Humans, Sea and Civilization

Although some say "all history is maritime history", it does not mean that land does not form civilization. Both the ocean and land, both form the journey and civilization of humans. In this article I try to discuss the relationship between the ocean and civilization. We still remember the struggle for power over the South China Sea. There are 6 countries actively involved: China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. The struggle for claims is accompanied by a show of maritime force in the region.

Vietnam, for example, refers to the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, a research institute based in Hainan, China, "has increased its 'fishing militia' in the last 10 years. They have conducted joint operations in the Paracel Islands and in southern Vietnam. In addition to the Paracels, the Spratly Islands are also claimed by Vietnam. China even claims that 90% of the 3.5 million square km of sea is its property. There is potential for fisheries and fossil fuel reserves. Compared to other countries, China is the strongest militarily in this claim, including how they arm trained fishermen in paramilitary work with support from the coast guard.

Why is the sea important?

This question is important to answer. One thing is certain, humans have long realized that the sea is a shaper of civilization. England was successful because it had power at sea, as did America with so many warships at various bases on this planet. Therefore, control of the sea, in the context of being rationalized as control over civilization. Moreover, from an economic perspective, control of the sea is very meaningful for the country's income. Having power in trade but not having ships and bases is also lame. 

In line with the sea power, a nation's maritime power will be strong if it combines three things: trade, bases, and ships. Chinese products enter everywhere, but if they do not have a base - economic, military, socio-cultural - they will also be weak. That is why the claim to the SCS is important as a nation's civilizational strength.

Maritime anthropology

There are many maritime anthropology works that discuss humans and the sea. Estellie M. Smith wrote "Those who live from the sea: a study in maritime anthropology (1977). Neil L. Whitehead also edited a collection of ethnographies from the Caribbean, entitled "Wolves from the sea: Readings in the anthropology of the Native Carribean (1995). In the book, Whitehead and colleagues found a plurality of ethnic identities in welcoming Columbus' arrival as well as a rejection of the colonial ethnology scheme.

Another work, Tanya J. King and Gary Robinson (2019) entitled "At Home on the Waves: Human habitation of the sea from the mesolithic to today" (2019). In it, they explore various ways--since long ago--how humans can be at home with the sea and continue to live closely with the sea. Several works related to the sea are interesting to enrich various studies of maritime anthropology in Indonesia that have been carried out by various researchers. Studies related to the Bajo Tribe have been carried out quite a lot. In South Sulawesi, studies on maritime anthropology are idolized. During my undergraduate studies, I was involved in small research in Pare-pare and Takalar.

How the cultural construction of Bugis-Makassar sailors started from the ritual of building ships, lowering ships into the sea, to various cultural strategy wisdoms carried out when facing, for example, tornadoes. Longing for a lover on land is also studied, for example in the Indonesian version: ".... rain at night, I thought your tears // breeze I thought your message had arrived." More or less as I recall it.

Asians are maritime-rich

We as Asians are a nation rich in maritime experience. That experience, especially in the 'Indian Ocean trade network', historian Lincoln Paine wrote in "The Sea and Civilization" (2015) has existed since 4000 years ago. The nations of South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, etc.), Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, etc.), and the Far East (China, Japan, Taiwan, etc.), had already built a 'spice route', long before the Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama landed (until he died on his third visit, 1524) in Kochi [Portuguese name: Cochin], now the capital of the state of Kerala, India.

This maritime route--in all its names, from the 'silk road' to the 'spice route'--was an important channel for the formation of human civilization because there was not only the journey of goods, plants, livestock, and humans--free or slave--but also the 'projection of values', the transmission of values ​​spread along the route. The vast ocean that in the past was considered 'common property' made people free to move and earn a living. Professor David Abulafia of the University of Cambridge, in The Boundless Sea (Oxford University Press, 2019), wrote that the maritime network of the past gradually formed a continuum of interaction and interconnection between nations.

We can also say that along the route there was human interaction in the form of knowledge transfer and universal human values ​​that until now these values ​​still seem to exist. Phinisi ships made in Bulukumba were even specially ordered for use abroad. In Madagascar, for example, their ancestors were Indonesian. When they returned home, they also said the same word as Indonesia: "mudik." This means that the projection of Indonesian values ​​is actually already present in the Indian Ocean, and it is even possible that it has also been present in the two main protagonists of the oceans on this planet: the Pacific and the Atlantic. Therefore, the richness of our history and culture should be 'capitalized' into new meanings to elevate a glorious Indonesia based on our very long maritime history and culture.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

ASEAN Summit, World Peace and the Role of the MUI

The ASEAN Summit with the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth" produced important points in the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. The agreement can be called the 'vision of ASEAN leaders' to make ASEAN an epicenter of growth that is relevant to the people, the region, and the world in general. The Summit in Labuan Bajo (10-11 May 2023) was attended by Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam as well as the ASEAN Secretary General and the PM. Timor Leste. Their document was written under the title "Chairman's Statement of the 42nd ASEAN Summit" with 125 important points.

