Indonesia
Jakarta, July 30, 2025 – Alongside the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Prof. Dr. Brian Yuliarto, M.Eng., Prof. Dr. M. Mas’ud Said, M.Si., served as a key panellist at the National Halaqah Forum held in Jakarta on Wednesday (30/07). The event formed part of a series of activities leading up to the inauguration of the Central Executive Board of ISNU for 2025–2030, scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025.
In the scholarly and strategic forum, Prof. Mas’ud Said delivered critical yet constructive perspectives on the strategic position of ISNU within the broader framework of developing Nahdlatul Ulama’s human resources (NU HR) in the era of Indonesia Emas 2045. He stressed that ISNU bears a significant responsibility in producing Muslim intellectuals who are deeply rooted in the scholarly tradition of Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah while remaining adaptive to contemporary challenges.
“ISNU must become a common home for NU intellectuals who are not only academically excellent, but also possess a strong national outlook, a commitment to the people, and moral responsibility for the progress of the ummah and the nation,” said the Professor of Government Studies before hundreds of halaqah participants, comprising academics, Islamic organization leaders, and government officials.
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Further elaborating his ideas, Prof. Mas’ud outlined a national blueprint for strengthening ISNU’s institutional development. He emphasized that reinforcing ISNU’s organizational structure from the central level to regional branches must go hand in hand with revitalising strategic, research-based program, strengthening its educational and consultative roles, and enhancing connectivity with state institutions and the business sector.
“ISNU must not remain a merely ceremonial organisation. It must be animated by a professional work system, sustainable cadre development, and an active role in responding to contemporary issues. One of our future priorities is the establishment of centres of excellence in fields such as education, Islamic economics, technology, and public policy studies,” he explained.
During the session, Prof. Mas’ud Said engaged in an intensive dialogue with two other national panellists: the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Dr. Brian Yuliarto, M.Eng., and Colonel Sukaryoso Helmi, representing the Indonesian Ministry of Defence. The panel discussion unfolded dynamically, addressing issues ranging from geopolitical challenges and digitalisation of education to the strategic role of Islamic organisations in safeguarding national cohesion.
The higher education minister welcomed the synergy between ISNU and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in strengthening the education and research ecosystem within the Nahdlatul Ulama community. Meanwhile, Col. Sukaryoso underscored the importance of collaboration between civilian and military elements in maintaining national resilience grounded in superior human resources.
The National Halaqah Forum drew widespread appreciation for facilitating a rich exchange of strategic ideas between the government, Islamic organisations, and academia. The event also marked a new chapter in the leadership of ISNU’s Central Executive Board, which will be officially inaugurated on July 31, 2025.
Under its new leadership, ISNU is expected to play a central role as a driving force in developing high-quality human resources, nurturing national thinkers, and serving as a strategic partner of the government in realising the vision of an advanced, just, and civilised Indonesia.
