Pekanbaru, January 9–11, 2026 — Universitas Islam Riau (UIR), through the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs (BKUI), once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education by organizing the New International Students Orientation for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The three-day program was held from January 9 to 11, 2026, at Sigai Homestay and Camping Ground, Harau, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra.
The orientation was attended by international students from 15 different countries who will pursue their studies at Universitas Islam Riau. The presence of students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds reflects the growing international trust in UIR as a reputable and globally competitive higher education institution.
The selection of Harau, a well-known natural tourism area, as the venue was deliberate. In addition to providing a comfortable and conducive environment for orientation activities, the location served as a medium for introducing Indonesian culture, environment, and local wisdom to international students from the very beginning of their stay. Through this approach, international students are expected not only to understand academic aspects but also to adapt well to Indonesia’s social and cultural life.
The New International Students Orientation was attended by UIR’s leadership, including the Head of the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs, Dini Tiara Sasmi, S.IP., M.Si., MA; the Vice Rector III for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Deddy Purnomo Retno, S.T., M.T., GP.A-Utama; and the Vice Director I of the Graduate School, dr. Rendi Prayuda, S.IP., M.Si. Their presence represented strong institutional support for the development and assistance of international students.
In her remarks, Dini Tiara Sasmi emphasized that the orientation program is a crucial agenda for international students as an initial step in understanding the academic system, student services, and core values upheld by Universitas Islam Riau. She also reaffirmed BKUI’s commitment to providing continuous assistance to ensure that international students can pursue their studies in a safe, comfortable, and productive environment.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Deddy Purnomo Retno, highlighted the strategic role of international students in enriching the academic atmosphere and expanding the university’s international cooperation networks. According to him, cultural diversity within the UIR campus is a valuable asset that must be managed positively to enhance educational quality and strengthen the institution’s global reputation.
On the same occasion, Vice Director I of the Graduate School, dr. Rendi Prayuda, stressed the importance of academic and mental preparedness for international students in facing higher education learning processes. He expressed his hope that the orientation would serve as an initial platform for students to build communication, friendships, and a solid understanding of the academic culture at Universitas Islam Riau.
Throughout the program, participants took part in a series of activities, including presentations on the academic system and university regulations, student services, an introduction to Indonesian culture, interactive discussions, and group activities designed to strengthen interaction between international students and the academic community. All activities were delivered in a participatory and educational manner to facilitate students’ adaptation to their new environment.
Through the implementation of the New International Students Orientation, Universitas Islam Riau hopes that international students will gain a comprehensive understanding of academic and social life at UIR, enabling them to engage optimally in their studies and serve as cultural ambassadors who promote the university’s positive image on the international stage.
