Faculty of Ushuluddin Initiates Book in Honour of His Holiness Pope Francis' Visit

Rectorate Building, UIN News Online- Faculty of Ushuluddin UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta together with Frans Seda Foundation, Yayasan Harapan Pemuda Indonesia, and Atma Jaya Catholic University published a tribute book to Pope Francis as he visits Indonesia and a number of countries in the Asian region.  A number of lecturers at UIN Jakarta are listed as contributors representing Indonesian Muslim figures.

Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi M.A. Ph.D., through his statement on Thursday (5/9/2024), revealed that the Faculty of Ushuluddin together with partner institutions published a book entitled SALVE, PEREGRINANS SPEI! Salam Bagimu Sang Peziarah Harapan – Tokoh Muslim Indonesia dan Kunjungan Apostolik Paus Fransiskus. In the book published by Kompas Publisher, 33 Indonesian Muslim figures contributed to the writing.

“The book was compiled and published as a form of honour to Pope Francis who made an apostolic visit to Indonesia and a number of Asian countries,” said Professor Ismatu Ropi, who is also trusted to be the editor of the book.

Together with the main partners, Frans Seda Foundation, Yayasan Harapan Pemuda Indonesia, and Atma Jaya Catholic University, the Faculty of Ushuluddin UIN Syarif Hidayatullah prepared the publication of this book approximately three (3) months before the visit of Pope Francis. A select number of Muslim leaders were asked to contribute writings.

“The authors of this book come from Indonesian Muslim leaders, scholars, and activists across organisations, sects, generations, and genders who are involved in interpreting and understanding the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia,” he explained.

A number of Indonesian Muslim figures who wrote include the big family of UIN Jakarta. For example, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti M.A., Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat, Prof. Ahmad Najib Burhani M.A. Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A. Ph.D., Prof. Jamhari Makruf M.A. Ph.D., Prof. Ismatu Ropi M.A. Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Media Zainul Bahri M.A..

Then, Fachry Ali, Habib Hussein Ja'far al-Hadar, Miftah Rahmat, Alissa Wahid, Ayu Kartika Dewi, Musdah Mulia, Muhammad Syafi'i Alielha, Syafiq A. Mughni, Lies Marcoes, Hamdan Zoelva, and others. Next, Prof. Dr M. Amin Abdullah, Ulil Abshar-Abdalla, Prof. Dr Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin.

In addition to honouring the visit of Pope Francis, Professor Ismatu Ropi added, the book also illustrates the spirit of tolerance, diversity, and pluralism that lives in Indonesia. Moreover, the book is expected to build a stronger bridge of dialogue between Muslims and the Catholic Church in Indonesia. “This book completes the long history of relations between Muslims and Catholics in the country,” he explained.

Reported by Kompas.com, Willem L. Turpijn, Secretary of the Frans Seda Foundation and editor of the book, said that Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia is an important momentum for the nation to strengthen inclusive and enlightening interfaith dialogue. Furthermore, the published book is expected to encourage more intensive discussions on religious issues as well as emphasise the commitment of the Indonesian people to live with tolerance and social justice.

“Through the active participation of leaders of Islamic organisations, Muslim activists, and Indonesian Muslim scholars, we can affirm that Indonesia is a country that values pluralism and fights for the rights and justice of all citizens, regardless of religion and belief,” he concluded.

Previously, the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A. Ph.D., in his official statement said that Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia and several other Asian countries affirms the joint commitment of religious communities in building tolerance and peace for humanity.

“The presence of Pope Francis in Indonesia has a deep meaning for all of us, especially in an effort to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and strengthen the joint commitment in creating a peaceful humanitarian life,” he said.

It is known that Pope Francis (the supreme leader of the world's Catholics) made his apostolic journey by visiting a number of countries. Starting in Indonesia, from 3-5 September 2024, Pope Francis will then visit Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. (Zm/Contributor/Tribun)