Posted on 10/18/2025
BOGOR-KITA.com , BOGOR – To foster the value of religious tolerance, the Faculty of Islamic Studies, International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII) in collaboration with the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) held an interfaith dialogue at the Mubarok Campus in Bogor, Friday (17/10/2025).
Participants consisted of cross-sectarian community leaders such as NU, Muhammadiyah, Shia, Ahmadiyah and cross-sectarian university students, including alumni of the MUI’s Ulema Cadre Training (PKU).
“The main goal is to foster religious tolerance and moderation in society, for which UIII has a moral responsibility as an academic institution. We have already made significant contributions internationally. We also must not forget that we have a moral obligation to continue to positively impact the communities surrounding UIII,” said Dr. A. Mughzi Abdillah, a lecturer at UIII’s Faculty of Islamic Studies.
Mughzi believes Bogor has a heterogeneous society, creating volatile dynamics between the various Muslim sects in the city.
“This means that Bogor is a rainy city that is quite hot, with high dynamics in its theological social relations,” said Mughzi.
Thus Mughzi emphasizes the importance of dialogue and discussion.
“The main challenge is how to prevent the people and society in Bogor from getting trapped in short-term thinking. Secondly, increasing literacy, but our society is more easily provoked than it is to read. So the compromise is discussion, because when asked to read, it’s a bit difficult. But through discussion, people begin to understand what I mean, because so often we get caught up in false prejudices,” Mughzi explained.
Interviewed after the event, Wa Ode Zainab Zilullah Toresano, Ph.D, a lecturer at STAI Sadra who appeared as a resource person also agreed with Mughzi about the importance of dialogue and discussion.
“One way we can facilitate ta’arufu ( religious exchange) and get to know each other, or other schools of thought, is through dialogue, through discussion. Because dialogue means we both have the humility to listen. The ability to listen is a skill that has been lost in our society because each person is egotistical and believes their view is the most correct,” said Zainab.
“I think this dialogue is very important, because we’re on equal footing here, right? There’s no subordination between the majority and the minority, or any other labels,” Zainab continued.
He hopes there will be follow-up to this discussion and dialogue activity.
“I have high hopes for this forum. I hope there’s follow-up. As previously stated, UIII has recommendations that can be followed up with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) or other authorities, such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” he concluded.
The discussion was also welcomed by the Indonesian Islamic Association (JAI), as conveyed by Buldan Burhanudin, a regional preacher from the Mubarok Bogor campus.
“This event is excellent, and it must be followed up. Why? Because events like this can be a bridge, a platform to break the deadlock. I think this is very good for young people to continue mobilizing it for better things in the future,” said Buldan. [] Hari
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Asia, Indonesia, Intra-Religious Tolerance, Tolerance