Malang, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 — The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang has once again become a benchmarking destination for various religious universities in Indonesia. This time, FKIK received an official visit from I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University (UHN) Denpasar, which is preparing to establish a Faculty of Medicine as one of the institution's strategic programs.

The benchmarking visit was warm and productive, reflecting the spirit of collaboration across religious universities in an effort to improve the quality of national health education. The UHN delegation was received directly by the leadership of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, including the Dean of the Faculty., Prof. Dr. Dr. Yuyun Yueniwati, M.Kes, Sp.Rad (K) which emphasizes religious moderation, the importance of openness, mutual learning, and strengthening academic networks.

“"We view this UHN benchmarking activity as a strategic and very positive step. It demonstrates UHN's commitment to innovation and learning from the best practices of other institutions, particularly regarding the establishment of a medical faculty. For us, this reflects an open academic culture and a shared desire to advance the quality of higher health education in Indonesia."” he said.

Sharing Experiences in Establishing a Medical Faculty: From Institutions to Curriculum

In the discussion session, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of UIN Malang shared comprehensive experiences regarding the process of establishing a medical faculty, from the planning stage to implementation. Some aspects presented included:

1. Institutional Strengthening

Arrangement of faculty structure, academic governance, reporting mechanisms, and technical matters related to fulfilling LAM-PTKes and Ministry of Health standards at the opening of the Faculty of Medicine.

2. Human Resources Development

FKIK shared recruitment strategies, strengthening lecturer capacity, medical staff development patterns, and the preparation of a human resource development roadmap that is relevant to clinical and academic needs.

3. Educational Facilities and Infrastructure

The provision of lecture halls, pre-clinical laboratories, clinical skills facilities (skills labs), and the needs of teaching hospitals are presented as important elements that serve as examples for UHN.

4. Financial Management and Administration

FKIK emphasizes the importance of professionalism and accountability in the management of educational funds, as well as the use of digital-based administration systems to support transparent and efficient faculty governance.

5. Curriculum: Integration of Islam and Science

As a PTKIN (Private Islamic University), FKIK UIN Malang is unique in that its curriculum integrates modern scientific perspectives with Islamic values. This integration was one of the points that most captured the attention of the UHN delegation.

6. Implementation of Religious Moderation in Learning

FKIK UIN Malang provides an example of how the values of religious moderation—such as tolerance, fairness, respect for differences, and love of the homeland—can be applied in a highly professional medical curriculum.

Religious Moderation Appears Strong in Every Interaction

During the benchmarking session, the discussion atmosphere was very open and full of respect for each institution's religious background. Dr. Ermin assessed that the value Tasamuh (tolerance) become the strongest point in the interaction between the two parties.

The value of religious moderation is clearly evident in this interaction. Tasamuh (Tolerance and Mutual Respect) is characterized by a willingness on both sides to accept and learn different academic practices, based on respect for each other's religious backgrounds. A shared desire to balance the demands of professionalism in the health sector with the strengthening of spiritual/religious values. We focus on scholarship without abandoning faith. Discussions always remain within the corridor to produce graduates who are not only academically superior, but also possess national insight and a commitment to religious harmony as the main capital for Indonesia's health development.

“"Both institutions have demonstrated a willingness to embrace and learn from different academic practices. We both focus on scholarship without abandoning our faith. This is an important foundation for health education based on national values and interfaith harmony."” he explained.

The discussion also emphasized the commitment of both parties to preparing graduates who not only excel academically and clinically, but also possess national insight and social sensitivity as healthcare workers.

Potential for Concrete Cooperation Post-Benchmarking

One aspect highlighted in the discussion was the potential for long-term collaboration between the two institutions. UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa currently has Teaching Hospital (Bangli Regional Hospital) which has been committed for more than 10 years to supporting the establishment of FK under the Ministry of Religion.

“"The existence of Bangli Regional Hospital is an opportunity for strategic collaboration to strengthen the recognition of Karsa Husada Hospital in Batu City as the Main Teaching Hospital for FKIK UIN Malang,"” said Dr. Ermin.

In addition, UHN has a number of Balinese Hindu traditional healing center, including practice Balian and natural materials (batteries). This potential can be developed as:

• Cross-cultural collaborative research
• Development of an elective course in natural medicine
• Lecturer and student exchange program
• Workshops or further comparative studies related to the integration of health sciences and local wisdom

This collaboration is in line with the vision of FKIK UIN Malang in developing holistic health education, based on spirituality, and responsive to the richness of Indonesian culture.

Towards Excellent Religious Medical Education

The benchmarking event, which will take place on December 9, 2025, will not only provide a platform for sharing but also strengthen networks between religious universities. The Faculty of Medicine and Medicine (FKIK) of UIN Malang affirmed its commitment to continue serving as a reference center for the establishment of medical faculties within PTKIN (State Islamic University) and other religious universities.

With synergy with UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar, FKIK hopes that this collaboration will continue in the form of real programs that have an impact on academic quality, graduate quality, and contribution to the world of health in Indonesia.