As part of the 15th National Scientific Meeting on Arabic Language (PINBA) held on 6–8 August 2025, the Middle Eastern Culture and Religious Issues (MECRI) Journal, managed by the Master’s Programme in Middle Eastern Studies (KBTT) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Arabic Studies Journal Managers (PPJKBA). The signing took place at the Ibn Rusyd Hall, Darunnajah University, South Jakarta, and was represented by Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., as the main manager of MECRI.
MECRI has currently achieved Sinta 4 accreditation and successfully entered the EBSCO international index. This achievement reflects the ongoing dedication to making MECRI a reputable academic forum in the fields of cultural studies, multi-ethnicity, and religious heritage in the Middle East. However, the challenges ahead are to improve the accreditation rating to Sinta 2 or even Sinta 1, as well as to achieve the Scopus indexation target. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to strengthen the quality of journal management, ensure consistency in publications that meet international standards, and expand collaboration networks with strategic partners, both nationally and globally.
The existence of an internationally reputable journal is of strategic urgency for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. In addition to being an important instrument in strengthening the university’s academic reputation and ranking, a reputable journal also serves as a gateway for cross-border research collaboration, a means of publishing the research results of the educational community, and proof of FIB’s commitment to contributing to the development of the humanities at the global level. For UGM, achieving international indexing for the journal signifies a significant step in strengthening its research portfolio, enhancing its visibility in the global academic network, and adding to its achievements that support UGM’s position as a world-class research university.
PPJKBA has a long track record in assisting journals to achieve national and international accreditation. Its organisational experience includes training in editorial management, improving the quality of manuscript editing, and facilitating networks of international reviewers and authors. This collaboration is expected to become a strong foundation for MECRI to strengthen its management quality, expand its visibility, and enhance its academic reputation at the global level.
The signing of this MoU is also a strategic step in line with the mission of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM in strengthening its position as a centre for humanities studies that is superior and internationally renowned. Institutional support from FIB UGM will be an important driver for the optimal synergy between MECRI and PPJKBA, resulting in high-quality scientific publications and contributing to the development of knowledge in the field of Middle Eastern studies.
With this collaboration, MECRI is optimistic that it can expand the scope of its studies, strengthen the quality of published manuscripts, and establish connectivity with academics across countries. This collaboration is not only beneficial for improving the quality of the journal, but also serves as a vehicle for capacity building for managers and writers in the Master’s Program in KBTT and FIB UGM as a whole.
Author: Amanda Jesisca
