STAI Aisyah, Indonesia's First International Muslimah Campus, Officially Established

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar officially inaugurated the Aisyah Binti Abu Bakar Islamic College (STAI) on Jalan Jami, Tamansari District, Bogor Regency, on Saturday (18/7/2026). The inauguration was marked by the signing of an inscription with the Chairman of the STAI Aisyah Binti Abu Bakar Foundation, Edi Suwanto, establishing a milestone for Indonesia’s first international campus specifically for Muslim women, integrating Islamic education, international language proficiency, research, and character building. In his speech, Nasaruddin emphasised that Islamic higher education aims not only to produce academically excellent graduates but also to shape individuals with intellectual, spiritual, and moral balance. “We need intellectual strength, spiritual strength, and physical strength. All three must go hand in hand to produce an excellent generation,” Nasaruddin said. According to him, the Islamic scholarly tradition views knowledge as not only derived from reason but also from revelation, a pure heart, intuition, and spiritual experience. Therefore, education must be accompanied by moral development and spiritual purification. “Knowledge is light. That light will not enter a heart filled with sin and inner filth. A seeker of knowledge must cleanse the heart, strengthen morals, and maintain personal purity,” he said. He also affirmed that Islam accords high respect to women, and therefore women should have equal opportunities to pursue education, develop their potential, and take on roles as leaders, academics, researchers, or public figures. After inaugurating the campus, Nasaruddin praised the academic quality of STAI Aisyah, particularly the students’ excellent Arabic language skills. He also welcomed the presence of international students, which enriches the academic environment while introducing the world to Indonesia’s moderate Islamic character. “I am proud that there is a higher education institution specifically for women. Hopefully, from this campus, female Quranic interpreters, female scholars, and moderate Islamic thinkers will emerge. I also hope STAI Aisyah can produce graduates who master Arabic and English and possess a global perspective without necessarily having to study abroad,” he said. Foundation Chairman Edi Suwanto stated that the inauguration marks a new milestone in the development of Islamic higher education for women in Indonesia. He noted that the establishment of STAI Aisyah is the result of a long journey built through effort, prayer, and support from various parties. “This inauguration is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of our great ambition to make STAI Aisyah an international standard Muslimah campus that combines Sharia knowledge, international languages, research, leadership, technology, and noble character,” he said.