ASEAN Centrality

ASEAN leaders began their statement by affirming their principles and commitment to strengthen ASEAN’s unity and centrality, admitting Timor Leste as the 11th member, upholding regionalism and multilateralism based on the principles of the UN Charter and “ensuring no one is left behind” (points 1-9). In simple terms: everyone wins, everyone benefits. ASEAN leaders also emphasized the building of the ASEAN community, ensuring the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. On the dynamics of the region and rapid global developments, their views were: “ASEAN must be responsive and adaptive” and the need for “a balance between pragmatism and ambition” so that ASEAN remains stable, progressive and true to its identity (points 10-16).

Economy

The ASEAN economy is believed to continue to grow in 2023 and 2024. The leaders saw that the ASEAN economy is expected to grow by 4.7 percent in 2023 and 5.0 percent in 2024 due to strong domestic consumption, exports, and accelerated recovery in the services sector. The important point is also: regional economic growth must be fair, inclusive, and sustainable amidst the multidimensional crisis (points 52-78). Economic growth cannot be separated from the quality of society. Investment in the human sector is considered urgent to be more competitive and agile towards the future (points 79-111). Healthy and collaborative people are also considered important in the current era. The role of young people who are proficient in technology is also important (points 85-87) to strengthen regional cooperation.

The relevant ministries need to prepare young people who are proficient in sports and young people who are healthy, competitive, digitally literate, educated, and can collaborate at the regional level evenly from various provinces in Indonesia. The development of an electric vehicle ecosystem is felt to be very urgent because it is safer for the future (point 23). In line with that, ASEAN is expected to be an important part of the world supply chain so that the world trend in electric vehicles continues to place ASEAN in a key position in industrial downstreaming. Another language, "ASEAN as a global production center" in the electric vehicle industry.

ASEAN leaders also see that promoting rural development and poverty eradication (also in point 101) is important. Talking about regional welfare cannot be separated from the acceleration of rural transformation. This means that urban and rural development needs to go hand in hand with a decrease in poverty rates, because eradicating poverty is almost impossible.

The wider community, especially at the grassroots level, really hopes that village transformation will be implemented and that they will benefit from the growth of the region. In point 38, the ‘ASEAN smart city network’ has been initiated with various investment projects and regular discussions related to industry, innovation, safety, security, and infrastructure. The smart city network needs to be accompanied by a ‘smart village network’ or what is referred to in point 22 as fast-track rural transformation. Remote areas need to be given special attention because they generally lack health, technological infrastructure, and road access.

Initiatives related to ASEAN integration are only discussed in point 33, namely reaffirming the importance of narrowing the development gap in ASEAN. The goal is to increase ASEAN’s competitiveness. ASEAN integration has actually been going on until now, except for the current issue that has not been progressive, namely the Myanmar crisis due to the military coup. However, the issue of integration, which was only discussed in one point, does not seem to be considered an important issue to discuss further. What is more important seems to be ASEAN connectivity as part of the epicenter of growth. Here, economic and socio-cultural factors are very important starting from the recovery of the region from the Covid-19 pandemic. This means that if this pandemic can really be overcome, then regional connectivity will run more progressively, thus having a significant impact on regional growth.

Regarding welfare, cases of human trafficking are still a problem in the region. The case is exacerbated by the misuse of technology (points 17-28). President Jokowi stated the need for firm action against the perpetrators; the victims must be protected. The Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022 by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) stated that the majority of victims of human trafficking in East Asia and the Pacific are exploited for forced labor (54 percent), sexual exploitation for prostitution (38 percent), and other forms (8 percent). The majority of victims are women (58 percent), adult men (18 percent), girls (21 percent) and boys (3 percent).

US-China Rivalry

So far, the Southeast Asian region is still volatile due mainly to the rivalry between the US and China. This rivalry, if not managed, will bring disaster not only to the two countries but also to the ASEAN region. This rivalry is apparently not only related to the Pacific Ocean but also the Indian Ocean or what we know as the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific is a vast region of countries located in two large oceans, namely the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The Indo-Pacific region stretches from the east coast of Africa and the Red Sea in the west, to the outer islands of Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, and Indonesia. Its northern boundary is the coast of the Korean Peninsula, southern Japan, and Hawaii. While its southern boundary is at the southern tip of the African Continent, Shark Bay in Western Australia and Sydney on its east coast.

The important thing about the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region is the affirmation of common interests to maintain and advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions (points 29-32). ASEAN centrality will benefit the Indo-Pacific. The rivalry between these two giants, the US-China, is indeed more sophisticated than the old 'cold war' (US-Soviet), because currently both are equally strong countries with extraordinary global influence. China's progressive influence in this region especially after the United States' reduced attention because it was focused on the Middle East due to the 9/11 terror that killed around 3000 people.

