The Social Welfare Study Program (IKS) of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta has received an award recognizing its contribution as an Academic Partner in the Development of Social Welfare Services from the IndoCharis Foundation. The award was presented during the Christmas celebration jointly organized by GKAI Kasih Karunia Prambanan and the IndoCharis Foundation on December 23, 2025.

The recognition was formally presented by the Rev. Onwin Frans Hetharie, Chairman of the IndoCharis Foundation’s Board of Trustees, to Khotibul Umam, M.Si, Secretary of the Social Welfare Study Program, in appreciation of the longstanding partnership between the two institutions.

The award acknowledges the program’s active role in advancing social welfare services through academic engagement, field-based learning, and capacity building in the social welfare sector. Over the past five years, the Social Welfare Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga has maintained a close partnership with the IndoCharis Foundation by placing students in field practicum and social work internship programs.

Through this collaboration, students have gained valuable opportunities to develop professional competencies through direct practice while contributing to a range of community-based social service initiatives operated by IndoCharis. The partnership has strengthened experiential learning opportunities for students and supported broader efforts to improve the quality of social welfare services for vulnerable communities.

Speaking after the award presentation, Khotibul Umam expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a reflection of a shared commitment to fostering collaboration between higher education institutions and social service organizations.

“This partnership with IndoCharis has provided an important learning environment where students can integrate social work knowledge, values, and skills into real-world practice,” he said. “We hope this collaboration will continue to grow and generate even greater benefits for the communities we serve.”

Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D., Head of the Social Welfare Study Program, said the award serves as an encouragement for the program to further expand its network of strategic partnerships with social service organizations across Indonesia.

“Collaboration between universities and community-based service organizations is essential for preparing graduates who are professionally competent, socially responsive, and ready to contribute to the advancement of social welfare,” he said.

The recognition from the IndoCharis Foundation also reaffirms the program’s commitment to advancing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community engagement—through partnerships that create meaningful and lasting social impact.