Work Ethic and National Spirit: Message from the West Java Kopertais to the Graduates of IAI Al-Azis
By Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I. ME
The Zeteso Mini Hall at the 6th graduation ceremony of the Al-Zaytun Indonesian Islamic Institute (IAI Al-AZIS) in Gantar Village, Indramayu, on Monday, December 15, 2025, felt like more than just a space for academic celebration. There, not only were bachelor’s degrees conferred, but also hopes for the future of the nation were at stake. This hope emerged in the remarks of Dr. H. Syamsuddin R.S., M.Ag., representative of the Coordinator of Kopertais Region II West Java.
In a calm and fatherly tone, he opened his remarks as an expression of gratitude and prayer. For him, the joy of graduation should not stop on campus, but should flow throughout the graduates’ lives as they enter society.
“Graduation is the starting point,” is roughly the message he wanted to emphasize. It’s not the finish line, but the beginning of a longer and more challenging journey.
Higher Education and Responsibility in the Times
In front of 271 happy graduates and their parents, Dr. Syamsuddin positioned IAI Al-AZIS on the broader map of Islamic higher education in West Java. Of the hundreds of private Islamic universities under the coordination of Kopertais Region II, he considered Al-Zaytun to be an orderly, regulatory-compliant, and visionary institution, not only superior physically but also strong in governance and values.
Al-Zaytun’s popularity, which has “been heard throughout the world,” he said, is not a burden, but a challenge. The challenge is to continue proving that fame must go hand in hand with quality, and reputation must be supported by academic integrity.
Quality Graduates Are Not Born Instantly
In his reflection, Dr. Syamsuddin emphasized that superior graduates are not born by chance. A long process goes into developing this, starting with the quality of lecturers, a curriculum that’s relevant to the times, and even adequate infrastructure.
Dr. Syamsuddin mentioned three main indicators of producing quality graduates:
first, strong academic mastery;
second, soft skills such as communication, leadership, and collaboration skills;
third, critical thinking and adaptability to change.
In a fast-paced world, flexibility and adaptability are no longer added advantages, but rather primary needs.
Work Ethic and Discipline: The Nation’s Homework
This message became even more pronounced during the interview. From his perspective as a member of the state apparatus, the biggest challenge for Indonesia’s human resources today is not just employment opportunities, but the mental readiness and character of graduates.
He acknowledged that the government continues to strive to open various employment schemes. However, he believes it’s impossible for all graduates to be dependent on the government. This is where higher education plays a role in fostering an independent and creative mindset.
“There are many smart people,” he said bluntly, “but what’s hard to find are smart people with strong spirituality and integrity.”
Work ethic and discipline, he said, have long been the nation’s homework. Not just diligence, but consistency. Not just intelligence, but trustworthiness. The values of honesty, responsibility, and justice must be the foundation, not an afterthought.
From Job Seekers to Social Solutions
His most important message was directed directly to the graduates. He reminded them not to stop at being job seekers, but to grow into creators of social values and solutions.
The academic knowledge gained from the university, when combined with the values of nationalism, harmony, and social concern instilled during their studies, will provide strong capital to survive and contribute wherever they are.
“Don’t be a social problem, but be a social solution,” he advised.
Closing with Hope
At the end of his remarks and discussion, Dr. Syamsuddin expressed a simple but meaningful hope: that the graduates continue to carry the university’s values into real life. He believes that knowledge applied with good intentions will lead to blessings and success.
The 6th IAI Al-AZIS graduation ceremony was more than just an academic celebration. He serves as a reminder that knowledge, work ethic, discipline, and integrity are the primary assets for building a future for oneself, the nation, and civilization.***
Indramayu, December 18, 2025
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