In the US-China rivalry, ASEAN countries may have different views on certain issues. The formation of the AUKUS security alliance (Australia, the US, and the UK) in 2021, for example, ASEAN countries are divided into two, namely supporters (the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) and opponents (Indonesia and the Philippines). As part of a trilateral pact to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, currently in Australia, AUKUS is even building three Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (Class SSN-774) that combine stealth technology, intelligence gathering, and the latest weapons systems.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes that the presence of the submarine will not have an impact on violating nuclear non-proliferation, namely the July 1, 1968 agreement that limits the ownership of nuclear weapons to only 5 countries, namely France, China, the US, the UK, and Russia. Australia must of course remain consistent in accordance with the nuclear non-proliferation rules. My point is, it is not easy for ASEAN countries to have one voice on all issues, but on the issues agreed upon at the 2023 ASEAN Summit, it is worth maintaining by all ASEAN leaders and becoming a reference for the ASEAN community.

Myanmar Crisis: Stop Violence and Build Constructive Dialogue

In the case of Myanmar, ASEAN leaders agreed to implement the //Five-Point Consensus//(5PC) agreed upon at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta (April 24, 2021). Also present at that time was General Min Aung Hlaing, a senior general who carried out a coup the day before the planned inauguration of the Myanmar parliament resulting from the November 2020 Election. At that time, the military junta also detained President Win Myint, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyu, party figures, activists, and other members of the public.

The five consensuses that were reaffirmed are as follows: (1) Violence must immediately cease and all parties must exercise utmost restraint (2) constructive dialogue among all parties concerned to find a peaceful solution for the benefit of the people, (3) the special envoy of the ASEAN Chair will facilitate the mediation of the dialogue process with the assistance of the ASEAN Secretary-General, (4) ASEAN will provide humanitarian assistance through The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA), and (5) the ASEAN special envoy and delegation will visit Myanmar to meet with the parties concerned.

Formulating and Strengthening ASEAN Civilizational Values

The promotion of shared values ​​of tolerance and respect for diversity is emphasized in point 102. Indonesia plans to hold the ASEAN Conference on Shared Civilizational Values which aims to identify and foster greater understanding of shared civilizational values ​​derived from cultures and religions in the region. The conference is expected to provide recommendations on how shared civilizational values ​​can play a significant role in maintaining a region of peace and as an epicenter of growth.

The idea for this conference came from the proposal of PBNU General Chair Yahya Cholil Staquf after meeting President Jokowi on March 24, 2023, who saw that Southeast Asia has shared civilizational values ​​that make ASEAN a peaceful and strong region amidst the diversity of civilizations and religions. Searching for and re-understanding, and strengthening shared values ​​in the region are culturally important in addition to economic growth. This means that the epicenter of ASEAN growth will be increasingly perfect with cultural strengthening of the understanding that we have diversity of religions, ethnicities, affiliations, and so on, which must be accepted and utilized for the common good.

The role of religious communities

Religious communities need to be involved in maintaining integration, centrality, growth and peace in ASEAN. The promotion of shared values ​​in point 102 of the 2023 ASEAN Summit requires synergy and collaboration between state actors and non-state actors in the ASEAN Region to jointly support the decisions of ASEAN leaders for peace and prosperity together. Ambassador Bunyan Saptomo's idea regarding the importance of forming an Interfaith Forum for the ASEAN Community (mirror.mui.or.id, January 14, 2023) is reasonable, not only because of the human diversity factor but also because of the important role of religion in creating tolerance, peace, and stability in the Region. Collaboration between the Indonesian Government and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is very important for this.

The factor of 'religion as a solution' cannot be seen as a human 'escape' from uncertainty - such as Malinowski's view regarding the Trobriand people's shift to belief when they could not control the wind and weather while sailing at sea (Kottak, 2015). Here, religion even becomes an inherent factor for various human growths, namely economic, socio-cultural, or political. This is because Southeast Asians are religious people, a place where many religions thrive. 

The International Conference to be held by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on "religion, peace, and civilization" (Hotel Sultan, Jakarta, 21-23 May 2023) is strategic to reaffirm the values ​​of peace based on religion and shared cultural values ​​not only at the ASEAN level but also the world. At the conference, participants came from various religions, as well as national backgrounds which of course can produce a universal formulation as a basis for creating a peaceful world for all. Diplomacy Wasathiyyatul Islam MUI plays an important role in international events like this. Back to the role of religion, it is quite important for ASEAN countries (and even the world) to build sustainable interfaith partnerships. A peaceful world should be the dream of all communities, all countries, all religions, all civilizations, and all humans who inhabit this planet earth.

Creating a Peaceful Region

ASEAN and external partners need to work together to create a safe, stable and prosperous region. For this, constructive dialogue and concrete cooperation are needed. On the situation in the South China Sea, ASEAN leaders emphasized the need for mutual trust and restraint from attitudes that could potentially complicate the situation and escalate disputes. The agreement of ASEAN leaders is ideal as an agreement based on shared values. Furthermore, the agreement needs to be implemented by the parties, and no less important is how the people in ASEAN countries understand ASEAN's position in the 125 points. ASEAN as the epicenter of growth is a progressive idea and deserves our joint support. So it is time for all parties to translate the agreement into various implementative and practical steps in order to achieve a peaceful, safe, stable, and prosperous ASEAN for all.

