Dozens of Non-Muslims Participate in State Islamic University Entrance Examinations

Dozens of non-Muslim participants have registered for and participated in the 2026 National Selection for State Islamic Religious Universities (UM-PTKIN). This phenomenon serves as evidence that state Islamic campuses in Indonesia are becoming increasingly popular among people of various faiths and are viewed as inclusive educational spaces.

The UM-PTKIN 2026 National Selection was held simultaneously from 8–14 June 2026 via the Zoom platform, spanning 59 examination centres across Indonesia. This year, a total of 64,479 participants were recorded taking the entrance examination for State Islamic Religious Universities (PTKIN).

The Chairperson of the National Committee for PTKIN Student Admissions, Prof. Abd Aziz, revealed that UM-PTPK participants are not exclusively from Muslim backgrounds. There were 20 non-Muslim participants recorded in this year’s examination, including 17 Christian applicants, two Catholic applicants, and one applicant from a faith-based belief system (Kepercayaan Terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa), according to a press release on Monday (8/6/2026).

According to him, the participation of individuals from various religious backgrounds demonstrates that PTKIN has evolved into a safe, open, and equitable learning environment for all citizens.

In addition to non-Muslim participants, the 2026 UM-PTKIN also saw a significant number of participants with disabilities. A total of 43 disabled participants took part in this year’s selection, comprising 11 visually impaired, eight hearing impaired, seven physically disabled, and 17 individuals with intellectual disabilities. “We are ensuring that all examination locations provide the best facilities and accessible environments for them,” he emphasised.

Prof. Abd Aziz also noted that this year’s UM-PTKIN possesses an international dimension. One of the selection participants originated from Papua New Guinea, expressing interest in pursuing higher education in Indonesia through the PTKIN pathway. “Furthermore, in this year’s session, we are also proud that there are international students, including one from Papua New Guinea, participating in the UM-PTKIN selection to undertake studies in Indonesia,” he stated.