IAIN set for new status

JAKARTA (JP): The Syarif Hidayatullah State Academy of Islamic Studies (IAIN) in Ciputat, South Jakarta is preparing for its new status as a university.

The academy's deputy rector for academic affairs, Suwito, told Antara on Friday that new courses will be introduced in the upcoming academic year. Among them are psychology, accounting, management, information technology, agrobusiness and library science.

Suwito said the academy must offer a variety of courses as a prerequisite to obtain the university status.

If the government approves the academy's bid, it will be named Islamic University (UIN).

Suwito said the change of status was aimed at eliminating the perception that religious studies cannot be integrated with the sciences.