Depok, September 29, 2025 – Institut SEBI hosted an Open Senate Meeting to officially welcome new undergraduate and graduate students for the academic year 2025/2026. The solemn event took place at SEBI Hall, Depok, on Monday, September 29, and was presided over by the Rector and Senate Chair, Sigit Pramono, Ph.D., CA., CPA. The meeting was attended by vice rectors, program heads, and the Chair of the Bina Tsaqofah Foundation, Dr. Asmeldi Firman.
This open senate meeting is part of the Campus Introduction Program (Propeka) themed "Student Transformation: From Adaptation to Achievement." This theme reflects Institut SEBI's commitment to cultivating students who can not only adapt to a new academic environment but also excel academically, socially, and spiritually, equipping them to contribute to the nation and Islamic civilization.
In his academic report, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sepky Mardian, S.E.I., M.M., SAS., expressed gratitude for the addition of 334 new students from 22 provinces across Indonesia. The diversity of these students underscores Institut SEBI's appeal as a national Islamic economics institution. Notably, one student traveled by sea for five days from South Halmahera, North Maluku, to attend classes in Depok, exemplifying the dedication to pursuing education. With this new cohort, the total active student population at SEBI Institute has reached 1,368, enrolled in programs such as Sharia Accounting, Sharia Banking, Sharia Business Management, Islamic Economic Law, and the Master's in Economics.
In his remarks, Dr. Asmeldi Firman encouraged new students to adapt to campus life and excel according to their interests and talents. He emphasized the importance of being adept with technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), while reminding them that AI is merely a tool and should not replace critical thinking. According to him, students must maintain their intellectual independence and critical faculties, ensuring that technology enriches their understanding rather than diminishes their academic capabilities.
Rector Sigit Pramono, Ph.D., highlighted that Institut SEBI represents a microcosm of Indonesia, with students from various regions across the archipelago, from North Maluku to the Riau Islands and Sumenep. This diversity reflects SEBI's role as a meeting point for the nation's youth committed to building a future through Islamic economics education. He stressed the importance of focusing on studies during their time at the institute: “Three and a half years is a short time. If you are earnest in your studies, you will, God willing, become graduates ready to contribute to building Islamic civilization. Intend your learning as worship, for the pursuit of knowledge is to attain paradise,” he conveyed.
In conjunction with the growing student body, Institut SEBI continues to enhance the quality of its faculty and academic activities. Currently, there are 49 permanent lecturers, with 55% certified as professional educators, 29% holding doctoral degrees, and seven others pursuing doctoral studies both domestically and internationally. Over the past five years, faculty members have produced 290 scientific publications, with 21% indexed internationally. SEBI Institute actively implements the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, offering students opportunities for internships in various institutions, including Sharia banks, law firms, consultancies, and Islamic philanthropic organizations.
Through this moment of welcoming new students, Institut SEBI reaffirms its commitment as a center for Islamic economics education focused on the development of knowledge, ethics, and leadership. This event symbolizes not only the acceptance of new students but also the beginning of an intellectual and spiritual journey that they will embark on together. With a spirit of transformation, it is hoped that all new students will achieve their best, uphold academic integrity, and make tangible contributions to the nation and Islamic civilization.