The Master's Program in Social Welfare (MKS) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta took part in the alumni gathering organized by the Social Welfare Association (AKSES) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) chapter. This event took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Serbuk Federation DIY office in Bantul, serving as a space for building rapport as well as strengthening networks between the alumni and the study program. The involvement of the MKS Program was evident through the presence of the Head of the MKS Program, M. Ulil Absor, Ph.D., as a resource person in a sharing session alongside the Head of the Undergraduate IKS Program, Muhammad Izzul Haq, Ph.D., and Feri Rahmawan, an alumnus from the first IKS cohort (2009) who currently serves as a Member of the AKSES Advisory Board. The presence of the study program's leadership demonstrates an effort to build sustainable communication and collaboration with the alumni.

The series of events began with an opening by the MC, Haddat Alwi (a 2025 MKS student), followed by introductions among the alumni and a welcoming speech by the Chairman of AKSES, M. Husain Maulana. A warm and interactive atmosphere characterized the event, which was attended by dozens of alumni across different cohorts, from 2009 to 2021. The discussion and sharing session provided a space for alumni to express their input, questions, and hopes for strengthening the AKSES organization and network moving forward.

During the session, the Head of the MKS Program, Ulil Absor, shared his views on the importance of strengthening AKSES's institutional capacity, particularly regarding its organizational structure and program sustainability. In addition, Ulil Absor highlighted the uniqueness and advantages of the MKS program. Meanwhile, Muhammad Izzul Haq reaffirmed the Study Program's commitment to continuously collaborate with alumni through various initiatives, such as the Prospective Alumni Gathering and the Alumni Teaching program.

The MKS Program's involvement in this forum demonstrates the active role of the study program in supporting the development of alumni networks as part of the academic ecosystem. The synergy between the study program and alumni was also emphasized by Feri Rahmawan, who highlighted the importance of organizational militancy and mutual support between the alumni and the institution. At the end of the meeting, all participants agreed to make this alumni gathering a regular and periodic agenda. This agreement is expected to strengthen ties, enhance solidarity, and open up broader collaboration opportunities between the alumni and the study programs, including the MKS Program, in scientific development and social contributions.