South Tangerang, June 30, 2026. The atmosphere in the main auditorium of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, was different from usual. That day served as a tangible demonstration of how technology can break down geographical barriers to maintain academic quality that meets international standards. 
The Development Economics Study Program at FEB UIN Jakarta successfully held a hybrid thesis defense—a seamless combination of in-person and online interactions—to evaluate a student named Ahmad Ajwal Nawafil. 

In the quiet yet focused examination room, Ahmad Ajwal stood confidently presenting his substantial research—highly relevant to current global financial market dynamics—titled:
“Analysis of the ‘Flight to Safety’ Phenomenon, Economic and Political Uncertainty, Spot Gold Prices, and Investor Sentiment on the Volatility of the IHSG in Indonesia, 2020–2024.” 

Synergy Between the Examiners in the Hearing Room and the Advisor from Malaysia
The proceedings were led directly by Arief Fitrijanto, who served as the Chair of the Hearing and, in his capacity as Chair of the Development Economics Study Program. Seated beside him was Rr. Tini Aggraeni, the primary examiner, who provided critical analysis, in-depth questions, and objective evaluations directly at the examination site. 

The uniqueness of this session was evident on the large monitor screen installed in the room. From across the border—specifically in Malaysia—Zuhairan, PhD, closely followed the progress of the exam. He is a professor at the University of Malaya, a leading university in Southeast Asia, who served as Ahmad Ajwal’s academic advisor for this occasion. Through the video conferencing platform, Dr. Zuhairan actively provided guidance, evaluation, and academic support to his advisee in real time. 

Full Faculty Support for a Modern Hybrid System
This innovation in the examination system is no coincidence but rather part of the faculty’s broader vision. Responding to the success of this defense, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at FEB UIN Jakarta, Dr. Sofyan Rizal, M.Si., emphasized that the dean’s office is fully committed to facilitating and integrating hybrid examination models such as this one. 
According to him, FEB is always ready to open up the widest possible space for collaboration, whether by inviting academic advisors or expert examiners from other renowned partner universities—both national and international—such as the University of Malaya. This step is considered crucial not only to streamline bureaucratic processes but, more importantly, to enhance the scientific rigor and quality of research produced by FEB UIN Jakarta students. 

Through the smooth conduct of Ahmad Ajwal Nawafil’s thesis defense, the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta has once again sent a strong message: that physical distance is no longer a barrier to fostering a competitive, modern, and globally-oriented academic environment. (AC)