Indonesia
Postgraduate Director, Prof. H. M. Mas’ud Said, MM., Ph.D., delivered a paper on multicultural education at IAI Tribakti Kediri. Prof. Mas’ud Said presented his paper at International Conference & Call for Papers themed “Strategies for Islamic Religious Education based on Religious Moderation.” Organized by an integrated campus affiliated with Pesantren Lirboyo, the conference took place on March 15, 2022.
Prof. M. Masud Said also emphasized that the concept of multiculturalism is already practiced by Indonesian society. Indonesian society has long been familiar with and has practiced Pancasila.
Prof. Masud explained that multiculturalism is a philosophy that prioritizes unity, mutual respect for differences, and fostering an environment of diversity in terms of origin, ethnicity, religion, and socio-cultural background.
Prof. Masud, an alumnus of Flinders University, explained that his former advisor had recognized Indonesian multiculturalism. His advisor was Prof. James W. Schiller, an Australian professor who admired multicultural perspectives similar to those of Gus Dur.
Read also: First Public Lecture of Masters in Law
James W. Schiller initially researched social phenomena in Jepara Regency, Central Java. As a convert, he observed the reality of Indonesia as a Muslim and tolerant nation. James W. Schiller passed away in 2018.
The Chairman of ISNU East Java also described Gus Dur as deeply spiritual, even though he might be considered (by some) less religious. Gus Dur said: “My spiritual teacher is reality; my reality teacher is spirituality.” He often accurately predicted future events; for example, he had already foreseen his becoming President of Indonesia several months before it happened.
Read also: Masters in Management Holds Workshop for Lecturers
Prof. Masud hopes that in the future, IAI Tribakti will soon become a university. He also hopes that Tribakti can expand and disseminate Aswaja teachings to the international community in a more methodological manner through Islamic boarding schools.
In addition to Prof. Masud, Prof. Imam Suprayogo, who serves on Unisma Foundation’s Board of Trustees, also spoke at this International Conference. Prof. Imam Suprayogo explained that Islamic boarding schools are a role model for education that has saved education in Indonesia. (AL/PPS)
