Wadah Musyawarah Para Ulama Zu’ama dan Cendekiawan Muslim

REGISTRATION

Framework Reference

HomeFramework Reference

A. Introduction
B. Objectives
C. International Conference Theme
D. International Conference sub-theme
E. Speakers
F. Output
G. Participant
H. Time and place
I. Organizer
J. Companion Activities
K. Budget
L. Closing

A1. Pra-Introduction

A. Introduction

  1. In the introduction to Charles Kimball’s work, Sindhunata considers that discussing religion is talking about paradoxes. Religion, on the one hand, is believed to be the way and guarantor of safety and peace, however, historical events show the opposite, since religion was often the source and cause of conflict and human misfortune (Kimbal, 2013). Ihsan states it happened because religion that in origin provides answers to human existential questions, has gradually united people into a group which differentiated them from others, thus, terms of “us” and “them” started to be used.
  2. Kimball indicates that ideology and religious commitment were central factors in the escalation of violence throughout the world. Ihsan continues, when the difference which was shown by the terms of “us” and “them” has been legitimized by religious formalists through religious narratives and its visible expressions, there was a self-identity strengthening which led to the escalation of conflicts. The Muslim-Hindu conflict in Kashmir, the Serb Christian-Muslim violence in Bosnia, the slaughter of Muslim settlers in the Israeli-occupied territories, the event of September 11, 2001, and the violence against Muslim population in Rohingya. All become validation for the thesis submitted by Kimball.
  3. Religion, which is believed to be the savior of life, humanity and the universe, often turns into a very effective instrument of destruction, murder and destruction, when it is hijacked and manipulated in such a way by people acting in the name of religion for their own interests. The act of usurping religion is usually carried out through claiming monopoly of the truth in their religious interpretations. This unilateral understanding is often accompanied by forced misunderstanding of religion, a deliberate attitude which blindly holds subjective understandings of religion and bases them on certain tendencies. In other words, symptoms of “religionization of evil” or “shariatization of evil” begin to occur.
  4. The era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 yet demands transformative religious appurtenance. A transformative way has the following characteristics. First, it is humanist; meaning that religion pays attention to social and cultural diversity, and understands God’s revelation in different socio-cultural contexts.
  5. Second, it is critical, rational, comprehensive and objective; signifying that religious doctrines are read diversely according to the level of human abilities of thinking from the lowest to the highest level (HOT). In order to explain religion at a higher level of thought requires various approaches of modern sciences, and objectively conveys data and facts related to religious expressions without tendencies and prejudices.
  6. Third, it is dialogical or communicative; in sense that recognition of religious diversity is developed by means of the habit of dialogue and communicating differences in religious beliefs and understandings. People will become skilled and sharpened to discuss and dialogue various styles of understanding objectively without taking sides.
  7. Fourth, it is transformative or transcendentalism; namely the transformative method is able to penetrate normative doctrinal aspects of religion to find universal truth values that can be implemented as basic values for cultural development. Religious doctrines should be able to function as a worldview that is rahmatan lil alamin, mercy to the universe. Religious teachings do not stop at strengthening aspects of religiosity in form of rituals, religious ceremonies, and other symbolic discourses, but also emphasize character building and foster spirituality.
  1. Fifth, it is historical; implying that the method is expected to enable sorting out the sacred from the profane of religious teachings, so that people do not easily generalize and without in-depth analysis regard everything that is said to be coming from God or from the Prophet as matters that must be practiced such in a way that God forces His appearance in all human affairs. The historical approach suggests efforts to recognize religious understandings as products of culture with their producers, meaning that religious discourse develops in line with developments in cultural situations that must be addressed with certain values. Through this approach, people will be able to place the diversity of religious understandings and beliefs in their respective psycho-socio-historical contexts.
  2. With the above thoughts, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) sees that religious leaders need to have more intense dialogue and discussion on transformative religious discourse which can contribute to humanizing humans. Through the principle of humanity, we will be able to reduce vertical and horizontal conflicts often arising from struggles for superiority among human beings. This dialogue forum of different religious leaders is hoped to transform religious energy into energy of building a hybrid civilization, where each difference will contribute at giving advantage to the others.
  3. Based on the above thoughts, MUI will hold an international conference with the theme “Religion, Peace and Civilization.”

B. Objectives

The conference aims at

  1. Examining transformative religious models,
  2. Exploring various dimensions of religious civilization,
  3. Proposing strategies for realizing world peace based on religious values,
  4. Laying tolerant theological foundations, and
  5. Investigating models of Islamic moderation to create peaceful societies.

