UMS Bridges Global Islamic Education Through International Exhibition 2025

The Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) once again demonstrated its stature as a world-class institution by hosting the International Islamic Education Exhibition (IIEF) 2025. The international-scale event, held at the Edutorium K.H. Ahmad Dahlan UMS, brought together hundreds of Islamic educational institutions, tahfidz boarding schools, and scholars from various countries including Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

Initiated by the Forum Ma’had Al-Qur’an Indonesia (Formaqin), the exhibition received full support from UMS as a tangible expression of the university’s commitment to advancing Islamic preaching and education that is moderate, inclusive, and progressive.

In his remarks, UMS Vice-Rector III, Dr. Mutohharun Jinan, M.Ag., stated that the event aligns with UMS’s vision as a Progressive Campus open to global collaboration. “UMS is always open to synergizing with various institutions in advancing Islamic preaching and education that bring benefits to the community and the nation,” he said.

Dr. Jinan also explained that the UMS Edutorium, which served as the venue for IIEF 2025, can accommodate more than 8,000 people and stands as one of the largest buildings within Muhammadiyah universities. The facility is not only used for academic activities but also open to the public for educational and spiritual events.

UMS Vice-Rector III, Dr. Mutohharun Jinan, M.Ag., delivers his remarks at the International Islamic Education Exhibition 2025. UMS PR

“We hope this international forum becomes a platform for collaboration among pesantren, academics, and Muslim entrepreneurs in building an excellent Islamic civilization,” he added.

Dr. Jinan also conveyed greetings from UMS Rector, Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., who at the same time was carrying out academic and dakwah duties in Papua and Banjarmasin. In his message, the Rector emphasized that activities like IIEF are part of UMS’s progressive education ecosystem, designed to expand the network of Islamic dakwah and research both nationally and internationally

Meanwhile, Formaqin Chairman, Dr. Umarul Faruq Abu Bakar, Lc., M.A., explained that the IIEF is not merely an exhibition, but also a gathering for silaturahim and dakwah. “The purpose is not only to showcase our schools, but more importantly, to serve as a meeting for brotherhood, dakwah, and the exchange of knowledge,” he said.

The IIEF 2025 recorded its highest participation to date, featuring 277 booths from educational institutions and Muslim businesses. The event also included an international seminar, a scholars’ gathering (liko’ masyayikh), and inter-pesantren forums fostering collaboration in education, economy, and global Islamic outreach.

In his address, Formaqin Advisor, K.H. Syihabuddin A.M. Al Hafizh, highlighted the significance of the event as a stage for national and international synergy. “This is the power of annual silaturahim, and it keeps growing stronger every year. In the future, it will evolve into a truly international Islamic Education Forum. Within it lies the strength of transformation, collaboration, and even trade,” he remarked.

With the support of various stakeholders, UMS reaffirmed its position as a hub for modern Islamic education, bringing together networks of pesantren, scholars, and academics from around the world. The event stands as clear evidence of UMS’s commitment to realizing its World Class University vision grounded in the values of Islam Berkemajuan.

Writer: Alvian Rizki Prasetya

Editor: Maysali Sudarwati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid