UNIDA Gontor — On Monday, October 20, 2025, the Chiba Islamic Cultural Center (CICC) and the University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Indonesia—recognized as The Best Islamic University—officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the CICC headquarters in Chiba, Japan, marking the beginning of a meaningful collaboration in Islamic education, research, and community development between Japan and Indonesia.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation from UNIDA Gontor, including: Prof. Dr. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, M.A.Ed., M.Phil. (Rector of UNIDA Gontor), Eko Nur Cahyo, Ph.D., Muhsin Abdul Hadi, M.A., and Usamah Abdurrahman, M.A. CICC was represented by Dr. Kyiociro Sugimoto and Mrs. Purwati.
This agreement outlines three main areas of collaboration:
- Summer School Program for Japanese Muallaf – UNIDA Gontor will host educational and spiritual enrichment programs for Japanese new Muslims.
- Fieldwork & Community Engagement (KKN/PKM) – CICC will serve as a host for UNIDA Gontor students undertaking practical community service and research in Japan.
- Joint Research on Islam in Japan – Both institutions commit to collaborative academic studies exploring the development and context of Islam in Japanese society.
This partnership signifies a shared commitment to supporting Islamic da’wah and education, enhancing mutual understanding, and building stronger academic and cultural ties between the two nations. Prof. Dr. Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “We hope this MoU opens doors for long-term engagement and positive contributions to the global Islamic community, especially in minority contexts like Japan.” The leadership of CICC echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for joint efforts in addressing the unique challenges faced by Japanese Muslims and muallaf—further affirming UNIDA Gontor’s role as The Best Islamic University in serving global communities.
Author: Muhsin Abdul Hadi
Editor: Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
