Indonesia
Pontianak, September 28, 2024 – Three professors from Postgraduate Program of UNISMA participated as keynote speakers at a National Seminar on Moderation and Multiculturalism held at the auditorium of Universitas PGRI Pontianak. The event featured Prof. Dr. H. Maskuri, M.Si., Prof. Djunaidi Ghoni, MA, and Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, Ph.D., who attended upon invitation from UNISMA doctoral students based in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.
During the seminar, attended by approximately 250 participants, the three senior academics presented perspectives on moderation and multiculturalism from academic, national, and international viewpoints.
The visit also included meetings with the Rector of Universitas PGRI Pontianak, the Chair of the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB), representatives of the West Kalimantan Regional Police, the XII/Tanjungpura Military Command, as well as undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students of UNISMA’s Islamic Education program in West Kalimantan.
Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, Ph.D., emphasized Indonesia’s strategic role in promoting moderation and multicultural values at both national and global levels. He noted that in the era of globalization, moderation remains a fundamental principle for sustaining harmony in society and governance.
“Indonesia is a nation enriched by cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. Internationally, we serve as a model for upholding moderation and tolerance. Amid growing threats of radicalism and extremism, moderation must remain the middle path we choose,” said Prof. Mas’ud, who also serves as Director of UNISMA’s Postgraduate Program.
Participants of the National Seminar on Moderation gathered with UNISMA professors in Pontianak.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. H. Maskuri, M.Si., former Rector of UNISMA (2015–2024), encouraged participants to develop a deeper understanding of multiculturalism. He highlighted the intellectual genealogy of multicultural studies and stressed the importance of comprehensively understanding its principles, foundations, and societal relevance.
“Multiculturalism is not merely about respecting differences, but about understanding diverse cultural and belief systems as shared societal assets. This understanding is essential to preserving national unity,” Prof. Maskuri explained.
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Prof. Dr. Djunaidi Ghoni, MA, Head of UNISMA’s Doctoral Program, discussed the Charter of Medina as a historical example of moderation and human rights implementation within Islamic civilization. He described how Prophet Muhammad established a just and peaceful society through the Charter, which continues to influence modern human rights principles.
“The Charter of Medina teaches us how to build a state that respects individual rights, upholds justice, and fosters peace. It represents a practical model of moderation applicable to contemporary national life,” Prof. Djunaidi stated.
The National Seminar is expected to deepen public understanding of moderation and multiculturalism as essential foundations for maintaining national unity. The event also provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on strategies for applying these values in everyday social life.
