{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1708390,
        "msgid": "layered-selection-for-al-azhar-egypt-is-it-still-relevant-1777456402",
        "date": "2026-04-29 16:08:00",
        "title": "Layered Selection for Al-Azhar Egypt: Is It Still Relevant?",
        "author": "Nashih Nashrullah",
        "source": "REPUBLIKA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "The article discusses the enduring appeal of Al-Azhar University in Egypt for Indonesian students seeking Islamic studies, with the Ministry of Religious Affairs regulating selections since 2006. Initially simple, the process evolved in 2014 to include mandatory Arabic language matriculation and competency testing upon arrival, prompting a review of its relevance for 2026. This transformation highlights the balance between standardisation and accessibility in educational pathways for religious scholarship.",
        "content": "<p>Who does not know Al-Azhar Asy-Syarif University in Egypt? This\noldest Islamic educational institution in the world remains the top\nchoice for santri and students in Indonesia aspiring to deepen their\nknowledge of Islamic heritage.<\/p>\n<p>The allure of Al-Azhar never fades; on the contrary, interest in\nstudying in the Land of a Thousand Minarets continues to experience\nsignificant escalation year after year.<\/p>\n<p>In response to this high enthusiasm, since 2006, the Indonesian\nMinistry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has taken on the role as\nregulator through the organisation of official selections.<\/p>\n<p>In the early decade (2006\u20132013), this mechanism was relatively\nsimple: students who passed the written selection and interview could\ndirectly handle administration and enter the lecture rooms in the same\nyear.<\/p>\n<p>However, over time, the pathway to Al-Azhar has undergone a\nfundamental transformation, which now in 2026, demands us to re-evaluate\nits relevance.<\/p>\n<p>Evolution and the paradox of language matriculation<\/p>\n<p>The first turning point occurred in 2014, when Al-Azhar implemented\nthe obligation of Daurah Lughah or language matriculation as an\ninstrument for standardising Arabic language competency.<\/p>\n<p>As a consequence, although Kemenag still conducts selections,\nprospective students are still required to follow the ikhtibar tahdid\nmustawa (competency levelling test) upon arrival in Egypt through the\nMarkaz Syekh Zayed li Ta\u2019lim al-Lughah al-\u2019Arabiyyah li Ghayr\nan-Nathiqin Biha (MSZ) in Cairo.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/layered-selection-for-al-azhar-egypt-is-it-still-relevant-1777456402",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}