The Faculty of Ushuluddin UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta together with the Frans Seda Foundation, the Indonesian Youth Hope Foundation, and Atma Jaya Catholic University published a book of tribute to Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia and several countries in the Asian region. Several lecturers at UIN Jakarta are recorded as contributors of writings representing Indonesian Muslim figures.

The Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Ismatu Ropi M.A. Ph.D., through his statement, Thursday (5/9/2024), revealed that the Faculty of Ushuluddin together with partner institutions published a book entitled SALVE, PEREGRINANS SPEI! Greetings to You, the Pilgrim of Hope - Indonesian Muslim Figures and the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis. In the book published by Kompas Publisher, 33 Indonesian Muslim figures are recorded as contributors of writings.

"The book was compiled and published as a form of tribute to Pope Francis who made an apostolic visit to Indonesia and several Asian countries," said Professor Ismatu Ropi who was also trusted to be the editor of the book.

Together with its main partners, Frans Seda Foundation, Yayasan Harapan Pemuda Indonesia, and Atma Jaya Catholic University, the Faculty of Ushuluddin UIN Syarif Hidayatullah prepared the publication of this book approximately three (3) months before Pope Francis' visit. A number of selected Muslim figures were asked to contribute writings.

"The authors of this book come from prominent Indonesian Muslim leaders, scholars, and activists across organizations, schools of thought, generations, and genders who are involved in interpreting and understanding Pope Francis' arrival in Indonesia," he explained.

A number of Indonesian Muslim figures who wrote are members of the UIN Jakarta extended family. For example, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu'ti M.A., Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat, Prof. Ahmad Najib Burhani M.A. Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A. Ph.D., Prof. Jamhari Makruf M.A. Ph.D., Prof. Ismatu Ropi M.A. Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Media Zainul Bahri M.A.

Then, Fachry Ali, Habib Husein Ja’far al-Hadar, Miftah Rahmat, Alissa Wahid, Ayu Kartika Dewi, Musdah Mulia, Muhammad Syafi’i Alielha, Syafiq A. Mughni, Lies Marcoes, Hamdan Zoelva, and others. Next, Prof. Dr. M. Amin Abdullah, Ulil Abshar-Abdalla, Prof. Dr. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin.

In addition to being a welcoming greeting for Pope Francis’ visit, Professor Ismatu Ropi added that the book also describes the spirit of tolerance, diversity, and pluralism that lives in Indonesia. Moreover, the book is expected to build a stronger bridge of dialogue between Muslims and the Catholic Church in Indonesia. “This book completes the long history of relations between Muslims and Catholics in the country,” he explained.

As reported by Kompas.com, Willem L. Turpijn, Secretary of the Frans Seda Foundation and editor of the book in question, said that Pope Francis' visit to the country is an important momentum for the Indonesian nation to strengthen inclusive and enlightening interfaith dialogue. Furthermore, the published book is expected to encourage more intensive discussions on religious issues as well as to affirm the commitment of Indonesian society to live with tolerance and social justice.

"Through the active participation of Islamic organization leaders, Muslim activists, and Indonesian Muslim scholars, we can affirm that Indonesia is a country that values ​​pluralism and fights for the rights and justice of all citizens, regardless of religion and belief," he concluded.

Previously, the Rector of UIN Jakarta Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A. Ph.D. in his official statement revealed that the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A. Ph.D. Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia and several other Asian countries affirms the joint commitment of religious communities in building tolerance and peace in human life.

"Pope Francis' presence in Indonesia has a deep meaning for all of us, especially in an effort to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and strengthen our shared commitment to creating a peaceful human life," he said. It is known that Pope Francis (the highest leader of the world's Catholics) is making his apostolic journey by visiting a number of countries. Starting in Indonesia, throughout September 3-5, 2024, Pope Francis will then visit Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. (Zm/Alp/Contributor/Photo: Tribun)