The North and South Korean conflict is also an important concern, especially with the surge in intercontinental ballistic missile testing and increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. So far, leaders expect the parties to exercise full restraint, avoid military retaliation that could worsen the situation, and continue peaceful dialogue towards lasting peace. Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is an important point in it.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also a concern that has not been resolved for decades. ASEAN leaders choose a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable solution to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East. Negotiations between Israel and Palestine need to be carried out actively and positively. The solution is: two states. The two countries live side by side peacefully and safely based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine (point 123). This solution has long been an option, but in fact it is not easy to reach an agreement because of the complexity of the problem. The MUI's steps to build the Indonesian Hospital Hebron (RSIH) are an important part of Indonesia's role for Palestine. Consistently and periodically, the MUI continues the agreement with the Mayor of Hebron regarding the construction of the hospital which is estimated to cost around Rp. 87 billion. 

Regarding the Ukrainian war, which has claimed the lives of around 62,295 people, ASEAN leaders are of the opinion that the war needs to be ended immediately with a cessation of hostilities and the beginning of a peaceful resolution (point 124). In principle, ASEAN respects sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. Since Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the situation has also had a negative impact on ASEAN. One important thing in my observation regarding politics-security (points 39-51) is the affirmation of the commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as a nuclear-weapon-free zone and free from all weapons of mass destruction. There are concerns that nuclear weapons will damage and destroy humanity, at least from the case of the world's first nuclear bombing on August 6, 1945, which destroyed and killed 140 thousand people in Hiroshima and 70 thousand in Nagasaki.

It is important to continue to voice peace by states or non-states. The important role of women in peace is also important in this section which focuses on the role of women in peace, security, and empowerment in all jobs (point 97). Exchange programs to strengthen the capacity of ASEAN women are important. The program can be in the form of exchanges between figures, between jobs, or other sectors.

Maintaining Friendship, Becoming an 'ASEAN Family'

It is interesting to see how ASEAN was formed and its role as a 'community of nations' from the perspective of the anthropology of friendship. Friendship is at least formed by identity and social networks (Miller, 2017), part of kinship (Beer & Garner, 2015), and formed by a sense of trust and loyalty (Beer, 2001). Friendship even plays an important role in human life and complex socio-cultural relationships (Crapanzano, 2003). The ASEAN Summit 2023 document is a document of friendship between countries in ASEAN. The meeting in Labuan Bajo showed familiarity, trust, loyalty, and family. As an 'ASEAN family', Indonesia—as Chairman of ASEAN 2023—wants to be a protector for all, including becoming a mediator in the Myanmar crisis.

If we maintain the spirit of friendship between countries, of course it will have a positive impact not only on relations between countries, but also on communities and on people in the region. Moreover, if we add that friendship with the spirit of family as an 'ASEAN family', where all families in one house must see each other, respect each other, help each other, and support each other. 

YANUARDI SYUKUR

https://mui.or.id/baca/mui/asean-summit-perdamaian-dunia-dan-peran-mui

Collective Action Against Islamophobia

The United Nations has designated March 15 as the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”. This decision was made through the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Islamophobia is one of the global crises facing the world community, said the Chairman of the MUI, Professor Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim. Indonesia welcomes the UN's decision. Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas welcomed the decision and said, "All forms of Islamophobia must be fought" such as prejudice, discrimination, fear, and hatred towards Islam and Muslims. According to him, all forms of prejudice and fear can threaten harmony and harmony between religious communities.

Wave of ignorance

Islamophobia occurs because of ignorance about Islam which is exacerbated by the distortion of information created by anti-Islam groups. We must admit that in our world today there are groups of people who are anti-Islam due to their ignorance. The Islam he received was a depiction of Islam that was harsh and pro-violence, whereas Islam is not like that. This ignorance intertwined with ignorance in others, eventually causing a wave of ignorance that resulted in anti-Islam. This wave of ignorance manifested itself in various forms of anti-Islam. Some took the form of verbal and non-verbal, violent and non-violent. Verbal anti-Islam, for example, can be referred to various blatant anti-Islam narratives that are spread in cyberspace. Violent actions also occurred, for example bullying, even murder of Muslims.

Anti-Islamic actions in cartoons still exist, especially in France. Corinne Rey, a cartoonist affiliated with Charlie Hebdo recently made an anti-Islamic cartoon that in her cartoon depicted a Palestinian man chasing a rat and a cockroach, then being stopped by a woman that "it's not time to break the fast yet", and not far from there there was a hungry child watching. The cartoon is not only anti-Islam but also anti-humanity, because it is insensitive and has no conscience towards the suffering of the Palestinian people who have recently been hit by a famine due to Israeli attacks and blockades. The editor-in-chief of Liberation magazine, where Corinne Rey published her cartoon, is Dov Alvon, a former Israeli military intelligence Unit 8200. This anti-humanity attitude is intertwined with anti-Islam.

We call this anti-Islamic action due to ignorance. This means that his soul and mind are filled with the fog of fear and hatred towards Islam. This hatred is compounded by the death of conscience which causes no sensitivity at all towards the people who are victims of Israeli barbarity. The whole world knows that Israel has committed barbarity, even genocide, ethnic cleansing in Palestine.

