Indonesia
Malang – Three doctoral candidates from the Multicultural Islamic Religious Education (PAI Multikultural) program, hailing from Bangka Belitung and Pontianak, underwent their open dissertation examinations on Monday (12/07). The three candidates were Subardi, S.Ag., M.KPd.; Susintoi, S.Pd., M.Pd.; and Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.
Subardi defended his dissertation titled “Building a Culture Based on the Values of Multicultural Islamic Education: An Ethnographic Study at SMP Negeri 1 Pangkalan Baru, Central Bangka.”
Subardi’s examination was conducted before a panel of seven examiners, chaired by Rector Prof. Junaidi Mistar, M.Pd., Ph.D., assisted by Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, MM. The remaining five examiners were Prof. Dr. Nur Syam, M.Si.; Prof. Dr. Imam Suprayogo; Prof. Dr. Maskuri, M.Si.; Dr. Abd. Jalil, M.Pd.; and Dr. Moh. Afifulloh, M.Pd.
The examination sessions for the candidates from Pontianak featured senior professors and lecturers from IAIN Pontianak. Susintoi was examined by Prof. Dr. Syarif, MA., while Sri Wahyuni was examined by Prof. Dr. Ismail Ruslan, M.Si.
Susintoi, M.Pd., presented a dissertation titled “The Work Ethic of School Principals in Developing Tolerant Attitudes Amid Religious Pluralism: A Phenomenological Study on the Implementation of Islamic Education at SDN 55 West Pontianak.”
Sri Wahyuni defended her dissertation titled “Creating Harmonious Life Through National Character Education from the Perspective of Multicultural Islamic Education at Tanjungpura University.”
Reflections from the Graduates
Subardi extended his gratitude to his promotor, co-promotor, and the entire academic community of Universitas Islam Malang. He also conveyed his appreciation to the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ 5,000 Doctors Program, which funded his studies, and to IAIN Abdurrahman Shiddiq Bangka Belitung for recommending him for the scholarship.
Susintoi expressed joy at his experience at UNISMA, where he was welcomed without regard for his academic background. Upon entering UNISMA, he was treated equally despite not having a background in Islamic Religious Education. He also expressed his hope that the knowledge he has gained will bring benefit to his fellow human beings.
Sri Wahyuni reflected with deep gratitude on her three years, minus one month of study. “There were sour, sweet, and bitter moments. It was like riding a rollercoaster throughout my studies. Yet the joy of seeking knowledge was immense. My experience at UNISMA was extraordinary. My supervisors were like ideological parents who guided me,” she shared.
A Message from the Co-Promotor
Prof. Mas’ud conveyed a message to Subardi, expressing his hope that the completion of the doctoral program would enable him to bring even greater benefit to his institution and to the wider community. Prof. Mas’ud also offered his sincere apologies for any unintentional errors during the supervision or administrative processes.
To Susintoi, the Postgraduate Program Director extended his congratulations and cited Surah Al-Ankabut verse 69: “Walladzina jaahadu finaa lanahdiyannahum subulana” — “And those who strive for Us. We will surely guide them to Our ways.” “We, as supervisors, have only provided the introduction. It is your own dedication that has brought you to this point,” Prof. Mas’ud affirmed.
To Sri Wahyuni, Prof. Mas’ud extended his congratulations and acknowledged the sincerity and dedication she had demonstrated throughout her journey. “This is the beginning of your academic journey to keep learning, as a foundation for conducting further research,” he said.
Subardi and Susintoi graduated with a Sangat Memuaskan (Distinction) predicate, while Sri Wahyuni graduated with Cum Laude honours. The graduation of these three candidates reflects UNISMA’s inclusive approach to education, welcoming students from every corner of Indonesia, regardless of their background. (AL/PPS)