C. International Conference Theme

The 2023 MUI International Conference takes the theme “Religion, Peace and Civilization

D. International Conference sub-theme

Starting from the main theme, it can be divided into three parts, namely:

1. Religion:

  • Transformative models.
  • Religious moderation as solution.
  • Harmony theological models.

2. Peace:

  • Religious movements in overcoming humanitarian and environmental crises.
  • Religious approach in solving internal and inter-religious conflicts.
  • The politicization of religion and threats to peace.

3. Civilization

  • The contribution of religious people in building civilization.
  • Digitalization of religion: challenges and hopes.
  • The commodification of religion and threats to civilization.

E. Speakers

  1. Prof. Dr. KH Ma’ruf Amin (Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia)
  2. H. Yaqut Cholil Qaumas (Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia)
  3. KH. Yahya Cholil Staquf (Chairman of PBNU)
  4. Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir (Chairman of Muhammadiyah)
  5. Prof. Dr. Din Syamsudin (Chairman of CDCC)
  6. MGR Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC (Chairman of KWI)
  7. PdtGomarGultom (Chairman of PGI)
  8. Dr. Hanna Iskandar (Lebanese Maronite Christian)
  9. Maj. Gen. (Purn) Wisnu Bawatenaya (Chairman of PHDI)
  10. Prof. Philip K. Wijaya (Chairman of Permabudhi)
  11. Zannuba Arifah Chafsoh (Director of Wahid Foundation)
  12. Prof. Dr Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin (Expert Staff to the President’s Office)
  13. Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat (UIII Chancellor)
  14. Prof. Dr. Komarudin Amin (Director General of Islamic Community Development)
  15. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (Secretary General of ASEAN)
  16. Dr. Iyad Abumoghli (UNEP Faith for Earth, Nairobi)
  17. Mr. Martin Palmer (Faith Invest, UK)
  18. Mr. Alexander Faite (ICRC Representative)
  19. HE Oknha Datuk Othsman Hassan (Senior Minister of Cambodia)
  20. Mr. M. Bashar Arafat (Civilization Exchange & Cooperation Foundation, USA)
  21. Dr. Greg Fealy (ANU, Australia)
  22. Sheyxulislam Allahshukur Pashazade (Grand Mufti of Azerbaijan)
  23. Sheikh Dr. Moh Al-Issa (Secretary General of MWL)
  24. Malaysian Muslim figure

F. Output

This conference is expected to produce

  1. Recommendations in form of the Jakarta Agreement regarding the implementation of religious moderation as solution to building harmony, overcoming radicalism and phobia.
  2. Online proceedings containing articles by conference participants.

G. Participant

Participants consist of:

  1. Religious leaders
  2. Academics
  3. Researchers
  4. Interfaith Activists
  5. Members of the MUI Leadership Council (Central Council), Chairman and Secretary of the Central MUI KBL
  6. Members of the HLNKI, KAUB, and Ukhuwah Commissions, and MUI Central LPLH.
  7. Chairman and Secretary of the MUI Provincial Councils.

The estimated number of participants is 400 people. In addition to the main speakers, this conference provides opportunities for participants to actively presenting their papers in parallel sessions.

H. Time and place

This International Conference will be held in Jakarta on 21-23 May 2023 at the Bidakara Hotel. Schedule of events arranged separately

I. Organizer

This International Conference is organized by the MUI Leadership Council (Central MUI) which is technically and operationally carried out by the Commission for Inter-Religious Harmony (KAUB), the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation (HLNKI), the Ukhuwah Commission, and the MUI Environmental Institute (LPLH).

To prepare and carry out activities, the MUI Leadership Council forms a committee consisting of members of the Daily Leadership, the KAUB Commission, the HLNKI Commission, the Ukhuwah Commission, and the MUI Environmental Institute, as well as the Secretariat of the MUI Leadership Council. List of personnel of the Committee is arranged separately.

J. Companion Activities

Companion activities will be carried out (if the budget and place allow), simultaneously with the activities of the conference namely:

  1. Dialogue Between Religious Council Figures “Building People’s Coolness Facing the 2024 Election”
  2. FGD Guidelines for establishing MUI abroad.
  3. 2023 National Coordination Meeting of KAUB Commission.
  4. Halaqah One Time (Makkah Mean Time).

K. Budget

Source of budget from:

  1. Treasury of the MUI Leadership Council (Central MUI).
  2. Assistance from government ministries/agencies.
  3. Assistance from BUMN and private companies.
  4. From other sources that are lawful and not binding.

L. Closing

This framework has been prepared as material of reference in preparing for and implementing the International Conference on Religion, Peace and Civilization in 2023. Matters that have not been regulated in this framework will be determined further by the MUI Leadership Council or by the Organizing Committee.

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