Unpacking the Spectrum of Islamic Studies through STREAMS

July 05, 2023

Contributor: Kante Hamed | Editor: Supriyono

The Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) organized the Students Conference on Islam and Muslim Societies (STREAMS) on June 22, 2023, bringing together scholars, researchers, and students to engage in insightful conversations about various dimensions of Islam and its influence on Muslim societies.

During his speech, Prof. Noorhadi Hasan, the dean of the faculty, described the program as "an event from students, by students, and for students." Its primary objective was to provide a platform for students to present their cutting-edge research, receive feedback from experts, and expand their academic networks. He emphasized the significance of STREAMS as an avenue for intellectual exploration, fostering meaningful dialogues, and contributing to the academic growth of the attendees.

Dr. Bhirawa Anoraga, the program's convener, reported that the conference successfully attracted applications from students in Indonesia and overseas. The committee, led by Dito, a PhD student from FIS UIII, and Yahya, a master's student from FIS UIII, faced the challenge of selecting the 30 best participants for the program.

Through parallel sessions featuring diverse panel discussions, the conference provided an intellectual platform for the dissemination and exchange of knowledge. It served as a hub of intellectual exploration, fostering meaningful dialogues and contributing to the academic growth of the attendees.

The conference comprised six distinct panels, each dedicated to illuminating a specific area within the field of Islamic studies. These panels included Islamic Intellectual History, featuring esteemed discussants Dr. Muhammad Al-Marakeby, and Dr. Torkis Lubes; the panel on Islamic Legal Discourse was enriched by the expertise of Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim and Dr. Zezen Zaenal Mutaqin. Additionally, the Islam and Political Discourse panel benefited from the insights of Dr. Yanwar Pribadi, Dr. Haula Noor, and Dr. Muhammad Riza.

Distinguished scholars Dr. Faried Saenong, and Dr. Aria Nakissa, contributed to the panel on Islamic Thought and Philosophy. Meanwhile, the Anthropology of Islam panel featured the valuable perspectives of Dr. Syamsul Rijal, Dr. Irma Riyani, and Mr. Waseem Naser. These panels collectively offered an extensive examination of critical subjects within the realm of Islamic studies, advancing scholarly understanding.

Additionally, 30 presenters from 15 different universities also took part in the event, representing a broad spectrum of academic ideas and backgrounds. Students from across Indonesia and overseas, including Germany, covered a range of topics in the field of Islamic studies and gave attendees the chance to explore the complex areas of Islamic intellectual history, legal debate, political dynamics, philosophical reflection, ethnography, and the study of Islamic traditions.

The conference promoted an atmosphere of intellectual development and inquiry by bringing together a lively community of academics, researchers, and students. The speakers' and participants' incisive comments and perceptive discussions gave the debate on the various issues more depth and nuance.

Through STREAMS, UIII’s Faculty of Islamic Studies proved its dedication to cultivating an environment of academic excellence and scientific interchange. The occasion not only deepened the participants' comprehension of the complexity of Islam but also renewed their commitment to developing the subject of Islamic studies. The conference played a critical role in determining the direction of Islamic study by cultivating a network of young academics prepared to contribute to the scholarly conversation in this area.