Indonesia Sends Ulama Cadre Students to U.S. for Academic Exchange

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening its academic and religious diplomacy by sending 29 students from the Istiqlal Mosque’s Ulama Cadre Education Program (PKUMI) to short courses in the United States.

The initiative, launched at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, is designed to enhance the scholarly capacity of future ulama through international academic networks. Of the participants, 21 will study at the University of California, Riverside, while eight others will attend Hartford International University.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar praised the students who passed the rigorous selection process, noting that the opportunity to study abroad is both rare and a responsibility.

“This chance does not come to everyone. Focus on learning, broaden your horizons, and value every moment you have,” he said on Monday, February 23, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

The minister emphasized that sending ulama candidates to international centers of learning is part of Indonesia’s effort to strengthen scholarly diplomacy and foster an open, globally competitive religious perspective.

He also reminded participants to maintain discipline and commitment during their studies. “Make the best use of your time. Do not let any learning opportunity pass without meaning,” he urged.

Nasaruddin further expressed hope that the students would return not only with knowledge for personal benefit but also with insights that can be applied for the greater good of society.

“The knowledge you gain must return to the community. You are expected to serve as a bridge between Indonesia’s scholarly traditions and global experiences that benefit the people,” he said.

The PKUMI program is one of Indonesia’s mosque-based initiatives to nurture future ulama with deep religious knowledge, strong national insight, and the ability to address global challenges in a moderate and constructive manner.

To access a wide range of services from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the public can visit https://kemenag.go.id/layanan. The portal offers updated information on regulations, religious education, national programs, digital publications, and news from both central and regional offices. ***