Jakarta – The Strategic Studies Institute of Al Washliyah (LKSA PB Al Washliyah) under the Central Board of Al Jam’iyatul Washliyah successfully hosted the International Seminar on Islamic and Al Washliyah Studies (ISIAS) on Monday, December 23, 2024. Themed “Ulama and Islamic Intellectual Traditions in Nusantara,” the virtual seminar, conducted via Zoom, was jointly organized by LKSA PB Al Jam’iyatul Washliyah, Universitas Al Washliyah (UNIVA) Labuhanbatu, and the Centre for Al Washliyah Studies (Pusat Kajian Al Washliyah). The event received invaluable support from the Education Council of PB Al Washliyah, STIT Al Washliyah Aceh Tengah, and the Central Executive Board of the Al Washliyah Student Association, attracting hundreds of researchers and lecturers from across Indonesia.
The International Seminar on Islamic and Al Washliyah Studies (ISIAS) was officially opened by Dr. KH. Masyhuril Khamis, S.H., M.M., Chairman of PB Al Jam’iyatul Washliyah. In his opening address, Dr. Khamis commended the initiative, underscoring the imperative of recurrent scholarly gatherings among Al Washliyah-affiliated institutions. “This seminar marks a pivotal milestone in augmenting Al Washliyah’s global academic and intellectual footprint,” he remarked.
The seminar showcased four eminent scholars from diverse international backgrounds, offering insightful perspectives on the theme. The distinguished speakers included:
- Azhar Ibrahim, Ph.D. (National University of Singapore), presented “Dari Ulama ke Intelektual Religius: Tradisi Keilmuan Islam Sepanjang Sejarah.”
- Dr. Amer Hudhaifah bin Hamzah (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) delivered “Penulisan Ulama Pattani, Banten, dan Demak dalam Bidang Nahw di Pinggir Abad ke-19 dan Awal Abad ke-20.”
- Prof. Dr. Salahuddin Mohd. Shamsuddin (Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Brunei Darussalam) explored “Developments in Arabic Education in Southeast Asian Countries: Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia.”
- Prof. Dr. Mhd. Syahnan, M.A. (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara) discussed “Al Washliyah and Islamic Law in Contemporary Indonesia.”
Dr. Ja’far, M.A., Organizing Committee Chairman, outlined key objectives during the seminar’s opening session. These included advancing Al Washliyah’s internationalization, enhancing lecturers’ participation in global events, expanding academic networks, fostering foreign university collaborations, and elevating the Journal of Indonesia Ulama’s reputation. Dr. Ja’far expressed gratitude to PB Al Washliyah leadership, particularly Dr. KH. Masyhuril Khamis, Dr. H. Amran Arifin, H. Rijal Naibaho, and H. Ridwan Tanjung, as well as Universitas Al Washliyah (UNIVA) Labuhanbatu’s Rector, Dr. Basyarul Ulya.
The seminar featured two sessions: a plenary session with keynote speakers moderated by Widia Fransiska and Efrini Panjaitan, and a parallel session with lecturers and researchers moderated by Zuhri Arif. In his closing remarks, Dr. Ja’far thanked participants and contributors, praising the valuable insights shared and anticipating future collaborations.
The seminar showcased Southeast Asian scholars’ intellectual legacy and fostered academic collaboration. It marked a pivotal milestone in solidifying Al Washliyah’s global stature as a leading contributor to Islamic intellectual and educational advancement in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. Through its comprehensive program and esteemed speakers, LKSA PB Al Washliyah reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating academic excellence and promoting cross-cultural cooperation in contemporary Islamic studies.
Penulis : Dr. Ja'far, M.A. & Widia Fransiska, M.A.
Editor : Widia Fransiska, M.A.
