Unismuh Makassar: First Student to Pass Final Exam via Publication in SINTA Journal

UNISMUH.AC.ID, MAKASSAR– A new chapter has been written by the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar. For the first time, one of its students has successfully completed the final examination not through a conventional thesis, but through publication in a nationally accredited SINTA 2 journal.

The student, Sarina, with her scientific article titled "Developing Religious Character Through Islamic Education for Generation Z at Secondary Schools in Makassar," successfully penetrated a reputable journal, demonstrating the concrete innovation applied by the PAI Study Program.

This historic moment was officially launched during a seminar on Scientific Writing Dissemination, held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the International Classrooms of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, 2nd Floor of the Iqra Building, Unismuh Makassar. Approximately 50 participants, consisting of lecturers and students, attended this monumental achievement.

Sarina's final examination was led directly by Dr. Ilham Muchtar, Lc., MA., as the Head of Examiners, and Mursyid Fikri, S.Pd.I., MH., as the Secretary of Examiners. Both are lecturers with the rank of Head Lecturer, highlighting the faculty's seriousness in maintaining the quality and integrity of the academic process based on publication.

The Head of the PAI Study Program, Dr. Abdul Fattah, S.Th.I., M.Th.I., stated that this achievement marks the beginning of a paradigm shift in the PAI Study Program environment. "We are opening innovative pathways for undergraduate studies. Scientific publication is not just an alternative, but a superior strategy for forming globally competitive graduates," he said.

He emphasized that it is time for students to not only rely on theses as a requirement for graduation, but also to contribute to national academic literature through focused and high-quality scientific publications.

The Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Dr. Amirah Mawardi, affirmed that Sarina's achievement is a real testament to the great potential of PAI students at Unismuh Makassar. She also emphasized the importance of lecturers in guiding, encouraging, and inspiring students to be more active in research and scientific writing.

"It is not enough for just one or two students to pursue this path. We must make scientific publication a cultural norm in academia. This is a new direction for higher education based on quality and impact," she emphasized.

This success is not only an individual achievement, but also a strategic momentum to strengthen the image of the PAI Study Program as an outstanding program that promotes academic innovation. Sarina has proven that PAI students at Unismuh are capable of meeting national standards and making scientific publication a bridge to a wider academic platform.