Delivering Public Lecture at Bolgar Islamic Academy, UIN Jakarta Rector Introduces Pancasila to Russian Muslims

Russia, UIN News Online— Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A. Ph.D., introduced Pancasila to Russian Muslims as a state ideology that plays a role in bridging the development of tolerance and respect for the diversity of religious practices in Indonesia. The Rector also revealed the role of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta as the forefront in promoting moderate Islam and facilitating interfaith dialogue.

This was conveyed by Rector Asep Jahar to Russian Muslims, including religious leaders, academics, and local public figures when giving a public lecture at Bolgar Islamic Academy, Tatarstan, Russia, Thursday (5/9/2024). In his public lecture, Rector Asep Jahar delivered material entitled al-Islam al-Mu'tadil wa al-Hiwar bayn al-Adyan: Subul li-al-Ta'ayusy al-Silmy' (Moderate Islam and Interfaith Dialogue: Paths to Peaceful Coexistence).

As the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, he explained, Indonesia offers an interesting model of how moderate Islam can develop in a pluralistic society. “Our commitment to moderation and mutual respect has enabled us to navigate the complexities of interfaith dialogue with success and integrity,” he said.

The principles of moderation and mutual respect in Islamic teachings such as advocating balance, justice, and respect for all human beings are deeply embedded in society. According to him, these principles have developed into an integral part of the daily lives of Indonesians, resulting in the stability and harmony of the nation.

“The foundation of Indonesia's approach to religious diversity is enshrined in Pancasila, the philosophical foundation of our nation. Pancasila upholds belief in the Almighty and mandates respect for the diversity of religious practices,” he said.

Pancasila has further enabled Indonesia to become a nation state where people coexist peacefully, despite being home to more than 300 ethnic groups and various religious communities. “Our experience shows that embracing and respecting religious and cultural diversity can turn it into a source of strength and unity, not division,” he explained.

As one of the largest and oldest public Islamic religious universities in Indonesia, the Rector continued, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta is also at the forefront of promoting moderate Islam and facilitating interfaith dialogue. On this campus, an environment is developed where different religions and cultures engage in meaningful and respectful discourse through conferences, workshops, and joint research projects.

In addition to the various faculties and curricula offered, the various research centres within UIN Jakarta are an important part of sustaining UIN Jakarta's role in the vanguard of moderate Islam. Among them are the Centre for the Study of Islam and Society; the Centre for the Study of Religion and Culture; and the Centre for the Study of Religion, Environment, and Climate Change.

These research centres, along with other scholars have produced substantial contributions to the understanding and practice of moderate Islam and interfaith relations in Indonesia. “Their work underscores the potential of Islamic principles in promoting peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability,” he explained.

The public lecture itself was a series of signing of a collaboration between UIN Jakarta and Bolgar Islamic Academy. The signing was done by Rector Asep Jahar and Bolgar Islamic Academy Rector, Farkhat Khusnutdinov, witnessed by university leaders, the Muslim community, and local public figures.

The public lecture itself was a series of signing of the cooperation between UIN Jakarta and Bolgar Islamic Academy. The signing was done by Rector Asep Jahar and Bolgar Islamic Academy Rector, Farkhat Khusnutdinov, witnessed by university leaders, Muslim communities, and local public figures.

For the signing of the cooperation itself, Rector Asep Jahar hopes to build dynamic collaboration between UIN Jakarta and Bolgar Islamic Academy in various fields. Among them, joint educational collaboration, research partnerships, lecturer-student exchanges in providing diverse cultural and educational experiences.

Through cooperation, he said, UIN Jakarta and Bolgar Islamic Academy can provide enormous benefits, not only for students and faculty, but also for the wider Muslim community and the world at large. “I am confident that this partnership will open significant contributions to Islamic studies, interfaith dialogue, and global peace to jointly build a brighter and more harmonious future,” he concluded.

It is known that the Rector of UIN Jakarta accompanied by the Special Staff of Rector Prof. Kusmana M.A. Ph.D. and Head of International Cooperation Service Centre Prof. Maila Dinia Husni Rahiem M.A. Ph.D. is conducting a cooperation visit to Russia. Within a week of the visit, UIN Jakarta delegation managed to bag cooperation commitments with a number of universities and institutions in Russia such as Kazan Federal University, Kazan National Research Technological University, Russian Islamic University, Institute of Oriental Studies Moscow, and Moscow Islamic Institute. (Center for Information and Public Relations LP2M UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta).