UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta hosted the National Seminar as a preliminary event for the International Conference on “Humanitarian Islam and Global Challenges,” in collaboration with Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) and Universitas Indonesia (UI). The event took place in person at the 3rd Floor Ballroom of Ki Hadjar Dewantara Tower UNS on Wednesday (11/9/2024).

This event was motivated by the increasingly uncertain and complex global situation, marked by major challenges such as racism, extremism, conflicts, wars, and global injustices that threaten stability and humanity. The dominance of secularism and neoliberalism has driven the world into an unending crisis. However, the growing role of religion is guiding the world towards a new balance, and Humanitarian Islam offers a framework to strengthen this emerging equilibrium.

Present at the seminar were the Chairman of PBNU, KH. Dr. Yahya Cholil Staquf; Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si.; and the Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris, M.Sc., who also participated online.

In his keynote speech, PBNU Chairman KH. Dr. Yahya Cholil Staquf emphasized that Humanitarian Islam highlights the humanitarian aspects of Islamic teachings. Fundamental principles such as justice, welfare, kindness, and compassion form the basis for responding to the various crises facing the world today.

“In addressing radicalism and racism that have emerged in recent times, Humanitarian Islam offers a non-violent approach that encourages dialogue and mutual respect among religions and cultures while being critical of the excessive tendencies of liberalism. Humanitarian Islam provides a religious foundation and perspective based on universal values that transcend ideology and identity,” KH. Yahya explained.

In collaboration with UI and UNS, PBNU contributes to the discourse and efforts surrounding Humanitarian Islam, aiming to foster global peace and justice through Islamic teachings and local ethics.

Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., remarked in his remarks that this seminar is a golden opportunity to delve deeper into how Islam, a religion that promotes mercy for all, can offer concrete solutions to modern humanitarian challenges.

“Hopefully, today’s discussion will not only focus on theories and concepts but also yield practical recommendations that can be implemented. We all share the responsibility of bringing the humanitarian values of Islam into real action, both within academic environments and on a broader, global scale,” Prof. Hartono said.

The seminar featured notable speakers, including the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UNS, Prof. Ir. Dody Ariawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.; UNS lecturer and Chairman of the Sharia Economic Society in Solo, Ibrahim Fatwa Wijaya, Ph.D.; Lecturer at FISIP UGM and Vice Secretary General of PBNU, Dr. M. Najib Azca; Cultural Figure and Head of Makara Art Center UI, Dr. Ngatawi el Zastrow; and Dean of the Faculty of Nusantara Islam at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNUSIA) Jakarta, Dr. Ahmad Suaedy.

Additionally, the organizers invited interfaith leaders, heads of religious organizations such as Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Society (PHDI), the Indonesian Buddhist Council (Walubi), as well as leaders of higher education institutions, research organizations, Islamic boarding schools, and students, as seminar participants.

This seminar is part of the “Road to International Conference on Humanitarian Islam” series, organized by PBNU in collaboration with UI, scheduled from November 5 to 7, 2024.

HUMAS UNS

Reporter: Annisa Fakhira
Editor: Dwi Hastuti