Indonesia
UNISMA is rightly regarded as one of the strongest competitors among private universities in the country. Change and development have been ongoing; there is never a moment without change and improvement. As for the lecturers, there is no doubt that they are not only active domestically but several UNISMA lecturers have also made their mark abroad. One of them is Dr. K. H. M. Muhibbin, M.Hum.
A few days ago, specifically on August 26, 2019, Dr. Muhibbin was interviewed on TV. The interview took place in Malaysia at the National Forum in Commemoration of Malaysia and Indonesia’s Independence Month at International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia.
During the TV interview, which was popular among Malaysian students, Dr. Muhibbin explained the similarities between Malaysia and Indonesia regarding their struggles for independence. The designation of August 17, 1945, as Indonesia’s Independence Day was the result of isticharoh (spiritual consultation) by Hadratus Syaikh K. H. Hasyim Asy’ari, while August 17, 1957, marks Malaysia’s Independence Day, the result of isticharoh by Syaikhul Islam Tuan Guru Abdullah Fahim, a prominent Islamic scholar in Malaysia.
Read also: Muhammad Hifdil Islam Jalani Ujian Terbuka Program Doktor PAI Multikultural
Dr. Muhibbin’s interview on Malaysian TV indicated that Malaysia and Indonesia are oriented toward finding common ground for the progress of their nations and states through solid bilateral cooperation.
Higher education institutions in Malaysia, particularly IAIS, are among UNISMA’s targets for conducting various academic activities through formal cooperation (MoUs), including international seminars. Dr. Muhibbin’s presence in Malaysia has undoubtedly further boosted public confidence in UNISMA, particularly in UNISMA’s postgraduate programs.
