Jakarta, FIKES Online News — The Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta officially launched a matriculation program for 13 *santri* (Islamic boarding school students) who are recipients of the Outstanding Santri Scholarship Program (PBSB) on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This program is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia as part of an effort to prepare the students before they begin their academic studies this coming September.

The matriculation program will run for approximately seven weeks, from August 13 to October 1, 2026. The activities are designed to provide both academic and non-academic preparation, ensuring the students are better equipped to navigate the university environment and learning process.

During the program, students will receive pre-university instruction covering foundational subjects such as chemistry, biology, and physics. In addition to classroom learning, participants will gain practical experience through laboratory visits and various orientation activities related to campus life.

The 13 students participating in this program come from various regions across Indonesia. This diversity of backgrounds serves as a strength of the matriculation program, offering participants the opportunity to get to know one another, build networks, and share experiences as fellow *santri* embarking on higher education in the health sciences.

Beyond receiving guidance from lecturers and academic staff, the students will also be mentored by members of CSSMoRA (Community of Santri Scholars of Ministry of Religious Affairs). The involvement of CSSMoRA students is intended to help participants gain a deeper understanding of campus life, ranging from academic experiences and student organizations to the various dynamics of student life.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Nurmeilis, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at FIKES UIN Jakarta, urged the students—who come from Islamic boarding school backgrounds—to make the most of the matriculation program.

She emphasized that this opportunity is valuable and should be utilized to prepare for their upcoming academic journey. The students were also reminded to uphold the good name of the institution, their Islamic boarding schools, and FIKES UIN Jakarta throughout their studies.

"Make the best use of this golden opportunity. You carry not only your own reputation but also that of your Islamic boarding schools and the institution. Therefore, safeguard the good name of all these entities and demonstrate your ability to give your best," Nurmeilis told the participants.

Meanwhile, Ms. Kustati, the Chairperson of the Matriculation Program, encouraged the students not to hesitate to ask questions throughout the series of activities.

According to her, the matriculation program serves not only as a venue for acquiring knowledge but also as an opportunity for students to adapt to the academic environment and mentally prepare themselves before beginning their actual university studies.

Participants are encouraged to actively ask questions, engage in discussions, and take advantage of opportunities to interact with lecturers and student mentors.

"Throughout this program, do not hesitate to ask questions. Ask freely and do not be afraid to speak up about anything you do not yet understand. This matriculation program will serve as a valuable foundation for navigating your university studies, which will certainly not always be easy," stated Kustati.

The participants' enthusiasm and spirit were evident from the very first day of the program. The *santri* (Islamic boarding school students) participated in the activities with keen attention, demonstrating a strong desire to learn and prepare themselves for university life.

FIKES UIN Jakarta is committed to conducting a matriculation program featuring high-quality, relevant, and effective learning activities. The entire series of activities aims to provide a meaningful learning experience while building the students' academic, mental, and social readiness before they begin their university studies.

Through this program, FIKES UIN Jakarta hopes that participants will not only gain a stronger understanding of fundamental health sciences but also develop the motivation and confidence to face the academic challenges of higher education.

Furthermore, the matriculation program is intended to serve as a starting point for these students to persevere, study diligently, develop their potential, and achieve success throughout their education at FIKES UIN Jakarta.

Driven by a passion for learning and supported by the entire academic community, FIKES UIN Jakarta is optimistic that the *santri* scholarship recipients will grow into outstanding, high-achieving students of integrity, capable of making positive contributions to society and the nation. (ARN/ZR)