The Advisory Council of MUI Central, Dr. K.H. Muhammad Zaitun Rasmin, expressed his hope to transform the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Islam dan Bahasa Arab (STIBA) Makassar into an institute next year. This step is a positive initiative expected to accelerate the progress of the Wahdah Islamiyah educational institution. The transformation of STIBA Makassar into an institute is expected to enhance the quality and scope of education and Islamic preaching undertaken by Wahdah Islamiyah.

This statement was made by Ustaz Zaitun during the National Working Conference (Mukernas) XVI of Wahdah Islamiyah at the Arafah Hall of the Haji Sudiang Hajj Dormitory in Makassar on November 26, 2023.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Central Leadership Council (DPP) of Wahdah Islamiyah also emphasized the importance of cadre development at the campus level beyond the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Islam dan Bahasa Arab (STIBA) Makassar under the auspices of Wahdah Islamiyah. He urged lecturers throughout Indonesia to collaborate with the Ikatan Cendekia Wahdah Islamiyah (ICWI) to produce a younger generation ready to become continuous advocates of preaching.

“Our cadres at the non-STIBA campus level are very few. Therefore, we invite all lecturers in Indonesia to get involved,” he said.

Not only that, Ustaz Zaitun Rasmin also highlighted the handling of LGBT issues in the education environment. He emphasized the need for a dedicated mentor or teacher assigned to address this issue in every school and campus.

“Regarding the handling of LGBT issues, I want to emphasize that all campuses and schools must pay attention to this issue. There must be a mentor or teacher specifically assigned to address this problem,” he concluded.