By Tayyaba Munir
Ms.Munir is a final year law student at Islamic International University and currently serves as an Assistant Researcher in the Registry Department of OICOA Member Institute, Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan. Ms. Munir also holds the honor of being a Youth Ambassador for Federal Tax Ombudsman for the year 2024. She also serves as a TV Anchor for Pakistan’s first legal channel Just1 TV.
As Islamabad prepares to host the 10th OICOA Board Meeting, a figure of great esteem in the field of law and public service, His Excellency Mohammad Najih, Chairman of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia, is set to grace the event. His Excellency represents a unique blend of academic prowess and dedicated public service, making him a respected figure in both arenas.
Born on May 17, 1965, in Lamongan, East Java, H.E. Mohammad Najih’s early life was marked by a keen interest in law. This interest laid the foundation for a distinguished academic career. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Law at Brawijaya University in 1989, followed by a Master’s in Law from Diponegoro University in 1999. His academic journey culminated with a Doctoral degree from Kebangsaan University Malaysia in 2016. Notably, his academic contributions extend beyond formal education, as evidenced by his numerous articles and publications in the field of law.
Before assuming his current prestigious position, H.E. Najih’s career was characterized by significant roles in academia. He served as a Permanent Lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, where he also held the position of Head of the Master of Law Program. His leadership and commitment to academia were further reflected in his various roles in legal councils and academic leadership positions.
His Excellency’s versatility and leadership skills were also evident in various capacities outside the university. He held positions such as the Deputy Chair of ASPEHUPIKI, Deputy Chair of the East Java PWM Legal Council, and Chair of the Malang City MHH PDM. Additionally, his roles included being the Deputy Chair of MHH-PP-Muhammadiyah and the General Chair of APSIH-PTM. Dr. Najih’s journey in academia and public service led to his appointment as the 4th Chairman of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia on February 22, 2021. His term as the Chair of SEAOF, spanning from December 2022 to December 2024, further highlights his leadership qualities.
His Excellency’s dedication and commitment to his work have been recognized through several prestigious awards. He was honored as the Faculty Exemplary Lecturer at the University Muhammadiyah Malang and received recognition for 25 years of dedication as a lecturer at the same university. Furthermore, he was awarded the Satyalancana Karya Satya X Tahun and Satyalancana Karya Satya XX Tahun by the President of Indonesia, recognizing his long-standing and faithful service in the Indonesian civil services.
H.E. Najih’s role as a board member of the OICOA offers a significant opportunity to impart a transformative impact on the goals of the OIC Ombudsman Association. His extensive background in law, coupled with his proven track record in academic and judicial leadership, positions him uniquely to drive meaningful changes within the organization. His expertise in upholding justice and transparency can significantly contribute to strengthening the Ombudsman institutions across member countries. Furthermore, his ability to bridge academic theory with practical application provides a robust framework for advancing the association’s objectives, particularly in areas of human rights advocacy, legal reform, and public service accountability.
As H.E. Najih joins the 10th OICOA Board Meeting in Islamabad, his presence not only represents Indonesia’s commitment to these ideals but also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be instrumental in shaping the future direction of the OIC Ombudsman Association. His involvement is poised to enhance collaborative efforts, promote the exchange of best practices, and foster a culture of integrity and ethical governance within the member states. This alignment with the association’s mission will undoubtedly contribute to the broader goal of ensuring justice, fairness, and the protection of rights across the OIC member nations.
