UIN Malang encourages sharpening of critical thinking to form constructive aspirations

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University (UIN) Malang is encouraging its students to sharpen their critical thinking, thereby forming aspirations that are constructive and impactful for the nation’s future development.

Vice Rector for Student Affairs at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, Prof Triyo Supriyatno, stated after a directed discussion in Batu City, East Java, on Wednesday, that critical thinking ensures that every criticism voiced is more targeted.

Critical thinking will shape students’ understanding of issue developments, preventing them from being influenced by hoaxes and provocations.

He reminded students to prioritise values of politeness and courtesy when expressing concerns.

“It is hoped that every action taken by our students becomes a strategic action,” he said.

Triyo added that the rectorate and lecturers at UIN Malang are continuously guiding students to build networks with various parties, providing more opportunities to engage in Indonesia’s development agenda.

Meanwhile, Researcher at the Intelligence and National Security Studies (INSS), Yusup Rahman Hakim, stated that the government under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership has never closed the door to aspirations expressed by the public.

In fact, the government is continuously striving to provide spaces for exchanging ideas with critical groups.

“Fundamentally, the government is very open,” he said.

According to him, openness in public participation spaces is the government’s strategy to ward off the emergence of destructive narratives that could potentially disrupt national stability and security.

“Such as disinformation, slander, and hatred (DFK) as well as hoaxes, which are addressed by the Ministry of Communication and Digital. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs collaborates with stakeholders, non-governmental organisations, and grassroots communities, including socialisation efforts,” said Yusup.