PTKIN Alumni Forum Proposes Expanded Membership and Civilisational Role for Islam

The National Conference (Munas) of the State Islamic University Alumni Family Forum (IKA PTKIN), held from 13 to 17 July in Jakarta, has produced several key ideas aimed at strengthening the institution and expanding its role. Chairman of the IKA PTKIN National Forum, Idrus Marham, stated that one of the proposals is to expand membership to include not only alumni from the 59 state Islamic universities but also those from private Islamic institutions, public universities, and other faith-based higher education institutions. “This idea is a note of thought conveyed by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, which will serve as fundamental capital in positioning Indonesian Islam as an epicentre for world civilisation transformation,” Idrus said on Friday. Another outcome of the conference was the declaration of ‘Asta Muharram’, which includes eight key points, such as the establishment of an annual Muharram Festival featuring Islamic seminars, culinary events, and cultural activities. Idrus added that the declaration also includes a commitment to strengthening the historical role of the Muslim community in national consolidation, which will be preserved through the publication of a book on Islamic figures in world civilisation transformation. A national seminar on the transformation of Islamic civilisation to build a new world was also held as part of the conference. The seminar highlighted the distinctive character of Indonesian Islam, which is not only the majority religion but also develops with a moderate character, prioritising the principle of rahmatan lil alamin, and bridging religious life with various social aspects. Idrus emphasised the need for more intensive and continuous efforts to promote these ideas, not only in Indonesia but also in other countries. The conference, which was attended by approximately 240 alumni administrators from 59 state Islamic universities, discussed three main agendas: the formulation of the organisation’s articles of association and bylaws, the drafting of the national forum’s work programme, and the formulation of the organisation’s main thoughts as a contribution to national and global religious and national issues.