FMIPA UI and MUI Establish Partnership to Advance Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Depok, July 28, 2026 — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), is strengthening its role in the advancement of artificial intelligence(AI) through a strategic partnership with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), FMIPA UI will collaborate on the development of MUI GPT, an AI-powered platform designed to provide access to religious fatwa information while also serving as a reference for the halal products industry.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Eko Waludi, S.T., M.Si., Head of the Institute of Applied Sciences (LST), FMIPA UI, and K.H. Masduki Baidlowi, M.Si., Chair of Information and Communication at the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), during the opening ceremony of the 8th Indonesian Muslim Congress (KUII VIII) 2026 at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta, on Friday, July 24. The signing ceremony was witnessed by K.H. M. Cholil Nafis, Vice Chairman of MUI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., Dean of FMIPA UI, and Prof. Alhadi Bustamam, S.Si., M.Kom., Ph.D., Head of the Data Science Center, LST FMIPA UI.

In addition to the development of MUI GPT, the two institutions will collaborate to establish a Center for Artificial Intelligence-Based Technology Development and Qur'anic Studies aimed at promoting the responsible use of AI while upholding religious and ethical values. The partnership also includes the implementation of voice-based personality detection technology, which can be applied to the selection of da’i (Islamic preachers), organizational leadership development, talent mapping for santri (Islamic boarding school students), and human resource management. In the academic sphere, the collaboration will encompass education, research, community engagement, training programs, seminars, scientific workshops, and human resource capacity development in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence.

This collaboration aligns closely with FMIPA UI’s core strengths in the fundamental sciences, particularly mathematics, statistics, and computational science, which provide the foundation for advancements in data science and artificial intelligence. Through its Institute of Applied Sciences (LST), particularly the Data Science Center, FMIPA UI has developed a wide range of AI-based research and solutions to support data analytics, predictive modeling, and digital transformation across various sectors. These capabilities provide a strong foundation for developing AI technologies that are not only technically advanced but also responsive to the needs of society and strategic institutions.

Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., Dean of FMIPA UI, stated that the collaboration reflects FMIPA UI’s commitment to advancing science and technology that deliver tangible benefits to society.

“This collaboration reflects the spirit of UI as an Excellent and Impactful University. We hope that FMIPA UI’s academic expertise and research capabilities will support MUI in harnessing digital technology in an appropriate, responsible manner and for the benefit of the wider community,” said Prof. Tito.

According to him, FMIPA UI is committed not only to producing high-quality research and innovation but also to ensuring that its outcomes are translated into practical solutions that address real-world societal challenges.

“At FMIPA UI, we believe that science and technology must create tangible impact. That is why we are committed to developing AI innovations that not only excel academically but also strengthen public services, support decision-making, and deliver meaningful benefits to society,” he said.

The implementation of the partnership will be led by the Institute of Applied Sciences (LST), FMIPA UI, particularly its Data Science Center, which has expertise in data management, data analytics, artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and the development of data science–driven digital solutions.

Eko Waludi, S.T., M.Si., Head of the Institute of Applied Sciences (LST), FMIPA UI, said that the signing of the agreement marks the beginning of a series of collaborative programs that will be developed and implemented in phases.

“This partnership goes beyond the signing of an agreement. We will follow it up through joint research, the development of AI-based solutions, human resource capacity building, and the implementation of technologies tailored to MUI’s needs,” said Eko Waludi.

Buya Amirsyah Tambunan, Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), stated that the collaboration with FMIPA UI is an important step toward ensuring that Indonesia is not only a user of AI technology but also a developer of AI that aligns with values promoting the public good.

“When it comes to AI—artificial intelligence—we should not be content with being merely users. Our nation must be capable of shaping and directing AI so that it delivers the greatest possible benefits to society,” said Buya Amirsyah.

He added that while artificial intelligence (AI) has enormous potential to generate positive impact when applied appropriately, its potential risks and negative consequences must also be anticipated from the outset. Therefore, the collaboration with FMIPA UI is expected to strengthen the capacity to develop AI that is innovative, ethical, and beneficial to society.