The Achievement of the International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon in AMI 2025: A Leap Toward Quality and Global Excellence

Cirebon, October 7th, 2025 — The International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon has once again achieved a remarkable milestone in the 2025 Internal Quality Audit (AMI). Under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., as Director of the International Office, the unit successfully reached an auditor score of 365.8, marking a significant leap from 289.5 in 2024. The audit was conducted by internal auditors Varidlo Fuad, M.Pd. and Nizar Ibnus, M.Pd., whose evaluation provided both critical insight and motivating support. “This improvement is not just about numbers, but a reflection of our shared growth mindset,” said Lala Bumela, Ph.D. The entire process involved close collaboration between core IO staff and the Global Engagement Team (GET), a student-based initiative that plays an active role in the internationalization efforts of the university.

Based on the first review, the International Office recorded a preliminary score of 334, based on an initial evaluation that indicated several areas still needed improvement, particularly in documentation and the measurable impact of international programs. This gap initially raised concerns within the team, as improving the score was a key target in strengthening the governance of international affairs. The team quickly realized the need to reevaluate strategies for program management, activity reporting, and the completeness of supporting documents. Several issues were identified, such as outdated partner data and less-than-optimal reporting of international mobility activities. However, rather than diminishing morale, the situation sparked deeper reflection and stronger team cohesion. Internal discussions were held intensively to formulate swift and measurable corrective actions. Throughout this process, the Global Engagement Team (GET) played an active role in supporting the collection of documentation and ensuring that student participation in international activities was well-recorded.

“Every comment from the auditors was received as a valuable learning point,” Lala Bumela, Ph.D., remarked during one of the internal review sessions. This open and collaborative attitude became a turning point in the 2025 audit journey. The team not only corrected technical issues but also revisited the fundamental purpose of the International Office as a global gateway for the university. They ensured all 38 audit instruments were completed with full accuracy, demonstrating their commitment to making the audit process a meaningful quality enhancement effort rather than a mere compliance task.

Support also came generously from the auditors, Varidlo Fuad, M.Pd. and Nizar Ibnus, M.Pd., who not only assessed but also actively engaged in constructive dialogue. With their communicative and supportive approach, they created a process that felt empowering rather than burdensome. This strong collaboration between auditee and auditor was a key driving force behind this year’s success. As the team began to see the fruits of their efforts, an auditor score rising to 365.8 and an auditee score reaching 392.1, their sense of unity only grew stronger. For the International Office team, this audit was not just an evaluation, it was a reaffirmation of their values and professional dedication.

This success marks a tangible step forward not only in expanding international programs but also in refining administrative systems and documentation. Such progress is a direct result of the team’s consistent commitment to building a culture of quality, accountability, and self-reflection. From the beginning of the audit on August 5 to its completion on September 20, 2025, the team dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to completing the 38 instrument items. “We realize that this achievement is the product of teamwork, not individual efforts,” added Lala Bumela, Ph.D. This momentum is now being carried forward as a catalyst for greater improvements in the coming years, particularly in standardizing and expanding international collaborations.

The auditor score of 365.8 is more than just a number, it’s a concrete symbol of the International Office’s dedication to building accountable and credible systems. “We aim to make this achievement part of our working culture, not just a passing moment,” Lala Bumela, Ph.D., concluded with heartfelt sincerity. From the initial tension when the score stood at 334, to finally reaching a proud and validated outcome, this journey taught one essential lesson: that true quality improvement comes from being open, willing to learn, and working together. Through this process, the International Office has shown that meaningful change starts from within, and that’s the strongest foundation for facing global challenges ahead.

Author: Cindi Aulia