Da'wah continues Since Islam appeared, there has been a wave of hatred against Islam. The companions of the Prophet who became victims are proof that haters of Islam have existed since the beginning. However, one thing that is important for Muslims is that, whatever happens, Islam must still be preached in the best way, with wisdom and mau'izhah hasanah or a good role model.

Not infrequently, people who were previously anti-Islam then had their hearts changed by Allah and became extraordinary supporters of Islam, for example Umar bin Khattab, who was respected and feared by the Quraysh who then converted to Islam after hearing Thaha's letter. Previously, the Prophet had prayed that Umar or Abu Jahl could strengthen Islam, as his noble prayer said, "O Allah, glorify Islam with Abul Hakam bin Hisham (Abu Jahal) or Umar bin Khattab." This means that someone who is anti-Islam must be responded to with Islamic preaching, even prayer. Regarding da'wah, Allah says, "And let there be among you a group of people who call to goodness, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; they are the successful ones" (Ali Imron: 104).

Very possible their hearts are frozen because of too much consumption of forbidden things, so that their hearts are no longer able to distinguish between right and wrong. This hardness of heart may also exist in the people of the Prophet Muhammad, making it difficult to accept advice and preaching. Hardness of heart and closure from the truth is only can be changed by Allah the Owner of the Heart. The task of Muslims is to spread the Islamic da'wah continuously in wise ways and good role models.

Muslim figure's view

Nahdlatul Ulama figure, KH Mustofa Bisri or Gus Mus, is of the view that the solution to Islamophobia is by overcoming religious extremism. According to him, as quoted by NU Online, fighting religious extremism is part of the struggle to realize a peaceful and just world order. For that reason, the dissemination of Ahlussunnah Waljama'ah teachings is important, in addition to the importance of consolidating scholars and various groups to neutralize extremist views (in Islam) and Islamophobia that are developing in society.

Muhammadiyah figure, Professor Dadang Kahmad said that Muhammadiyah fights Islamophobia, among others by "Da'wah bilhal through character and real contribution to the life of humanity." As quoted by Muhammadiyah.or.id, he said, "[Muhammadiyah] wants to spread progressive Islam, not what is described as Islam that returns to the past, old-fashioned, not updated, and terrorists.” Progressive Islamic preaching is a characteristic of Muhammadiyah's preaching in facing Islamophobia.

It is very possible that an anti-Islamic person will be anti-Islam all his life, but it is possible that he will change along the way. Or, even his descendants or extended family may become Muslims. History shows us that from the same descendant, a Muslim can be born. The descendants of the Mongol Genghis Khan, for example, were anti-Islamic and destroyed Baghdad, but there were also those who founded the Crimean Khanate which made Islam the basis of its leadership for almost 3.5 centuries in the eastern part of the European continent.

Therefore, the most important thing for Muslims as individuals and national and global communities is to preach Islam to the community. This preaching must be a preaching that refreshes the heart and mind, not one that shrinks the heart and mind. This preaching must be enlightening, touching the basic human soul which is innate to love fellow human beings as a manifestation of the purpose of our creation in the world. The initiative of BAZNAS RI and MUI to conduct a Safari Ramadhan with Palestinian clerics and preachers for 20 days in the holy month of Ramadhan 1445 H/2024 is strategic to bring Indonesian Muslims closer to the Palestinian people who have not only been victims of Israeli Islamophobia but also victims of genocide carried out systematically and structured.

The importance of regulation

In addition to preaching, Islamophobia needs to be faced with serious regulation. The Bridge Initiative, a Georgetown University program, periodically compiles news related to Islamophobia globally, for example the following data from the UK and India. 

In the UK, the Labor Party's Minister of Justice and one of the first Muslim women elected to the House of Commons, Shabana Mahmoud warned of an "explosion" of Islamophobia if it was not reported to the police. In the UK, there has been a 365 percent increase in anti-Muslim incidents. In India, according to a report by The Economist, Indian Muslims are increasingly concerned that the newly ratified Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) could be used to challenge their own citizenship status. In Indonesia, although there are a number of figures who say "there is no Islamophobia in Indonesia", the fact is that cases of Islamophobia exist in society. Several scientific articles (for example, Rosada 2022; Apriliani 2021, and Irpan 2021) show that Islamophobia exists in this Muslim-majority country. For this reason, the encouragement of the chairman of the MUI, Professor Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, for Indonesia to have an anti-Islamophobia law is urgent to be discussed, prepared, and even realized to protect Muslims and the Indonesian people from various actions that have the potential to disturb religious communities in Indonesia. 

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

https://mui.or.id/baca/berita/gerak-kolektif-menghadapi-islamofobia

Building Bridges of Civilization

On May 27, 2023, Secretary General of Rabithah Alam Islami Sheikh Dr Mohammad Al Issa met with Pope Francis in Santa Marta, Vatican. Among the interesting topics discussed by the two great figures were related to shared values, bridges between civilizations, and effective-sustainable initiatives. Regarding shared values, every civilization in this world basically has shared values. These values ​​are like dialogue and cooperation to achieve the common good. Throughout history, humans have always gathered, interacted, and built alliances to achieve common goals.

