Sumbawa, August 24, 2025 – The State Hindu Institute (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram and the Islamic College of Sumbawa (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Sumbawa/STAIS) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The signing ceremony was held at the STAIS campus in Desa Penyaring, Moyo Utara District, Sumbawa Regency. The MoU was signed by Ahmad Jaya, S.Pd., M.T, Chairman of STAIS, and Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. The agreement outlines a comprehensive collaboration focusing on the Tri Dharma of Higher Education: Education, Research, and Community Service.
Through this partnership, both institutions will explore joint academic programs, student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research projects, and community empowerment initiatives. In the field of Education, the two campuses will strengthen curriculum development, organize seminars and workshops, and promote innovation and interfaith dialogue. For Research, the institutions will initiate collaborative studies addressing local, national, and global issues, fostering joint publications and knowledge dissemination. Meanwhile, in Community Service, both parties will design programs aimed at empowering local communities, promoting social harmony, and advancing sustainable development in Sumbawa and beyond.
Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata expressed optimism about the cooperation, stating: “This MoU reflects our shared vision to advance the quality of higher education. By integrating our strengths in education, research, and service, we will not only enrich the academic environment but also contribute meaningfully to society. This partnership is a model of how different faith-based institutions can work hand in hand for the common good.”
Similarly, Chairman Ahmad Jaya underlined the significance of the agreement: “We are very pleased to collaborate with IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. This cooperation will open opportunities for our students and lecturers to grow academically and professionally. More importantly, it strengthens the spirit of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, which are essential values in our diverse society.”
The MoU will remain valid for a period of five years from the date of signing, providing a sustainable framework for long-term academic and community-based initiatives. Following the signing, representatives from both institutions held a joint discussion session, outlining specific action plans and potential programs to implement the MoU effectively. These include collaborative workshops, faculty development activities, and cross-institutional mentoring programs.
Both institutions emphasized that this cooperation is not merely symbolic but is designed to produce tangible outcomes. By combining resources and expertise, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram and STAIS Sumbawa are committed to fostering innovation, broadening research capacity, and delivering meaningful contributions to the community.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo session involving the leadership and the faculty members from both institutions. The moment marked a new chapter of academic synergy and reaffirmed the commitment of both IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram and STAIS Sumbawa to nurture excellence, inclusivity, and service to the wider community. (by: DKS)