Prof. MK. Tadjudin Auditorium, FK News Online – Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., has encouraged new students of Medical Faculties at State Islamic Religious Universities (FK PTKIN) to become doctors who are not only clinically competent but also uphold moral integrity and humanitarian values. He delivered the message during the Opening Lecture of the PTKIN Medical Faculty Consortium for the 2026/2027 Academic Year at the Prof. MK. Tadjudin Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).

The hybrid event, held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), was attended by university leaders, faculty deans and officials, lecturers, and hundreds of new students from seven operational PTKIN medical faculties: UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, UIN Alauddin Makassar, UIN Walisongo Semarang, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, UIN Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.

The event began with a report from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UIN Jakarta and Chairman of the PTKIN Medical Faculty Consortium, Dr. dr. Ahmad Zaki, M.Epid., Sp.OT. He outlined the consortium's achievements since its establishment in February 2026, particularly in expanding access to medical education within the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

"In addition to the seven medical faculties that are already operational, the operational license for the Faculty of Medicine at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh was issued today. This will be followed by a site visit to the Faculty of Medicine at UIN Raden Intan Lampung, as well as preparations for the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at UIN Mataram. Our target this year is to have at least 10 medical study programs under the PTKIN system," said Dr. Ahmad Zaki.

The event continued with remarks from the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D. In his speech, he emphasized that the establishment of medical faculties within PTKIN represents a tangible manifestation of knowledge integration and a commitment to social service. He also highlighted the role of the PTKIN Medical Faculty Consortium as a collaborative platform for institutional development, including efforts to develop Hajj Hospital Pondok Gede into a Main Teaching Hospital.

"The medical profession is not merely a job or an academic title. It is a path of service and an expression of compassion for fellow human beings in pursuit of the pleasure of Allah SWT. Through this consortium, PTKIN medical faculties serve as a collaborative platform to strengthen institutional capacity together," said the Rector.

During the main session, Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., delivered a scientific oration entitled "The Medical Profession as a Humanitarian Trust: Integrating Medicine, Islamic Values, and Love for Humanity." Prof. Nasaruddin emphasized the importance of a holistic scientific epistemology that integrates rationality, intuition, and revelation. He also encouraged students to maintain their spiritual intentions throughout their medical education. The opening lecture concluded with an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session with the participants.

Speaking after the event, the Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the development of PTKIN medical faculties through budgetary assistance.

"The Ministry of Religious Affairs will prioritize substantial funding for medical faculties so that we can produce a symbol of the Muslim community and Muslim doctors who are increasingly trusted and sought after by the public. We need to explore how the Qur'an and Hadith can be implemented in healing people while also addressing social illnesses comprehensively. If necessary, every UIN may establish a Faculty of Medicine, provided that it meets the required standards," said Prof. Nasaruddin.

Echoing the Minister's statement, Dr. dr. Ahmad Zaki outlined the consortium's strategic plans following the opening lecture.

"In addition to conveying a message to the new students from the seven existing PTKIN medical faculties, the Minister has also entrusted us with the task of expanding our network of partnerships, strengthening institutional consolidation, and jointly implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education under the PTKIN Medical Faculty Consortium. We hope this network will continue to grow and make a significant contribution to meeting the national demand for doctors while consistently upholding the values of integration between medicine and Islam," concluded Dr. Ahmad Zaki.

(MA/NIS)