These shared values ​​are obtained through dialogue. In dialogue, each civilization will tell what basic things they believe and practice and what universal things can be synergized for the common good amidst the differences that exist.

Allah SWT teaches us to prioritize dialogue. For example, in  Surah Al Baqarah 30 there is a verse about Allah SWT's dialogue with angels as follows: "Remember when your Lord said to the Angels: "Indeed, I intend to make a caliph on earth." They said: "Why do you intend to make (a caliph) on earth someone who will cause corruption in it and shed blood, while we always glorify You by praising You and sanctifying You?" God said: "Indeed, I know what you do not know."

Dialogue is important in creating a harmonious life. Moreover, we humans are often distracted by various activities that make us forget. Through dialogue, this forgetfulness can be overcome and the awareness to live together is better maintained. In Indonesia, the concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the highest value of the summit of the minds of Indonesian people to achieve common goals. That cultural differences in more than 17 thousand islands in this country must be respected, and therefore the universal Indonesian values ​​are what need to be fought for in one breath.

Respect for diversity and maintaining shared values ​​are the keys to sustainable interactions between cultures, religions, and even civilizations. Therefore, the Clash of Civilizations in Huntington's lecture at the American Enterprise Institute (1992) and continued in his writing in Foreign Affairs (1993) that a person's cultural and religious identity will be the main source of conflict in the post-Cold War world, has recently become irrelevant. This is because there is a tendency for world society to understand "others" more deeply along with increasing education, the spread of information through social media, and ease of transportation that makes humans increasingly connected faster. What exists is the most severe clash is the clash between pragmatic interests that are intertwined in the struggle for power, not between civilizations based on cultural and religious identities.

These shared values ​​are difficult for us to have if there are no teachers (role models), no learning process, and no interaction or association with those who are different. Quoting Buya Hamka in 1001 Questions of Life (2016) when asked about how Western-educated youth can transform to understand the essence of Islam, he said, “The first way is to learn, the second way is to read, the third way is to socialize.” This means that the transformation of shared values, in the context of this spirit, can only be obtained through teachers, processes, and interactions.

The issue of bridges between civilizations is also interesting to note. When talking about bridges, people tend to contrast them with walls. Build bridges, not walls. Various peace campaigns have raised this issue, including in the theme of academic conferences. Cooperation between civilizations is no exception. Meetings between religious figures cannot be separated from the roles of being a bridge of dialogue, a bridge of mutual understanding, and a bridge of synergy for the common good. Sheikh Al Azhar Egypt Prof. Ahmed Al Thayyeb even agreed on a 'document of human fraternity for world peace and living together' with Vatican Leader Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019. The day was later designated by the UN as 'International Day of Human Fraternity.'

Imam Al Thayyeb also made an agreement with the Pope of the Coptic Church, Tawadros II, on the need to consolidate the values ​​of coexistence (mutually reviving), citizenship and peace. The aim is to create resilience in facing the ideology of extremism in the Middle East region. Sheikh Ahmad Al Thayyeb conveyed the need to bring religious principles and ethics into the turbulent reality. The success of this step needs to be done by eliminating the remaining tensions and concerns between religious leaders and their scholars.

Secretary General of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, Muhammad Abdul Salam wrote a great book "The Pope and The Grand Imam: a Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document" (2021). The book is interesting because it starts from the visit of the Grand Imam to the Vatican, then Pope Francis' visit to Al-Azhar, after which the brotherly relationship between the two leaders grew further through the ongoing meetings they held together. It was in one of these meetings that the idea of ​​human brotherhood was born. One interesting thing, as Abdul Salam wrote in the Arabic version of the book (published by the Muslim Council of Elders, 2021), is when he displays a photo consisting of six people on a table with a white tablecloth which is where the idea of ​​ukhuwah insaniyah emerged which then became the document of human brotherhood. Apparently, 'culinary diplomacy' played a significant role in the birth of this valuable document. The photos of how the two charismatic figures improved the draft agreement are also interesting. Here it is seen that Abdul Salam truly understands the importance of simple things that will have a broad impact on the world community. Here, documentation of the work of charismatic figures is important to be immortalized.

Another important thing is related to effective-sustainable initiatives. Bridges between civilizations will only be passive bridges if there is no initiative. For that, creative and innovative-proactive minds are needed to maintain old values ​​that are constructive for the common good and to maintain values ​​in adaptive ways. Today we live in the midst of technological innovation and accelerative thinking of humanity. Various progressive approaches to maintaining and refreshing shared values ​​are very necessary. This is because there is a tendency for humans to forget old agreements. For that, effective and sustainable innovative approaches are very necessary to be found and developed continuously.

Prof. Muhammad Quraish Shihab in Mutiara Hati (2014) wrote, "The ocean is much wider than the land. Human needs are much greater than their independent abilities, because humans were created in a weak state. But it is strong by working together. Working together makes it like a building made of different materials, but supporting each other.” Sheikh Al Issa once spoke about the importance of moderate Islam, the promotion of peace, tolerance and love. He said, “We must put aside our differences and embrace the diversity of our religions and cultures. As the Charter of Mecca commands us, we must build cultural and religious ties with each other, deepen understanding between different communities, build civilized partnerships,” and we must stand hand in hand against hatred and declare now and forever that every culture has the right to exist.

