Indonesia
Surabaya, East Java’s Diniyah Education Development Agency (LPPD) has once again launched undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral scholarships at various public and private universities. Launched at East Java’s Regional Secretariat Building on June 10, 2026, the event was presided over by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa.
Furthermore, Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA), through its Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) in Multicultural Islamic Religious Education, has become a destination for study. UNISMA’s Ph.D. in Islamic Religious Education consistently earns trust in efforts to improve the quality of human resources through this provincial government scholarship. Deputy Rector 3, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, M.Pd., and Deputy Director 1 of Unisma Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Moh. Afifulloh, M.Pd., were also present at the signing of partnership agreement as educational program providers.
The Multicultural Islamic Education PhD program, as the destination for scholarship-based studies, certainly attracts academic professionals in choosing to develop their intellectual, spiritual, social, and managerial capacities. This is because UNISMA’s Doctoral Program in Islamic Education offers a distinctive advantage that serves as an attractive selling point for academics, namely the study of multicultural education through Islamic education perspectives.
Dr. Afifulloh stated that in 2026, UNISMA PAI PhD program will admit 10 prospective students. “Of course, we will guide the students entering through this scholarship pathway to the best of our ability, so that they become experts in the future,” he emphasized.
In line with UNISMA’s optimistic spirit, in his remarks, East Java’s Governor provided guidance on developing East Java’s human resources. “Kishore Mahbubani, a Singaporean diplomat, predicted that civilization is currently centered in Asia; unfortunately, it is South Korea that has capitalized on this prediction. East Java certainly aims to become a center of civilization, and this path is achieved through enhancing human quality by providing study opportunities supported by scholarship funds.”
The launch of this scholarship program represents a concrete step toward accelerating the improvement of human resources in East Java. With the academic distinction offered by UNISMA’s Multicultural Islamic Education (PAI) Doctoral Program, this initiative presents a valuable opportunity for lecturers and religious educators at pesantren-based campuses and Ma’had Aly institutions to transform into experts dedicated to advancing national development. (MA/AL/PPS)
UNISMA’s Vice Rector 3 (center) with UNISMA’s Vice Director 1 of Postgraduate Programs (center) during LPPD Scholarship Launch
