AICIS+ 2026 is designed as a forum to discuss the future of Islamic civilization by connecting local heritage, technological innovation, and human development.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is preparing to host the 25th Annual International Conference on Islam, Science, and Society (AICIS+) 2026 at State Islamic University (UIN) Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon from November 17 to 20, 2026.

The international conference aims to serve as a place for discussing the future of Islamic civilization by linking local heritage, technological innovation, and human development.

AICIS+ 2026 carries the theme ‘Revitalizing Islamic Civilization for Sustainable Life: Local Heritage, Technological Innovation, and Human Flourishing."

Preparations for the conference were discussed during a coordination meeting held in Indonesia’s Cirebon City, West Java Province, on Friday evening (August 21).

Amien Suyitno, the ministry's Director General of Islamic Education, urged that this year's AICIS+ not be treated merely as a routine annual event.

According to him, the ‘Plus’ in AICIS+ has to be reflected in its academic substance. The forum should bring together Islamic studies with social sciences, as well as science and technology.

"From the moment we named it AICIS Plus, we did not want the studies to remain confined to static Islamic discourse. We have transformed by incorporating social science and scientific disciplines. This confirms that AICIS has tangibly realized the integration of knowledge," Suyitno said.

Suyitno also requested that the organizing committee showcase scientific innovations created by students from Islamic Religious Higher Education Institutions (PTKI).

He noted that showcasing these research results and innovations is important to demonstrating that religious universities are capable of contributing to the advancement of science and technology.

Beyond collaborating with Islamic religious universities, the AICIS+ network is also expected to expand its reach to include public universities.

Suyitno identified the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the University of Indonesia (UI), and the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) as potential partners for collaboration.

"We must not limit ourselves to collaborating solely within our own internal circles, as doing so will not yield significant progress. The primary goal of engaging external parties is to accelerate the equalization of quality standards," he stated.

He also instructed the organizing committee to ensure that the academic quality of AICIS+ is upheld. This is considered crucial given the proliferation of international forums that do not necessarily maintain rigorous academic standards.

Suyitno further requested that preparation progress be assessed using data-driven metrics.

The number of registrants and submitted abstracts should be compared against figures from the same period in the previous year.

"I want participation trends evaluated by comparing them to the corresponding period last year. We need to examine the comparative volume of abstract submissions and the readiness of speakers as the event approaches. If the data indicates a decline, we must immediately accelerate our preparatory measures and strategies," he emphasized.

Involving madrasas and pesantrens

Sahiron, the Director of Islamic Religious Higher Education, stated that AICIS+ 2026 should be designed as a platform for broader collaboration.

According to him, AICIS+ participants and partners should not be drawn exclusively from universities and academic circles; high-achieving madrasas (Islamic schools), pesantrens (Islamic boarding schools), and other strategic partners should also be involved.

"For the AICIS+ event at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, we must collaborate with madrasas that have garnered national or international achievements and awards, as well as with pesantrens and other partners," Prof. Sahiron asserted.

He believes that madrasas and pesantrens possess immense potential to strengthen the Islamic education ecosystem, particularly given that many of these institutions have already achieved distinction at both national and international levels.

This engagement also aligns with the AICIS+ 2026 theme, which highlights local heritage. The traditions, culture, and creativity flourishing within madrasas and pesantrens can contribute to the narrative of revitalizing Islamic civilization.

445 authors registered

Nur Khafid, Head of the Sub-directorate for Research and Community Service at the Directorate General of Islamic Education, reported on the registration progress for AICIS+ 2026.

"As of today, 445 authors have registered, with 72 having submitted abstracts," Nur Khafid noted.

Registration and abstract submission are open from August 10 to August 30, 2026. In addition to the main conference, the committee is also organizing a student competition.

The announcement and opening of registration for the student competition will take place from August 10 to September 30, 2026.

Complete information regarding the schedule, registration, abstract guidelines, the student competition, and the AICIS+ 2026 program series can be accessed via the official AICIS+ 2026 website: https://aicis.uinssc.ac.id/.

Reporting by Indonesia Window