Last but not least, awareness to support each other among fellow religious people is important to be maintained and cared for by all of us. The steps of Imam Al Azhar and Pope Francis are part of the inspiration to tolerate different things, and support each other in matters concerning universal humanity. Becoming a bridge for the welfare of humanity is goodness. Because humans also have fujur (sinful) nature in addition to pious nature, Allah SWT reminds us not to cause damage. This means the same as doing good. Allah SWT reminds us in His word in Surah Al A'raaf 56: "And do not cause damage on the earth, after (Allah) has set it in order and pray to Him with fear (not being accepted) and hope (will be granted). Indeed, the mercy of Allah is very close to those who do good."

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

https://www.mui.or.id/baca/mui/membangun-jembatan-peradaban

Muslims and the Turnover of Power

In Surah Ali Imran 140, Allah SWT explains a law that applies in the universe: "And the times (of glory and destruction) We rotate among people (so that they may learn a lesson)." Glory is rotated from one power to another. If we reflect on this verse which is associated with various historical events, we can understand several important meanings of the rotation of power as a world nature that will occur in all nations in the world.

First, the rotation of power can occur naturally due to the fragility of that power. Humans as a microcosm have power for themselves, and when the fragile period arrives (sickness, or old age) then their power slowly fades. In a larger realm, namely society, power is also rotated from one group to another. At the level of state or civilization, the rotation of power is also real. The glory of the people also changes. It seems that the natural factor, due to internal decay, is why the glory of one people changes to another people.

Second, the shift in power can occur due to attacks from other nations. Human history has never been free from attacks, invasions, or annexations of one over another. Islam is here to provide salaam (safety) to humans, namely an invitation to build peace, and war is the last way to, what A Hasjmy calls protecting the freedom of da'wah and strengthening the love of peace.

Attacks by one nation against another nation can be caused by the desire to control as many resources as possible. Control of the outskirts will strengthen the city area. Conversely, a nation with weak outskirts will be easily controlled by other nations which in turn will weaken the integration of the nation's power.

Third, the shift in power has lessons for the next generation. In this 21st century we learn how the shift in power has occurred in the past 20 centuries, even in the centuries before Christ. History is always full of lessons so that the next generation can build a better future based on the lessons of the past. As a lesson, any power deserves to be studied for its advantages and disadvantages. That is why books related to figures or the history of institutions are always important, or activities such as 'end of year reflections' or 'early year projections' are always inseparable from how we look for lessons from a series of events that have occurred to build better patterns of interaction and relationships in the future.

Muslims are a people who have been taught by Allah SWT the importance of taking lessons from past events. Starting from the story of Prophet Adam AS to the story of Prophet Muhammad SAW, there are always lessons that we can learn. The best story, namely the story of the Prophet Yusuf AS for example, is really full of various lessons for individuals, families, communities and even nations. In his story there is a lot of deep meaning about how to be the best for yourself, your family, and even for society at large. Allah SWT said: "We told you (Muhammad) the best story by revealing this Koran to you, and indeed you were before that one of those who did not know." (Yusuf 3).

Currently, Muslims around the world are in different situations. On one side we see our brothers and sisters under severe oppression, such as in Gaza, Palestine. More than 22 thousand people have become victims of Israeli attacks. On the other side, there are Muslims who are abundant with wealth and comfort of life. In this unequal world, solidarity with others is needed. The Indonesian Ulema Council has proven its commitment and real action in helping Palestine as part of its commitment to serve the people. 

If various civil institutions in various countries work together to help those who are being persecuted, the world will feel better. Therefore, the appeal to others to continue to provide positive contributions, in the form of material or non-material to help others needs to be encouraged. The spirit of being a 'hand above', namely a hand that is happy to give, needs to be cultivated and cared for together. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "The hand that is above is better than the hand that is below."

Power or glory is rotated, at one time someone else is at the bottom, but at another time it could be us at the bottom. It is none other than the reason that power is passed between humans. Towards the succession of national leadership in Indonesia in early 2024, we hope that a leader will be elected who can make Indonesia successful in all its aspects. Therefore, the role of Muslims is very important in creating a safe, peaceful and prosperous Indonesia.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

https://mui.or.id/baca/opini/umat-islam-dan-pergiliran-kekuasaan

Religion Reconciles the World

In front of the iconic Knotted Gun statue at UN Headquarters, New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gathered religious leaders and spoke. “Peace is needed now more than ever, because wars and conflicts cause devastating poverty and hunger, forcing tens of millions of people from their homes.” Today, Guterres said, “The entire planet is struggling with climate chaos, and even peaceful countries face yawning inequality and political polarization.” He then urged, “Let us hold fast to the common beliefs that unite humanity,” he said. “Let us unite as communities and nations. Let us pray for peace.” (UN News, April 14, 2023).

Guterres' statement makes it clear that today religions play an increasingly significant role in solving global problems such as war, poverty, climate change, and so on. 'Prayers for peace' have certainly been made at many gatherings, but what goes further is how those prayers are continued in various interfaith concrete works that are global, innovative and sustainable. In short, religion has a very significant role to play in creating global peace.

