Indonesia as a Moderate Muslim Country: UIN Jakarta Displays Just Religious Society Model with Muslim World League

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta welcomed the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), H.E. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa, for a public lecture titled “Islamic Moderation for Global Peace” on Wednesday (3/12/2025).

The event was attended by UIN Jakarta Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D.; MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa; Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Cooperation and Institutional Development Din Wahid, M.A., Ph.D.; along with faculty members, academic staff, and students.

In his opening remarks, Asep Saipudin Jahar underscored UIN Jakarta’s longstanding contribution to shaping Indonesia’s generation of moderate leaders.

“Since its establishment, UIN Jakarta has produced thousands of scholars, leaders, and thinkers who have played pivotal roles in the development of Indonesia,” he stated.

He highlighted several distinguished alumni of UIN Jakarta, including Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., General Election Commission (KPU) Chair Mochammad Afifuddin, S.Th.I., M.Si., and the prominent intellectual the late Prof. Dr. Nurcholish Madjid, M.A.

“Our institution is highly capable in applying balance between religion and knowledge, tolerance and faith, and a commitment to the greater good. They prove that moderation in Islam is possible without sacrificing humanity and deity,” he added.

The Rector also expressed hope that this visit will expand collaborative opportunities between UIN Jakarta and the Muslim World League, particularly in contemporary Islamic studies, strengthening moderation initiatives, countering extremism, and fostering cultures of peaceful coexistence.

MWL Secretary-General’s Address

Delivering his keynote lecture, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abdul Karim Al-Issa explained that the concept of wasathiyah represents the very core of Islamic teachings brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that shaped a modern global civilization.

“When we speak about wasathiyah, we are in fact discussing the essence of Islam itself. Upon its introduction, our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first had to deal with numerous tribals in Mecca. In the end, ladies and gentlemen, he successfully united Arabs and us together here,” he stated.

He explained that the principle of moderation manifests in worship and social relations, as reflected in Al-Baqarah 2:143: "And thus We have made you a middle nation to be witnesses over mankind."

Moderation, he noted, is the balance between excess and negligence, while rejecting both extremism and dismissiveness in religious practice.

He also praised Indonesia’s model of religious harmony, describing it as a source of pride for the Muslim world. Indonesia, he added, has successfully translated wasathiyah values into a cohesive and peaceful social reality amid diverse cultural identities.

“Indonesia really demonstrates its philosophy of unity in diversity. Despite being a Muslim-majority country with other religions, Indonesia has managed to sustain balance and tolerance in its social setting very well indeed,” he concluded.

(Mu'ainun Mubin/Zaenal M./Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photos: Muhammad Ghifari Rahman)