Cultivating Research-Mindedness and Self-Growth Through International Academic Engagement
Cirebon, July 16, 2025 — Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office, delivered a powerful message emphasizing the role of self-growth and research-mindedness in shaping the future of UINSSC’s academic community. He stressed that every initiative taken by the International Office goes beyond administrative tasks it serves a higher purpose: to build a culture of inquiry, innovation, and global contribution. His words resonated deeply with participants, reinforcing the idea that research should not be seen as a separate or optional activity, but as an integral part of teaching, learning, and professional development.
One of the most significant research projects discussed was the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)-supported comparative study on higher education documents among ASEAN countries, in collaboration with five European nations. This groundbreaking initiative aims to analyze curricular frameworks across Indonesia, Vietnam, and other ASEAN states, comparing them with European models to identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities for improvement. Notably, this type of comparative document research has never been conducted at UINSSC before, making it a pioneering effort that could redefine how Islamic higher education is positioned globally. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. pointed out that while Indonesia's curriculum holds strong ethical and religious foundations, it often lacks alignment with international standards especially when compared to countries like Germany.
Participants were assigned the task of preparing a comprehensive literature review and summary of existing references related to higher education in ASEAN, focusing on qualitative analysis and conceptual comparisons. The goal is to produce a well-documented research output that can serve as a foundation for policy recommendations and curriculum enhancement. This project also seeks to challenge the misconception that Islamic education cannot coexist with global educational trends. Instead, it aims to demonstrate how UINSSC can lead the way in creating a new model of ASEAN-level Islamic education that is both authentic and internationally competitive.
Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. also highlighted the importance of cultivating a research ecosystem where students and lecturers collaborate regularly, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to global knowledge. He described this as an “ecosystem cycle of thinking,” where curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning become second nature. In his view, accreditation and university ranking are reflections of a vibrant academic culture rooted in research, dialogue, and innovation. Encouraging students to submit papers to international conferences like AsiaCALL is about empowering them to see themselves as contributors to global discourse.
The discussion further touched upon the concept of interdisciplinary skills and the integration of emotions and aesthetics into academic work particularly within the framework of UINSSC’s cyber-values. It was emphasized that true self-growth comes from engaging with ideas beyond one’s immediate field, combining logic with empathy, data with storytelling, and science with spirituality. As Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. put it, “The stage is for self-actualization, for match-making your potential with the needs of the world.”
Through this meeting, UINSSC reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a research-driven mindset among its students and faculty. The International Office, supported by GET, continues to play a vital role in facilitating this transformation providing platforms, resources, and mentorship to turn ideas into impactful contributions. With these initiatives, UINSSC is not only preparing for upcoming events but also building a legacy of intellectual leadership grounded in faith, guided by science, and inspired by global excellence.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri