UIN Jakarta's Faculty of Ushuluddin Unites Central Asia and Nusantara, Prof. Ismatu Ropi Affirms Imam Bukhari's Intellectual Mission
Harun Nasution Building, UIN Online News— UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta's Faculty of Ushuluddin officially opened an international festival and colloquium, Ma Wara’ al-Nahar Indofestive 2025 and the International Colloquium on Islamic Scholarship (ICOIS), at the Harun Nasution Building on Thursday (July 3, 2025). The event, themed "Explore the Land of the Imams: Central Asia & Indonesia: From Mā Warā’ al-Nahar to the Southeast Asian Archipelago: Islamic Scholarship and Intellectual Connections," aims to foster closer academic ties between Central Asia and the Nusantara.
The two-day event, running from Thursday to Friday, July 3–4, 2025, features various activities such as an art and history exhibition, and an intellectual forum highlighting the contributions of Islamic civilization from Central Asia to Southeast Asia. Highlights include: the launch of a poster and soundtrack for the film "Pengin Hijrah" with Nadzira Shafa; a pantomime and theatrical magical performance by Erii Nata and students from the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ); a "Fashion Show for Humanity" with a "Disability for Ability" theme, featuring 10 models with disabilities; an Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy training with e-learning scholarships from AVPN Singapore; and a live contemporary Angklung music performance.
In addition to the rectors and Faculty of Ushuluddin leadership from UIN Jakarta, the event was also attended by delegates from Uzbekistan and the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs. These included Secretary of the Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Arskal Salim M.A. Ph.D., and Director of Islamic Religious Higher Education, Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Syahiron M.A. Ph.D.
In his welcoming remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin UIN Jakarta, Prof. Drs. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized the deep significance of this event. "Today's gathering is more than just a festival or an academic colloquium. It is a celebration of shared heritage and a bridge between two nations united by history, culture, and faith," he stated.
Furthermore, Prof. Ismet – as he is affectionately known – explained that this event is a continuation of the "1000 Lights of Indonesia for Amirul Mukminin Fil Hadith" initiative launched by the Faculty of Ushuluddin in December 2024. "This program is dedicated to illuminating the profound influence of Imam Bukhari's work and paving new paths for scientific research, intercultural dialogue, and academic cooperation between Indonesia and Uzbekistan," he revealed.
Earlier this year, a delegation from UIN Jakarta visited Uzbekistan—the birthplace of Imam Bukhari. The visit included several historic cities rich in Islamic intellectual and cultural traditions. One of the most memorable moments of that journey was receiving a manuscript of Prophet Muhammad’s letter, meticulously copied by Habibullah Saleh, a descendant of Imam Bukhari. This valuable manuscript, previously kept at the University of Birmingham, England, is now a key artifact at this festival. "This precious manuscript serves as a symbolic link between the past and the present, between East and West," said Prof. Ismet.
He also announced a follow-up agenda after the festival: the organization of Indonesian Week in Uzbekistan. "This series of events will include an international conference in Samarkand, a cultural exhibition, film screenings about Indonesia-Uzbekistan relations, and a pilgrimage to the tombs of Imam Bukhari and other great imams, attended by 300 participants from Indonesia," he added.
Prof. Ismet emphasized that all these activities aim to strengthen cultural and intellectual ties between the two countries. "We want to reaffirm UIN Jakarta's commitment to building dynamic partnerships based on mutual respect, shared knowledge, and cultural exchange," he asserted.
At the end of his address, Prof. Ismet expressed deep appreciation to all parties who contributed to the success of the event. "I extend my sincere thanks to the Rectorate, the Dean's Bureau, the staff and lecturers of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, and the students who enthusiastically served as connectors in this activity," he concluded.
(M. Najib Tsauri/ZM)