Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, 

Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, 1998-2006

 Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, or Kak Edy as we address him informally, UIN Jakarta has made striking pioneering breakthroughs in both academic and institutional spheres.  Prof. Azra with his team played a seminal role in smoothing the process of the transformation of an institute into a university. By continuously supporting graduates and teaching staffs to study at home and abroad in various disciplines, promoting the integration of the “religious” and the “secular” disciplines, relaxing some of the bureaucratic procedures, widening of academic and financial networks,  and improvement library system, among other things, Prof Azra and his assistants have fulfilled the mandate even more than was initially given.

Being an academician, an ambassador of Islam in the West and in the international arena, and an administrator, Prof. Azra has successfully demonstrated his unusual vitality and energy. Initiatives, vitality, commitment and dedication to the production and dissemination of knowledge and to the development of an organization are truly the rare things.

The success of an organization depends on its clear mission and vision, excellent yet feasible programs, and transformative leadership. Prof. Azra has given his best to lead and act. His pioneering ideas and actions are hopefully continued; new ideas and programs from the new leadership, Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat and his deputies are definitely crucial for the UIN Jakarta to progress even more. Thank you very much, Kak Edy, and Good luck and all the best, Mas Komar! 

Ubaidillah, Saiful Umam, Azyumardi Azra, and Muhamad Ali in Honolulu, September 2006