Mataram, Friday, 20 February 2026 — The Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, held an official audience today with the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, at the Governor’s Office to discuss the institution’s strategic transition toward full university status, following guidance from the Minister of Religious Affairs urging accelerated transformation with strong support from the provincial government.

The audience was attended by the Rector of UIN Mataram, Prof. Dr. H. Masnun Tahir, the Chair of the Senate of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Institutional Development, and Cooperation, the Vice Rector for General Administration, Planning, and Finance, the Head of the Bureau of General Administration, Academic and Student Affairs (AUAK), the Head of General Affairs and Academic Services Division, the Chair of the Internal Supervisory Unit (SPI), the Head of Academic Services Subdivision, as well as several community leaders, representatives of PHDI NTB, PSN Province, and PSN City.

During the meeting, the Rector conveyed the Ministry’s recommendation that the institutional upgrade be expedited. Governor Iqbal expressed firm readiness to support the transition, emphasizing that diversity among institutions is a source of collective strength meant to complement one another rather than create divisions. He encouraged the institution to promptly complete all required administrative and academic prerequisites, including the provision of land for new campus buildings.

The transformation into a university is viewed as a pivotal step to broaden the scope of faculties and study programs, enhance national and international competitiveness, and strengthen the implementation of the Tri Dharma of higher education, i.e. education, research, and community service. The Governor noted that achieving university status would position the institution to play a more significant role in regional development and global academic engagement.

The presence of the Rector of UIN Mataram signalled cross-institutional encouragement for the transformation agenda, reflecting a shared commitment among higher education leaders in the province to foster progress through collaboration and mutual support. In addition, the Minister underscored the importance of synergy among higher education institutions. Collaborative research and development initiatives were highlighted as key drivers for innovation, quality improvement, and sustainable academic growth. Strengthened inter-campus partnerships are expected to accelerate institutional progress while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and community empowerment.

The audience concluded with a shared commitment between the Rector and the Governor to maintain close coordination in facilitating the transformation process, marking an important milestone in the institution’s journey toward becoming a comprehensive university.
By: DKS