DEPOK, FAH Online News – A spirit of collaboration and solidarity was strongly reflected in the Comparative Study activity organized by the Halaqah Ilmiyyah Li Muhibbii Al-Lughah Al-'Arabiyyah (HIMLA) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in partnership with the Ikatan Keluarga Asia Barat (IKABA) of the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB UI), Depok.

Carrying the theme “Building Organizational Synergy to Foster a Progressive and Innovative Generation,” the event was more than a formal institutional visit. It served as a platform for exchanging ideas, strategies, and organizational experiences to enhance the adaptability and quality of Arabic Language and Literature students in facing contemporary challenges.

The program commenced in the morning with participant mobilization and registration, followed by the official opening by the Master of Ceremony, the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, and the collective singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Hymn of UIN Jakarta, and Genderang UI.

As the welcoming remarks session began, the atmosphere of camaraderie between the two organizations became increasingly evident. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee from IKABA FIB UI expressed appreciation for the presence of HIMLA representatives and conveyed hopes that the activity would mark the beginning of broader collaboration in the future.

The Advisor of HIMLA UIN Jakarta, Dr. Cahya Buana, M.A., emphasized that student organizations provide the ideal environment for developing leadership, communication, and self-management skills. He expressed hope that the experiences shared by IKABA UI would inspire HIMLA's future organizational development.

A meaningful message was also delivered by the Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Indonesia, Mrs. Ghina Najjah Sajidah, M.Hum., who stated:

“An organization that continuously engages in discussion and remains open to new ideas will continue to thrive and grow, just as flowing water remains clear.”

The welcoming remarks concluded with a speech by the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee from HIMLA UIN Jakarta, Muhammad Nafidz Santino, who expressed hope that the comparative study would not end with a single meeting but would instead lead to sustainable cooperation and lasting bonds of friendship.

Following the speeches, both organizations introduced their respective cabinets. IKABA FIB UI presented the Nawa Al-Izhar Cabinet, which oversees dozens of active programs focusing on academic development and external relations. Meanwhile, HIMLA UIN Jakarta introduced the Kapal Layar Cabinet, an inclusive platform dedicated to nurturing students’ interests, talents, and passion for the Arabic language. The session continued with the exchange of commemorative plaques as a symbol of friendship between HIMLA and IKABA, followed by a joyful group photo session.

FGD: An Open Space for Exchanging Ideas and Strategies

The comparative study proceeded with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) session, where participants were divided into several divisional clusters. Discussions were conducted openly and enthusiastically, covering organizational systems, work programs, and the challenges faced by each institution.

Executive Board Division – Organizational Systems and Administrative Mechanisms

The discussion among executive board members focused on bureaucracy, administrative systems, and internal coordination patterns. One particularly interesting topic was the difference in proposal submission procedures: HIMLA UIN Jakarta, as an autonomous institution, has direct access to the study program and faculty, while IKABA UI applies a more hierarchical coordination system. Financial management, alumni relations, and the importance of appreciation culture within organizational management were also extensively discussed.

Academic Division – Encouraging Student Academic Development

During this session, IKABA UI introduced Maktabah Kitabiyah, a mini-library providing access to rare dictionaries and academic reference books. The discussion also highlighted the importance of competency development through initiatives such as the Arabic Club, peer tutoring programs, and a structured competition cadre system before students are delegated to national and international competitions.

Notably, IKABA UI emphasized that the study of Arabic within its environment extends beyond linguistic aspects and is closely connected to social, cultural, and political issues in the Middle East.

Public Relations Division – Building Networks and Organizational Branding

IKABA FIB UI shared several creative programs designed to strengthen external relations, including IKABA Talks, a podcast and talk-show series featuring inspiring alumni uploaded to YouTube, as well as the IKABA Collaboration Project (ICP), which accommodates various collaborative initiatives such as comparative studies, Middle East discussions, and international partnerships, including the Iranian Film Festival in collaboration with the Embassy of Iran.

The discussion also explored how social media can function not only as a publication tool but also as an educational medium for students.

Media, Secretariat, and Communication Division – Creativity Behind the Scenes

This session attracted considerable attention as well. IKABA UI explained that its Communication and Information Division serves as the central coordinating body overseeing both Creative Media and Public Relations. HIMLA UIN Jakarta also shared its experiences in managing design, multimedia, and social media in an integrated manner. Topics such as content management through spreadsheets, maintaining consistent social media feeds, and establishing a strong organizational visual identity were discussed enthusiastically.

Campus Tour: A Warm Conclusion to the Day

Following the FGD sessions, all participants joined a campus tour around the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia, renowned for its lush environment and strong academic atmosphere. The group explored shaded faculty gardens, academic building corridors, and various iconic locations that serve as student activity centers.

Throughout the tour, IKABA representatives introduced participants to academic support facilities and explained the organizational culture that thrives within FIB UI.

Many HIMLA members took the opportunity to capture memorable moments around the campus, as FIB UI was widely regarded as aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Laughter, casual conversations, and warm interactions among participants transformed the campus tour into more than just a walk around the university—it became a meaningful opportunity to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and friendship between students from two different institutions.

The tour served as a fitting conclusion to a comparative study filled with knowledge, experience, and inspiration.

Through this activity, HIMLA UIN Jakarta and IKABA FIB UI not only gained new insights into organizational management but also reinforced their commitment to maintaining communication and collaboration for the advancement of Arabic Language and Literature students throughout Indonesia.

Writer: Annisa Khoirunni'mah

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