The Social Welfare Study Program (IKS) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta welcomed a benchmarking delegation from the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Dakwah at UIN Raden Mas Said (RMS) Surakarta on Thursday, April 23, 2026—an early step in RMS’s effort to establish its own Social Welfare Study Program.

The visit, attended by five faculty members from UIN RMS Surakarta, followed an official request dated April 14, 2026. The delegation included Dr. Supardi, S.Ag., M.Ag.; Mei Candra Mahardika, M.A.; Agit Purwo Hartanto, M.Pd.; Ayatullah Qutub Hardew, M.Psi., Psikolog; and Ulfa Fauzia Argestya, M.Si.

They were received by the Dean of the Faculty of Dakwah and Communication at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Dr. Arif Maftuhin, alongside the Head of the IKS Program, M. Izzul Haq, Ph.D.; Secretary of the Program, Khotibul Umam, M.Si; and faculty members Lathiful Khuluq, Ph.D.; Dr. Aryan Torrido; Dr. Arin Mamlakah; Abidah Muflihati, M.Si; and Noorkamilah, M.Si.

Running from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the session opened with remarks from the Dean, followed by a response from the RMS delegation. The Head of the IKS Program then delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the program’s profile, curriculum design, and governance model. The session was moderated by the Program Secretary.

In the discussion that followed, the RMS delegation, led by Mei Candra Mahardika, affirmed its commitment to developing a Social Welfare Study Program as a response to the growing demand for both academic inquiry and professional practice in the social sector. The IKS Program expressed strong support for the initiative, framing it as a timely and necessary development.

As the only Social Welfare Study Program in the regions of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, IKS views the potential establishment of a similar program at UIN RMS as a strategic move—one that could expand academic networks, deepen collaboration, and strengthen the social impact of the discipline.

“Particularly in light of Law No. 14 of 2019, which reinforces the professional standing of social workers, and the increasing demand for the profession—further underscored by Ministry of Social Affairs Regulation No. 5/2024 requiring every social welfare institution to employ at least one social worker—the presence of a Social Welfare Study Program in the Solo Raya area becomes highly strategic,” Izzul noted.

The benchmarking session unfolded in an engaging and interactive format, with discussions ranging from curriculum development and program governance to future avenues for collaboration. The visit concluded with a group photo and the presentation of a commemorative token from UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta to IKS UIN Sunan Kalijaga—marking a shared commitment to sustained partnership and institutional ties.