than an academic institution. It is an ideological home of Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah, one that ensures knowledge never loses its moral compass.
“UNISMA breathes life into a great spirit — one rooted in Indonesia and in world civilisation, so that knowledge never loses its moral compass,” he affirmed.
Sam Ridwan added that UNISMA imparted a profound lesson: a doctoral degree is not an end, but the beginning of a greater academic journey. He also spoke of the integration of scholarship with genuine warmth and familial hospitality, recounting that he had even been assisted with accommodation during his time in Malang.
“We are deeply grateful to the Director of the UNISMA Postgraduate Program, including for the kind permission to stay at his home. That experience left a lasting impression on us,” Sam Ridwan concluded.
The solemn open examination closed with a group photograph of the two newly conferred doctors alongside the full examination panel. The successful defences of Asep Saefullah and Sam Ridwan Maulana further extend the distinguished roster of UNISMA doctoral alumni graduates readiness to contribute to the advancement of civilisation, both in Indonesia and beyond. (AL/PPS)
