The State Islamic University (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang has officially established a partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia to support the strengthening of better and more sustainable Hajj governance. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Memorandum of understanding (MoU) was implemented on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Arrahim Building, Campus 3, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. This collaboration is a strategic step in optimizing the role of universities in improving the quality of Hajj implementation, including strengthening education and Hajj rituals, monitoring the health of prospective Hajj pilgrims, developing human resources, research and policy studies, and Hajj governance based on science and the needs of pilgrims.

The signing of this cooperation was attended directly by the Chancellor of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, Prof. Dr. Hj. Ilfi Nur Diana, M.Si., CAHRM., CRMP, and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. KH. Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, M.Sc. Also present were members of the Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, including: Dr. H. Abdul Wahid as Special Staff for Diplomacy and Institutional Cooperation, H. Gibran Mohammad Fawwas as an Expert Staff to the Minister, HM. Afief Mundzir, S.Ag., M.Si. Director of Regular Hajj Pilgrim Development, H. Hayatul Islam, SE, M.Ak. Head of the General Affairs and State-Owned Enterprises Section of the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Management, and H. Abfillah, S.Ag., M.Ag. Head of Sub-Directorate for Hajj and Umrah Guidance.

This event was also attended by former Chancellors of UIN Malang, namely Prof. Dr. H. Imam Suprayogo, Prof. Dr. H. Mudjia Rahardjo, M.Si., And Prof. Dr. Abdul Haris, M.Ag., as well as Prof. Dr. HM Zainuddin, MA. Also present were the Vice Chancellors, Chair and Members of the Senate, Heads of Bureaus, Deans and Vice Deans, Chairs and Secretaries of Study Programs, as well as heads of units and institutions within UIN Malang.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang Prof. Dr. Hj. Ilfi Nur Diana, M.Si., CAHRM., CRMP, He emphasized that UIN Malang, as an internationally renowned university, has a responsibility to make a real contribution to addressing the needs of the people and the nation, including the implementation of the Hajj pilgrimage. He stated that strategic collaboration with ministries and government agencies is part of the effort to realize higher education that not only excels academically but also has a direct impact on society.

He also emphasized the importance of beneficial collaboration, such as providing health care for Hajj pilgrims, strengthening Hajj education and rituals, empowering Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and involving the UIN Malang academic community in supporting Hajj services up to the embarkation stage. This synergy is expected to foster more professional, inclusive, and sustainable Hajj governance.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. KH. Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, M.Sc., He stated that strengthening Hajj governance is a primary focus for the government amidst various challenges facing Hajj implementation, from departure queues to the health of pilgrims. He emphasized the importance of implementing standards. health istitha'ah for prospective Hajj pilgrims so that they can carry out their pilgrimage safely, healthily and optimally.

He also added that the collaboration with UIN Malang plays a strategic role in supporting improvements in Hajj governance through academic approaches, research, and human resource development. This collaboration is expected to produce concrete programs and recommendations that will impact the quality of national Hajj administration.

Through this collaboration, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia are committed to building mutually reinforcing synergies in education, research, and community service, particularly in supporting better Hajj governance. This collaboration is expected to be a tangible contribution from higher education institutions to improving the quality of Hajj services and strengthening public trust in the Hajj administration in Indonesia.

Contributor: Ria Najja Nila Nafi'ah (PSSF 23)