The Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, officially opened the international-scale festival and colloquium, "Ma Wara’ al-Nahar Indofestive 2025" and the "International Colloquium on Islamic Scholarship (ICOIS)," at the Harun Nasution Building on Thursday (July 3, 2025). The event, themed "Exploring the Land of Imams: Central Asia & Indonesia: From Mā Warā’ al-Nahar to the Southeast Asian Archipelago: Islamic Scholarship and Intellectual Connections," is expected to further strengthen the academic networks between Central Asia and Nusantara.

The two-day event, scheduled for Thursday–Friday, July 3–4, 2025, features various activities such as art and history exhibitions, and intellectual forums highlighting the contributions of Islamic civilization from Central Asia to Southeast Asia. These include the launch of the poster and soundtrack for the film "Pengin Hijrah" with Nadzira Shafa; a pantomime art performance and theatrical magical performance by Erii Nata and students from the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ); a "Fashion Show for Humanity" with the theme "Disability for Ability" featuring 10 models with disabilities; an Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy training with e-learning scholarships from AVPN Singapore; and a live contemporary Angklung music performance.

In addition to rectors and leaders from the Ushuluddin Faculty of UIN Jakarta, the event was also attended by delegates from Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia. Among them were the Secretary of the Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Arskal Salim, M.A., Ph.D., and the Director of Islamic Higher Education, Directorate General of Islamic Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Syahiron, M.A., Ph.D.

In his speech, the Dean of the Ushuluddin Faculty, UIN Jakarta, Prof. Drs. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized the profound significance of holding this event. "Today's meeting is not just a festival or an academic colloquium. It is a celebration of shared heritage and a bridge between two nations united by history, culture, and faith," he said.

Furthermore, Prof. Ismet – as he is affectionately known – explained that this event is a continuation of the "1000 Lights of Indonesia for Amirul Mukminin Fil Hadith" initiative launched by the Ushuluddin Faculty in December 2024. "This program is dedicated to illuminating the great influence of Imam Bukhari's works and opening new avenues for scientific research, intercultural dialogue, and academic cooperation between Indonesia and Uzbekistan," he revealed.

Earlier this year, a delegation from UIN Jakarta visited Uzbekistan—the birthplace of Imam Bukhari. The visit included several historical cities rich in Islamic intellectual and cultural traditions.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was receiving a manuscript of a letter from Prophet Muhammad, meticulously copied by Habibullah Saleh, a descendant of Imam Bukhari. The manuscript, previously stored at the University of Birmingham, England, is now a key artifact at this festival. "This valuable manuscript serves as a symbol connecting the past and the present, between East and West," said Prof. Ismet.

He also announced the follow-up agenda after the festival, which is the organization of "Indonesian Week" in Uzbekistan. "This series of events will include an international conference in Samarkand, cultural exhibitions, film screenings about Indonesia-Uzbekistan relations, and pilgrimages to the tombs of Imam Bukhari and other great imams, attended by 300 participants from Indonesia," he stated.

Prof. Ismet affirmed that all these activities aim to strengthen cultural and intellectual ties between the two countries. "We want to reaffirm UIN Jakarta's commitment to building a dynamic partnership based on mutual respect, shared knowledge, and cultural exchange," he emphasized.

At the end of his speech, Prof. Ismet expressed deep appreciation to all parties who contributed to the success of the event. "I extend my sincere thanks to the Rectors, the Dean's Office, the staff and lecturers of the Ushuluddin Faculty, and the students who have enthusiastically served as connectors in this activity," he concluded.