Pekalongan, FU Online News – The Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, participated in the 10th National Congress (MUNAS X) of the Consortium for Sufism and Psychotherapy, held at UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan from 22–24 July 2026. Carrying the theme "A Decade of the Consortium: Reactualizing Sufism and Psychotherapy Studies in Responding to Social Transformation and the Global Mental Health Crisis," the event served as an important platform for strengthening academic collaboration and advancing the role of Sufism in addressing contemporary social and mental health challenges.

The Faculty of Ushuluddin was represented by Prof. Dr. Hasani, M.A. and Dr. Hj. Yuminah R., M.A.Si. The congress brought together delegates from Islamic higher education institutions across Indonesia, including UINs and STAINs, as well as the Rector and university leaders of UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan. The event was also attended by representatives of the World Ma'rifah Foundation (YAMAS), Malaysia.

The opening ceremony, held on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, began with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Tri Astutik Haryati, M.Ag., Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Adab, and Da'wah, who emphasized the importance of strengthening Sufism studies in responding to the needs of modern society. The ceremony continued with an official address by Prof. Dr. H. Zaenal Mustakim, M.Ag., Rector of UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan, who formally inaugurated the congress.

On the second day, participants attended a seminar featuring speakers from the World Ma'rifah Foundation (Malaysia) alongside experienced practitioners and therapists in Sufism and psychotherapy. The discussions highlighted the growing relevance of spiritual-based psychotherapy in addressing the global mental health crisis.

The National Congress then proceeded with its organizational agenda, culminating in the democratic election of the Consortium's executive board for the 2026–2030 term. Prof. Dr. Drs. H. R. Wijaya, M.Si., Ph.D. from UIN Raden Fatah Palembang was re-elected as Chairman of the Consortium. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Hasani, M.A. of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta was elected as First Vice Chairman, while Dr. Ahmad Zain Sarnoto, M.Pd.I., M.A. from PTIQ Jakarta was elected as Second Vice Chairman.

The congress also featured the International Conference on Sufism and Psychotherapy, bringing together six distinguished speakers from UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, UIN Imam Bonjol Padang, and UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan. The conference explored innovative perspectives on recontextualizing Sufism and psychotherapy in addressing contemporary humanitarian and mental health issues.

Following the conference, participants took part in a religious heritage visit to the Tomb of Habib Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Thalib Al-Attas (Sapuro Cemetery) in Pekalongan. The day's activities concluded with a Gala Dinner held in the Batang–Pekalongan area, providing an opportunity to strengthen collegial relationships among consortium members.

On the final day, participants joined an ecotheology program by planting trees on the university campus before taking part in a city tour, marking the closing of the three-day event.

Hosting the 10th National Congress at UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan carries profound symbolic significance. The late Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) is widely recognized as a symbol of inclusive, humane Islam that successfully integrates profound spirituality into public life. This spirit was reflected throughout the congress, reaffirming that Sufism should not remain merely an academic discourse but should continue to provide practical solutions to contemporary humanitarian and mental health challenges.

The participation of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, demonstrates the faculty's commitment to strengthening academic networks, promoting collaborative research, and advancing the development of Sufism and psychotherapy studies that are relevant to the needs of contemporary society.

(Yuminah/Humas FU)