Bali – The ASEAN educational community marked a significant milestone on August 23, 2025, as Drs. Fathorrahkman, M.Pd, Head of MAN Kota Surabaya, was presented with the prestigious Indonesia Education Leadership Awards 2025 at the Award Trends 2025 ceremony, hosted at The Trans Resort Bali. The honor was bestowed by GP Rajasa Pranadewa, representing Award Magazine.
This recognition underscores the growing role of Indonesia’s Islamic-based schools in shaping education not only nationally but also regionally. Founded in 1963 and formally established as a madrasah in 1978, MAN Kota Surabaya has evolved into one of the country’s most respected academic institutions. Accredited with the highest rating and designated as a National Academic Excellence Madrasah, the school exemplifies the rising competitiveness of ASEAN’s educational institutions.
Under the leadership of Drs. Fathorrahkman, the institution has successfully aligned traditional values with modern educational demands. Programs such as robotics, digital learning, and literacy development have positioned MAN Kota Surabaya as a forward-looking institution, producing students capable of excelling both locally and internationally. Notably, its students earned national recognition by winning the Amphibious Robot Competition, a symbol of how Islamic schools can lead in STEM disciplines.
For ASEAN observers, this achievement highlights a broader trend. Member states across the region are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating character formation with technological literacy. The experience of MAN Kota Surabaya demonstrates that educational institutions rooted in cultural and religious values can adapt to modern challenges while maintaining their identity.
Drs. Fathorrahkman emphasized that the award is a collective achievement, crediting the efforts of educators, students, and the community. His vision for the future is to continue developing a learning ecosystem that prepares graduates to contribute both nationally and within the ASEAN framework.
The recognition at Award Trends 2025 reinforces Indonesia’s contribution to regional educational leadership, showing how innovative approaches within traditional systems can set new benchmarks for ASEAN.
For more information on MAN Kota Surabaya’s programs and initiatives, visit https://mankotasurabaya.sch.id/.
