The Faculty of Science at UIN SMH Banten Holds Graduation Ceremony, the Chancellor Delivers a Moral Message, and the Dean Explains Transformation

The Faculty of Science of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten held its graduation ceremony today in the Faculty of Science Hall. Thirty-three students from two study programs, five from Physics and 28 from Biology, officially graduated. This important event was attended by the Rector of UIN SMH Banten, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, the Vice Dean II, the Head of Administration, all Heads of Study Programs, and a number of teaching staff.

Three Mother Figures: Key to Success
In his remarks, the Rector of UIN SMH Banten, Prof. Dr. H. Wawan Wahyuddin, M.Pd., delivered a profound message to the graduation participants. He emphasized the importance of respecting three “mother” figures in life: Mother Earth (Indonesia), one’s biological mother and father, and one’s mother and father (lecturers). “This is the key to success in gaining worldly knowledge and rewards in the afterlife,” he emphasized, reminding the graduates of the importance of devotion and gratitude.

Transformation of the Faculty of Science to the Faculty of Science and Technology
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. In his remarks, Asep Saefurohman, M.Si., outlined the significant progress achieved by the Faculty of Science in the six years since its establishment. He explained that the change in nomenclature to the Faculty of Science and Technology aligns with the mandate of Presidential Regulation Number 39 of 2017. This regulation mandates the expansion of scientific studies at UIN, which previously focused on religious and social sciences, to now also include general sciences.

The proposal for this faculty name change was submitted simultaneously with the proposal to establish a new Faculty of Adab and Humanities. The evaluation process and approval from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (KEMENPAN RB) are currently underway, although the in-principle permit has been obtained.

The Faculty of Science, officially established on February 5, 2020, now houses five study programs: Physics, Biology, Informatics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. With an active student population of 661 by 2024, the Faculty of Science continues to show rapid growth. The Physics Study Program, as one of the leading study programs, has graduated 40 students by 2025, with alumni successfully pursuing careers as Research Assistants (RA), field technicians, laboratory technicians, and practitioners.

Distinguished Achievements and International Recognition
Despite its relatively young age, the Faculty of Science has recorded numerous impressive achievements. Dr. Asep Saefurohman highlighted the Dean’s involvement as a resource person/invited speaker at an International Seminar at the AmrutVahini School of Pharmacy in India and as a guest lecturer at the School of Pharmacy and Nursing School at MBT University, India. Furthermore, active participation in the Summer School in Switzerland demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to developing a global perspective.

Student achievements are equally impressive. Almaida Firdaus won the Best Internship Research Result Seminar Program Award in Physics at the BRIN Quantum Research Center. Internationally, Luthfia Ikhwania won Gold Medals at the prestigious Korea Inventing Woman and Taiwan competitions.

The Faculty of Science has also successfully increased its multi-source funding, including IDR 9 billion in state-owned government bonds (SBSN) assistance in 2021 and IDR 3.15 billion in laboratory revitalization assistance from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs from 2021 to 2024. Developing integrated laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to meet national standards is also a priority.

Challenges and Future Development Strategies
Nevertheless, the Faculty of Science and Technology recognizes the challenges it faces to continue its growth. Future development focuses include:

1. Improving the Qualifications of Educators and Education Personnel: Accelerating the attainment of doctoral degrees for lecturers and strengthening collaborations for doctoral scholarships.
2. Strengthening the Academic Atmosphere: Increasing the recognition of lecturers and students through involvement in academic activities, research output, patents, and the development of nationally accredited journals.
3. Developing Industrial and Higher Education Cooperation: Expanding partnerships with businesses, industry, and universities at home and abroad.
4. Improving the Quality of Study Programs through International Accreditation: Striving for international accreditation for study programs.
5. Accelerating Lecturer Promotion: Encouraging the promotion of lecturers from assistant professor to lecturer.
6. Improving the Information Technology Skills of Educational Staff: Through training and certification for Laboratory Heads and Laboratory Assistants.
7. Improving Student English Skills: Increasing students’ TOEFL scores to 550 or higher through “Communication Skills” training, English language familiarization in courses, and collaboration with relevant language institutions.

With a strong vision, clear mission, and focused strategy, the Faculty of Science and Technology of UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten is optimistic about becoming a center of excellence in science and technology development and producing competitive graduates.