The State Islamic University (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang once again demonstrated its concern for the world of education. This time, UIN Malang held an important discussion event entitled "Halaqah Pendidikan Berkeadilan" on Monday (29/6/2026). The event, which took place in the FKIK Hall, Ar Rahim Building, 3rd Floor, Campus III UIN Malang, was attended directly by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. KH. Romo R. Muhammad Syafi'i, SH, M.Hum., as the main speaker. This forum was held as a dialogue space to find real solutions in creating an equal education system for all people in order to welcome the Golden Indonesia 2045.

In his remarks, the Rector of UIN Malang, Prof. Dr. Hj. Ilfi Nur Diana, M.Sc., emphasized that their campus highly upholds the value of inclusivity and strongly rejects all forms of discrimination and violence. "This campus is open to all. Our students come not only from Muslim communities, but also from various religious backgrounds. Alhamdulillah, non-Muslim students can study comfortably and are well-received," said Prof. Ilfi.

Despite his full commitment, Prof. Ilfi acknowledged that Indonesia still faces significant educational challenges. He highlighted several significant inequalities on the ground, such as:

• Quality Gap: There is still a gap in the quality of education between madrasas, Islamic boarding schools, state schools and private schools.
• School Dropout Rate: In Malang Regency itself, which is known as an educational area, the number of children dropping out of school due to economic factors is still quite high.
• Teacher Welfare: Many honorary teachers currently still receive salaries below the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR).

“"Quality education will not be realized without adequate welfare of teaching staff," emphasized the Rector. As a concrete step to ease the economic burden on the community and expand access to higher education, Prof. Ilfi brought good news. UIN Malang has officially decided not to increase the Single Tuition Fee (UKT). Currently, UIN Malang claims to be one of the "Excellent" campuses whose UKT fees remain affordable. This step was taken to ensure that financial factors are no longer a barrier for young people to pursue higher education, in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution.

The presence of the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia at this halaqah (Islamic gathering) marked a crucial moment for aligning religious campus policies with central government programs. The lively discussion covered everything from equitable distribution of lecture facilities, the welfare of lecturers and teachers, to strengthening a welcoming campus culture. The event was enthusiastically attended by university leaders, lecturers, and staff. Through this forum, UIN Malang hopes to generate concrete recommendations for improving the national education system to make it more humane, inclusive, and equitable.