SLEMAN—Amid the decline of democracy and the fading role of religion in Indonesia and other countries, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) has inaugurated the Center for Religion and Democracy (PSAD) on Wednesday (22/5).

The launch was symbolized by the striking of 26 traditional kentongan drums by several prominent figures at the Sardjito Building Auditorium, UII’s Main Campus. This launch not only marked the establishment of PSAD but also served as a call to uphold and advance the Reformasi agenda, now 26 years old since its birth on 21 May 1998.

The Center for Religion and Democracy was established through a collaboration between UII and the MMD Initiative, a Jakarta-based research institution focused on justice and democracy since 2014. For UII and the MMD Initiative, this center represents a commitment to Islam and Indonesian values, as well as a dedication to addressing the nation’s current challenges. The center operates under the university as a movement to fulfill one of UII’s missions: to be knowledgeable in practice and practicing with knowledge.

The Head of the newly-established center, Prof. Masduki stated that the center’s main focus  is to enhance the quality of democracy, upholding justice and the rule of law, human rights, education, culture, and the role of religion in addressing state and societal issues.

“These major themes will be explored through various activities and organizational programs, conducted both independently and in collaboration with other research centers and civil society networks,” said Prof. Masduki, who is also a communication studies lecturer at UII.

In his remarks, UII Rector Fathul Wahid emphasized the need to raise collective awareness that democratic subversion no longer occurs through violence, military force, or coups. Post-Cold War, in many countries, the decline of democracy has been carried out by elected governments themselves. Democracy is being undermined from within, by its own architects, starting with voting booths during elections.

“Through the establishment of the Center for Religion and Democracy, we aim to amplify this message and educate the public that democratic subversion can take on deceptive new forms, necessitating the cultivation of new awareness,” explained Fathul Wahid.

In his keynote speech, Chairman of the MMD Initiative Supervisory Board, Prof. Mahfud MD, remarked that over the past decade, democracy as Indonesia’s political choice has experienced significant setbacks. Signs of this include political dynasties, judicial interference, and the weakening of civil society. These trends demand movements that not only preserve but also nurture Indonesia to ensure the nation can fulfill the noble aspirations envisioned by its founders.

“For this reason, universities must act, and the presence of the Center for Religion and Democracy is expected to protect and sustain Indonesia,” said Mahfud, who is also a professor of law at UII.

The Center for Religion and Democracy is supported and will be managed by several national figures from diverse backgrounds. These individuals are committed to advancing religious and national life and to strengthening democracy.

Prominent names on the Advisory Board include former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, former Head of the Deposit Insurance Agency (LPS) and Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia Halim Alamsyah, former Chairman of the Judicial Commission Suparman Marzuki, UII academic and MMD Initiative Director Asmai Ishak, former House of Representatives member Erwin Moeslimin Singajuru, and cultural figure Butet Kartaredjasa. Meanwhile, Prof. Masduki, appointed as the Head of PSAD, is preparing to finalize the organizational structure in the near future.

Other notable individuals serving as expert team members include Islamic scholar and Harvard graduate Sukidi, writer Hamid Basyaib, senior advocate Ari Yusuf Amir, economist and UWM Rector Edy Suandi Hamid, constitutional law expert Ni’matul Huda, activist and STF Driyarkara lecturer Yanuar Nugroho, along with other distinguished figures.

SLEMAN—Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), in collaboration with the MMD Initiative, held a national seminar titled “Religion and State in Contemporary Indonesian Discourse.” The event took place in the East Wing, 2nd Floor of the Sardjito Public Lecture Hall, at UII’s Main Campus, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

The seminar, which explored the role of religion in contemporary Indonesian governance, featured Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mahfud MD., S.H, S.U, M.I.P. as the keynote speaker. The other speakers were Prof. Dr. Masykuri Abdillah (Deputy Chair of the Central Advisory Board of the Indonesian Ulema Council), Prof. Rev. Tabita Kartika Christiani, S.Th., M.Th., Ph.D. (Professor of Theology), Dr. Sukidi Mulyadi, M.A., Ph.D. (graduate in Islamic Studies from Harvard University), and Hamid Basyaib, S.H. (writer and activist).

The seminar began with remarks by Drs. Asmai Ishak, M.Bus., Ph.D., Director of the MMD Initiative, who provided a brief introduction to the MMD Initiative and its goals for the national seminar.

“The MMD Initiative is an NGO committed to realizing Prof. Mahfud’s vision of justice, democracy, human rights, and ethical governance—values we urgently need today,” said Asmai Ishak.

Asmai explained that the national seminar served as a platform for Prof. Mahfud and UII to share ideas related to the seminar theme. “We hope this collaboration  through the national seminar continues and brings tangible benefits to the nation,” he added.

UII Recto Fathul Wahid, also expressed his hopes for the seminar, appreciating Prof. Mahfud’s consistent contributions to the nation as an alumnus of UII’s Faculty of Law.

“Today’s topic is of great interest, especially for those who yearn for a more prosperous, fair, and dignified Indonesia. I am confident that the public still highly values Prof. Mahfud’s diverse thoughts, particularly on religion and the state. His perspectives are essential, as this nation needs guiding lights, thinkers, and role models to contribute to our nation in various capacities,” said Fathul Wahid.

“I hope today’s topic sparks serious reflection on the role of religion in governance and its implication  for the nation and state,,” he added.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Mahfud MD discussed governance during Prophet Muhammad’s time and critiqued religious states that still violate moral and ethical principles.

“Religion should serve as  a source of values for governance–a religious state, not a state religion. In law, many people fear the heteronomous sanctions imposed by the state, yet moral and ethical principles often lack enforcement mechanisms,” said Prof. Mahfud MD.

During the panel session, Prof. Masykuri offered insights into the relevance of religion in a global context.

“Religion, as a foundation for social control, provides ethical guidance in political life. This tool for social solidarity still exists and is used even in secular countries,” Prof. Masykuri explained.

The next speaker, Prof. Tabita Kartika, discussed the position of religion and the state and the importance of religion as a prophetic voice for the nation. “In partnership, religion and the state can work together to address contemporary issues in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” said Prof. Tabita.

Meanwhile, Sukidi Mulyadi, Ph.D. revisited Bung Hatta’s spirit, especially in democratic practice, and the critical relationship between state and religion as a reflection of the current moral education in society.

“The Constitution must not devolve into a meaningless document incapable of driving societal change. The foundation of character education is love for truth and the courage to call out wrongdoing. This principle will protect society from a moral collapse, especially when it becomes hard to distinguish right from wrong,” Dr. Sukidi stated. “

Hamid Basyaib, meanwhile, offered a critique of Prof. Tabita’s view of the prophetic voice and emphasized caution in implementing religion in state affairs.

“Incorporating religious elements into governance requires precision and caution, as it can become subjective and prone to exploitation by certain groups or individuals. It cannot rely solely on blind faith. There must be critical assessment in its application,” Hamid Basyaib cautioned.

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