In February 2008, David Smock wrote a special report for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) entitled “Religion in World Affairs.” In the report, Smock argues that religion is not the main cause of conflict, or, as he puts it, the causes of conflict are diverse. So the view that 'religion as a source of conflict' should be replaced with 'religion as a force for peace', but it is realized that the role of faith-based peace has been overlooked. That report, 15 years ago, has relevance to us in 2023 that religions should be the arbiters or mediators for the creation of world peace. Smock wrote, “Religious leaders and institutions can mediate in conflict situations, serve as communication links between opposing sides, and provide training in peace methodologies.” This means that Smock's report and Guterres' statement above have one thing in common: religion is increasingly significant in creating peace.

The Indonesian Ulema Council has continuously carried out various peace initiatives in its various forms. Various commissions, bodies, and institutions within MUI play strategic steps to create world peace, in their various working domains. Here, MUI has believed and practiced for a long time that religion is a solution for peace, not only that, but also a solution for welfare with the adoption of various MUI products in various state policies that have a positive impact on society. Regarding the role of religion for peace, last November 2-3, 2022, the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board held the first Religious Forum Summit in the G20 series. The forum was strategic because it brought together global religious leaders from hundreds of participants, kept in touch, and sought solutions to various global problems such as religious extremism, and in short promoted religion as a source of global solutions to economic and political problems.

The Vice President of Indonesia, Prof. KH Ma'ruf Amin focused on the importance of managing religious moderation as a solution to global peace. For example, he said, “In the midst of a rapidly changing global and regional strategic environment, world challenges and crises require many countries to collaborate and cooperate. Especially in terms of maintaining world peace, efforts for religious moderation and tolerance need to be emphasized at all levels of society.” “Solutions to manage moderation in religion are important instruments in preventing conflict, building consensus, and maintaining national unity and peaceful world order,” said Vice President KH Ma'ruf Amin when giving a virtual keynote speech at the 9th Abu Dhabi Peace Forum Assembly (November 8, 2022). He then appealed to the international community to continue to encourage Wasathiyyah Islamic diplomacy, Islam that is rahmatan lil alamin for the international community.

Indonesia has a high commitment to advancing the world axis of wasathiyah Islam, a position for Muslims to uphold global ethics, mutual understanding, respect, and interdependence. “The Islamic world must rise to build a harmonious world civilization,” Kiai Ma'ruf said. This requires cooperation, support and strategic partnerships from the entire global community.

Regarding wasathiyah, the MUI Da'wah Commission (2019) explained that in the classical Islamic treasures, the definition of wasathiyah there are many opinions from scholars who are similar to this definition, such as Ibn 'Ashur, al-Asfahany, Wahbah al-Zuḥaily, al-Thabary, Ibn Kathir and so on. Quoting the Da'wah Commission, according to Ibn 'Ashur, the word wasath means something in the middle or something that has two ends that are comparable in size. According to al-Asfahany, the word wasathan means the middle between two limits (a'un) or can mean the standard. The word also means guarding against transgression (ifrath) and extremes (tafrith).

The wasathiyah or moderate attitude should be the footing of all of us in creating world peace. Referring to the opinion of the UN Secretary General above, David Smock's report, the 'R20' Religious Forum Summit, and the importance of Wasathiyah Islam explained by Vice President Kiai Ma'ruf Amin, it is time for all religious leaders to strive to create a peaceful world for all humans. The initiative of the Indonesian Ulema Council to hold an International Conference on “religion, peace and civilization” at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta (21-23 May 2023) in collaboration with Rabithah Alam Islami is strategic to strengthen the network of global interfaith leaders, academics, and activists and stakeholders to unite perspectives and movements to create world peace.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

https://www.mui.or.id/baca/mui/agama-mendamaikan-dunia

Mengakhiri Perang Saudara di Sudan

The civil war in Sudan between General Al Burhan vs. General Hemedti should end soon. Sensibly, if both of them want to bring Sudan into a civil-democratic state then the sispair should continue to peace. Historically, both have the loyalty of the Sudanese people. Al Burhan is a career general, while Hemedti was a loyalist of President Omar Al Bashir when Al Bashir formed a paramilitary force against the rebels. Loyalists are supposed to be loyal to the interests of the people.

But in politics, loyalty to the community is not necessarily loyalty to the leader. When both were involved in the coup against President Al Bashir, there was a shifting of loyalties from the personal (and even the state too) to the big idea government, which is democracy. Today, the civil war is damaging many sectors, including the wider society they are supposed to protect & fight for. There is mass displacement, and Sudan is becoming an increasingly unstable country. In fact, they have to build their country.

In my opinion, the sispair step should be continued with a peace agreement between the two then followed by a joint agreement to prepare for democratic elections. This is the most reasonable choice so that the people do not become victims, and the country does not deteriorate further. The question of who will be the leader is of course left to the applicable mechanism. However, the important point is how war is ended, peace is achieved, and common interests are made the goal for once again, the benefit of the nation.

YANUARDI SYUKUR

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