Ansari Optimistic UIN Madura Can Compete with Other State Islamic Universities

PARLEMENTARIA, Pamekasan – Ansari, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, affirmed the commission’s support for the institutional transformation of Madura State Islamic University (UIN Madura). However, the change in status from institute to university must be accompanied by stronger governance, improved human resource quality, and education quality assurance so it can compete with other state Islamic universities.

Ansari made the remarks while taking part in a specific working visit by Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives to UIN Madura in Pamekasan, East Java, on Friday (13/11/2026). The visit was conducted as part of the commission’s oversight function and to hear the views of university leaders and the academic community on higher education management.

“This working visit is aimed at conducting oversight and hearing from the rector and academic community about education management at Madura State Islamic University. Institutionally, UIN Madura transformed from an institute into a university in 2025. This means UIN Madura is one of the youngest UINs, but I am confident that despite being the youngest, it can make great strides and compete,” Ansari said.

The PDI Perjuangan faction politician said improving the quality of higher education must begin with strengthening professional, transparent, and accountable institutional governance. Programs, he said, should be planned around priority needs and measurable performance targets, alongside effective budget management and consistent oversight.

He also called for academic and administrative services to be streamlined through the use of digital technology. This would make education services faster, easier to access, and higher in quality.

In addition to governance, the legislator for East Java Electoral District XI stressed the importance of improving human resource quality as a key factor in the university’s competitiveness. UIN Madura needs to strengthen the competencies of lecturers and education staff, improve academic quality, expand research collaboration, and foster an innovative work culture.

He said the curriculum must also be continually adapted to developments in science, labor market needs, and societal challenges, without abandoning Islamic values as the university’s identity.

Ansari also linked UIN Madura’s development to the local wisdom of the Madurese people, namely the concept of “Tanèyan Lanjhâng,” which describes a family settlement pattern with an elongated courtyard and reflects the values of togetherness and mutual cooperation. He said these values align with UIN Madura’s vision of developing the concept of an Eco-University, including through the development of study programs in technology and engineering.

“So the spirit of mutual cooperation is there, and God willing, this is in line with the vision of becoming an Eco-University,” he said.

Ansari further said that strengthening UIN Madura’s competitiveness requires better accreditation and quality assurance, reputable academic publications, innovative teaching, and the development of student entrepreneurship. Strategic partnerships with domestic and international universities, businesses, government, and communities should also be expanded.

All these efforts are expected to produce graduates who excel not only academically but also possess strong character, skills, and the ability to adapt to changing times.

Ansari also urged UIN Madura to take advantage of various policies within Commission VIII’s remit as opportunities for institutional development. These include the Law on Islamic Boarding Schools, the Law on Halal Product Assurance, and the People’s School program. In addition, the establishment of the Directorate General of Islamic Boarding Schools is expected to create broader opportunities for collaboration for UIN Madura.

He hoped that all university leaders and members of the academic community would make quality improvement a shared commitment. Institutional transformation, he said, cannot be achieved merely through policy changes and a change in university status; it must also be reflected in a work culture that is disciplined, collaborative, open to evaluation, and willing to innovate.

“With strong governance and a sustained commitment, UIN Madura will be increasingly able to compete and make a meaningful contribution to national development,” he concluded. (mrs/ssb)