PsyTalk Series: Exploring Moderate Islam and Religious Moderation

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online - The Faculty of Psychology and the Faculty Student Council (Dema-F) of UIN Jakarta Psychology held a PsyTalk Series event entitled “Youth Religious Moderation”. The event presented renowned speakers such as Habib Husein bin Ja'far Al Hadar, S.Fil.I., M.Ag, Social Psychology Expert from UIN Jakarta Psychology, Ikhwan Lutfi M.Psi and Head of UIN Jakarta Religious Moderation Center, Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D.. 

The event was also hosted by Professor of Religious Psychology, Prof. Dr. Rena Latifa, M.Psi. Psychologist as a moderator to discuss the importance of religious moderation amidst the challenges of the times.

Habib Husein bin Ja'far opened the session by highlighting the relationship between psychology and terrorism. He explained that terrorism is related to psychology. Factors such as poverty and poor mental state can push a person towards extremism. 

Humans are basically born moderate and differences should be celebrated as a blessing, we inevitably have to accept the differences that exist around us, because we are born from differences,” he said.

Head of UIN Jakarta's Center for Religious Moderation, Prof. Arif Zamhari M.Ag, Ph.D. revealed that religious moderation is about how people live their religion without being extreme and not excessive. 

“Religious moderation means balancing the goodness related to God with social benefits,” he said. He also explained four important indicators of religious moderation: national commitment, tolerance, non-violence, and respect for tradition.

Social psychologist from UIN Jakarta Psychology, Ikhwan Lutfi M.Psi added his perspective that moderation is a middle position that is neither extreme right nor left. He emphasized the importance of moderation for Indonesian people who have three entities: Muslim, ethnic culture, and as Indonesian citizens. 

“Strategies to strengthen the identity of religious moderation include narratives as NKRI, the use of the word ‘we’ rather than ‘us-them’, pride in being an Indonesian Muslim, and fighting common enemies,” he explained.

The event was closed with an interactive question and answer session, filling out a religious moderation questionnaire, and handing over souvenirs to the speakers. Students in attendance gained valuable insights into the importance of religious moderation in creating a harmonious and tolerant society.

In addition to being able to attend directly at the Harun Nasution Main Auditorium for invited guests, the public who want to watch this event can go through the UIN Jakarta Youtube live streaming connection

https://www.youtube.com/live/C5ROriE4Y-U?si=zASsiyLwmPV78DPv 

(Ken Devina/Fauziah M./Raihan Lail)