Serang – The Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUDA) at Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (SMH) State Islamic University (UIN) in Banten is moving quickly following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Tangerang City Regional Library and Archives Office (DPAD). This strategic partnership is designed to strengthen synergy in the three pillars of higher education, particularly the development of community literacy and the preservation of historical archives.
The MoA was signed directly by the Dean of FUDA at UIN SMH Banten, Dr. Masykur, M.Hum., together with the Head of DPAD of Tangerang City, Drs. Engkos Zarkasyi A, M.Si. Both parties are fully committed to ensuring that this agreement does not remain merely a document on paper, but rather directly impacts actual work programs.
Focus on Library Development and Student Internships
In practice, this partnership will open up extensive opportunities for FUDA students—particularly those in relevant programs such as History of Islamic Civilization (SPI) and Islamic Library and Information Science (IPII)—to complete their Field Professional Practicum (PPL) or internship at the DPAD of Tangerang City.
The Dean of FUDA at UIN SMH Banten, Dr. Masykur, M.Hum., stated that partnerships with local government agencies such as DPAD are crucial for providing students with practical experience outside the campus.
“We want students not only to learn theory in the classroom, but also to see firsthand how modern archival management and public library management are carried out. The Tangerang City DPAD is the perfect partner to support the development of these skills,” said Dr. Masykur.
In line with this, the Head of the DPAD of Tangerang City, Drs. Engkos Zarkasyi A, M.Si., welcomed this collaboration. He stated that his office is ready to serve as a learning platform and research partner for lecturers and researchers from UIN SMH Banten.
Furthermore, Engkos hopes that the involvement of academics will help improve the literacy rate among the residents of Tangerang City and optimize the digitization of local archives.
“The challenges facing the library and archival world today are digitization and appealing to the younger generation. With academic support from the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab at UIN Banten, we are optimistic that we can introduce new innovations in information services and the preservation of historical documents in the city of Tangerang,” said Engkos.
Upcoming Program Schedule
As a first step following this signing, the two institutions are currently scheduling a joint agenda that includes: guest appearances on a podcast with the Tangerang City DPAD, and strengthening activities FUDA Goes to the Library, Student involvement in revitalizing reading corners and mobile libraries in the Tangerang area. And Local Research Collaboration: Joint research on the history and development of Islam in the Tangerang area and its surroundings, such as the history of the development of the Kali Pasir Mosque.
Through this inclusive partnership, FUDA UIN SMH Banten and DPAD of Tangerang City hope to make a tangible contribution that will have a direct impact on the quality of higher education and public services in Banten Province.
