Religious leaders in Indonesia: LHS Deserves an Honorary Doctorate Degree

Main Auditorium, UIN News online – The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs for the period of 2014-2019 Lukman Hakim Saifuddin (LHS) received an honorary doctorate degree (Dr HC) in the field of Islamic Studies Specializing in Religious Moderation from UIN Jakarta. The conferment ceremony was held on Tuesday (05/31/2022) held at Main Auditorium, campus I of UIN Jakarta.

Religious leaders considered LHS Deserves an honorary doctorate degree. This is revealed in virtual testimonials during the event.

The Rector of UIN Jakarta for the 1992-1998 period, HM Quraish Shihab, for example, said that the title Dr HC was very reasonable to bestow on LHS. Not only because of the depth of his knowledge, especially regarding tolerance, as well as his daily experiences about tolerance, but also because LHS as a figure echoes the need for tolerance in today's life.

The same thing was also expressed by the Central Executive of Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nasir. He considered LHS to be an Islamic and a national figure in the field of religious moderation.

“Religious moderation was born during his leadership at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs for the period of 2014-2019,” he said.

The head of Sangha Theravada Indonesia, Bhante Sri Pannyavaro Mahathera, said, "LHS is a very humble person. Humility is like a door that is wide open to a very broad knowledge. This humility is reflected and perfected by the insight and wisdom that he possesses.” he said.

The Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, said that the awarding of honorary degrees for LHS would be a driving force in spreading the spirit of religious moderation.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Indonesian Churches Fellowship Pdt Gomar Gultom said that the title of HC to LHS was very appropriate to be given by UIN Jakarta. He also appreciated LHS's tireless efforts to invite all people to live a substantial religious life. Without realizing it, he said, most religious people have been trapped in religious formalism by prioritizing religious symbols and attributes.

The Chair of the Indonesian Confucian High Council (Matakin) Xs Budi S Tanuwibowo also said that LHS was the right person to receive the award in the field of religious moderation.

“He has not only explored the wisdom of moderation values from all religions, but also consistently applies and implements them,” he said. (ns/usa)